RJ’s Offroad Ontario XC #3 Photo Report

Posted on June 3, 2013 by cecile

Offroad Ontario XC #3 is in the books as racers tackled the course looking to build points towards the 2013 provincial series. Event photos can be found HERE.

The 16 km track led the riders through fast, open straights, flowing single track, pine trees, sticky mud and the motocross track. Because of the course length the morning class completed an average of 4 laps while the pros on a slightly altered course logged in 6 laps. This made for a very scheduled and organised photo session as I knew I was not going to see the riders often. So, to maximise time and run an efficient shoot I decided to stay of the trails and take advantage of the track. Not only was it a treat to work the track but it was real nice not getting attacked by trail side mosquitos and poison ivy which I know runs rampant at RJ’s.!

Once again, thank you for taking the time to visit my blog and if you are purchasing, or thinking of purchasing photos, please know that before I approve any photo I make sure its ready to go by making final adjustments to crops, colours etc. In particular, for the PM riders please note that the photos taken on the downhill side of the table top can be cropped either vertical or horizontal. I cropped them horizontal as I liked the look but they can be reverted back to normal.

On a different note, I really appreciate those people who take the time to acquire a photo through the proper channels. Just saying that when I upload photos for my photo reports it does not give you the right to lift them. I wouldn’t dream of helping myself to your stuff that’s left out in the open. Thanks for your understanding.

Thanks to the OCMC and the OO crews for another fine event!! Already looking forward to next weeks double header. BTW, don’t forget to follow me on my Facebook page under Cecile Gambin Photography for current updates.

© Cecile Gambin Photography — Elmo Rutnik looking sharp on the flip side of the table top.

Offroad Ontario XC #2 MotoPark Photo Report

Posted on May 27, 2013 by cecile

Offroad Ontario XC #2 held at MotoPark, Chatsworth, Ontario this past weekend is in the bag and all event photos can be found HERE.

I have fond memories of MotoPark having first visited back in the mid-90’s for the XC Mountain Bike Provincial Championships. I think I ‘podium-ed’ so was happy. However, my second visit last year dampered my spirits as the rock laden course broke my back (not quite literally but close enough). Unable to finish the race I was faced with the daunting task of walking back to my car, loading my bike and driving back home in excruciating pain. My downfall was from coming back too early from a previous injury, setting me back for another 3-4 months. A hard lesson learned. This is my type course – rocky, flowing and technical. But I remember all too well the pain, sleepless nights and not being able to chase after my then 2 year old that I turned to my camera instead of my bike this time around and made sure I had a full bottle of Advil in my car. Just in case.

Juggling for the holeshot is always risky and this long fast straight made for some exciting action shots at the start line at the morning race. — Juggling for the hole shot is always risky and this long fast straight made for some exciting action shots at the start line of the morning race.

Rocks everywhere even when you least expect it. Solid rocks, baby heads, moving rocks...at least they were dry. — Rocks everywhere even when you least expect it. Solid rocks, baby heads, moving rocks…at least they were dry. Terry S. showing us how to ride the line cleanly.

In the afternoon race similar carnage took action this time that nasty metal and plastic crunch was heard ejecting the rider off his bike.

Rider #538 pinned under another riders bike after his spectacular chute from his Yamaha. — Rider #538 pinned under # 548’s bike after his spectacular chute from his Yamaha.

Thankfully no one was injured and the race continued.

Laying it sideways and taking home the gold. Congrats to Wojo for a hard fought race.

Once again the folks at Halton Off Road Riders Association (HORRA) and Offroad Ontario (OO) put on another successful event. For complete results please log onto OO’s website (see link above) and enter their forum. Over 140 riders turned out for this years race and those who spent the time working out this winter were most likely rewarded with a podium finish. This is a punishing course! Don’t forget to release the air out of your suspension as they will have had a major workout.

Congratulations extended to Brian Wojnarowski for taking top honours in the Pro Mens Class. And as always, kudos to the numerous volunteers needed to run events such as these!

On the Road with Trail Tours – Photo Report

Posted on May 24, 2013 by cecile

With my rather heavy camera bag slung over my shoulders I dutifully followed Steve Weykamp and his staff down the overgrown single track with promises that I was going to love the next section of the ‘tour’. Steve did not disappoint as the trail opened up to turquoise waters, sandy white beaches and large pebble rocks. A throwback in time to my visits to Australia and Baja, Mexico. Stunningly though, I was in neither. Instead I was in Ontario and on the road with Trail Tours Dirt Bike & ATV School.

Expecting rain clouds anytime the sun shone brightly in defiance of the looming haze in the distance. I quickly took out my camera and started shooting. I can ride later…this was too beautiful…of epic proportions.

Ontario Trilliums - Ontario's provincial flower. — Ontario Trilliums – Ontario’s provincial flower.

This is not your typical Canadian Shield ride or endless pine tree single track tour. This is probably not common terrain you are used to riding and an advanced riding skill set is suggested. I urge you to give Steve a shout and book a tour with him and some of your buddies to discover this secret oasis. The stunning vistas, the good times with friends, the challenging ride and the expert and knowledgeable staff at Trail Tours will make for a great adventure. Although I was on official photography business I was not disappointed in my ride and nor will you.

Offroad Ontario & NTR Colborne XC Photo Report

Posted on May 19, 2013February 4, 2016 by cecile

It’s official – The 2013 Offroad Ontario’s XC season has begun with a very well organised and fun course hosted by The Northumberland Trail Riders (NTR).

For event photos please click HERE.

Hamming it up before the start of the afternoon race.

As always, I thank you very much for stopping by my blog and hopefully reading it, saying hello on the trails and for your support. Your purchase allows me to service my photography equipment – nothing is impervious to dust and rain – as well as to help me get to the next race. I take my photography very seriously and I strive to capture the essence of riding and racing while showcasing our beautiful province. Photography to me is an art form and riding is just plain fun!

Over 175 riders came out to the first OO race of the season.

New timing system that even allows us to check out the action live via mobile device!

While pre-riding Saturday night this friendly horse came up to me and posed for a short photo session. — While pre-riding Saturday night this friendly horse came up to me and posed for a short photo session after he had his fill of nuzzling my helmet. Guess he was looking for carrots!

Ripping up the trails with Ladies A rider Jill Carney.

Racing through a barn makes this one classic, and fun, event. Thank you to the Cochrane's for inviting us over to your beautiful property!! — Racing through a barn makes this one classic, and fun, event. Thank you to the Cochrane’s for inviting us over to your beautiful property!!

As always, kudos to all the OO, NTR and countless other volunteers for having made this race a reality. Rider feedback was very positive with quite a few saying this was their favourite race venue!

Cecile

Getting Schooled with Trail Tours, OCMC and ODSC

Posted on May 11, 2013February 4, 2016 by cecile

It was a busy day at the Ganaraska Forest as OCMC, ODSC and Trail Tours held three different schools on May 11, 2013. CGP was on hand to catch the action for all three groups.

All event photos can be found HERE. Click on the 2013 album and find the appropriate album according to your instructor.

If you’ve ever wanted to learn how to ride a bike and don’t have the equipment you owe it to yourself to check out Trail Tours. Steve Weycamp, owner, and his staff offer excellent instruction catered to the beginner right up to the seasoned rider looking for tips on how to become a more efficient and faster rider. This weekend, Trail Tours hosted ODSC as well as their own group for on-hand riding clinics.

OCMC Enduro School Rider, James, learning the secrets to riding like a pro.

OCMC also offered a clinic geared towards the enduro rider. Brian Wojonarowski, John Head and Blair Sharpless led riders through various skills teaching the finer points of riding enduros with the ultimate goal of becoming a faster competitor. This was a perfect lead into Sundays Mini Pine, an 85 km enduro and second race of Offroad Ontario’s Provincial Championship Enduro Series.

Eager Trail Tour Riders waiting for instruction and their Honda ride.

As for CGP, well I ended up racing the Mini-Pine as I realised I forgot a key component to my flash as I was driving along the 401 Sunday morning. In reality I could have taken photos without the flash but I knew we’d be deep in the woods and really wanted the colours to pop. And, frankly, I don’t do half-a$$ jobs so if I’m going to do something I do it right. Making my decision to race an easy one. And boy, did I have fun!! Plus, my friends, and fellow off-road instructors Jamie Kowitz, Tammie Wilson and Allison Grummet were there in full action. These ladies can shred!

Kudos to the Offroad Ontario and OCMC crew for putting together a great race. I believe over 200 riders came out regardless of the wacky weather and were greeted by lots of rocks, roots and whoops. Fun stuff! Although I will admit that my triceps are sore from the deep whoops.

Photo Credit: Mark. Mini Pine 2013 Ladies A – Tammie, Cecile, Jaime

Next up is the first XC race of the season in Colborne, Ontario. Check out NTR’s website for more race information. CGP will be on hand with camera this time so clean that bike and gear and smile for the camera!

Rally Connex Spring Training 2013 Photo Report

Posted on May 6, 2013 by cecile

For riders interested in handling big and small off-road bikes in challenging terrain Rally Connex’s ‘Spring Training’ is a must. On Sunday, May 5 Rally Connex took an assortment of dual-sport bikes and led them over obstacles that are typically found while off-roading. From gravel roads to full-on mud pits…the Spring Training session provided confidence, skills and techniques to conquer life without pavement. CGP was on hand for the event, racing between the big bikes and their smaller counter parts with a loaded backpack and my trusty KTM. For photos of the event please click HERE.

Rally Connex CGP-5 — The riders begin to assemble for a lesson on gravel turns and slow off-camber turns.

Rally Connex CGP-3 — Negotiating the extra long deeply rutted mud hole.

Learning to ride a long, steep downhill in control.

Rally Connex CGP — A KTM950 riding down what is a hill. Impressive to say the least. Not only was this hill steep it was long and intimidating.

Lee Martin demonstrating how to get started again on a hill after a fall. — Lee Martin demonstrating how to pick up your bike back and point it in the right direction (i.e. down the hill) safely after a tumble.

Learn to read and decipher your GPS for some off the pavement fun.

Rally Connex CGP-7 — Rally Connex instructor Laura ripping up the obstacle course with ease.

A message from Lee, Rally Connex instructor: 'come out, learn and have fun!' — A message from Lee Martin, Rally Connex instructor: ‘come out, learn and have fun!’

Rally Connex CGP-6 — In good hands with the Rally Connex instructors.

Included in the day was a chance to learn to ride rock piles, long steep hills, logs of various sizes, mud holes, and handling slow turns in both slick and off-camber situations. Riders also learned how to use, and navigate using a GPS unit including must have tips and tricks. Rally Connex put on a superb event that was well organised and taught. Whether your goal is to improve your riding skill set or to feel more at ease on a 500lb behemoth this is one class you should make a point to attend next year.

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Trials with Jordan Szoke and Dan Johnson

Posted on April 29, 2013February 4, 2016 by cecile

Jordan Szoke and Dan Johnson are numbers 1 and 2 respectively in Canada, and I was stoked to have them as my trials instructors this past weekend.

Organised by Bob Billyard, the skills clinics were held for novice to advanced riders and included a mixture of young, and the ‘young at heart’. The advanced session was held Saturday while the instruction on Sunday was reserved for children, and novice trial riders. Although I consider myself a seasoned veteran with some decent skills on the trails I would not classify myself as an advanced trials rider, and so chose to attend Sundays instruction. I have owned a trials bike for over 10 years (funny enough – it used to belong to Jordan’s dad) and have dabbled with trials here and there. The majority of the time though I simply love to ride my trials bike through the trails for it light weight, excellent traction and fun factor.

The ratio between instructors to riders was high insuring participants a high level of learning. I did not know what to expect and came into the clinics wishing to boost my confidence level and up my skills, especially clutch control. Combined with a great practice area and a high quality of instruction I was able to achieve my goals. The track set up was great – allowing us to grow with each new set of drills. There were easy lines and more challenging ones – logs, hills, rocks, boulder, sand, off-camber lines, more logs, tight tree turns were some of the obstacles for us to use.

My personal hang-ups was the log at the top of the short but steep hill which caused me to flip my bike with me tumbling back down the hill breaking my kill switch and ripping off my rear fender in the process. There was also the rock face we had to climb – it was a small rock but large enough to spit me off my bike. Despite this school has never been so much fun.

Lunch was included and during our water breaks Dan and Jordan turned on the heat and gave us a wicked side-show. The only better ones to watch were the young kids zooming, and hopping along on their OSSA electric bikes. It was cool to see both our current and our future riders in action.

A huge thank you goes to Bob Billyard for organising the clinics. Bob is a distributor for OSSA trials bikes, and a vast assortment of trials gear such as top-ranked Gaerne boots, and Airoh helmets. A wide gamut of sizes of sizes are carried – from children to adults – so I was stoked to find out that he could order me a pair of size 5, or 6 mens trials boots. I’ve been wanting a pair for a long time and can’t wait to get my feet in them. I’ve also got my eye on a sweet Airoh helmet, with matching red pants and jerseys. Feel good, look good and ride good…it’s all good in my books!!

See you next year!

I’d like to say this is me but Dan Johnson, also a Trials des Nations’ Canadian Team Member may have something to say about that.

2013 Beagle Bash Enduro & Trail Ride Photo Report

Posted on April 22, 2013February 4, 2016 by cecile

The off-road season in Ontario has now officially started with the completion of the 2013 Beagle Bash Enduro and Trail Ride. Click here to view PHOTOS of this fun annual LVDR event.

Despite the cool temps over 100 eager off-roaders drove to beautiful Norfolk-Haldimand counties to find hidden forests teeming with sweet single track. As for me…the bright sunny blue skies were no match for my new almighty flash that I purchased this winter. Yes…I sold my Suzuki 2002 GS500 and bought a flash and with the money left over I was happy to be able to contribute to the household income by putting dinner on the table for a few nights! I realised I do not have the time to ride my road bike with two young children and if I do have the time I would rather it be on the dirt. I am a dirty chick through and through 😉

Thanks to Doug Kent of the Lynn Valley Dirt Riders club I was able to pre-ride part of the course the day before in an effort to better plan my day for the big event. Although my KTM 200 did not like the 1C, flying snow and high winds we had on Saturday (nor me for that matter), we were liking the flowing trails and tacky soil. Sadly though, as much as I tried to plan for taking photos of all rider, I was not able to due to the different starting times and options on the course. To those riders that I missed I apologise. I do my best to plan my routes efficiently but sometimes, logistically, I just cannot be in two places at once.

For the 2013 year CGP will be on hand at most Ontario Off-Road events (trail rides, enduros and XC) in an effort to record the fun times and great trails that are available throughout our province. Thanks to all the LVDR riders, and countless other volunteers who selfishly donate their time to bring great events. I would also like to personally take this time to thank Mike Van Hove for his assistance Saturday. As always, if you purchase a photo I thank you in advance as this helps me get to the next event.

The Beagle Bash was a great kick off to this years riding season. Let the fun begin. Braaaap!

2013 Beagle Bash Enduro & Trail Ride

Posted on April 15, 2013 by cecile

The 2013 Beagle Bash Enduro and Trail Ride is only a few days away. For many it will be the first ride of the season…especially after this unusually cold weather where Old Man Winter has not wanted to hand over the reigns to Spring.

Cecile Gambin Photography will be there, somewhere, in the trails. I’m heading out Saturday with hopes to find a few spots for photos. Thank you to Doug Kent of the Lynn Valley Dirt Riders for hooking me up with directions. I’ve ridden the Beagle Bash several times in the past and I can tell you that it will feel great to swing a leg over the bike and ripping up the trails.

New this year is the start line which will be held at The Langton Community Centre, 28 Albert St., Langton, Ontario. For more information and to pre-register for the trail ride or the enduro please click here. Thanks to the good people at LVDR for their making the 2013 years enduro and trail ride happening!!

See you soon!

Cecile Gambin Photography ready for the 2013 Ontario Off-Road Season

Posted on March 23, 2013 by cecile

Offroad Ontario Algonquin Trail Ride — Taking five at the Algonquin 2 day ride

Homage to Ice 2012 — Whether at the races for fun or for competition it’s always great to be riding with buddies.

The 2013 Ontario Off-road riding season is soon upon us and personally I cannot wait! An opportunity to share good times with friends, ride a new trail and become one with the bike. I am also looking forward to riding the trails with my camera gear in tow searching for those perfect action shots. I have many plans this summer and, hopefully, some good news to share in a few weeks. In the meantime, Cecile Gambin Photography will be out in full force this season at most of the off road and cycling events throughout our great province. So, don’t forget to ham it up when you see my lens and say ‘hello’!