GNCC Racing

Tuesday Toolbox: Cole Forbes

Tuesday Toolbox: Cole Forbes

Tuesday, June 15, 2021 | 3:25 PM
by:
Tuesday, June 15, 2021 | 3:25 PM

One of my favorite books, which I’ve quoted before, is “Can’t Hurt Me” by David Goggins. Retired Navy Seal and the only member of the U.S. Armed Forces to complete SEAL training (including two Hell Weeks), the U.S. Army Ranger School and Air Force Tactical Controller training. Oh, did I mention he runs Ultra Marathons and once held the Guinness World Record for pull-ups completing 4,030 in 17 hours…

I mention this for a couple reasons. One, EVERYONE, athlete or not, should read his book. Two, I’m going to use ANOTHER quote by him that applies to today’s featured rider, Cole Forbes.

“It won’t always go your way, so you can’t get trapped in this idea that just because you’ve imagined a possibility for yourself that you somehow deserve it. Your entitled mind is dead weight. Cut it loose. Don’t focus on what you think you deserve. Take aim on what you are willing to earn.” – David Goggins (Can’t Hurt Me)

Cole is young, but that doesn’t mean Cole hasn’t faced some setbacks in his young career. Has that convinced him to throw in the towel? Not even a little bit. Cole’s got focus on the right things and a mature balance of life that’s lightyears ahead of his age.

Photo: Ken Hill
Photo: Ken Hill

GNCCRacing.com: Cole, thanks so much for joining me today. Let’s jump right into it! You’ve won every round you’ve raced this year. Only missing round two and three. But let’s back up. What got you started into riding and racing?

Cole Forbes: My dad bought me a KTM Mini Adventure when I was little. We went to our first Hare Scramble when I was 5 years old. It was a mudder and I only made it about 200 yards into the woods when my bike came to a complete stop. I was hooked though! Next race was dry, and I was able to rip my way to my first win.

Tell me about how your season is going. You’ve won every race you’ve ran this year. You missed round two and three, so looking at the points standings you’re fifth right now. But if you keep up what you’re doing an overall youth championship isn’t out of the question by any means.

Yeah, that’s the goal. Trained really hard over the winter down in Florida. I was ready for the start of the year and came out of the gate with a win at Big Buck. Had a big mishap and ended up smashing my collarbone. At that point I thought my season was over. But I only missed two races and was able to come back for round four and I’ve won every one sense. I’m ready to lay it down at Snowshoe with another win before we head into summer break. I’ve been focusing on taking it one race at a time.

Way to stay focused and stay positive through the injury! You’ve got some lofty goals for yourself, not just in GNCC, but in racing in general.

I’m going for four titles this year. The GNCC Youth Overall, US Sprint Enduro Supermini defending title from last year and Schoolboy 2 title and the NEPG Future Enduro Title with a new class that shows how us young guys can run with the big dogs.

WOW! You’ve got a full schedule. Any moto in there? Racing Loretta’s?

I race some local stuff. But chasing those four championship is my focus this season. I went to Loretta’s last year, but this year I’m making these four championships my focus.

Photo: Mack Faint
Photo: Mack Faint

What does a typical week look like for you as far as school and training?

I’m off on Mondays, I usually sleep in and recover. Tuesdays I hit the school books pretty hard to get a good jump on the week. Stretch before a two hour road bike ride and light dirt bike ride. On Wednesdays I go to the gym and hit the weights and focus on my dirt bike maintenance. Thursdays back on a road bike and dirt bike for some 20 and 30 minute motos. Fridays I’m back in the gym and then I get to do some fun riding with my buddies, P Whip, James Harris, and a few others.

Saw on Instagram you were turning some wrenches on the family farm. Do you have some part-time work that helps you get to the races?

Yeah, I help out at the family farm, there’s always something to do. I’ve also got a landscaping company that helps me make some money for the race season. And I’m saving up some money for a truck next year. This year I’m racing 24 weekends so there isn’t a whole lot of time to help out. It’s been a crazy year!

You seem really close to your dad. Talk about that relationship.

Dad has been a crazy 50 dad for years. You’ll always see him at the track. He’s always makes sure my bike is on point and ready to race. We spent a ton of time together, some good, some bad, but I know he always has my back.

What do you do for fun when you’re not at the races or training? Got a girlfriend yet?

When I’m not racing or training, I race go-karts, go jet skiing, and fishing with my buddy James Harris. I also wrestle, play football and rugby when I get a chance. As for the girls… I’m really focused on winning those four titles. So girlfriends are on hold for the moment. Once I get those wrapped up though, look out!

Photo: Ken Hill
Photo: Ken Hill

Take your time with those ladies. You’re young, you’ve got plenty of time. How many more years are you eligible in the youth ranks and what’s next for you?

I’ve got one more season in the youth level. I’ve been training on the 250 for about a year and I’d like to get hooked up with one of the factory teams. I want multiple championships in the near future in the three hour race.

Everyone has a rider or riders that they look up to. Who’s someone who stands out to you?

I loved Kailub Russel and what he did. But honestly, I look up to my dad and my grandpa. I was taught to be a man of my word. Do what you say you’re going to do. Hard work shows in racing and in life.

LOVE IT! Anything else you wanted to add?

Yeah! I wanted to give a shout out to all the moto moms out there. They’re really the unsung heroes at the races. I get a lot of help from a lot of the moms out there. Keeping me fed and pointing out good lines on the track. Couldn’t do it without them!

Who would you like to thank?

KTM USA, IMS, FMF, Renthal, 100%, Dunlop, Alpine Stars, my mom, dad and sisters, Kailub Russell, ODI Grips, Total Control Suspension and Jeff at PR2 Engines.

Photo: Mack Faint
Photo: Mack Faint