09/01/2026
There are some days when I look at my 15-year-old and genuinely wonder where all of this motivation, determination, and knowledge fits inside that head of his. ❤️
This kid worked two jobs all summer — not because I made him and not because he was saving for the newest phone, expensive shoes, or video games.
He worked because he has a dream.
Vintage motocross bikes. 🏁🏍️
At 15 years old, he has managed to collect almost FIVE vintage bikes. Three are already together, and two more are waiting to be brought back to life. His goal is to have them ready before March so he can get out there and race vintage motocross.
And these aren’t just motorcycles sitting in the garage.
He researches. He hunts for parts. He saves his money. He learns what fits what, what year something came from, how an engine works, what needs rebuilt and what he needs to do next.
Sometimes I listen to him explain something about one of these bikes and realize I have absolutely NO IDEA what he’s talking about. 😂 But he does.
And that’s what makes me so proud.
Now summer is ending and he’s heading back to school full-time as a 10th grader, which means working two jobs isn’t going to be quite as easy. But his dream hasn’t changed. He wants to spend this winter building, learning and getting these bikes ready for spring.
So I’m going to do something that’s a little uncomfortable for me as his mom and put this out there.
If anyone would like to support what he’s working toward, even in the smallest way, we are putting together an Amazon list of the motorcycle parts and supplies he still needs. And if you’d rather just throw a few dollars toward his next part, you can do that too.
This isn’t about expecting anyone to buy things for him. He’s already shown that he’s willing to work for what he wants.
It’s about showing a kid that people notice hard work.
Sometimes supporting a kid doesn’t mean buying fundraiser cookie dough or sponsoring a school team. Sometimes it means looking at a young person who’s working incredibly hard toward something and saying:
“I see what you’re doing. Keep going.”
He’s 15. He doesn’t care about drinking. He doesn’t care about drugs. He hardly plays video games unless it’s raining and he can’t get outside or into the garage.
Give him an old motorcycle, some tools and a problem nobody else can figure out, and he’s happy.
Now… would I also like him to learn that dirty clothes actually belong IN the laundry basket? Absolutely. 😂
Would I love a clean bedroom? YES.
Would I like him to learn to cook and take care of all those everyday things his mother currently does for him? Definitely.
But I’ve realized something.
He’s learning how to become a man in his own way.
He’s learning to work for what he wants.
He’s learning to save money.
He’s learning that things don’t magically appear because you want them.
He’s learning to research, problem-solve, use his hands, make mistakes, fix them and try again.
He’s learning responsibility and independence through something he genuinely loves.
So for now, I’ll happily help with the laundry, clean up behind him once in a while, make sure he’s fed and keep encouraging the dream. ❤️
As the parent financially supporting him, I simply can’t fund every motorcycle, engine, part and project that comes along — especially now that school is starting again. But I will do everything I can to help him keep moving forward.
And if anyone else wants to be part of encouraging this kid this winter, whether it’s $5 toward a part, something from his Amazon parts list, an old vintage motocross part sitting in your garage, sharing this post, or simply telling him to keep going, I know it would mean more to him than he would probably ever admit.
🏁 Help support his vintage motocross builds:
Venmo: Christina-Whitley-18
I’ll add his Amazon parts list here too once we get everything he needs organized.
Because kids who are willing to work this hard at 15 deserve to know that people notice.
I’m incredibly proud of you, kid. ❤️
Keep building. Keep learning. Keep getting your hands dirty.
I’ll work on the laundry. 😂❤️🏍️🔧🏁
And seriously… does anybody else have a 15-year-old who dreams about vintage motocross bikes like mine does?!
