HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Goderich Signal-Star, 2009-11-18, Page 31Sports
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The Coderlch Signal -Star
Sports Editor -- Gerard Creces email:gsssports@bowesnet.com
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
on-line: www.goderichsignalstar.com
Photos contributed
At left, Sillib idles at the starting line for a race at Gopher Dunes. Above, the spoils
of victory - Landen was awarded second place in the Thames Valley Riders tyke
beginner fall series.
Seven-year-old racer takes motocross points trophy
signal -star staff
Grand Bend, Walton, Tilsonburg, Pais-
ley Auburn, Thamesford, London.
Seven-year-old motocross racer Landen
Sillib has had quite an eventful summer.
But what is it all about?
"Just riding my dirtbike," the Colborne
student said.
He's been doing far more than that, how-
ever. Landen placed second in the Thames
Valley Riders' tyke beginner fall series,
and took a first place in Grand Bend.
Sillib said he's been riding dirtbikes for
three years and racing for two. He rides a
Lem, because "they're fast."
Getting into the sport required some ad-
justment, he said "just like learning how
to ride a horse."
Sillib said racing was "kinda scary" at
the start, but once you get over the starting
line, you get used to it.
He said his success is due to plenty of
practice - two hours a day - and spends
time fixing his bike up in the off-season
with his father and mechanic, Mike.
"He's a good rider," Mike said about
Landen. "He doesn't go more than he
should. He has the odd little bump and
crash but nothing serious yet."
And now, his trophy is nearly as tall as
he is.
The races are geared to a child's abil-
ity, rather than age. In order to advance a
division, you have to be able to handle it.
Next year, Landen will be moving up to
intermediate.
He's been clocked at a mean 41 kilome-
tres an hour, and said there is nowhere to
go but up.
"All the way to supercross," he said.
When in a race, he said it's important
to focus on what is in front of you. The
young racer said he keeps an eye out for
stones, and looks out for what ruts are the
fastest.
He also keeps his speed steady and
knows where he's going.
"I didn't really do anything different,"
he said of his successes. "I just done the
same thing I did all the races, practice a
lot."
Part of that practice routine involves
taking time on his own track.
"We built a track this year at grandma
and grandpa's place," he said.
"That was a lot of work," Mike said.
"But it's a lot of fun. You get to meet new
friends, and seeing the kids con[peting is
interesting"
He said at Landen's age, the racing isn't
taken too seriously so it is a good chance
to work on his skills.
However, there are few opportunities for
Landen to watch dirtbike racing at home.
"Ninety per cent of the time it is on at 10
at night," Mike said. "He's seven he's got
school tomorrow."
Which is why they appreciate when
people get it. Landen has already gotten
sponsorship from Dynamic Effects, who
helped him rebuild his bike in the spring.
"It's greatly appreciated when people
like that do help out,"Mike said.
In the meantime, Landen is looking
ahead to next season, tuning up and get-
ting his bike ready for the track, showing
with a little torque even a small boy can
get big results.