Monday Gate Drop

I know I talk about the weather a lot in my Monday Gate Drops, but this winter has been absolutely crazy with abnormal weather. So crazy that I should really just start my own weather blog. While the sun was out in BC, and while people were actually riding in Lethbridge, Alberta, this weekend, we in Ontario were digging out of yet another snow storm. On Friday night a blizzard began here in Shelburne that actually made it tough to walk outside let alone drive. As the evening progressed and the storm intensified, motorists actually got stranded nearby because of white outs and road closures. We live in Canada so we should be trained to expect anything during the winter months, but it gets scary when your local arena is full of people who are stranded and aren’t able to go anywhere. Anyway, on the bright side, it’s almost February and it’s a short month; then it’s March and wishfully, a sign or two of spring. I hope I never have to hear the term “Polar Vortex” ever again.

So let’s start somewhere where it wasn’t cold and snowing this past weekend: Oakland, California, and round four of the 2014 Monster Energy Supercross Series. After last weekend’s emotional and very popular win by Chad Reed, the riders in Oakland were going to have a tough time topping what took place at Anaheim 2. But, this is SX and these are the best riders in the world, so you just knew they were going to try. In the 250 class Dean Wilson finally turned his great practice times into a heat race win and was the lead in the main event. Dean appeared to be on a slightly different level than everyone else, including his main rivals, Cole Seely and Jason Anderson. Once Dean got past the annoyance of his own teammate holding him up, he set sail for what was sure to be his first victory since the Dallas SX last season. The win, however, was not to be, as on the last lap he suffered some sort of mysterious mechanical problem that forced him to let up just enough so Anderson could fly by and take the win. It was definitely heart breaking to watch, but during Dean’s podium interview he seemed okay with things so I guess we have to be okay too; it was just weird to see the unexpected turn of events.

Ryan Villopoto was on the gas Saturday night in Oakland.

In the Supercross Class things were a little less anti -climactic than seven nights ago; however, the racing was still good. Even though he didn’t win, if you’re a Chad Reed fan, you had to be happy with how he rode. If Chad could exchange his ninth in Phoenix for a podium, he would be the current point’s leader, yet another outcome no one predicted for 2014. Even though we’re only four rounds into this series, a few things are becoming clear. First, Villopoto is the faster rider: When he gets the start it’s his race to lose, without a doubt. Second, if Reed can continue to get good starts and if he doesn’t make any mistakes, he is easily a podium guy each week. If Reed can continue to stay on the podium and then go for the odd win when the stars align, he and RV should be going for this championship. Third is the x-factor of riders like Ken Roczen and James Stewart. I think both can win obviously, but not every weekend. By the time this series makes it way to Toronto in March, the points race should be in full flight. I can’t wait as the Roger’s Centre in going to be packed!

Let’s move on to the domestic current events, specifically, the turbulent Ontario MX scene. This past week CMX announced that for various reasons they will boycott the 2014 season. Usually, in this small industry, you hear whispers of stuff that is going to happen, but I honestly didn’t hear any rumours of this going down. It kind of puzzles me why CMX would boycott the entire season instead of doing what they can to keep their loyal membership happy, but since so far, they’ve proven to know what they’re doing, why should now be any different? They’re also entitled to do what they want just as the CMRC is entitled to do what they want. It’s business and unfortunately, sometimes when business takes the headlines in a grassroots sport like motocross, people don’t understand. We’ll see how this plays out in the next few months. For the first time in a few years, all of the best riders in Ontario will be on the starting line every weekend, certainly a good thing for the level of competition in Ontario. The group of riders that will have to make an adjustment is the group of riders that in the past didn’t feel comfortable racing with the “really fast” kids at the CMRC events. Now they will have to.

For the third time in four races Chad Reed styled his way to the podium.

I think it’s too bad that the CMX has decided to boycott this coming season. Anytime you lose somebody or some organization, it’s never a good thing. However, they’ve made their choice and obviously feel it’s the right thing to do. For those of you who attended the CMRC Banquet a few weeks ago, you heard Mark Stallybrass talk about all of the exciting things that the CMRC has in store for Ontario MX in 2014. The races will be better than ever. Rockstar Energy is helping out with some sponsorship, and most importantly, every effort is going to be focused on making sure the kids who race are treated as priorities.

I’ve been involved in this sport for 34 years. I’ve seen a lot happen. Although the sport has changed in many ways, the one thing that has remained constant is that it’s very hard for everyone to work together. We’ve come so far since 1991 when motocross was virtually dead in Canada. The races now are better, the tracks are better and the riders are better, but it’s still hard for everyone to work together. I’m not blaming anyone, but it’s time to put the politics behind us and concentrate on what could be the most successful year of motocross racing in Canada.

So that’s it for another week. On Wednesday, I’m taking my son to California for some sightseeing and to watch Anaheim 3. This will be his first time there, and he’s very excited, to say the least, as am I, since I recall quite vividly the first time my dad took me to California. Next Monday I will tell you all about our trip. Until then I hope everyone has a great week.

FYI: Rookie pro, Dylan Wright, received some cool main stream media attention this past week. Follow this link to his story. http://www.ottawacommunitynews.com/sports-story/4336474-a-dream-come-true-for-dylan-wright-of-richmond/

This kid is really excited for his first trip to California.