Decal Works Presents Monday Gate Drop

This week’s Monday Gate Drop is once again brought to you by Decal Works. With just over a month left in the outdoor racing season, and then a busy indoor schedule, this is the perfect time to order yourself a set of custom graphics. All you have to do is log on to www.decalmx.com and within minutes you can design and order your very own set of personalized graphics.

On this final weekend of the summer of 2015, I’d like to begin this Monday Gate Drop on a sombre note. Unfortunately this sad story has to get told too many times in our sport, but yesterday while competing in an off-road event in Quebec, the young and vibrant Marianne Brodeur lost her life after a crash. Our thoughts and prayers are with Marianne’s family during this very difficult time. It’s very sad when situations like this happen in our sport, however it always amazes me how our huge Moto-family pulls together to support each other. Rest In Peace Marianne, you’re gone but you will never be forgotten.

As I mentioned before, this is the official final weekend of summer. While kids have already returned to school in some parts of the Country, tomorrow morning everyone will be back in the classroom. I remember the first day back at school always being a tough one when I was younger. After spending a summer racing dirt bikes, heading back to school to sit at a desk for most of the day didn’t really excite me. Young motocross riders are movers and shakers by nature, that’s part of what makes them good riders. However, one of the common denominators of all this sports top riders is that they are self motivators and they embrace structure. Theses are also two traits that make a good student, so to all the kids out there, lets try and take the success you had this summer on the race track and lets take it to the class room. If you have the talent and discipline to ride a screaming dirt bike well, then you certainly can find it within yourself to do your best in school this year.

I know I always mention this, but I can’t believe how fast this summer went by. It seems like just yesterday I was standing in the hot sun watching the opening round of the Rockstar Energy Drink MX Nationals in Kamloops, or picking my son up at school for the final time as he said good-bye to grade two. Oh yes, as we get older it seems time becomes our biggest enemy. I guess it all goes back to a saying that has been around since I can ever remember, “time flies when you’re having fun”. These summer’s flying by is just a by-product of how much fun we’re having.

There’s four big races remaining in the 2015 AMO Schedule.

With summer now over, the fall racing schedule kicks into full gear in Ontario beginning next weekend at Moto Park. With four races remaining in the AMO schedule (all of which are provincials), the next month should see some amazing racing in Southwestern Ontario. I know weather permitting that we will see good rider turn-out at Moto Park, Walton and Gopher Dunes, but it would also be good to see a large rider turn out on September 20th in Gully Mor. I went there three years ago for a fall event and trust me when I say this, the track is pretty fun. The track has just about everything, rolling hills, fun jumps and flowing corners, although the soil is a little hard packed, you know the Roberts family will have it tilled up and in great condition.

Not only is there a solid outdoor schedule remaining in Ontario, but as everyone had heard by now, there is also a brand new Arenacross Series beginning on September 25 in London, Ontario. Although the amateur portion of these races haven’t been talked about much yet, all of the information you need is now posted on www.arenacrosstour.ca. There will be a full amateur program on both Friday and Saturday, with practices during the day and main events at night. This series is just what the doctor ordered for Ontario riders as it will give them the same opportunity to race indoors as their BC cousins have had for years. Again, trust me when I say this, even just a few indoor races will sharpen your skills and make you a better rider. Also, what’s better then racing on the same track as the pro riders do? You can race all day and then sit back and watch what is going to be an incredible pro program. With names like Jacob Hayes, Chris Blose, Bobby Kiniry, Dylan Wright, Jimmy Decotis, Cole Thompson, Kaven Benoit, and possibly Colton Facciotti and Jeremy Medaglia all scheduled to be at the opening two rounds in London and Sarnia, the action is sure to be intense.

Kids in Ontario are now going to get the same opportunity to race some indoor events, just as the kids in BC have had for years. photo by James Lissimore

Well that is it for me this week. I know this is on the short side, however I want to get out and enjoy this final day of summer. Husqvarna Canada has been gracious enough to have loaned me Kyle Regal’s 250 two-stroke to ride for a few weeks. This is the same bike that Regal rode in the Eastern rounds of the CMRC Nationals so it’s about as good as a two-stroke gets. I can honestly say that after riding a 450 four-stroke for a long time, figuring out this two-stroke stuff is very difficult. Yes the bike is super light and very fast, but it takes too much effort to make it “go”. There is definitely no being lazy on a two-stroke, if you’re not ready to expend some energy then you might as well leave it on the stand. I hope everyone enjoys their day and to all the kids out there, please have a safe return to school tomorrow.