Well, we're officially in the season now, and while I've been a little slack in my postings, I have been active on the trails. Whether you follow Off Road Ontario or the World Enduro Canada series, you've already started your season, and probably seen me in the trees at either Port Colborne, MotoPark or Colborne. It's shaping up to be an exciting season.
So what's happening in the OO XC?
Well, we're now two rounds in. We've had Port Colborne (pictures) and Colborne (pictures).
Josh Long, a former top three prov. intermediate motocross rider in the CMRC, has stepped into the world of Off Road Ontario, challenging #1 rider Mike Vandenhoek and his Husaberg along side perenial trouble maker Brian Wojnarowski, making the shift from a YZ 250 two-stroke to the big YZF 450 four-stroke.
Stirring it up in the Expert class, the Jones brothers, sons of Vet Ex rider Jamie Jones, are tag teaming the podium, while Jed Franko continues to be a strong pressence in the Intermediate, with Ian Otten close behing him. Connor Brogan has one more year representing the Novice A before moving up to the afternoon program, while fellow Husqvarna rider Zack Tustin, has already made the move. The Head family, Emily, Melissa and momma Kathleen, have been dominating the ladies' class, going 1-2-3 at both rounds. Ryder Heacock, legacy son of Pro Dustin Heacock, continues to shake things up in the Youth class. At only 12, that boy can fly! Look out, if he keeps up on this track, he might be a force to be reconed with in 4 years.
And the WEC/Wisner Insurace Cross Country series?
Well, the season opener at MotoPark (pictures) saw a whole bunch of fresh faced Pros line up, all hoping to take the #1 plate away from Misson Cycle/KTM rider Kevin Cockayne. Joining the usual suspects, Brian Wojnarowski and Bryan Marshall, were Jamie West, Jesse Grummett and Greg Filer. The Pro podium went Wojo, Filer, Cockayne, with Bryan Marshall finishing just off the box, but still receiving a piece of the Pro Payback.
Notably absent is Chris Van Hove. The former CMA National Champion, and almost 2010 CEC E1 Champion, has moved to Alberta, and will be competing with the best in the west, bringing a little bit of Eastern Flash to the short native grasses of southern Alberta. Van Hove has picked up a two year deal with Gas Gas, which will see the Delhi native rider the Spanish monsters in the E3 class against titans such as Geoff "King of E3" Nelson.
More national news to come.
For more information about pictures, or to purchase pictures, please email me at showie@mail.com
