So Gaylon Mosier took a Joel Robert MX school and his very unique and uncommon leg position as I’ve acknowledged a few times is a direct copy of the Multiple Champions technique. I’ve come to the conclusion that it allows the bike to be leaned more and gets the knees from jamming into the handlebars. I think that strong hips are needed? The technique is sliding on the boot heel with your toe pointing up. This allows the boot heel to hit rocks, holes etc. and bounce over them. No jamming. Obviously not for every turn but look at at his wheels in the berm rut and the clutch lever getting close to the soil. I’m only trying to help someone try a new method. I know here comes the disagreements but if you’re young enough…Read More
Revisiting Gaylon Mosier’s Joel Robert-Inspired Riding Style: A Forgotten Technique Worth Another Look
Motocross has always been a sport of constant evolution, with riding styles shifting as machinery, tracks, and rider fitness change from decade to decade. Yet some methods, though uncommon today, continue to spark discussion among those who study the sport’s history. One of these is the distinctive leg and boot position used by Gaylon Mosier, which, as many longtime fans know, was directly influenced by multiple-time World Champion Joel Robert.
Mosier, remembered for his talent and unique approach to racing, took lessons from Robert’s motocross school and adopted a style that stood out from the crowd. Unlike the majority of riders who kept their inside leg forward with the toe pointed down and extended, Mosier relied on a far different technique: sliding the boot heel on the ground with the toe pointed upward. While rare even in its own era, this form carried some very specific advantages and challenges that remain worth analyzing today.
The Mechanics of the Technique
At first glance, the position may look awkward or even risky. Instead of leading with a pointed toe, the rider essentially drags the heel, keeping the toe elevated. This allows the boot heel to take the brunt of impact when it inevitably strikes rocks, ruts, or uneven bumps in the track. Rather than catching and jamming violently, the heel skips and glides, letting the rider’s momentum carry through the corner without disruption.
Mosier himself seemed to adapt the method as a way to open up body positioning on the bike. With the knee rotated outward and the foot angled differently, the rider avoids smashing the inside leg against the handlebars when leaned aggressively into a turn. This increased lean angle, in turn, allows the motorcycle itself to carve deeper into berms and ruts.
Observers who study archival race photos often point out how dramatically Mosier’s machine tilted when he entered berms. In some images, the clutch lever is just inches away from scraping soil. Such extreme lean positions highlight the balance between rider flexibility, machine control, and unorthodox technique.
The Physical Demands
Of course, this style is not for everyone. A crucial element is hip strength and mobility. By twisting the lower body and relying on unusual joint angles, a rider places considerable demand on the hips, glutes, and lower back. Without strong and well-conditioned muscles, the position may feel unstable or even unsafe. Younger riders, who are still developing flexibility and strength, might find the technique easier to explore compared to older athletes with tighter joints.
There is also the issue of track conditions. Sliding a heel across loamy soil or smooth ruts may work beautifully. Attempting the same maneuver in deep mud, hardpack, or unpredictable terrain could prove counterproductive. That is why even Mosier did not employ the move in every corner—its usefulness depends heavily on context.
Joel Robert’s Influence
The true origin of the technique traces back to Belgian great Joel Robert, whose unorthodox approach helped him claim six World Motocross Championships. Robert’s relaxed, seemingly effortless riding style defied convention but proved undeniably effective. When Mosier attended Robert’s motocross school, he clearly absorbed elements of the champion’s unique methods, tailoring them into his own racing arsenal.
By borrowing from Robert, Mosier bridged European technique with the American scene of the 1970s, at a time when the sport itself was undergoing rapid transformation with the arrival of more powerful four-stroke machines and refined suspension technology.
Why It Still Matters
For many modern motocross riders, the idea of dragging a heel with the toe pointing skyward may seem outdated. Yet it represents the broader truth that there is no single “correct” way to ride a dirt bike. Technique evolves, and what works for one rider may not suit another. Sometimes, revisiting older methods provides fresh insight—or at least another option in a racer’s toolkit.
For developing riders, experimenting with different body positions and cornering styles can help identify what feels most natural. While not everyone will benefit from Mosier’s heel-dragging technique, attempting it in safe, controlled conditions may sharpen balance, awareness, and lean angle control. At minimum, it encourages riders to think creatively about how they interact with their machines and the terrain beneath them.
Embracing Experimentation
As with many elements of motocross, disagreements naturally arise whenever old techniques resurface. Purists may argue that modern bikes and boots render the heel-slide unnecessary. Others may insist it remains relevant in select scenarios. Ultimately, the truth lies somewhere in the middle: it is not a universal solution, but neither should it be dismissed outright.
The sport thrives on innovation, and every new technique was once an experiment. Riders who are young enough—or simply curious enough—to explore Mosier’s Joel Robert-inspired style may discover something valuable. Whether it becomes a permanent part of their approach or just a learning exercise, the willingness to adapt and test new methods is what fuels motocross progress.
Conclusion
Gaylon Mosier’s riding style, borrowed from Joel Robert’s legendary school of thought, remains a fascinating footnote in motocross history. His heel-dragging, toe-up method offered both practical benefits and unique challenges, requiring strength, balance, and a willingness to defy conventional form. Though not universally applicable, the technique highlights the creativity and individuality that make motocross so compelling.
For riders today, the lesson is clear: there is always more than one way around a corner. Sometimes, looking back at the sport’s pioneers reveals strategies worth trying—even if they only work in select situations. And for those bold enough to experiment, Mosier’s forgotten leg position may yet prove to be more than just a curiosity from the past.
