National Pride 2010

Suzanne Howie

books; the 2010 edition of World Enduro Canada/Royal Distributings Canadian Enduro Championship, presented by Parts Canada is over. Boy was it an amazing ride! Bigger and better than last year, once again, I was lucky enough to be along for the ride again. It started at Machine Racing, in Sharon, Ontario, where the Captain, aka Yamaha/Machine Racings Brian Wojo Wojnarowski, and I set out on our 50 hour journey from Ontario to Blairmore, Alberta. Between Blairmore and Penticton, BC, I accompanied another group of Ontarians, Lockharts Suzuki rider Chris Van Hove and Machine Honda rider Bryan Swampy Marshall. Parry Sound is the local round, a mere two and a half hours from home, it was an easy solo ride up Thursday evening. For Labelle, Quebec, I was reunited with travel buddy Swampy. We must be cursed. Last year, while travelling to Labelle, we got lost and almost ended up on the Oka Ferry (except it was midnight, and the ferry was closed). This time, on the way home, we were stuck in an extra three hours worth of traffic! These photos were gained from the eight rounds of the series, and there are pictures that span the Pro and Amateur classes. I hope you enjoy these photos as much as I do.

Well, another one is in the

Blairmore

Lovely Ladies:

Left to Right: Victoria Hett, Jillian Bolso, Karla Brandt, Almeda Rive and Suzanne Pelletier, with seven month old baby Jacob.

Where: Blairmore/Coleman, Alberta When: July 3 and 4

Rounds 1 & 2

Elevation: 4,400 feet above sea level Terrain: Rocky Mountains; rough, jagged rocks. Lots of pine trees. It snowed Sunday. Memorable Racing Moment: Watching Shane Watts ride; hes a man of incredible talent and skill. Memorable Non Racing Moment: Getting lost on a mountain for six hours with Wojo. Sorry, no, getting rescued from the mountain after being lost for six hours with Wojo.

Marty -The Party- Halmazna:

Marty the Party Halmazna rode the big Husqvarna E3 bike in Alberta and BC. And whether he was busting a move in the pits (left) or busting out some smooth moves on the track (right) he rocked the TLD gear, unique on the Husqvarna Team, who wore Extreme Gear this year.

Adam -Cheeseburger- Millson:

The 2009 CEC Eastern Amateur A Class Champion, Millson moved up to the big time, joining Yamaha/Machine Racings Brian Wojnarowski in the big rig. Blue 22 had a pretty good rookie season, finishing 11th overall.

Ryan -ThunderGraffunder

Seeing

The name Graffunder has been getting a lot of press lately, and while cousin Cory might be partially to credit, brothers Ryan and Nick are doing their bit on the home front. While Cory is out exploring the Carpathian Mountains and battling in the bar to bar action of the AMA Endurocross series, these two brothers have been ripping it up at home.

Double

Nick Graffunder -the LumberjackOlder brother Nick puts the power to the ground in the E1 class, while Ryan represents the family name in the E2 class, taking home the Inside Motorcycles Top Junior award in 2009. Coming into 2010 he had his eyes set on the prize for the second year in a row. After a phenomenal run in Alberta, he was well positioned to claim that prize.

Shane Watts - the Man from Oz:

Last year, fast Aussie Jake Stapleton tore up the E2 class aboard a Yamaha/Machine Racing ride, this year Shane Watts ripped it up in Alberta aboard his kangaroo KTM.

Factory Phil - Philippe Chaine

Philippe Chaine came all the way from Quebec to compete in the E1 class, with his eyes set on the Championship. He wasnt alone. Chris Van Hove, Ryan Durkee, Jared Thomas and Nick Graffunder were also chasing that dream.

Eric Demoulin

Adam Millson

Chris Van Hove

Ryan Graffunder

Brian Wojnarowski

Jack Sawatzky

Ryan Durkee (left) and Ryan Graffunder (right) both came into the series with the intention of putting their names on the podium, as well as earning the title of Top Pro Junior, and the $500 prize put up by Inside Motorcycle magazine.

Legends in the Making...

Jack Sawatzky - Little Bike; Big Fight

Alberta is known for being home to big bikes. The E3 riders are the big boys on campus, with the E1 class populated mostly by eastern riders who made the trek. Jack Sawatzky is one of few E1 riders to ride out of the Prairie Rose province.

Geoff Nelson - King of E3

Geoff Nelson, former ISDE competitor, is no stranger to the big bikes. In 2009 the British Columbia native raced E3 and came second to then teammate Jason Schrage. In 2010, Schrage signed with Honda and moved to the E2 class. Nelson swept the western E3 podiums, but was unable to push Schrage off the top spot at home.

Mark Cahill - Vet Pro Champ

Mark Cahill was the only defending Pro Class champion racing in the western rounds. Jason Schrage, who won E3 in 2009, had moved to E2, Patrick Beaule, the E1 champion, could not make the trip out, and Bobby Prochnau, reigning #1 plate holder and E2 champion was out with an injury. Cahill, a former trials champion, rode to his first truly national championship last year. He was also known for saying Were Pros too! when the often over looked Vet Pro class was just that, over looked.

Ben Rego

Jason Schrage

Shane Watts

Bryan Marshall

Cody Bykerk

Kevin Pelletier

Stephen Foord

Adam Millson

Brian Wojnarowski

Ryan Graffunder

Nick Graffunder

Mark Cahill

Guy -G-Rox- Giroux

The firey Frenchman from Quebec didnt have the best of finishes in the west. His short legs didnt seem to be conducive to the rocky terrain of the rugged Rocky Mountains. That said, he still had fun.

1 - Jason Schrage, HON 2 - Ryan Graffunder, HSQ 3 - Ryan Durkee, KTM 4 - Shane Watts, KTM 5 - Geoff Nelson, KTM

Top Finishers Rnd #1

1 - Jason Schrage, HON 2 - Shane Watts, KTM 3 - Ryan Graffunder, HSQ 4 - Geoff Nelson, KTM 5 - Ryan Durkee, KTM

Top Finishers Rnd #2

Penticton

Where: Penticton, British Columbia When: July 10 and 11 Elevation: 1,263 feet above sea level in town; 7,187 feet above sea level on mountain Terrain: Again, very mountainous, but this time no snow. The moto test had lots of natural elevation changes, but the enduro test was a bit extreme for some. Memorable Racing Moment: Adam Millson throwing a heel clicker in the moto test in round 4, but no one catching it on film because we were all looking in the wrong direction. Memorable Non Racing Moment: The Sasquatch; nothing says BC like Big Foot!

Rounds 3 &4

Whip It Out!

The whip is the oldest trick in the book, and here we see three different variations on it from an enduro riders perspective.

Chris Van Hove

For 2010 Van Hove traded in his 450f for a 250 and took on the E1 class aboard his Lockharts Suzuki.. The young rider from Delhi, Ontario, enjoyed much more success in the E1 class than he did the previous year, earning himself a spot on the podium in six of the eight rounds.

Ask riders what they think of when they hear the word Penticton, and youll get one of two answers: Moto Test or Extreme Test. The moto test was mostly unchanged from the previous year. There were a few rerouted parts, but the ski jumps and double were the same. I dont know, people say these Hondas like to fly, Im inclined to disagree, said series leader Jason Schrage. Apparently Yamahas have no issue jumping; Yamaha/Machine Racings Adam Millson even did a heel clicker off the ski jump!

A Tale of

Two Tests

For 2010 the crew changed the location of the Extreme Test, putting it in the old dumping grounds. Riders came down through the trees, over the infamous teeter totters and jersey barriers, through some more trees, over the concrete culverts that were such a hit last year, through a debris pile, into a mud filled tire pit, into a water section, before finally reaching the rock garden. After the rocks it was a quick shot to the finish of the test through some tight trees and sticky mud.

Tire Trouble

Enduro riders are up for any challenge you put in front of them. A tire pit? No problem. Mud hole? Sure! Childs play. Put them together? To make things interesting, and to keep their reputation as having the toughest Extreme Test in the series, the men behind the Penticton round dreamt up a special kind of horror for the riders. The mud filled tire pit was only one part of a very tough test.

Brian -Wojo- Wojnarowski:

Also known as: Captain Stress, the Captain, Wrinks and any other number of aliases. Wojo is the front man for Team Yamaha/Machine Racing Off Road. An experienced rider, Wojo has raced moto, enduro, hare scrambles, the ISDE, enduro cross, trials and Xtinction. .

Brent Shane Eric Kroeker Cuthbertson Demoulin

Clint Riviere

Bryan Marshall

Marty Halmazna

Mark Cahill

Ryan Graffunder

Ryan - Wonder Boy- Durkee

In 2009 Ryan Durkee took the E2 class by storm aboard his Suzuki RM250. For 2010, the fast 17 year old rider mounted an RTR KTM and charged the E1 class. Mentor and good friend Bobby Prochnau, expected big things from the young BC native, and he didn`t disappoint. Durkee competed in all four western rounds, sweeping the E1 podium, and was the only E1 rider to break into the top ten overall in the mountains.

Shane -Moose- Cuthbertson

One of the original off road riders who put Canada on the map, Shane Cuthbertson has had a long and distinguished career, having raced Romaniacs, Erzberg, the ISDE on several occasions, Red Bulls Last Man Standing and, of course, the prestigious Canadian hare scramble, Corner Grass and the first running of the Canadian Extreme Enduro, Xtinction.

1 - Jason Schrage, HON 2 - Geoff Nelson, KTM 3 - Shane Cuthbertson, HBG 4 - Ryan Durkee, KTM 5 - Ryan Graffunder, HSQ

Top Finishers Rnd #3

1 - Jason Schrage, HON 2 - Shane Cuthbertson, HBG 3 - Geoff Nelson, KTM 4 - Brian Wojnarowski, YAM 5 - Julian Cerny, KTM

Top Finishers Rnd #4

From Left to Right: Jared Thomas, Paul Andratis, Bruce Moffatt, Chris Donald, Rob Hewitt, Ben Rego, Paul Lachance, Dave Nelson, Kevin Cockayne, Geoff Nelson, Clark Peters, Jean Pellerin, Phillipe Chaine, Adam Millson, Chris Van Hove, Alexander Lagault, Ryan Gauld, Jason Schrage, Bryan Marshall, Guy Giroux, Clint Riviere, Ryan Graffunder, Nick Graffunder, Paul Petrin, Shane Cuthbertson, Lee Fryberger, Brian Wojnarowski and Julian Cerny.

Parry Sound

When: September 11 and 12

Rounds 5 & 6

Elevation: 832 feet above sea level Terrain: Much of the course was carved out of quarry, so there was lots of sand and rocks, and lots of mud due to a pretty wet year. The mud was a mix of sand in some areas and thick clay in others, and could be sticky or slippery depending on where you were. Memorable Racing Moment: Watching the guys jump the log double in front of the fans. Even Jason Schrage, who had said that his Honda didnt fly, eventually did it. It was amazing to watch those machines fly! Memorable Non Racing Moment: When the WEC, in a sign of respect and posterity, held a moment of silence before riders meeting Saturday morning, in memory of 09/11/2001. Round 5 marked the 9 year anniversary of the attacks on the World Trade Center in New York.

World Enduro Canada: Behind the Scenes

There is a lot of work involved in putting on a national enduro series. Not only do the clubs and organizers on a local level put in countless hours on their individual rounds, there is also an incredible amount of work at a national level required to put together the event. The WEC crew, Lawrence Hacking, Stephen Able, Sean Wiesner and Trevor Wideman, work tirelessly with national sponsors, working on logistics and timing equipment. Trevor Wideman: the Voice Sean Wiesner: the Face Stephen Able: the Brains Lawrence Hacking: The Name

Fighting Fire with Fire

Jason Schrage is a man of two personalities. By day hes the hero of many, a fire fighter for the city of Lethbridge, in Alberta. On the weekends hes Hondas top ranked off road rider, looking to trade that #8 in for a #1.

TakeJulian Cerny comes off the log jump a little low in the nose. As always, though, Cerny scores points for style. Elbows out, head up, looking where he wants to go.

TwoBen Rego lands heavy on his front wheel too, but Rego is able to power his way out of a crash.

Swelling in the Ranks

Team Yamaha/Machine Racing might have lost Vet Pro rider Craig Kennedy for the eastern rounds, but it gained an E1 rider (for Parry Sound), an A rider and a B rider. Left to Right: Brain Wojnarowski (E2), Adam Millson (E2), Ryan Gauld (E1), Mark Koens (B) and Patrick Gesualdi (A).

Mechanical Wings

The Honda motorcycles logo might be a wing, but Jason Schrage stood by the fact that his red rocket did not like to fly. People say these Hondas, they like to fly, the points leader said after the Western rounds. But not mine! In Parry Sound, it looks like his little red tractor found its wings and finally took flight, easily clearing the log double in the Extreme Test, to the shock and awe of the audience, including Schrages wife, Rochelle. I cant believe he did it! We all knew you could, Jason!

Hail to the King!

Clint Riviere was dubbed King of the Rednecks in BC, when he led the Redneck Minute. In Alberta the term redneck is used as a compliment. A redneck is a hard working man/woman, who works hard for their money, plays harder and would give you their very last dollar if you needed it. Clint certainly embodies these traits. The King finished first on Saturday and second on Sunday in Parry Sound.

Fueling Dreams: Feeding Performance

Marc Coffin and his FP Husqvarna team, comprised of Ryan and Nick Graffunder, Guy Giroux and Marty Halmazna upped the ante at the nationals this year. FP/Husqvarna, along with the Yamaha/Machine operation, had a professional set up and a large presence at all four venues. Coffin hopes to set an example for the rest of the manufacturers.

Kevin Cockayne

Last year there were three #7 bikes racing at Parry Sound, and they were all KTMs. Bobby Prochnau, Scott Bowes and Kevin Cockayne all wore the white #7 on their red plates. This year, Cockayne was the only one who of the three who made it back to Parry Sound, and he was no longer wearing the #7. Instead he wore his provincial number: #11.

Lee Fryberger

Lee Fryberger is a member of the Corner Grass Race Team, multiple ISDE competitor, and for the last few years has been team manager for the Canadian Trophy team. To say hes an experienced rider is a bit of an understatement. Fry normally finds himself on the opposite side of racing, organizing the famous Corner Grass race in Compeer, Alberta, as well as the 2010 Blairmore CEC round and the very first Canadian extreme hard enduro, Xtinction, near Patricia, Alberta.

History in the Making?

Jason Schrage (left) and John Nelson (right) shake hands. Nelson helped set up support for the Honda rider when he came east, including bringing a spare bike for the racer should he need parts. Nelson is known for offering tremendous support for the off road riding community. His generosity didnt stop at Schrage, he also brought an extra YZ450f for BC brute Ben Rego. Will Schrage be running Machine Racing and LGS stickers for 2011? Only time will tell.

Moto Media Madness!

For Parry Sound the editors of Canadas two motocross publications, Jeff Morgan of Inside MotoX and Off Road magazine, and Ryan Gauld of MXP magazine, put their money where their mouths are and saddled up. Morgan (left) competed in the B class, finishing 8th on day one and 6th on day two. Gauld (bottom right) competed in the E1 class, part of the expanded Yamaha/Machine team, but was unable to finish due to mechanical problems (top right). Gauld smashed the chain guide clean off the swing arm and sent it into the case during lap one, day one, and was out for the count.

The Best Laid Plans

Jason Schrage hoped to repeat Bobby Prochnaus perfect season, but Guy Giroux put an end to that pursuit in Parry Sound. After a less than stellar performance out west, Giroux came home, trained hard and upped his game, jumping on the Husqvarna 300 for the final four rounds. It appeared to be the ticket, as G-Rox rocked the Pro class day one in Parry Sound, taking home the top spot in E3 and finishing first over all, effectively ending Schrages run at a perfect season.

Julian Cerny

The Original Hurtin Albertan, Julian Cerny is a one of the few who can make the transition from off road to moto and back. Cerny competed in the Wild Rose MX round of the CMRC nationals and finished 12th overall in MX1; he finished 5th in E2, and 8th overall, in the CECs.

1 - Guy Giroux, HSQ 2 - Brian Wojnarowski, YAM 3 - Jason Schrage, HON 4 - Geoff Nelson, KTM 5 - Chris Van Hove, SUZ

Top Finishers Rnd #5

1 - Jason Schrage, HON 2 - Guy Giroux, HSQ 3 - Geoff Nelson, KTM 4 - Brian Wojnarowski, YAM 5 - Shane Cuthbertson, HBG

Top Finishers Rnd #6

Labelle

Where: Labelle, Quebec When: September 18 and 19

Rounds 7 & 8

Elevation: 878 feet above sea level Terrain: Again, more mud. Parts of the course and transfer trails were rerouted for Sunday after riders had difficulty navigating through some of the trail due to mud. The moto test was mostly grass track, but did cut through the forest in some parts; the extreme test was built in a sand pit. Memorable Racing Moment: The final moto test show down between the top 13 riders. That was an epic battle. Memorable Non Racing Moment: Three way tie here. On Saturday the feeling of dread not knowing where several A riders, and one B, were. On Sunday it was positive. A split between watching Madelynn Nield, Geoff Nelsons girlfriend, squeal with delight as Geoff passed for third, and the local children cheering Guy Gi-Roux! for their hero.

LExtreme

There might not have been tires, or water pits, but there were rocks and bottomless beach sand, the likes of which is normally only seen at the CMRCs infamous Gopher Dunes moto track in Courtland, Ontario. The LaBelle Extreme Test was much the same as the previous year, with the addition of a longer woods track cut into the start and some extra logs thrown into at the end. Riders agreed: it was one of the best tests of the year.

Its not about how many times you fall...Its about how fast you get up!

Double Take!

Yamaha/Machine Racing riders Brian Wojnarowski (above) and Adam Millson (below) share a lot of similarities on the outside, but thats where the likeness ends. Yes, both ride YZ 250s, Wojos number is 2, and Millsons is 22. They both wear the same Fox helmet and have the same sets of Shift gear, but while Wojo is a more fines rider, Millsons style is more laid back and laid out.

Ch-Ch-Ch-Ch-Chaine!

Philippe Chaine finally got his first E1 victory in front of the home crowd. The proud 20 year old was the youngest competitor in the Eastern E1 class.

G-Rox Rocks!

Guy Gi-Roux! Guy GiRoux! You couldnt go anywhere in the pits without hearing young fans of the fast french Canadian rider cheering him, or telling you who their favourite rider was. The #801 gets a lot of love where ever he goes, but home is where the fans and heart lie. Girouxs girlfriend, famous in her own right, the beautiful Karine Flexi Gefferione, has almost as many fans as the man himself. In the final moto test, the brain child of Giroux, his brother Marc and the other master minds behind Labelle, the kids were all cheering for Giroux, the home town hero.

Bryan -SwampyMarshall

Hailing from Utpopia, Ontario, the man they call Swampy has made the trip cross country two years running now. Father of two, Swampy proves that family and racing can coexist beautifully. At Parry Sound, his two sons, Devyn and Curtis, could be seen riding their Oset electric trials bike through the pits to the delight and entertainment of those watching.

Changing Tides

When the WEC guys set out putting their series together, their hopes were that they would bring fresh tires to the races. Younger riders, with motocross backgrounds, were their target audience. Patrick Gesualdi (above) is a mid-pack Intermediate moto rider, but trade his 450f for a 250 two stroke and he becomes a contender in the A class for the eastern series.

Amateur A Hour

The 3 Amigos, Chris Culbert Castelo, Jamie West and Tyler Murray, were the top contenders in the A class on Saturday, that is until they got lost for almost four hours. Just before the awards ceremony, approximately 2 hours after the last riders came in, Marc Giroux and his crew, armed with head and helmet lights, set out into the darkening woods to collect the three wayward riders. Kudos to them, though. Proving that sportsmanship is paramount in enduros, as the three sacrificed their points positions to stick together.

Man Down!

The steep hills and soft sand, the LaBelle Extreme test was short but brutal. Many people were getting stuck on the first steep uphill after leaving the woods. There was a bypass to the right, but it dug out quickly, as it was made of the same soft sand. For most those who didnt get their bikes up the hill the first time, they also had to fight with the soft sand which sucked in handle bars, foot pegs and other protruding pieces. Not to mention your feet would sink into the soft stuff too.

Going Out With a Bang

In 2009, Guy Giroux invited everyone, regardless of their class designation, to line up for a final, one lap, dash for pride on the moto test. The fans, and the riders, loved it. For 2010 they incorporated this idea into the scoring itself, but disallowed amateur classes from participating. The Pros were divided into an upper and lower half, with 13 riders in each class. They would do two laps, the winner of each moto would get bragging rights, and the times would count towards their final score for the day. Julian Cerny, who finished 12th overall at a western CMRC national event, won the second tier, while Wojo, after battling Jason Schrage near the end, took home the bragging rights for being the fastest of the fast on the moto test.

Wojo Mojo

Wojo led his heat in the final MX wire to wire; rocketing out to a fast lead ahead of Giroux, Schrage and Nelson. With three corners left to the finish, Schrage managed to catch up to the big blue #2, but was unable to pull in front.

At the beginning of the series, Ben Rego was deemed the toughest man youve never heard of by several media outlets, but now, that title seems to need some editing. Rego has made a name for himself. From Kitamat, British Columbia, the tough rider drove 56 hours to race the eastern rounds. Rego finished 6th in E2, 7th overall.

Ben Rego: The Toughest Man you HAVE Heard Of

1 - Geoff Nelson, KTM 2 - Brian Wojnarowski, YAM 3 - Jason Schrage, HON 4 - Guy Giroux, HSQ 5 - Ben Rego, YAM

Top Finishers Rnd #7

1 - Jason Schrage, HON 2 - Geoff Nelson, KTM 3 - Brian Wojnarowski, YAM 4 - Guy Giroux, HSQ 5 - Shane Cuthbertson, HBG

Top Finishers Rnd #8

Rounds 1 & 2: Coleman/BlairmoreLee Fryberger, Clint Riviere and Bob Reed had an army of volunteers that included local off road community members, family members and friends. They would like to extend their thanks to everyone involved, including, but not limited to: Bob and Debbie Reed Clint Riviere Leanna Schrage Lee Terri Graysen Falyn Fryberger Roy and Diana Reed Travis Reed Amy Lyn Reed Rick and Adam Fox Ben and Tyler Riviere Murray Sennott Kevin Renners David and Tracy French Gerry and Nina Conners Herald and Geannie Schrage Rob and Leticia Miller Al and Laurie Denis Vicki Miller Dave and Lori Scott Debbie Riviere Jodi Cuthbertson Jordan Reed Allan Bowersock Amanda Skirty Sid Seitz Dan Watt Cecil and Loreline Aardema

Rounds 3 & 4: Penticton

Ken Wortman, Mike Fetterer and Ron Johnson put enormous effort into making the BC rounds of the CEC a huge success, with countless man hours working on the Extreme Test. Also to thank for the Penticton races were: Tammy, Mykahla, and Rebecca Wortman Alistair and Lucy Bishuty Maureen and Brian Hutchinson, Barb McMath Kevin Dermondy Jay Hartwick Kevin Wortman, Terry Burke Dustin Chadburn Mick Rasmussen Dennis Smith Carol Boyd Gord Siemans Adrian and Christine VanNieuwkerk Kadin and Ken Hiebert, Gord Paulson Wendy Dyck Dale Wellborn Tanya Grunski Wes Barten Jane Yaschuk Alex Lamont John Davis Miko Mcgrady Rob Taylor Carel Oberholzer Ryan and Missy Cutler Apex Mountain Resort: James Shalman Steve Laprairie.

Rounds 5 & 6: Parry Sound

Matt McAnanama and his crew at DirtyBikes.ca did an amazing job putting together the Parry Sound rounds. Matt, along with Greg Bradnam, would like to thank all of their volunteers:

Rob Martin Kevin Cockayne Steven Hart Mike Hurst Dave Taplay Dave Cockayne Jake Stapleton Keith Bicard Kyle Bicard Tracie Bradnam Treva Job Mike Muir Alex Sidin Jeff Placidi Valerie Cheaney Emma Billings Guido Kneiling

The Men (and Women) who made these events happen:

Rounds 7 & 8: Labelle

The town of Labelle, Quebec welcomed the enduro riders like the gladiators they are, and it was no small task, ask the many men and women involved in putting the event together. Headed by Marc Giroux and Francois Michel, the volunteer team is what made the event the huge success it was. They would like to thank everyone involved, including: Daniel Gauthier Maxime Therien Eric Lapointe Michel Falardeau Yanick Garon Richard Gianchetti Carl Lauzon Stephane Lapointe Michel Courci Benjamin Racine Pascal Rousseau

Marco Plante Martin Paquette Julie Brouillard Patrice Bigras Ritchie Parent

Vital Stats:

1st Place: Jason Schrage

Name: Jason Schrage Date of Birth: March 5, 1981 Height: 56 Hometown: Lethbridge, Alberta Bike/Brand/year: 2011 Honda CRF450R Sponsors: Honda Canada, Machine Racing, Fox Race gear, Recluse, Riders Edge Suspension, MX1 Canada, Kermaxx, Acerbis, Rebel Hotshot Racing since: 1984 I was 3 years old Pro Since: 1999 Favourite CEC stop: Labelle, Quebec because its so different from what I am used to Favourite Test: Its a split between the Moto test at Labelle and the Extreme test in Penticton, B.C. Most memorable racing event: 2007 I.S.D.E. in La Serena, Chile becuase it was a real test not only of your riding ability but to persevere and dig deep, you find out who you really are.

Vital Stats:

2nd Place: Geoff Nelson

Name: Geoff Nelson Date of Birth: June 25, 1984 Height: 62 Hometown: Abbortsford, British Columbia Bike/Brand/year: 2011 KTM XC 300 Sponsors: KTM Canada, Royal Distrubuting, Thor, Alpinestar, Maxima Oils, Mitas Tires, Holeshot Motorsports, Scorpion Racing, CTS Suspension, RTC Composite Racing since: 1997 Pro Since: 2005 Favourite CEC stop: All of them have been fun, however I am partial to my home stomping grounds in BC Favourite Test: This would have to be a tie between the MX test in Quebec, and the Enduro test in BC. Most memorable racing event: This would be the 2007 ISDE in LaSerena Chile as I was the Top Canadian. This meant that my name would be added to the Jim Kelly Perpetual Memorial Trophie, along with all of the past Canadians that have won the Top Canadian Award at the ISDE. I also received the Bert Irwin Memorial Cup for being the Fastest Canadian. This was a true honour.

Vital Stats:

3rd Place: Brian Wojnarowski

Name: Brian Wojnarowski Date of Birth: April 5, 1979 Height: 62 Hometown: Pontypool, Ontario Bike/Brand/year: Yamaha YZ 250 Sponsors: Yamaha Canada, Machine Racing, LGS Suspension Development, Podium Grafix, Orthoflex, Electrosport, PerformX Motocross Training, Bondi Engines, Trail Tours and Rekluse. Racing since: 1995 Pro Since: 2006 Favorite CEC stop: Labelle Favorite Test: Parry Sound MX test Most memorable racing event: ISDE 2008 in Greece. There was a great deal of logistics and expense involved with this race. I met some really nice people. Rode with some really fast guys. It was the first time I had ever ridden in the mountains which was a great experience. I also got smoked which is hard to forget.

E3: 1st: Nelson

2nd: Giroux 3rd: Kroeker

E2: 1st: Schrage

2nd: Wojnarowski

3rd: Cuthbertson

E1: 1st: Thomas

2nd: Van Hove

3rd: Chaine

Love is in the Air!

There are a lot of people who I need to thank for making this book possible. First off Id like to thank the crew at Machine, starting with my boyfriend, Mark, and shop front man John Nelson. Without Mark and his contacts, I would have never got into this sport, and without his support I would have never been able to go as far as I have. Speaking of support, no one in Canada supports off road more than Nelson, in my opinion at least. John goes out of his way to support both his moto and off road riders to the very best of his abilities. Brian Wojnarowski drove the 50+ hours (about 42 of actual driving) that was required to take us from Newmarket to Blairmore in the rig, Johns big diesel truck and gooseneck trailer. We made good time and good conversation on the way. I learned there was a more human side to Captain Stress and he learned to never order a salad in a burger place. Bryan Swampy Marshall, Chris Van Hove and their buddy, Jitters (Jim Mueller) all put up with me between rounds out west, and let me camp with them in Drumheller, Alberta and Golden, B.C. It was a lot of fun to have company. Last year I bunked with my western counter part, Suzanne Pelletier, for a night, but it was still lonely travelling by myself. The guys were a welcome taste of Ontario in the prairies. For the eastern rounds I was in my element. Parry Sound was a short 2 hour drive from home, with plenty of friends from the Ontario series racing and coming to watch. Quebec was a flash back, riding out with Swampy for the just over 7 hour drive. Again, the Machine crew was well represented, even though the wives stayed home. Sunday night we shut it down in style, led by the one and only Guy Giroux, who is probably one of the most approachable riders, once you get behind that big grin and bigger laugh. Naturally, the organizers, both at the WEC and the local level, deserve tremendous credit for making these events happen. Without all of their tireless effort, the armies of volunteers and locals willing to put up with us dirt bikers, I wouldnt have had the opportunity to come out two years in a row now and see the beauty of western Canada, and meet some of the nicest French people on the planet in La Belle. Id also like to thank my friends and colleagues at Inside Motorcycles and Inside MotoX and Off Road magazines; David Weber, John Hopkins, Jeff Morgan, Derek Rockel and Mark Hoffberg. Without your support, your work on my behalf and encouragement I wouldnt have dreamt I could have come so far. They also helped me put out a big fire when Jeff and Derek came up with 4 cases of magazines to hand out at the first four rounds. Fellow media spokes person, and OffRoadMotorcycles.ca founder, Dan Paris also deserves credit. Not only is he a stellar guy who truly cares about the sport from a fun and family perspective, he also provided the photos of Stephen Able and Lawrence Hacking for this book. My parents deserve a thank you as well, as much like with Mark, without their support and encouragement I would have never got as far as I have, and wouldnt still be aiming higher. Thank you,

- Suzanne Howie

5th Gear Media Suzanne Howie 2010