They may have been around the block a few times, and they might not roar out of the park quite like the young ones, but for their owners, these vintage bikes are pure gold.
Over the dirt roads at the B3 Riverside Yamaha Moto-X Park south of Spedden, motorbikes and bikers of all ages ripped around on July 25 and 26, as the track played host to Vintage MX Alberta, a motocross enthusiast club that holds events at tracks across Alberta.
About 40 riders came out to play over the weekend, including 78-year-old Steen Hanson, the oldest member of the club.
He owns several bikes, everything from a BSA Gold Star 1960 bike – so named, he explains, “because they’re worth gold” – to a Husqvarna 2015, representing a 55-year evolution in bikes.
The differences are vast between a more modern bike and a vintage one, with all the tangible favour falling in line with the modern bike, which has better suspension, motor work and which is 100 lbs. lighter.
But for Hanson, the appeal lies beyond the tangibles, and more in what goes into the bike, in terms of realizing a vision.
“You make your own bike - you buy a pile of crap and you make it something,” he explains.
This entails a significant amount of investment of time and money and Hanson notes his hobby has made him into a “compulsory liar.”
He told his wife that his latest bike purchase would end up costing about $15,000, to which she scoffed, “Are you trying to tell me it (will be) $30,000? We know you lie!”
Cory Goodon, track owner, was pleased with the weekend’s event, saying that Vintage MX Alberta is all about enjoying the ride.
“It’s not as high-strung a club,” he said, noting the club doesn’t stress hard-core racing and finishes. “It’s all about having fun and keeping the old bikes alive.”
Goodon’s 12-year-old son, Brennan, raced as well, and while not on a vintage bike, he held his own against the older members of the club, finishing third in the 125 class and fourth in the GP open class.
Next up at the Moto X park will be a decidedly younger event, with all ages taking part in the Fountain Tire Cup, held in the third week of August.
With the support of the local Fountain Tire company and owner Jason Quinney, the event has been going on for six years and brings out children as young as three to have a blast around the track.
Goodon says all kids are welcomed to come by and ride, provided they have a bike and the proper riding gear.
“We try not to put any pressure on the kids,” he said, adding it’s a casual event that will hopefully make the weekend “a positive experience for them” while introducing them to the sport.
For more details, people can email [email protected] to reach Goodon.
