Courtney Sullivan's 2006 Honda CRF230F

"I grew up camping in the desert. Riding was always a family event, and still is. Mostly I ride with my dad, brothers and a few friends, but we still have several weekends where the whole family comes out: grandparents, cousins, uncles and family friends. On these big family rides, we make a round trip from California City to Boron and back. It's about 25 miles one way, but it's fun, playful, fast and easy enough that lots of different riders can do it."

"Our big (my dad calls them 'adventure') rides start in September with a two-day ride in Tecate, Mexico. Another is from Barstow, California, to Primm Valley, Nevada; it's also a two-day ride, and so much fun! They are long days and lots of miles, but I love being able to go along."

"My dad started to teach me to ride when I was about 10 years old. He always had family weekends where he would take us along with his friends and their kids on shorter, simpler rides. After high school, when I was about 17, my dad began taking me on bigger, longer rides. About the time I was 20 I was a good enough rider to go on the adventure rides that my dad and brothers had been doing for a few years."

"I rode an XR200R through most of high school. After I graduated, when I could focus more intensely on riding I needed a bike with more power and better suspension to try and keep up with the boys. I rode a few bikes trying to figure out the perfect one. I tried my dad's CRF450X, but it was heavy and really difficult for me to touch the ground."

"One weekend I rode a friend's CRF230F. It was a bit bigger than the XR200 and much quicker and more nimble. My dad researched modifying the 230 into a better bike for me. That cinched the deal. It was a great transition bike."

"My bike has a CR85 fork with a stock CR85 lower triple clamp (modified by Reger Engineering) and a BRP CR85 top clamp. It uses the stock CRF230F front wheel and brake, but the caliper is mounted with a Reger Engineering bracket. On the rear the bike has a Works Performance shock. I have a Scotts steering damper, ProTaper bar and Cycra hand guards. It has a stock Honda CRF-X style headlight and a relocated ignition (keyless) to accommodate the headlight. It's protected with a Flatland Racing skid plate."

"I was a cheerleader for all four years of high school. My senior year I was captain of our competition team so riding took a back seat. Most of the girls on my team knew that I rode dirt bikes, but none of them really cared to hear about riding. They said to be careful, and that riding explained why I was 'such a tomboy.' Now, most people would never guess I was a cheerleader."

"I'm motivated to ride for many reasons. First and foremost, I simply love it. I can't explain that any other way. I love the challenge of trying something new and accomplishing something difficult; I love the feel of the wind against my face and the pegs under my feet. Plus, I love the desert, especially when the sun is just rising or right after rain-to me it's beautiful. And part of my joy is the people. Riding is something that I can share with my dad, brothers and grandpa. It's one of the few times we're all together and we can be part of something my dad and grandfather love. It's also an escape from the hassle of real life."