Racing is in business owner's blood

Tribune photo by Dan McGee Rich Thorwaldson stands in the showroom of his shop, Moto Source, which has about everything a motorcycle rider or competitor in motocross might need, including bike repairs and service. Behind him are the two Dealer's Challenge championship trophies his store has won over the past two spring series.

Tribune photo by Dan McGee Racing is in Rich Thorwaldson's blood as he grew up in a racing family and still rides in motocross races. Here, he is flying over a jump at Exit 28 this past year.

Tribune photo by Dan McGee Although both of his older sisters don't race, Dylan Thorwaldson is keeping his family's tradition going as he competes in motocross. Here he is, at age 9, racing at an event at the Exit 28 motocross track on a day when both his father and mother were also competing.

For years, the late Big Rich Thorwaldson, a nationally ranked racer in his younger days, was a driving force promoting motocross in our region. Now his son, Rich Thorwaldson is keeping the family tradition alive as he not only races but also, along with his wife owns Moto Source.

Like many motorcycle racers his involvement began at a very early age.

"I was 3 years old when I got my first bike and I remember it vividly," he said. "I got it for Christmas and it was a little 50cc Indian my dad built as a replica of his factory Suzuki. And this was back in 1974."

At a young age he and his sister had a lawn mowing business when they lived in Gardnerville. Thorwaldson mentioned his father gave them both a good work ethic so just hanging around wasn't something you did in their house.

"I got in the motorcycle business back in 1986 when my mom and dad, my sister and I, as a young kid, all started Big Valley Honda," he said.

Eventually his parents sold the dealership in 1999 but he stayed on as a General Manager. The buyer stipulated that Thorwaldson and the staff were to be retained.

"So I stayed as a contract employee all the way through 2007," he said. "After I left Big Valley Honda, I had a two-year no compete clause so I couldn't work in the motorcycle business in this area."

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Racing is in business owner's blood