Offroad Ontario XC #2 MotoPark Photo Report

© Cecile Gambin Photography 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.
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.
Thankfully no one was injured and the race continued.
Always a treat to watch the afternoon classes climb the deeply rutted, rocky rooted uphill.
Laying it sideways and taking home the gold. Congrats to Wojo for a hard fought race.
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!