With the sound of two strokes! Sorry about the late up date, but things have been a little crazy around here!
Round 5 of the CMA National Hare Scramble series was hosted in Moorefield. The Ant Hill Classic is a race many look forward to every year. It starts with the same warning: Do not go off the path! Hidden in the tall grass are hundreds of ant hills, some measuring almost three feet tall! Over the approximately three decades the race has been held, these natural obstacles have caused many an injured rider and many a mangled bike.
This year, the most notable injuries weren’t caused by the ant hills, though. Mike Vandenhoek, on the #4 Gas Gas, was taken to the hospital after pulling off after the first lap. A large throne through his hand, Mike was sent to a specialist, but will most likely be back in time for Oshweeken. The second injury happened in the morning when a Youth rider injured his leg. It seems in a tight turn his leg was caught behind the foot peg. While not broken, track side medics sent the rider to the hospital, just to be on the safe side.
“Thanks you”s should go out to the medics. We hope we never need to you use, but we are so glad to have you around!
The Ant Hill, aside from being littered with dozens of natural troubles, is the longest race of the year. Shortened from last year’s amazing 27 kilometres, the 2008 course was still a gruelling 24 km! Given the length of the track and the time it takes to complete one lap, the Ant Hill is run as a two race, rather than three race, format, with all except the Youth lining up at noon. The Pros leave first, with each class after leaving at the 2 minute mark.
Jesse Grummet continued his amazing winning streak, extending the number of wins to five, with one second place (in Barrie). In his first appearance in the series Caleb Bauman took an impressive second, with Mitchell Lawson in third. Grummet’s points lead over Lawson has grown to 33 points.
In Novice A action, Greg Filer was a no show, and Mark Koens placed just inside the top ten. David Kertsz finished in third, putting himself in third in the over all points chase. Koens and Filer hold on to second and first, respectively. Andrew Powell, of London, Ontario, took the win at the Ant Hill, and Spencer Jones, of Brantford, took second.
Amanda Hutchinson, in her first race since the Barrie round, took the win away from Ainsley Farr, but it wasn’t easy. The two riders rode together the entire way, enjoying the back and forth and camaraderie developed between the two fast females both on and off the course. Brenna Zuest, another fast female from last year, took third.
Elmo took another win in SuperVet action; that #699 KTM seems to be all but unstoppable through the woods. Rick Hone, of Pefferlaw, took second, and Steven Hart took third. These are some fast riding, hard battling riders! They surely prove that if you’ve got the heart for something, age ain’t nothing but a number. Way to go, gentlemen!
Vet rider Wayne Brogan claimed another victory aboard his KTM, proving that the #922 is a fast machine with a determined rider. Steve Young took another second place, climbing up in the points chase, while Keith Billings took third.
Vet Expert Randy Zuest took first place, with Paul Andratis, of Simcoe, taking second in his first round. Don Given took the number three spot, but remains in first in the over-all points chase. With his first at the Ant Hill, Randy Zuest managed to climb into third over all.
Michael Jonker took another victory aboard his KTM, keeping the orange #127 at the lead of the points chase. Christian Birker found himself in second once again, holding tight to that number two place in the points. In his first appearance this year Aaron Wilcox, of Grand Bend, managed to capture third on his #170 Honda.
Expert showings saw another win for Burford, with Brandon Lawson improving on his fourth in Vienna for a second at the Ant Hill. Lee Hill, Burford’s uncle, captured third to round out the podium.
And then there were the Pros.
With van Hove a no-show, and Mike Vandenhoek out with an injury, it was thought that Tyler Linton, who had placed fourth twice, to take the last podium spot behind Stapleton, in first, and Wojo, in second. Luck was not on Linton's side, however, and quick KTM rider Aaron Wilkins took the last podium position.
The next round will be in Oshweeken. Hope to see you there!
Sunday, July 27, 2008
Saturday, July 5, 2008
Four to Score
Vienna HS
The fourth round of the CMA National Hare Scramble series was held in Vienna, Ontario, hosted by the Vienna Trail Riders. The event saw riders travel through thick forests, bike swallowing mud, deep ruts, soy fields and, in the afternoon, up a very steep, long, spectator lined hill. Vienna also saw the return of last year’s series winner, Chris van Hove, aboard his #1 KTM. Van Hove fought hard, but was unable to challenge the speedy Aussie, settling into second.
The morning class was more of the same. Jesse Grummett took another victory in the Youth class, followed by Mitchell Lawson. Making his season debut on the podium was Connor Brogan, of Palgrave, Ontario, aboard the #598 KTM.
Grummett’s 18 point lead over second place Mitchell Lawson means both riders will come back into the second half of the season with a fighting spirit.
Mid morning action saw the a tough battle for first in the Ladies class between series leader Ainsley Farr, and the new girl, Kate Knight aboard her RM125. The big tires and higher ground clearance gave Knight an advantage, but weren’t enough to over power Farr and her YZ 85, who took another victory. Rachel Comsky took a third in her first race of the season aboard her TTR 125.
An interesting side note: Stapleton and Farr are the only riders who have had a perfect season so far, with four victories in four races for each Yamaha rider. Ainsley Farr has all but guaranteed a series victory, collecting 60 points, and an astounding 32 point lead over Kate Knight!
Farr
Knight
Comsky
Photo unavailable.
Novice A saw new comer Jake Loube, of St. George, Ontario, take first place. Greg Filer managed a solid second place, increasing his points lead over Mark Koens, who finished outside the top three. Third place Alvin Olar, of Sault Ste. Marie. Filer’s lead over Koens has been expanded to a commanding 25 points! If Filer keeps up this consistency, he’s pretty much clinched the championship for himself.
Loube
Filer
Olar
Photo unavailable.
Elmo Rutnik took another first in Super Vet action, with Steven Hart taking second. Brian West, of Sarnia, took his first podium position, a third, in the mud and ruts of Vienna. 15 points separate Rutnik and Hart, a gap that can easily be closed if Rutnik misses a race. No doubt both men will come back after the break with more good natured competition.
Rutnik
Hart
West
Veteran Wayne Brogan increased his lead over second place by taking another win. Second place went to Steve Young, of Port Colborne, Ontario, aboard the #971 Husquavarna. Jim Clayton took third place to round out the podium. Brogan’s points lead has increased to 18 points. Billings, who has run some consistent finishes but succumbed to the mud, heat and/or ruts of Vienna, will have to come into the second half with more than consistency if he hopes to challenge Brogan for the #1 spot.
Brogan
Young
Clayton
The afternoon saw the big boys take the track and the opening of some creative lines off the start. Many spectators found their seemingly safe standing lines turn into lines through the tight turn in the front. The conventional wisdom is that Novice A is where all the crazy, out of control riders are, Vienna proved that every class, even the Pros, have wild men in their ranks!
There was a big shake up in the Vet Expert ranks as only one of the top three points leaders finished in a podium position. Jamie Jones, of Paris, Ontario, and Dwayne Soper, of London, Ontario, took first and second, respectively. Dave Nelson, #2 in points, took third place to round out the podium and close the gap between him and first in points Don Given. This means that going into the break only two points separate first and second.
Jones
Soper
D.Nelson
Michael Jonker took the win aboard his KTM, with Christian Birker taking the number two spot. Ron King took home third place. Birker and Jonker are still in first and second place, respectively, in the points standing, with less than six points separating the two. Desmond Magill remains in third in over all points, even after receiving no points for the Vienna round; he’s four points off Jonker.
Jonker
Birker
King
The Expert class saw Kevin Burley take his second victory over Chad Burford, who placed second. Leigh Boerkamp finished in third in his first appearance this year.
Burley
Burford
Boerkamp
Photo unavailable.
And then there were the Pros. Jake Stapleton walked through the course, putting down lap times that were nothing short of amazing. Throwing a wrench into Wojnarowski’s plans was Chris van Hove, who finished in fine form, taking second. Wojo pushed hard and raced to a solid third place, making it a Yamaha-KTM-Yamaha podium.
Stapleton
van Hove
Wojnarowski
Van Hove has shown that just because he missed the first three rounds does not mean he’s out of shape or that he’s gotten slow. If he chooses to race the rest of the season, he might just throw a wrench into Wojo’s plans to keep the #2 plate for next year.
Two weeks off and then it’s off to Moorefield and the Ant Hill Classic. Much like Barrie, the Moorefield round attracts many riders who tend to throw a wrench into the point plans of the top riders in each class.
As always, I’ll be in the woods, taking pictures and names. I do try to get out of the way, and I apologize if I have, or will in the future, screw someone up because I can’t get completely off the track (Vienna was particularly bad in some sections). I am trying to get to the side, though!
See you at the races, and remember, smile, you might be on camera!
And I know you took some heat for the last photo I posted of you, Ty, so here are some nice ones! Cheers!
Ty. Linton
The fourth round of the CMA National Hare Scramble series was held in Vienna, Ontario, hosted by the Vienna Trail Riders. The event saw riders travel through thick forests, bike swallowing mud, deep ruts, soy fields and, in the afternoon, up a very steep, long, spectator lined hill. Vienna also saw the return of last year’s series winner, Chris van Hove, aboard his #1 KTM. Van Hove fought hard, but was unable to challenge the speedy Aussie, settling into second.
The morning class was more of the same. Jesse Grummett took another victory in the Youth class, followed by Mitchell Lawson. Making his season debut on the podium was Connor Brogan, of Palgrave, Ontario, aboard the #598 KTM.
Grummett’s 18 point lead over second place Mitchell Lawson means both riders will come back into the second half of the season with a fighting spirit.
Mid morning action saw the a tough battle for first in the Ladies class between series leader Ainsley Farr, and the new girl, Kate Knight aboard her RM125. The big tires and higher ground clearance gave Knight an advantage, but weren’t enough to over power Farr and her YZ 85, who took another victory. Rachel Comsky took a third in her first race of the season aboard her TTR 125.
An interesting side note: Stapleton and Farr are the only riders who have had a perfect season so far, with four victories in four races for each Yamaha rider. Ainsley Farr has all but guaranteed a series victory, collecting 60 points, and an astounding 32 point lead over Kate Knight!
Farr
Knight
Comsky
Photo unavailable.
Novice A saw new comer Jake Loube, of St. George, Ontario, take first place. Greg Filer managed a solid second place, increasing his points lead over Mark Koens, who finished outside the top three. Third place Alvin Olar, of Sault Ste. Marie. Filer’s lead over Koens has been expanded to a commanding 25 points! If Filer keeps up this consistency, he’s pretty much clinched the championship for himself.
Loube
Filer
Olar
Photo unavailable.
Elmo Rutnik took another first in Super Vet action, with Steven Hart taking second. Brian West, of Sarnia, took his first podium position, a third, in the mud and ruts of Vienna. 15 points separate Rutnik and Hart, a gap that can easily be closed if Rutnik misses a race. No doubt both men will come back after the break with more good natured competition.
Rutnik
Hart
West
Veteran Wayne Brogan increased his lead over second place by taking another win. Second place went to Steve Young, of Port Colborne, Ontario, aboard the #971 Husquavarna. Jim Clayton took third place to round out the podium. Brogan’s points lead has increased to 18 points. Billings, who has run some consistent finishes but succumbed to the mud, heat and/or ruts of Vienna, will have to come into the second half with more than consistency if he hopes to challenge Brogan for the #1 spot.
Brogan
Young
Clayton
The afternoon saw the big boys take the track and the opening of some creative lines off the start. Many spectators found their seemingly safe standing lines turn into lines through the tight turn in the front. The conventional wisdom is that Novice A is where all the crazy, out of control riders are, Vienna proved that every class, even the Pros, have wild men in their ranks!
There was a big shake up in the Vet Expert ranks as only one of the top three points leaders finished in a podium position. Jamie Jones, of Paris, Ontario, and Dwayne Soper, of London, Ontario, took first and second, respectively. Dave Nelson, #2 in points, took third place to round out the podium and close the gap between him and first in points Don Given. This means that going into the break only two points separate first and second.
Jones
Soper
D.Nelson
Michael Jonker took the win aboard his KTM, with Christian Birker taking the number two spot. Ron King took home third place. Birker and Jonker are still in first and second place, respectively, in the points standing, with less than six points separating the two. Desmond Magill remains in third in over all points, even after receiving no points for the Vienna round; he’s four points off Jonker.
Jonker
Birker
King
The Expert class saw Kevin Burley take his second victory over Chad Burford, who placed second. Leigh Boerkamp finished in third in his first appearance this year.
Burley
Burford
Boerkamp
Photo unavailable.
And then there were the Pros. Jake Stapleton walked through the course, putting down lap times that were nothing short of amazing. Throwing a wrench into Wojnarowski’s plans was Chris van Hove, who finished in fine form, taking second. Wojo pushed hard and raced to a solid third place, making it a Yamaha-KTM-Yamaha podium.
Stapleton
van Hove
Wojnarowski
Van Hove has shown that just because he missed the first three rounds does not mean he’s out of shape or that he’s gotten slow. If he chooses to race the rest of the season, he might just throw a wrench into Wojo’s plans to keep the #2 plate for next year.
Two weeks off and then it’s off to Moorefield and the Ant Hill Classic. Much like Barrie, the Moorefield round attracts many riders who tend to throw a wrench into the point plans of the top riders in each class.
As always, I’ll be in the woods, taking pictures and names. I do try to get out of the way, and I apologize if I have, or will in the future, screw someone up because I can’t get completely off the track (Vienna was particularly bad in some sections). I am trying to get to the side, though!
See you at the races, and remember, smile, you might be on camera!
And I know you took some heat for the last photo I posted of you, Ty, so here are some nice ones! Cheers!
Ty. Linton
Tuesday, June 24, 2008
The Usual Suspects
Port Colborne had the log hop. Barrie had the mud pits. Burnt River had rocks. Lots of rocks.
The third round of the CMA Hare Scrambles was held on June 15 at the Burnt River Off-Road Facility. The track was gruelling, with rocks and mud and elevation changes mapped into the approximately 15 km loop. The track was defined by the tube busting, tire destroying rocks. Points leader Jake Stapleton ended up with two flats, and was saved by the kindness of strangers, who helped his father-in-law change not one, but two, tires.
The morning classes saw the usual suspects out front.
In Youth racing Jesse Grummett took another win, followed by Mitchell Lawson who finished second. Finishing off the podium was Zachary Lewis of Ponty Pool.
Late morning classes saw the #377 KTM of Greg Filer take the win, positioning himself in first place over all. New face Richard Merrifield of Sault Ste. Marie took second place. Third place finisher was the familiar #395 Machine Honda of Mark Koens. After a less than spectacular finish in Barrie, Koens managed to race to a solid third and claim second over all in points.
Filer
Marrifield
Photo unavailable.
Koens
Usual suspect Ainsley Farr took the win at Burnt River in the Ladies’ Class, twisting that YZ85 out something fierce. Kate Knight of Burlington took second place aboard her RM125 and Diane Kim Filon finished off the podium with a solid third place. Now, given that most of the ladies, Knight aside, ride what are considered “Mini Bikes” (85s, 100s, 150Rs, TTR125s) their finishes here and at the mud pit in Barrie are very impressive.
Ainsley Farr
Knight
Filon
Photo unavailable.
The Super Vets saw Elmo Rutnik continue his streak with another win. Second place was claimed by Brian Holloway, and third belong to Steven Hart. These three men are in a tight points race with less than 15 points separating first and third!
Rutnik
Holloway
Hart
Vet action saw an all Orange podium, with Wayne Brogan in first, Keith Billings in second, and Jim Clayton in third, all running about KTMs. Much like the Super Vet class, the Orange boys are in a tight race, but this time with a wider spread of points.
Brogan
Billings
Clayton
After the morning classes dried up a few of the muddier spots, and exposed a few of the nastier rocks and roots, it was time for the big boys to swing their legs over their machines and put tire to rock.
And like the morning, often this tire/rock combo resulted in flats. Pro Jake Stapleton stopped twice to change tires, with a little help from some kind strangers. You learn something new everyday, and Stapleton’s father-in-law learned how to change a tire at Burnt River.
Vet Expert saw a trade off in usual position, with Chris Donald of Thedford take the win aboard his Honda. Second place belonged to Don Given, with Paul LaChance of Waterdown in third aboard his Yamaha. The boys of the Vet Expert class are certainly showing excellent skill. All three of the top three riders have each won a round, showing that on any given Sunday any of the top riders can win.
Donald
Given
LaChance
Intermediates saw Brandon Lawson, on the #752 Yamaha, take the win, with Desmond Magill, #171 KTM, taking home second and Christian Birker, #129 Yamaha, with third.
Lawson
Magill
Birker
There was upheaval in the Expert class, with previous round winner Chad Burford pulling off due to a flat tire early in the race. This left the door open for Kevin Burley to close the points gap on second place Frank Cantin. Burley took the win, with Nick Kardos taking second and Torin Linton in third.
Burley
Kardos
Photo unavailable.
Tor. Linton
The Pro class was the same ol’ same ol’. Stapleton, Wojnarowski and Vandenhoek finished first, second and third. As said before, Stapleton was forced to stop twice for a tire change. Wojo saved himself the trouble by running tire balls, little air filled rubber balls which are placed in the tire instead of a tube. The individual balls might pop, but so long as the majority of them remain inflated, according to a consulted mechanic, handling should not be compromised too much.
Stapleton
Wojnarowski
Vandenhoek
Stapleton and Wojo must have decided that the race wasn’t long enough and pulled around for a victory lap, to the amusement and enjoyment of the crowd. It seems that every week the crowd of people who stay to watch from the morning classes grows larger and larger. Perhaps they’re hoping to see a Wojo victory.
When asked about racing with Jake, Wojo commented: “Jake doesn’t make mistakes. You have to be perfect just to stay on his rear wheel.” Well, Wojo, you might not think you’re perfect, but it’s a known fact under those Yamaha tents that Stapleton his happy to have someone of your calibre to ride with!
To everyone who raced at Burnt River, congratulations! And big thank yous go out to Connie and all the volunteers at BRORF. Everyone was impressed with how well the course was laid out, the way the race was run, and the organization. Thumbs up to everyone involved!
We’re all looking forward to the newly formulated Burt River Provincial Hare Scramble Series!
See you at the races!
Tyler Linton, no, he didn't chip his tooth, it's just dirt. He's happy that he didn't have to stop for a tire change!
The third round of the CMA Hare Scrambles was held on June 15 at the Burnt River Off-Road Facility. The track was gruelling, with rocks and mud and elevation changes mapped into the approximately 15 km loop. The track was defined by the tube busting, tire destroying rocks. Points leader Jake Stapleton ended up with two flats, and was saved by the kindness of strangers, who helped his father-in-law change not one, but two, tires.
The morning classes saw the usual suspects out front.
In Youth racing Jesse Grummett took another win, followed by Mitchell Lawson who finished second. Finishing off the podium was Zachary Lewis of Ponty Pool.
Late morning classes saw the #377 KTM of Greg Filer take the win, positioning himself in first place over all. New face Richard Merrifield of Sault Ste. Marie took second place. Third place finisher was the familiar #395 Machine Honda of Mark Koens. After a less than spectacular finish in Barrie, Koens managed to race to a solid third and claim second over all in points.
Filer
Marrifield
Photo unavailable.
Koens
Usual suspect Ainsley Farr took the win at Burnt River in the Ladies’ Class, twisting that YZ85 out something fierce. Kate Knight of Burlington took second place aboard her RM125 and Diane Kim Filon finished off the podium with a solid third place. Now, given that most of the ladies, Knight aside, ride what are considered “Mini Bikes” (85s, 100s, 150Rs, TTR125s) their finishes here and at the mud pit in Barrie are very impressive.
Ainsley Farr
Knight
Filon
Photo unavailable.
The Super Vets saw Elmo Rutnik continue his streak with another win. Second place was claimed by Brian Holloway, and third belong to Steven Hart. These three men are in a tight points race with less than 15 points separating first and third!
Rutnik
Holloway
Hart
Vet action saw an all Orange podium, with Wayne Brogan in first, Keith Billings in second, and Jim Clayton in third, all running about KTMs. Much like the Super Vet class, the Orange boys are in a tight race, but this time with a wider spread of points.
Brogan
Billings
Clayton
After the morning classes dried up a few of the muddier spots, and exposed a few of the nastier rocks and roots, it was time for the big boys to swing their legs over their machines and put tire to rock.
And like the morning, often this tire/rock combo resulted in flats. Pro Jake Stapleton stopped twice to change tires, with a little help from some kind strangers. You learn something new everyday, and Stapleton’s father-in-law learned how to change a tire at Burnt River.
Vet Expert saw a trade off in usual position, with Chris Donald of Thedford take the win aboard his Honda. Second place belonged to Don Given, with Paul LaChance of Waterdown in third aboard his Yamaha. The boys of the Vet Expert class are certainly showing excellent skill. All three of the top three riders have each won a round, showing that on any given Sunday any of the top riders can win.
Donald
Given
LaChance
Intermediates saw Brandon Lawson, on the #752 Yamaha, take the win, with Desmond Magill, #171 KTM, taking home second and Christian Birker, #129 Yamaha, with third.
Lawson
Magill
Birker
There was upheaval in the Expert class, with previous round winner Chad Burford pulling off due to a flat tire early in the race. This left the door open for Kevin Burley to close the points gap on second place Frank Cantin. Burley took the win, with Nick Kardos taking second and Torin Linton in third.
Burley
Kardos
Photo unavailable.
Tor. Linton
The Pro class was the same ol’ same ol’. Stapleton, Wojnarowski and Vandenhoek finished first, second and third. As said before, Stapleton was forced to stop twice for a tire change. Wojo saved himself the trouble by running tire balls, little air filled rubber balls which are placed in the tire instead of a tube. The individual balls might pop, but so long as the majority of them remain inflated, according to a consulted mechanic, handling should not be compromised too much.
Stapleton
Wojnarowski
Vandenhoek
Stapleton and Wojo must have decided that the race wasn’t long enough and pulled around for a victory lap, to the amusement and enjoyment of the crowd. It seems that every week the crowd of people who stay to watch from the morning classes grows larger and larger. Perhaps they’re hoping to see a Wojo victory.
When asked about racing with Jake, Wojo commented: “Jake doesn’t make mistakes. You have to be perfect just to stay on his rear wheel.” Well, Wojo, you might not think you’re perfect, but it’s a known fact under those Yamaha tents that Stapleton his happy to have someone of your calibre to ride with!
To everyone who raced at Burnt River, congratulations! And big thank yous go out to Connie and all the volunteers at BRORF. Everyone was impressed with how well the course was laid out, the way the race was run, and the organization. Thumbs up to everyone involved!
We’re all looking forward to the newly formulated Burt River Provincial Hare Scramble Series!
See you at the races!
Tyler Linton, no, he didn't chip his tooth, it's just dirt. He's happy that he didn't have to stop for a tire change!
Thursday, June 19, 2008
Ride to Remember
The results from Burnt River still aren't posted on the CMA website as of this moment, and as such I do not have an update on the series for you, yet. I apologize. I think for the future I will copy the results at the races in order to ensure a quick update for everyone.
In the mean time, I would like to bring to your attention Adam Glaizer's 24 Hour Ride. Now, some of you are aware of the ride and some are not. (EDIT) The ride will take place July 21-22. I sincerely hope that you will check out Adam's ride. It takes place at Motopark. All proceeds from his charity ride will go to the Alzheimer's Society of Canada.
Alzheimer's is a degrenerative disease that generally affects the elderly. It is the most common form of dementia. The disease is characterized by the formation of plaques on the brain which become toxic to the brain at excessive levels. The most common symptoms are a loss of memory, with the loss of body- and motor-functions common in more advanced cases. Research is currently examining the use of stemcells as a way of reversing the disease, as well as other possible treatments.
Please support Adam's ride. Alzheimer's disease affects one in four Canadians, either directly (as a victim of the disease) or indirectly (family member, friend). With research, perhaps one day we will be able to find a cure for this horrible, personality robbing, disease.
More information about Adam's ride can be found on his website:
For more information about Alzheimer's, or about donating to the Alzheimer's Society of Canada, please check out their website:
For information about Motopark, and accomidations in the area, go to Motopark's website:
Many thanks to any and everyone who makes a donation, or comes to watch!
See you at the races!
In the mean time, I would like to bring to your attention Adam Glaizer's 24 Hour Ride. Now, some of you are aware of the ride and some are not. (EDIT) The ride will take place July 21-22. I sincerely hope that you will check out Adam's ride. It takes place at Motopark. All proceeds from his charity ride will go to the Alzheimer's Society of Canada.
Alzheimer's is a degrenerative disease that generally affects the elderly. It is the most common form of dementia. The disease is characterized by the formation of plaques on the brain which become toxic to the brain at excessive levels. The most common symptoms are a loss of memory, with the loss of body- and motor-functions common in more advanced cases. Research is currently examining the use of stemcells as a way of reversing the disease, as well as other possible treatments.
Please support Adam's ride. Alzheimer's disease affects one in four Canadians, either directly (as a victim of the disease) or indirectly (family member, friend). With research, perhaps one day we will be able to find a cure for this horrible, personality robbing, disease.
More information about Adam's ride can be found on his website:
For more information about Alzheimer's, or about donating to the Alzheimer's Society of Canada, please check out their website:
For information about Motopark, and accomidations in the area, go to Motopark's website:
Many thanks to any and everyone who makes a donation, or comes to watch!
See you at the races!
Tuesday, June 17, 2008
Round 2
Round 2 of the CMA Hare Scramble National series saw the races come to RJ's Motorsport Park in Barrie. The race was hosted by the Oshawa Competition Motorcycle Club, and many thanks go out to the track marshalls that helped keep everyone safe in the mud. At one point in the afternoon they had to create a bypass around a huge mud pit.
The day was hot and sticky with tempratures reaching into the thirties! It was enough to make the thought of going out into the woods for the morning classes less than desirable, and as such, I apologize: I will not have photos for the top finishers in the morning classes from RJ's. Sorry!
I do, however, have excellent coverage of that mud pit the afternoon classes had to run through. You know the one I'm talking about; if you still don't remember, ask Kevin Burley; the poor boy was there for twenty minutes trying to pull his bike out of his mud. Eventually he did get it out.
So, back to the races. The Youth class ran a modified version of the course that kept them out of most of the tough mud holes and tight pines that the late morning and afternoon classes crawled through. Taking top honours in the Youth was Mitchell Lawson, an OCMC club member. Second place went to Jesse Grummett, who had won the previous race. Chris Cuthbert-Castelo, another OCMC club member, finished on the last spot on the podium.
In the late morning, the ladies class was the largest yet, and saw a record seven women on the line! Ainsley Farr took another victory, with Amanda Hutchinson taking second again. A new addition was Donna Fisher, who took third place. All seven ladies should be proud of themselves.
Novice A was won by OCMC local Brandon Lawson, with Gree Filer and Riley Jones taking second and third place respectively.
The Vet class was won by Richard Grummett. Second place honours went to Keith Billings, and third went to Wayne Brogan. Don't let the over thirty designation trick you into thinking that these guys are slow; they're quick!
Super Vet Lance Matthews took the top honours in the race, with Elmo Rutnik, winner of the Port Colborne race, took second. Brian Holloway took the final spot on the podium with third.
The afternoon saw a modification of the track, and the opening of "the hole": a mud bog that was easily twelve feet long and capable of swallowing rear tires completely by the end of the race. Track marshalls eventually cut a path around the mud.
The mud hole.
The "cleaner" route.
Christian Birker, an OCMC member, was the top finishing Intermediate. Michael Jonker and Ron O'Brien took second and third place.
Birker
Photo unavailable.
Jonker
O'Brien
Photo unavailable.
Dave Nelson was first in Vet Expert action, followed by Don Given in second and Randy Zuest in third.
D.Nelson
Given
R.Zuest
OCMC member John Nelson should be mentioned; he spent most of the race up front. Well ahead of his fellow Vet Experts, Nelson was woking his way past 6th place Expert rider Torin Linton, but suffered from a bad crash and had trouble starting his bike. In the heat, the effort proved just too much for Nelson and he ended up pulling off the track.
J.Nelson
The Expert class saw Chad Burford out in front once again, passing into the Pro class, followed by Frank Cantin, the second finisher. Third belong to Lee Hill.
Burford
Cantin
Photo unavailable.
Hill
Cinderella story of the Expert class belongs to Kevin Burley, who got stuck in the mud on the second lap, while running in first. Burford and company were able to use the by-pass and get around Burley while he struggled to get going once again. Eventually he got out of the mud and got the bike running once again, claiming the fourth position over all.
Burley
Now for the big boys! What you've been waiting for: The Pros!
The same three faces were on top of the podium as the previous race, with a switch up in second and third. Stapleton took the win for the second time, Brian Wojnarowski took second place and Mike Vandenhoek took third.
Stapleton
Wojnarowski
Vandenhoek
Wojo and Vandenhoek certainly didn't make the win easy for Stapleton. Wojo came back from a bad start to push out in front of Stapleton. The show of speed was impressive and proof that the Canadian boys can hang with the fast Austrianian. Stapleton eventually came back to reclaim the lead and the win for the day.
When the day was done the Pros shook hands and congratulated each other on the ride. Between the oppressive heat and the poorly marked course, just finishing without becoming lost was enjoy of a challenge!
Everyone left the race looking forward to next round in Burnt River.
Honourable mention goes to one of the first guys to try the whoops section. He had a horrible crash, but walked away and got back on the bike! I can't read your number, so I don't know who you are, but I'm glad you got up. It was kind of scary. Cool landing though!
See you all at the next round, in Burnt River!
The day was hot and sticky with tempratures reaching into the thirties! It was enough to make the thought of going out into the woods for the morning classes less than desirable, and as such, I apologize: I will not have photos for the top finishers in the morning classes from RJ's. Sorry!
I do, however, have excellent coverage of that mud pit the afternoon classes had to run through. You know the one I'm talking about; if you still don't remember, ask Kevin Burley; the poor boy was there for twenty minutes trying to pull his bike out of his mud. Eventually he did get it out.
So, back to the races. The Youth class ran a modified version of the course that kept them out of most of the tough mud holes and tight pines that the late morning and afternoon classes crawled through. Taking top honours in the Youth was Mitchell Lawson, an OCMC club member. Second place went to Jesse Grummett, who had won the previous race. Chris Cuthbert-Castelo, another OCMC club member, finished on the last spot on the podium.
In the late morning, the ladies class was the largest yet, and saw a record seven women on the line! Ainsley Farr took another victory, with Amanda Hutchinson taking second again. A new addition was Donna Fisher, who took third place. All seven ladies should be proud of themselves.
Novice A was won by OCMC local Brandon Lawson, with Gree Filer and Riley Jones taking second and third place respectively.
The Vet class was won by Richard Grummett. Second place honours went to Keith Billings, and third went to Wayne Brogan. Don't let the over thirty designation trick you into thinking that these guys are slow; they're quick!
Super Vet Lance Matthews took the top honours in the race, with Elmo Rutnik, winner of the Port Colborne race, took second. Brian Holloway took the final spot on the podium with third.
The afternoon saw a modification of the track, and the opening of "the hole": a mud bog that was easily twelve feet long and capable of swallowing rear tires completely by the end of the race. Track marshalls eventually cut a path around the mud.
The mud hole.
The "cleaner" route.
Christian Birker, an OCMC member, was the top finishing Intermediate. Michael Jonker and Ron O'Brien took second and third place.
Birker
Photo unavailable.
Jonker
O'Brien
Photo unavailable.
Dave Nelson was first in Vet Expert action, followed by Don Given in second and Randy Zuest in third.
D.Nelson
Given
R.Zuest
OCMC member John Nelson should be mentioned; he spent most of the race up front. Well ahead of his fellow Vet Experts, Nelson was woking his way past 6th place Expert rider Torin Linton, but suffered from a bad crash and had trouble starting his bike. In the heat, the effort proved just too much for Nelson and he ended up pulling off the track.
J.Nelson
The Expert class saw Chad Burford out in front once again, passing into the Pro class, followed by Frank Cantin, the second finisher. Third belong to Lee Hill.
Burford
Cantin
Photo unavailable.
Hill
Cinderella story of the Expert class belongs to Kevin Burley, who got stuck in the mud on the second lap, while running in first. Burford and company were able to use the by-pass and get around Burley while he struggled to get going once again. Eventually he got out of the mud and got the bike running once again, claiming the fourth position over all.
Burley
Now for the big boys! What you've been waiting for: The Pros!
The same three faces were on top of the podium as the previous race, with a switch up in second and third. Stapleton took the win for the second time, Brian Wojnarowski took second place and Mike Vandenhoek took third.
Stapleton
Wojnarowski
Vandenhoek
Wojo and Vandenhoek certainly didn't make the win easy for Stapleton. Wojo came back from a bad start to push out in front of Stapleton. The show of speed was impressive and proof that the Canadian boys can hang with the fast Austrianian. Stapleton eventually came back to reclaim the lead and the win for the day.
When the day was done the Pros shook hands and congratulated each other on the ride. Between the oppressive heat and the poorly marked course, just finishing without becoming lost was enjoy of a challenge!
Everyone left the race looking forward to next round in Burnt River.
Honourable mention goes to one of the first guys to try the whoops section. He had a horrible crash, but walked away and got back on the bike! I can't read your number, so I don't know who you are, but I'm glad you got up. It was kind of scary. Cool landing though!
See you all at the next round, in Burnt River!
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