September, 2019 Rider Of The Month Frank Derby

Introducing ROM for September, 2019

We caught up with Frank Derby at the Perris Main motocross track.

Frank races the 65 novices .

Mr. Frank Derby
@75 years old.
I was born in 1944.
What is your hometown?
Escondido, California

Have you ever been rider of the month in the last 37 years?
No, but I was #1 in 2008 in the old-timer club and that was my greatest achievement in motocross!

What type of bike do you race?
I race on a KTM 300 XC, which is one of my best bikes!

Who are some of years Sponsors? 
North County Yamaha
Since you're 75 years old Frank, what was the occupation you retired from?
I was a land surveyor for 30 years.

When did you start racing, Frank?
1986

So, how did you get into racing MX?
After my wife and I moved to San Diego she said, "you're sitting around here getting fat".
Later she said, "Why don't you get yourself a hobby."
So, I read an article in MXA .
Then I went and watched a race and said to myself, I can do that!
What was the first bike you raced on?
A 79 250 Elsinore Honda. It was fast and light but it was hard to turn.

What was the most motorcycles you owned at one time?
2
What other  sports have you done?
Dirt track stock cars back when I was young.
Also,  my wife and I walked the three day breast cancer walk in San Diego for many years.

What brings you back to the track each month after racing for 33 years.
Well, I fell in love with the sport and I can't give it up.
I rose in the ranks to be an expert for one year in the old-timers club.

Who are some of the riders in over the Hill gang that I've given you the most fun to race against?
The rider who I have fun racing with is Ried Franke .
We have had some good races together.
I've had some of my best races with the girls in the years past.
Not as many girls are riding lately.

What would you like to mention to our newer riders.
Keep the rubber side down and don't give up.
I'd like to tell any new members, it's a great sport. I love what I do and you should too!

Were you ever a board member in the past either with over the Hill gang or old-timers club?
Yes, I was president of the old-timers club

Why do you like to ride with both clubs on race days when both clubs share the venue?
I get to do 4 Moto's. I like both clubs and have for many years.
I have many good friends and while I still can ride... I am the old guy.

What happened last year on your way to the over the Hill gang nationals in Tulare?
Well, I had a flat on my trailer. I changed it on the side of the freeway.
That was an adventure .
Nationals take a bit more preparation!

Congratulations from over the OTHG for being a rider of the month for September 2019 Frank Derby...#30g