MOTORCYCLE RACING

CROWN POINT | Oil and water naturally separate.

In Chris Bach's garage, they don't take any chances.

On one wall, there's a cabinet of enough oil cans to supply a Jiffy Lube for week. On another wall, there's a cabinet of enough bottled water to fill a small swimming pool.

For the Crown Point 19-year-old, you could never have too much of either.

"We fill the water in a back pack, and I sip it through a mouthpiece," Bach said. "You never want to run out of water."

Bach is a professional motorcycle racer amid the Grand National Cross Country tour. The races Bach participates in take place along a variety of terrains -- often within wooded areas -- and can last as long as 16 hours.

"You have to know your bike and be able to control it in different situations," Bach said. "It can be gruelling, and you have to spend time in the gym to condition for it."

Bach started riding motorcycles shortly after he learned how to walk. Soon, he was racing in earnest.

"The first time I raced, I hated it," Bach said. "That's because I lost."

Bach eventually started to win, and began to assert himself as a top-notch motocross racer with numerous state and national titles. But eventually, GNCC became Bach's choice preference.

"(GNCC) is a lot safer than motocross," Bach said. "I still do motocross, but just to be well-rounded."

Bach turned pro when he was 16 years old. Last year was supposed to be Bach's first full year as a professional.

"But I tore my ACL, so that set me back," Bach said.

With the backing of several major sponsors, including KTM and Spastic, Bach can refer to GNCC racing as his full-time job.

"I've already got to a point where I'm a good Indiana racer," Bach said. "With my family behind me and with my sponsorship, I can focus all my time to be the best I can be."