HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Citizen, 1993-08-18, Page 13muno car HATICAlkla MDINDcmoco
THE CITIZEN, WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 18, 1993. PAGE 13.
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WELCOME TO WALTON
Be sure to
visit us for...
..GROCERIES,
ICE,
CIGARETTES,
SOFT DRINKS, GATORADE
& MORE
Open 'til 9:00 p.m.
WALTON COUNTRY STORE
Formerly Walton Tea Room
WALTON 887-9335
527-0180
Or
Mice Out
High cost of motocross may deter participants
The Village of
Brussels & Brussels P.U.C.
WELCOME ALL
MOTOCROSS RIDERS
TO OUR AREA!
goodLucki
Phyllis and Emerson
Mitchell's
COUNTRY BED
EL BRUME
FALL & WINTER
WEEKEND GETAWAYS
R.R. #3 Walton NOK 1Z0
1/2 mile west of Walton Church or
7 miles east of Blyth Festival Corner
Accommodation for 8
Reservations Appreciated
We welcome your extra guests
(519) 887-6697
MOTOCROSS COMPETITORS
WE HOPE YOU ENJOY YOUR STAY
Well protected
Safety is a major concern for both the racers and their parents. The proper protective
equipment is necessary to ensure the least chance of injury. Though motocross may appear
dangerous, serious injuries are few when the riders are aware of the risks and show
consideration for the other competitors on the track.
VISIT US TODAY
FOR
•POP *CHIPS *TOBACCO
•FILM -SNACKS & MORE As with many sports, the cost of
participating can be a deterrent.
Motocross is no different.
Brian Hoy of Lynn Hoy Enter-
prises in Wingham, says new bike
prices vary greatly depending on
Racing,
a test
of strength
Motocross is a sport that requires
shear strength, endurance and lots
of guts.
The race is run on a closed-cir-
cuit track which is natural or man-
made for a set time period.
The course covers steep hills,
sharp turns, abrupt embankments
and washboard bumps. Some
jumps can send the bike and rider
up to 30 feet in the air.
A group of 40 riders traverse the
terrain to attain the lead position.
The average race takes approxi-
mately 15 to 20 minutes.
The racers are divided into class-
es depending on their age, experi-
ence and bike size.
The sport is very demanding on
the knees, shoulders and arms, says
Chris Lee, amateur racer from Wal-
ton. It is widely reported that
motocross racers are among the
most fit of any athlete.
Mr. Lee hosts the Trans Can
National Motocross Champi-
onships at his farm. The outdoor,
natural track is a very unique expe-
rience for the riders. Many facilities
are now using indoor tracks. The
outdoor races can be greatly effect-
ed by the weather, says Mr. Lee,
sometimes making the conditions
miserable.
All riders know of the possible
dangers in motocross because it is
highly competitive but, realize they
must exercise common sense on the
track. The rate of injuries in
Continued on page 14
the size. A 50 cc can start at $1,500
and the larger bikes can be as much
as $5,000.
Personal safety gear is also
required to protect the riders. Gov-
ernment standards are set to protect
the racers and up-to-date equipment
must be worn to qualify for compe-
tition.
The average cost to outfit a rider
would be $2,000, says Mr. Hoy.
Helmets range from $150 to $600;
chest guards, $150 to $300; pants,
$200 to $400 and boots, $170 to
$400.
As explained by some of the rid-
ers though, it is not necessary to get
new equipment before getting
involved.
Much of the equipment needed
can be purchased second-hand.
Some of the local racers pass their
used bikes on to younger family
members or to relatives, once they
advance to the next class.
Chris Lee, host of the Trans Can
National Championships to be held
in Walton from Aug. 19 to 22, says
a season's worth of entering compe-
titions usually runs around $2,000
per racer. He says with himself and
two sons racing, they manage to ,
break even after a summer full of
competition. A few good finishes
in the races and some of the
expenses are paid.
Travel cost can add a consider-
able amount to expenses. Events
are held across Canada and the
United States so the number of
races one enters is only limited by
cost considerations and travel time.
Mr. Lee and Mr.Wernham,
another motocross parent from
Winthrop, say they attend races
almost every weekend.
OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK
• PIZZA • SUBS • BURGERS
• FRIES • CHICKEN • SALADS
SUN., MON.
11:00 A.M. TO 11:00 P.M.
TUES., WED., THURS.
11:00 A M. TO 12:00 MID.
FRI., SAT.
11:00 A.M. TO 1:00 A.M.
Seaforth (Hwy. 8)
I 1 I 11 1 1 114.