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It’s the most wonderful time of the year!
The snow has pretty much disappeared here in the southern portion of Ontario and that can only mean one thing – Gopher Dunes opening day is right around the corner. I don’t know about you, but I still get extremely excited to hit North America’s most famous sand track this time of year. Hell, I still get extremely excited every time I roll up to a track with my bike in the back any time of the year! That’s how I know I am still doing this stuff for the right reasons, when that feeling goes away, it’ll be time to hang ‘em up. Although I don’t see that happening at any time soon, even after 20+ years, last summer was the most fun I’ve ever had riding and racing my dirt bike.
As everyone and their brother, sister, cousin, uncle, and anyone else they can fit in their vehicle head to the hallowed grounds of Gopher Dunes tomorrow, I want to share a little message. I am sure this is a shared opinion amongst many but, I will still mention it – RELAX. Trust me, I get it, you’re excited. You may have a new bike, new equipment, or just can’t freakin’ wait to get out there! Again, I totally understand, but there are a few things to remember while you’re cutting your first laps. You’re rusty, just admit it, be honest with yourself. You haven’t done this for at least 3-to 4 months, so, naturally, it’s going to take some time to regain all the abilities you had before winter. You won’t be able to react as quickly, or as efficiently as you usually can, so ease yourself into it. You have a long summer awaiting.
But what if you spent some time down south this winter? Well, that’s awesome, its nothing but beneficial for you to have put some time on your bike more recently. You may be feeling good, a few steps ahead of others, but in saying that, remember that you may be riding a bit quicker than those who weren’t able to head south, so, be aware of your surroundings and be respectful.
Something for both groups to consider – in the springtime at Gopher Dunes, the sand is heavy. Obviously, the snow had to go somewhere, and you guessed it! It melted straight down into the sand. Usually, a nice layer of water from the top makes for epic conditions, however, with the ground thawing, there is also moisture travelling upwards. As the day goes on and the temperature climbs into something a little more enjoyable, the mixture of already great conditions on top blended with continuous moisture coming from the bottom, the track is going to develop quite a bit different than usual. The sand will feel very heavy and the moment you let off the gas your bike will want to stop, and your body will want to keep going over the bars. Be prepared for that. There will be deep, soft ruts that want to grab your front wheel and if your body positioning isn’t correct, again, your bike will go one way, and you will go the other. These conditions combined with the majority of us not being in the best physical shape can lead to unexpected crashes. Now, that doesn’t mean you’re not going to have a great, time, its just things to think about before you dump the clutch and stretch some throttle cables.
This little message isn’t to rain on the excitement parade that’s on its way to Courtland, but to just remind everyone that it’s a long year, enjoy yourself, and there is nothing to gain by getting sendy on the first ride of the year. And for us Vet guys over the age of 30, STRETCH! Trust me! You’re going to feel like a big bag of hammers on Friday from using muscles that haven’t been activated for months, and with track conditions like they will be, those muscles will be working overtime. A little mobility exercise and stretching before bed will drastically improve how you feel the following day.
That’s it for me this week, short and sweet. I hope everyone that can get out to Gopher Dunes tomorrow has a great first ride of the year. Stay Safe!
