Winter Arena Ride

COURTESY OF PAULA KYLE-STEPHENS

On January 30th, Jay Gref arranged a group of seasoned riders to rend the new Rt 62 indoor arena in Martinsburg, OH to try out several new bikes. With a nice blend of Honda’s, Yamaha’s, and KTMs, it was a big-bore showdown!

Jay is the son of motocross legend, Henry Gref. Following in his father’s footsteps, Jay is also a former Pro rider, and has fully recovered from his liver transplant last year. Jay and Henry are active AHRMA members and can routinely be found on the motocross track (Jay took first place overall in the Vintage 40+ Expert class in the 2022 Vintage Motocross National Series while Henry finished third overall in the Vintage 70+ Expert class).

It was a photographer’s dream shoot to say the least, and everyone likes photos of themselves and their rides, especially new ones! When Henry walked in the door of the arena, he immediately recognized the manager, Bob Orlandi, from racing on opposing teams over 40 years ago and immediately called him by name! What a reunion that was!

Henry and Jay put on a great show with their new Hondas, joined by a group of Honda employees and mechanics, as well as friends of Henry’s from many years ago.

Henry’s good friend and former Navy Seal, Tod Miller (AHRMA racer #326), brought his new bike, making it the first electric big bike in the Rt 62 Arena. I felt honored to view and be schooled on his new prosthetic foot, specially made to stay seated on the bike.

Jay will be scheduling another private winter arena ride in the Rt 62 Arena before spring. There is also talk of having Henry return to Rt. 62 as a guest speaker, talking to young and upcoming riders on his 65-plus-year motocross journey.

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