HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Citizen, 1994-08-17, Page 12PAGE 12. THE CITIZEN, WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 17, 1994.
Racing,
a family
affair
for Lees
Sport tests strength
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
motocross is no worse than that of
minor hockey, many racers say.
The sport is not yet as popular as
in the United States but, presently
boasts a membership of more than
600 in the Continental Motosport
Club (CMC).
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
Hosts plan
extra
activities
Many post race activities arc in
the works. A volleyball tournament
will once again take place. The
organizers want you to start putting
your volleyball team together so
you can participate in the fun.
Also taking place will be a com
roast, community camp fire and for
those with aching bones and mus
cles, massage services will be
available.
Kcri Meyers, a popular country
singer is playing al 8 p.m. Lonny
Chicago from London is playing
Saturday after fashion show.
For the Lee family of Walton,
motocross is definitely a family
affair.
Chris Lee, the father of racers
Brett and Matt has been involved in
motocross racing since the 1970's.
Mr. Lee still races in the "senior"
divisions, but spends considerable
time organizing and promoting the
Trans Can National Motocross
Championship which takes place
on his farm outside of Walton from
Aug. 18 to 21.
Brett, 19, and Matt Lee, 18, have
passed on their interest in the sport
to friends and neighbours.
Cousins, Jake, 16, and Tim Lee,
9, of Stratford have taken up the
sport. This will be Tim's first year
of racing, but Jake had already
made a name for himself after only
three races on the circuit last year.
Tracy Bisback of Seaforth was a
classmate of the Lee brothers and
heard many tales about their
favourite pasttime. After watching
some events, Tracy decided to give
it a try. Experienced in show jump
ing horses, Tracy says this may
have given her a sense of confi
dence and ability to race motocross.
Many of the movements are similar
when trying to maintain balance
and control.
She has participated in four races
so far and says she usually places
fourth or fifth.
Tracy says, "Racing is a lot of
fun and the people that travel the
circuit are a great group of racers."
Neighbour Robbie Mitchell, 13,
was also influenced by the Lees.
After watching the brothers practise
in the field and viewing video
tapes, Robbie became involved.
This will be his second year of rac
ing.
Another local family to take up
the sport is the Wernhams from
Walton. At present, two boys from
the family are participating, Lome,
and Steven.
Chris Lee says motocross is a
sport the whole family can be
involved in. "It is a sport teenagers
actually ask their parents to stay
involved in," he says. It is a great
way to have a family outing where
everyone can participate. There are
classes for the very youngest to the
over 40 crowd and for ladies.
There are events across North
America every weekend and the
number a racer takes part in
depends only on the distances trav
elled, says Mr. Lee.
Congratulations to
the hosts & participants
of the
1994 TRANS NATIONAL
MOTOCROSS
CHAMPIONSHIPS
From the council of the
Township
of Grey
Qood Luc/<J
The Village of
Brussels & Brussels P.U.C.
WELCOME ALL
MOTOCROSS RIDERS
TO OUR AREA!
BRUSSELS^
COUNTRY
INN
Welcomes all participants and
visitors to our area.
fEnjoy one of our homemade specialties^
in our cozy country atmosphere.
• Daily Lunch & Dinner Specials
• Friday lunch, buffet Including salad bar $5.95
^Sunday evening full smorgasbord $9.95
Accommodations in our lovely rooms & suites
(Early bookings recommended)
Weekend Entertainment August 19 & 20
y
Southern Comfort
887-9035Brussels
WELCOME TO WALTON
Be sure to
visit us for...
...GROCERIES,
ICE,
CIGARETTES,
SOFT DRINKS, GATORADE
& MORE
Pay Telephone located outside the store
Open ‘til 9:00 p.m.
WALTON COUNTRY STORE
WALTON 887-9335
TRY OUR DELICIOUS
HOMEMADE
LARGE 14.50
MEDIUM 12.00
SMALL 8.50
PRICE INCLUDES YOUR
CHOICE OF TOPPINGS
Pepperoni, mushrooms, green peppers,
onions, ham, bacon, sausage, pineapple,
ground beef, olives & hot peppers.
OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK
887-6951BRUSSELS