Road Trip to the IOTMX Nationals

Half way through the OTMX International motocross series are two of the most fun and scenic races on the calendar. With the races back to back this year and the California summer going through one of its notorious hot spells ( 110+ in Sacramento) it seemed like a great time take advantage of the schedule that allows us 40 and older racers to escape to the Northwest and ride the national track at Washougal one weekend and then the fabulous track at Agassiz in British Columbia the next.

With July 4^th falling on a Thursday this year it made for a great travel day and we were able to arrive at Washougal with enough time to set up the motor home and enjoy a barbeque and then check out the neighbors who surround the track personal fireworks displays.

Friday was a great day to get the feel of the track and watch as the promoter’s crew of seasoned track preparers work their magic. With the AMA motocross national two weeks after the OTMX race it allows the Huffman’s to check their improvements and allows us to race on a seriously prepared track. Lots of new top soil was excavated from the back side of the track and moved into the areas in need of a little more traction. The result was one of the best Washougal tracks in memory.

Saturday arrived with a cloud cover that lasted until after 1 PM. As a result of the cloud cover very little water was needed to be added during the day and the track surface remained good throughout. None of the famous Washougal slide for life brought on by a recently watered hard pack section. The surfaces did get very rough especially the areas before the new step up jump by the starting line and the straight going up to the big step up jump on the backside of the track.  All and all it was just a great track that any motocross rider would love to get a chance to race on. The competition was great also. The only unfortunate incident I witnessed was the second turn crash in the 50 expert race that took out Carl Chadwick and John Kocher. It was a scary moment with bikes flipping around in a crowded pack of riders. Similar to some of the wrecks at this year’s Tour De France only with more force.

Sunday was more of the same. Cloudy until 1 PM and then picture perfect weather for the rest of the day. Over 300 riders participated over the weekend and all seemed to have a great time.

As we were going on to BC we stayed over at the track until Monday. After departing Washougal we had a few days to kill and it gave me a chance to make up for the work my wife did getting the motor home ready for the trip. Oregon and Washington have some great beaches. We especially liked the one at Cape Disappointment camp ground on the Washington side of the Colombia River. Nice camp ground and lots of roads to ride bicycles on. Just the trick to work out the kinks in your leg muscles after five hard motos over the previous weekend. Another side trip I suggest you consider is checking out Victoria on Vancouver Island. Lots to see with great seafood restaurants and chocolates at Bernard Callebaut.

Another Thursday travel day had us arriving at the track in Agassiz in the late afternoon. Amazing BC weather made the travel great and made it worthwhile to check out Minter Gardens which are located near the freeway off ramp to the track. The track itself backs up to a wooded mountain side that creates an exceptional back drop to one of the great OTMX tracks on the circuit. No doubles, but a series of well-designed table top jumps create the best moto roller coaster I can imagine. For those who have not been to the track it was the one that Honda used to film the Come Ride Us TV commercial several years ago that featured Jeremy McGrath doing a nac nac.

Friday was a good opportunity to work out the legs with a bicycle ride to Harrison Hot Springs where we were able to enjoy the natural hot springs and then walk the art and crafts displays set up along the lake. Just a pleasant day that also allowed the riders to relearn the track by walking the circuit several times while Don Tochers crew finalized preparation for the race.

More amazing weather greeted us Saturday. Having experienced some of the local liquid sunshine in the past this year actual had a small amount of dust. The race itself went off very smoothly. Mark Kastner continued his winning ways in the 50 Master class and Brian Sharp made a clean sweep of the 50 Expert class. Both put in flawless rides, but everyone who competed came away better for the experience as the track was just plain fun. Again it had some nice table tops, several tall bowl turns and serious straight away that kept you entertained all day.

I know I will back next year if the schedule follows this year’s pattern. I suggest you consider the trip as it is both relaxing and allows you get the moto fix we all need.

Barry Chandler - Sierra OT Club

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