CROSS COUNTRY 2021 Hagerty AHRMA National Cross Country Series - Henryetta, OK WORDS: SUZY MOODY PHOTOS: KENNY LAU - AWESOME SHOTS
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et the fun begin!” That’s how I felt pulling into Nichols Park in Henryetta, OK. Greeting racers were welcoming signs, banners, cute autumn displays of hay bales and scarecrows. After multiple events of rain and/or dust and loading in the snow in Colorado, I was ready for what the weather service predicted as a perfect weekend. “
The schedule was full with Trials, Cross Country, Motocross, Dirt track, the Shoot Out, and of course, the Dog Show! It was amazing to see Team Parker and AHRMA Off-road manage all the details of the multiple events. Specifically writing about the Cross Country events, they were scheduled into all three days. Friday afternoon kicked it off with both Vintage and Post Vintage races. Saturday morning was just Post Vintage and Sunday morning was just Vintage. To say it was busy was an understatement! 24
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FRIDAY: VINTAGE RACE Luckily, we didn’t race until 1:00 on Friday afternoon. With a welcome soaking most of the day Wednesday, I knew the trails would just get better as a little sunlight and wind perfected the terrain. As I looked up and down the rows, I was just thrilled to see John Bowman on a cool Penton 100 and Wes Wyman on his big ol’ 1965 Honda 305 Scrambler, Ole Olsen on a beautiful BSA and everything in between. It takes a special person to ride a four-inch travel bike in the woods. But I think the simplicity of the machine and the connection each rider has with the steed they have chosen is the real meaning of competing in the Vintage Cross Country races. Riders were treated to a wellgroomed, flowing six-mile course that included roots, rocks, tight single track, open ATV trails and chocolate AMERICAN HISTORIC RACING MOTORCYCLE ASSOCIATION
JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2022
