Dunes 2019 Magazine

DU N E S 2 01 9 O

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Dylan Wright

Colton Facciotti

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2019 SCHEDULE

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GOPHER DUNES HISTORY LESSON

RIDER INTERVIEWS

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KEN ROCZEN

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FOXRACING.CA

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D U N E S 2019 EDITOR KERRI SCHUSTER

A S S O C I AT E E D I TO R DEREK SCHUSTER

WRITERS MIKE MCGILL, RYAN GAULD, CHRIS POMEROY, DEREK SCHUSTER

PHOTOGRAPHY JAMES LISSIMORE, AUSTIN WATLING, PETER MARCELLI, MARK GIRDAUSKAS, DEREK SCHUSTER

COVER PHOTO JAMES LISSIMORE

PRODUCTION AND DESIGN PERFORMANCE PUBLICATIONS MEDIA GROUP

SPECIAL THANKS TO THE WHOLE MXP CREW ON THIS PROJECT! FOR MORE INFORMATION WWW.GOPHERDUNES.COM 519-688-4075

Check out our social feeds:

@gopherdunes

Gopher Dunes

@gopherdunes

Gopher Dunes Photo by James Lissimore

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TABLE OF CONTENTS GOPHER DUNES #BEACHDAYS2019

Event Schedule

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14

Facility Hours

Event Schedule SUNDAY APR. 14- TVR CLUB RACE

16

TUESDAY JUL. 16 - MOTOCROSS CAMP (4-DAY)

FRIDAY APR. 19 - SPRING 4X4 MUDFEST

SUNDAY JUL. 21 - SCR CLUB RACE

SUNDAY APR. 28 - AMO MOTOCROSS RACE

SUNDAY AUG. 25 - TVR CLUB RACE

SUNDAY MAY 19 - POKER RUN

SUNDAY SEP. 15 - FALL 4X4 MUDFEST

SUNDAY MAY 26 - TVR CLUB RACE

SATURDAY SEP. 21 - MUDGIRL

SATURDAY JUN. 22 - SANDBOX XC RACE

SATURDAY OCT 5 - AMO FINALE RACE

TUESDAY JUL. 2 - MOTOCROSS CAMP (4-DAY)

SATURDAY OCT. 5 - AMO BANQUET

SATURDAY JUL. 13 - PRO MX NATIONAL

SAT/SUN OCT. 12/13 - TVR FINALE CLUB RACE

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SUNDAY JUL. 14 - AMATEUR MX NATIONAL

SATURDAY OCT. 19 - VET 7 VINTAGE RACE

Gopher Dunes Services

Gopher Dunes - The Early Years

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Pre-Ride Essentials

Gopher Sand and Family

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42

Like Sands Through the Hour Glass

The 4 Horsemen

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Photo by Austin Watling

The tracks at Gopher Dunes are irrigated 3 times per week, Thursday’s, Saturday’s, and Sunday’s.

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Photo by James Lissimore

40 riders blast off the starting gate and head into turn one. From there they will do battle for the next 25 minutes plus 2 laps.

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ARE YOU CONNECTED @MXPMAGAZINE

@MXPMAGAZINE

@MXPMAG

THE SOURCE FOR ALL YOUR CANADIAN MOTO AND OFF ROAD

MXPMAG.COM

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FACILITY HOURS T R A C K

H O U R S

S T O R E

H O U R S

Monday Closed

Monday Closed

Tuesday

11am to 7:30pm

Tuesday

9am to 7:00pm

Wednesday

11am to 7:30pm

Wednesday

9am to 7:00pm

Thursday

11am to 7:30pm

Thursday

9am to 7:00pm

Friday

11am to 7:30pm

Friday

9am to 7:00pm

Saturday

11am to 5pm

Saturday

10am to 5pm

Sunday

11am to 5pm

Sunday

10am to 5pm

The track and Pro Shop are open on Holiday Mondays and closed the following Tuesdays.

Schedule is subject to change for event days.

MOTOCROSS TRACK / SUPERCROSS TRACK / BEGINNER TRACK PEEWEE TRACK / BEGINNER TRACK / 25KM OF TRAILS / TRUCK MUDFEST

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#BEACHDAYS2019

GOPHER DUNES e l u d e h c S t Even

SUNDAY APR. 14- TVR CLUB RACE

TUESDAY JUL. 16 - MOTOCROSS CAMP (4-DAY)

FRIDAY APR. 19 - SPRING 4X4 MUDFEST

SUNDAY JUL. 21 - SCR CLUB RACE

SUNDAY APR. 28 - AMO MOTOCROSS RACE

SUNDAY AUG. 25 - TVR CLUB RACE

SUNDAY MAY 19 - POKER RUN

SUNDAY SEP. 15 - FALL 4X4 MUDFEST

SUNDAY MAY 26 - TVR CLUB RACE

SATURDAY SEP. 21 - MUDGIRL

SATURDAY JUN. 22 - SANDBOX XC RACE

SATURDAY OCT 5 - AMO FINALE RACE

TUESDAY JUL. 2 - MOTOCROSS CAMP (4-DAY)

SATURDAY OCT. 5 - AMO BANQUET

SATURDAY JUL. 13 - PRO MX NATIONAL

SAT/SUN OCT. 12/13 - TVR FINALE CLUB RACE

SUNDAY JUL. 14 - AMATEUR MX NATIONAL

SATURDAY OCT. 19 - VET 7 VINTAGE RACE

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GOP HER DUNES S ERVICES

P R O

S H O P

Our fully stocked Pro Shop will keep you going through your ride day or get you decked out in the latest riding apparel! We carry a large inventory of parts and accessories with great selection! The Pro shop is open year round to take care of your moto shopping list.

R I D E R

T R A I N I N G

We offer rider training services for people who are brand new to the sport all the way up to experienced racers looking to hone their skills. Training sessions can be done in one-on-one or small groups and we provide the bikes/ATV’s and safety gear! Our GDR crew will also host two Motocross camps in 2019. Group rates available for birthday, bachelor, or bachelorette parties! Be sure to check out our website for more information and registration.

S E R V I C E

C E N T R E

Our professional trained technicians can assist you with repairs to your bike, ATV, UTV, or snowmobile. We over a vast range of services for your machine from a quick tire change to a complete overhaul. The service centre is open year round to take care of your service needs!

G A R A G E

R E N T A L S

Looking to ride regularly, but don’t have a pickup truck or trailer?

No room to store your bike or ATV at home? No problem! We offer garage rentals for you to store your machine, tools, and gear monthly or annually. Garage renters also have access to a pressure washer.

Give us a call to reserve your own Gopher garage!

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NORFOLK

RODEO Timmermans Ranch 2454 Nixon Road, Simcoe, Ontario

For more details call:

226-286-0436 or visit:

NORFOLKRAMRODEO.CA

Text “MUD” to 226-286-0436 and get entered into a draw to

Win Free Tickets

and Cowboy Boots!

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GOPHER DUNES:

The Early Years 1986 - 2005

“

A STORY ABOUT THE WORLD’S WORST FARMER

BY MIKE MCGILL

F

rom Humble Beginnings Come Great Things” I researched this quote a little bit, prior to writing this article, just trying to figure out who it should be attributed to. I couldn’t really find anything definitive however. I guess a lot of people have said it and used it over the years and sometimes it fits perfectly. Other times it doesn’t but in the case of Gopher Dunes, it couldn’t be any more appropriate. Originally imagined to simply be a gathering spot for friends to meet and ride dirt bikes on weekends, or perhaps as an ATV race track or rental business to becoming, a world-class motocross and off-road facility it’s been quite a journey for the Schuster family over the last four decades. Undoubtedly, it’s taken a lot of hard work, perseverance and probably even some luck but today Gopher Dunes is one of the top off-road destinations in the country and their round of the Canadian National Motocross Championships has arguably become the crown jewel of the Canadian Series. And this is their story.

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The land on which Gopher Dunes is situated is bone-flat, and extremely sandy. Not really what you would consider an optimum landscape for setting up a world-renowned motocross track. Frank Schuster’s parents purchased the land on which the Gopher Dunes track, and trail system is currently situated, from his Uncle back in 1972. At the time it was a working tobacco farm. The original family farm was right next door and the additional property was purchased and made into a single, larger farm. Tobacco was king in Norfolk County back in those days. In fact, at it’s peak, in the early 1990’s, just over 90 per cent of the entire countries tobacco was grown in the area. The broad-leafed, nicotine-laced plant was singularly, responsible for the economic survival of the entire region and for the Schuster family, this was no exception.

As a kid growing up on the family farm Frank Schuster, much like many other local kids, developed a keen interest in riding motorcycles and always had dirt bikes. During their limited free-time he and his friends would gather on the property to ride, work on their bikes, and generally have a good time. Even when Frank was busy working the farm, he always made time to ride. Sometimes when he wasn’t supposed to. “Even during my lunch hours” recalls Schuster.

“During my half hour break I would often jump on my bike and go for a blast. I always had some sort of track laid out on the property.

Sometimes I would crash or have a mechanical issue, and I would be late getting back to work. My co-workers wouldn’t be too happy with me but hey, I had to ride,” chuckles Schuster.

Riding, as it so often does, led to racing for Frank who, while he was extremely busy working on the farm, still tried to make it to some of the local events when he had the opportunity. He would hit all the Southern Ontario tracks like Big Bend, which was quite close to home, just outside of Aylmer, Ontario, Hully Gully, MotoPark and of course the legendary Copetown, when time allowed. One season, that Schuster remembers quite well was 1977. “Yes, it was 1977” he recalls. Schuster goes on to explain that, just like lots of other old motocross racers he remembers important dates in his life by relating them to what bike he was riding at the time. “I was riding a 77 RM 250, and the tobacco” he goes on to explain “actually froze early that year and I was able to race the entire Fall Series. That was just great.”

Frank Schuster’s parents immigrated from Europe shortly after the Second World War. Both had lost a spouse during the war years and found each other upon their arrival in Canada. Since this was a second marriage for both of his parents the age gap between Frank and his folks was larger than normal, and Frank was still quite a young man when it was time for them to retire. It was also at about the same time that Frank came to the realization that, in his own words, he was “probably the world’s worst farmer. There’s got to be a better way to make a living” thought Schuster and along with his wife Barb, whom he had married in 1979, the decision was made to get out of tobacco, in the traditional farming sense any ways, and move the family business in a new direction. In 1979 Schuster Excavating was formed.

Of course, Frank’s new business still relied quite heavily on the tobacco industry. “Tobacco was still big at that time”, explains Schuster “and most of our business in those early years came from

The tobacco farm that occupied the space that Gopher Dunes sits on

doing land renovations for tobacco farmers” he recalls. Frank could also be found on the occasional weekend working the dozer at nearby Big Bend Raceway. “More for fun than anything.” At, the same time however, Schuster was developing another vision for his own property, now that it was no longer a working tobacco farm.

“Actually, I had been thinking about it for years and it was simple” says Frank. “A place to ride, ideally with a dealership attached to it.” And thus, the idea for Gopher Dunes was hatched.

While his plan, as mentioned, did include an on-site dealership Frank had no interest in taking on yet another business. Fortunately, he had become good friends with Dale Vranckx, in the early 70’s.

They were riding buddies, who would get together to hit some trails or participate in an Otter Valley Rider’s Event every so often. Dale had recently purchased the rights to a Honda dealership in Delhi and

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1950’s tobacco farming in Norfolk County

the two put together the plan that would see Dale rent the barn on the property from Frank and move his power sports shop “Odyssey Recreation” onto the site in order to compliment the proposed track.

Of course, an undertaking of this magnitude would require a tremendous amount of work, and planning, along with the cultivation of some great relationships. Someone who, played an integral part in helping Frank along with his proposed project was the late Dan Van Londersele. Van Londersele was a Norfolk County Councillor and Real Estate Broker and Investor. He was heavily involved with the local community and was a big factor in navigating Schuster through all the zoning permits, and red-tape that was required prior to opening the Dunes. “I’ll put it this way” states Schuster quite simply. “Without Dan, it never would have happened. There is so much that goes into to something like this that, as a young and

inexperienced person, you never even think of. Dan was a wealth of knowledge, and really went to bat for us on many occasions. He was a true professional and a great guy.” Van Londersele didn’t just help with the initial venture either, as he became a great friend of the Schuster family and was always willing to help with many different things over the years, right up until the time of his passing in 2004.

The actual physical construction of the track began in 1986 and the first order of business was to build the municipality ordered sound barrier around the perimeter. In fact, the sound barrier, minus a few minor touch-ups has remained in the same spot since 1986. The original track consisted of much smaller obstacles than the ones people have become used to seeing in the last 10 to 20 years. In fact, the original track was laid out with the thought of it being an ATV only layout. “One thing that you need to remember”

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Official grand opening of Gopher Dunes and Odyssey Park

states Schuster. “Your original vision for something almost always changes over time.” And Gopher Dunes is no exception. “It was supposed to be an ATV rental track originally but as is usually the case, it just kept morphing.”

It must be noted that motocross wasn’t Frank Schuster’s only interest at the time. He also tried his hand at Trials, Hare Scrambles, and even dabbled with street bikes a little bit. Honda had just come out with their 3-wheeled ATV’s at the time and Schuster developed a keen interest in them when they became popular in the early 80’s.

In fact, as a grand opening promotion Frank and Dale kicked things off with a fundraiser in year one which saw each of them take turns riding a Honda ATV non-stop for 24 hours straight. The first real event at the Dunes. An ATV three-wheeler race took place on July 6th, 1986. I had the pleasure of witnessing this event first-hand, and as I recall, was quite impressed with the skills of one Chuck Collins, a pro moto-crosser in his own right, who handily, schooled the rest of the field on his Honda ATC 250. As most are probably aware, the 3-wheeled ATVs proved to be incredibly unstable and extremely

dangerous. Their popularity was short-lived, but they played a large part in the formative years and history of Gopher Dunes.

Motocross bikes hit the track at Gopher Dunes for the first time in 1987 and the first official CMA Sanctioned motocross race took place at the Dunes later that same year. This began a regular run of CMA Sanctioned events that continued at the Dunes right up until 1991 when the main sanctioning body for motocross in Ontario switched to Mark Stallybrass’ new organization the CMC, which eventually came to be known as the CMRC in 1994. It must also be noted that Hamilton’s Steel City Riders hosted their first Club race at the Dunes, in 1987 as well, and have been holding one or two events a year at the track ever since.

1991 really was a transition year for Gopher Dunes. The political landscape of Canadian Motocross was changing and after a lot of thought and consideration Frank made the switch from CMA to CMRC. The price for a practice day ride, rose one dollar from $5 to $6 and that season, 91, was also the year that the iconic Wiseco

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Berm being built

Pavilion was constructed. Who among us hasn’t ducked under the trusty pavilion to avoid a sudden Spring shower or attend a riders meeting or two over the years? Wiseco has been a long-time sponsor of Gopher Dunes and continues in that role to this day, both with the Dunes and the GDR Race Team. Speaking of sponsors, the two major corporate relationships that Gopher Dunes has cultivated and maintained over the years have been with Honda and Suzuki. In fact, due largely to the inherently unsafe nature of the Honda 3-wheelers, Frank, in conjunction with Honda, has been conducting riding schools and safety training on site since year one. After several years of working with Honda through the 90’s and early 2000’s Gopher Dunes began a long exclusive run with Suzuki from 2005 to 2011.

In 2012, amid a changing economic landscape, the Schuster’s and Honda Canada rejoined forces and continue to work together both at the facility and on the Race Team to the present.

Breaking ground on the Dunes

It was also right around the time of the Wiseco Pavilion construction that young Derek “Digger” Schuster started making his presence known around the track. According to Derek his earliest memories consist of him playing around on the sand hills surrounding the track with his sister while his grandparents looked on and the bikes and ATVs whizzed by in the background. Derek’s parents were of course busy working the track and this is how it went for the Schuster family back in those days. Derek got his first three wheeler when he was three years old and it wasn’t long before he became a regular fixture at the Dunes bombing around behind his dad wherever he went and eventually taking over the role of head money collector at the track on practice days. He was good at his job too, I must say, and this is speaking from personal experience. He was virtually impossible to evade. Just when you thought your riding for the day was going to be free, he would roll up on you out of nowhere with his little money bag strapped around his waist and clipboard in hand. The point being, is that it’s always been a family affair at Gopher Dunes. Frank, his wife Barb and the kids Derek and Kait all put countless hours of work into the facility and have been key to its success over the years. While it’s been a lot of work there are absolutely no regrets according to Barb. “One important thing I must say” states Frank’s better half, “is that in the over thirty plus years that we have owned and operated the Dunes, it’s the people we’ve met and the friendships we’ve formed over the years are irreplaceable, and have made it all worthwhile.”

Prior to the underground irrigation system, watering for a race was a multi-day long process

Having grown up on the property Derek Schuster has probably turned more laps than anyone at Gopher Dunes, but there are a few other notables that could possibly lay claim to that title as well.

Brad Lockhart was a very prominent local rider in the early years and eventually bought Odyssey Recreation, the on-site dealership, from Dale Vranckx in the mid-nineties, and ran it at the location up until 2002, before moving it a couple of kilometers to the north.

Lockhart was a legitimate podium threat in the Canadian Nationals in the early 90’s but after a few serious shoulder injuries derailed his racing career, he decided to turn his talents to the business side.

According to Derek, “Brad is likely the only one who would be close to myself in laps logged around the track over the years.” Derek also credits Lockhart with being a big influence in his own racing and even in business sense.

First of many fundraisers to take place at Gopher Dunes

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Doug DeHaan is another name that comes up as a long-time regular at the Dunes. DeHaan, a consummate Pro, who rode for multiple Canadian Factory Teams over the course of his career spent many years racing and practicing at Gopher Dunes throughout his amateur and Pro career. Other top-level Pro’s that both Frank and Derek bring up when speaking of the Dunes in their pre-national era, include the one and only Ross “Rollerball” Pederson, Carl Vaillancourt, Doug Hoover, Jeff Surwall, Jim “Hollywood” Holley, Mike Harnden and Jean Sebastien-Roy during his privateer Kawasaki days to name but a few. That’s quite an impressive list, and I’m sure there are probably a couple of prominent names missing.

No history of Gopher Dunes would be complete without the mention of the legendary mudbog, or mudfest events as they are now referred to, that having been taking place at the facility, virtually since it opened. Frank agrees that the mudbogs have been a big deal at the Dunes over the years. “We kind of lucked into that.” Explains Schuster. “The mudbogs had been taking place at another location for years but right around the time we opened, the municipality shut them down at the former location. We picked up the ball and ran with it.” The mudfest has been a regular, and extremely popular fixture at the facility ever since.

One of the biggest investments the Schuster’s have made as far as the track goes was the installation of the state-of-the-art irrigation system in 2004. ‘That was probably the biggest thing we’ve done over the years” states Schuster. “It really took things to the next level.”

The installation of the sprinkler system was no small upgrade and set the Schuster’s back close to 100K but, in Schuster’s words was “the best thing we’ve ever done, as far as an improvement to the facility.” It was imperative in the progression that needed to take place for Gopher Dunes to hold it’s first CMRC National in 2005. And it’s quite a sight to see on a beautiful summer day when the crew fires up the sprinkler system and rainbows fill the skies over the track.

In speaking with Schuster it’s pretty easy to tell that this whole endeavour is a labour of love for him and in a day and age when tracks all over North America seem to be constantly at odds with their surrounding neighbors Gopher Dunes has been able to accomplish what many others have not and developed a strong working relationship within the community. “The relationships we have developed are a big key to our success,” comments Schuster.

“We’ve been able to make Gopher Dunes into a tourist attraction for the area. The local hotels, motels, grocery stores, restaurants and more know that when the National comes to town they are going to see a big spike in their business, and it doesn’t cost them a penny.

It’s a good feeling to know that what we’re doing here isn’t just a feather in our cap, but it helps out the whole community as well” Over the next several years improvements and changes continued at the Dunes. Starting in 2005 the National Weekend became a yearly showcase event at the facility. Derek Schuster began to play a more prominent role in the day to day operation and plans for a Race Team began to take shape. The first twenty years had been quite a ride for the Schuster’s and plenty more excitement lay ahead in what can only be described as a wonderful family success story, and another colorful chapter in the history of Canadian motocross.

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Getting Dirty at the Dunes PHOTOS BY SPITZKY MEDIA

T

wice a year those who love to play in the mud gather and meet at Gopher Dunes for our Spring and Fall 4x4 Mudfests. This spring marks the 25th anniversary of Mudfest at the Dunes with number one dating back to Friday April 14, 1995 and for the 25th anniversary the event will be bigger and better then ever! You won’t want to miss X-treme Jim and Trainwreck Monster go head-to-head in our Monster truck competition and our now famous bounty pit is back for a 4th year! this is a family friendly event with facepainting and a bouncy castle to entertain the little ones between the Montser truck shows. Several food vendors are on site along with an Ice Cream truck and a beer garden. Feeling like you want to get in on the action? Well don’t be afraid to enter your own truck and show your friends and the fans what the old girl is capable of! Our Mudfest dates for 2019 are Friday April 19 and Sunday September 15. For more details be sure to check out our website and Facebook event page, see you there!

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Photo by Spitzky Media

Driver Dan Carey, launches his truck “Train Wreck Monster” at the 2018 Spring Mudfest.

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AW19-02-TruckPromo_GopherDunesDPS_REV_AW19-02-TruckPromo_GopherDunesDPS_REV 3/20/19 12:45 PM Page 1

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All set for your day of riding at the Dunes?

BIKE CHECK-LIST 1.

Check oil and coolant levels

2.

Check air filter

3.

Check chain/sprockets/guides for wear

4.

Lube chain and set tension

5.

Check and tighten spokes

6.

Nut and bolt check

7.

Set tire pressure

8.

Bleed forks or set fork pressure

9.

Set your sag

10. Fill up with gas

PAC K I N G E SS E N T I A L S 1.

Bike, ATV, or UTV

2. Gas 3.

Bike stand

4.

Small tool pack

5.

Small parts container (spark plug, levers)

6.

Drinks and snacks

7.

Gear bag

8. Lubricants 9.

Cell phone

TIPS AND TRICKS

10. Bring a buddy

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A torque wrench is your best friend

Add a small first aid kit into your gear bag

Tow ropes recommended for ATV and UTV riders

Don’t forget, if you forgot something our Pro Shop carries parts, accessories, snacks and drinks!

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2019-03-27 12:01 PM

Photo by Austin Watling

A new feature added to the Dunes in 2018 is our corner track which is designed for riders to hone their cornering skills.

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2019-03-27 12:01 PM

Gopher Sand and Family WEIRDLY FAMILIAR

BY RYAN GAULD

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f you have ever ridden, raced, or even just entered the property at Gopher Dunes you know that it is 100% sand, as if you were at the beach. Much like the beach when you leave you can’t shake the sand off your body. It gets everywhere, it’s endless. Now that I say this maybe they should have showers at the exit of the Dunes like the beach to wash the sand rash off yourself?

Ok, I got off topic a bit there, much like the sand that Gopher never leaves you, neither does family. Motorsports is all about spending time and building memories with loved ones along the way. The basis of Gopher Dunes from day one has been family and that has not changed.

I personally have been racing at Gopher Dunes since the late 80’s and my memory list along the way is extensive. One of the first was a trip in March when the weather was decent enough to ride in the sand at Gopher, but nowhere else in Ontario. Gopher has always had a leg up on the rest of Ontario for riding because of how far south it is (saying that makes me chuckle like I’m talking about Florida) and it being somewhat of a bio-dome. Anyways, the trip started like normal in the old motor home with my uncle Steve (my dad was on a forced vacation at the time), my mom and myself. About 5 miles from the Dunes we got in a car accident when

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2019-03-27 12:02 PM

Photo by James Lissimore

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2019-03-27 12:02 PM

GOP HER SA N D A N D FA M I LY: W EI R D LY FA M I L I A R

GOPHER the fun.

GOPHER the run.

GOPHER the excitement.

GOPHER goodness sake to Gopher Dunes!

Photo by Derek Schuster

a women driver slid on the snow roads right into get asked to tell you about all my memories …Or just go and find out our lane and a head-on collision ensued. My of this place even though in 2006 I served up how they came up with Uncle was able to swerve a little at the last second a serious ass whooping to a host of US talent this slogan from many and keep us upright and on the road while the the Canadian teams hired, who was barely years ago and how woman was sent into the tree field with a car legal to have a beer and I was a glistening 28 looking more like an accordion. It looked as if years old, that’s not what this article is about. many beers Frank had our trip would be stopped, but the old motor It’s about where Gopher Dunes is today and to finalize it! home persevered and we were able to muscle where it’s going. it to the Dunes. When arrived Frank Schuster

(the owner then) welcomed us into the shop to change and get my Derek Schuster and his wife Kerri along with their business bike set up while he and my uncle basically duct taped the wreckage partners, Wayne Carroll and Carrie Carroll have now taken over to enable us to get home later that day. This was the very first time keeping the family business alive and bring it a more modern feel we went to Gopher and met the family behind the historic facility. then what was there in the past. The track has been built to suit I rode all day leaving with sand all over myself and the feeling of the riders needs and wants by today’s standards. The trail system having a new extended family. Sand and Family: weirdly familiar. offers a much needed “topping on the sand cake” for the customer who prefers not to boost their ego blowing berms and claim they Over the next 25 years I would become great friends with Frank “haul ass” around the race track. The small bike track and even and Barb (Barb could likely share many times where she muttered full on beginner area for just starting out or literally the first time quietly and yelled loudly, that damn Gauld kid again) and spent riders are available. Lastly, the Gopher Dunes Pro shop is now countless hours riding and racing on the track that is considered fully equipped with anything and everything you need to help you one of the roughest and toughest in the world for the sport. I didn’t enjoy racing, riding, or looking to step in for a chat as if it was the

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2019-03-27 12:03 PM

Photo by Austin Watling

Photo by James Lissimore

Ryan Gauld 1998

old TV Cheers and you’re a modern-day Norm and Cliff (Google it if your just a puppy and have no clue what I’m talking about). You can always be sure to have fresh Donuts and Danish there because Derek doesn’t shy away from the sweets. Though, if you know the system, arrive early or they’re gone faster than the amazing 2006 race track layout. And if that’s not enough and that kind of sweet isn’t what you’re looking for. Then Kerri will always greet you with a smile and make your day seem worth living. Likely the best bonus of Gopher Dunes is in the back shop with Justin Petker. Arguably one of the best mechanics on the racing tour is also the guy that works on the stuff you can’t in the shop. When he’s not reading poetry and romantic novels to 5-time champion Colton Facciotti while drinking tea and eating crumpets at national motocross events (yes, they’re a weirdo duo. I may or may not have made that up). He is the guy making sure your dirt bike or Ski-Doo or Side by Side is running at an optimum level so you can enjoy the sand slung down your pants while taking in everything Gopher has to offer outside the shop.

What was a great package to start that made days fun, is now the total package that makes days worth getting up for and is exciting whenever you enter the driveway. You get treated like family and leave with some rashy sand. Sand and Family: weirdly familiar.

I’ve been around race tracks for a long time and I’ve seen it all.

The crew at GD present day is there to help you enjoy the Kool-Aid they are making. Motorsports is no doubt and easily arguable to help keep your kid out of trouble, learn so much about yourself as an adult and a child becoming an adult, what kind of mother or father you wish to be to your kids, and most importantly bring families together to build memories and grow together. The Schuster family have given up and provided for both their own and so many others over the years that when you give your dollar to this family you get what you want in return: satisfaction. In today’s world it is so easy to BS your way into a job or if you have that job, totally rip the customer off. The Gopher Dunes platform has never and will never do business that way because of the family aspect it has behind it. Derek and Kerri have started a little family of their own carrying the Schuster name into the future, which motivates them to stay grounded and loyal to the customer at Gopher Dunes. They wish to have their kids grow up like themselves and see what being part of a family business can do for their future. They, just like you, will be picking sand out of bums for years to come because Gopher Dunes is home. If you don’t believe in anything I’m saying just show up with a large Pizza for Derek and he’ll give you a great deal.

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2019-03-27 12:03 PM

LIKE SANDS THROUGH THE HOUR GLASS

BY CHRIS POMEROY

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2019-03-27 12:04 PM

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magine for a minute that you’re sitting on top of a dune looking out over a pristine, bottomless sand oasis that is just waiting to be explored. No, I’m not talking about a beach in the Caribbean; the only water in sight at this place is either the water that comes from the in-ground sprinklers when they’re turned on or Lake Erie that sits about 30 minutes to the south. I’m talking about Gopher Dunes Raceway in Courtland, ON. All around the globe there are famous sand tracks that make headlines whenever it’s time to race on them. Tracks like Lommel, Southwick, and yes, Gopher Dunes have all become well known due to the sheer brutality of their conditions. Thanks to Gopher Dunes becoming a host to one of the rounds of the Canadian Pro Nationals back in the mid-2000s, some of the top riders in the world have lined up there over the years. When sand specialist John Dowd came to Gopher Dunes for the first time in 2006, he called it the most difficult sand track that he’d ever ridden on. After a long

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LIK E SA N DS T HR OUG H T HE HOUR G LASS

day of racing in the tough conditions that Gopher Dunes always presents, most riders are simply happy to have survived. That is a phrase that has been thrown around events at Gopher Dunes since the track’s inception, “Just happy to have survived.”

Prior to Gopher Dunes opening its door in 1986, Ontario didn’t have many legitimate sand tracks. Wilberforce had one but not far under the sand was the mineral rich bedrock of Halliburton County, so the track didn’t always get that rough. Also, with it being so far north, it sometimes had snow on it until late April. Gopher Dunes’ location was perfect, and from the moment the track was open for business, riders began to flock there. For 30 years now it has become the hub of springtime riding in Southern Ontario as it’s always the first track open for business when the cold winter begins its retreat.

Yes, over the years practically every Ontario rider has made their first laps of the season in the sands of Gopher Dunes.

My first trip to Gopher Dunes was in 1988 which was 2 years after it had opened. Prior to the gates opening at Gopher Dunes, Ontario didn’t have many sand tracks. Back in those days if you wanted to ride in sand you had to travel to tracks in Michigan such as Baja Acres or Bulldogs M/C. But when word spread that there was a new riding facility opening just south of Tillsonburg, my family and I quickly made plans to load our bikes to see what this new sand track was all about. Other than the friendly face of then owner Frank Schuster greeting us at the gate with a big jovial “Welcome to Gopher Dunes,” I don’t remember too much about my first laps there. For a kid who had spent most of his youth riding in gravel pits and on less than perfect practice tracks, the original Gopher Dunes track was as good as any at the time. With its clean and flat paddock area, parking was easy, and with the famous sound barrier sand berm that encompassed the track, it provided a perfect vantage point to watch everyone ride. Those early days at Gopher Dunes were a lot of fun, because who didn’t like playing in the sand?

Since that first ride at Canada’s most difficult track, there has been enough unforgettable moments that I could probably sit down and write a book. In October of 1990, Gopher Dunes was the site of my first win after breaking my femur four months earlier. That day I held off Jeff Surwall and Brad King to get back into the winners’ circle. It wasn’t a big day in the grand scheme of things but it was a special day for me. As we moved through the rest of the decade, the Ontario Provincial Series paid numerous visits to Gopher Dunes. It was not only enjoyable to win a few of those events but it was also an honour to compete against top Canadian riders like Carl Vaillancourt, JSR, Marco Dube and Marty Burr. Each one of these legends loved racing in the sand as it brought out their inner toughness. As the ‘90s turned into the millennium, Gopher Dunes continued to evolve both as a track and as a facility. An elaborate trail system through the surrounding woods was added, and with that Gopher Dunes became a favourite destination for not just Ontario’s motocross fraternity but a large number of off-road riders and trail enthusiasts.

Within a few years Gopher Dunes was a riding area for riders of all ages and riding abilities. When the Canadian Pro Nationals made their way to Gopher Dunes in the mid-2000s, the deep sand circuit was put on the world map and quickly made its reputation as one of the planet’s toughest tracks.

Derek Schuster has spun countless laps around the Dunes over the years

Frank working through a muddy spring race in ’96

Out of all of the fond memories I have from Gopher Dunes over the years, my favourite one is from the fall of 2012. During that time my son was just five years old, and although he’d been riding for a few months, he had never experienced what it was like to line up behind a starting gate. With Gopher Dunes hosting the final race of the 2012 season, my son was determined to have his first ever race at this famous track. So there I was, taking my son to the starting line at Gopher Dunes the same way my father had taken me 24 years earlier. It was a real “Life is a circle” moment and one that I will never forget. I think that is what makes tracks like Gopher Dunes so special. It’s not just about the racing that takes place on the track, it’s the moments leading up to the races as well as the moments away from the track. With thirty years of memories already in the bank, I can’t wait to see what the next three decades hold. Perhaps one day my son will be taking his young son to the Gopher Dunes starting line. With a track and facility that is ever growing and improving, I think anything is possible.

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2019-03-27 12:04 PM

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POWER EQUIPMENT 2019-03-21 3:36 PM

THE FOUR HORSEMEN

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2019-03-27 12:06 PM

State your name, age and hometown location?

CF: Colton Facciotti, 30 years old, Aylmer Ontario.

MA: My name is Mike Alessi. I am 30 years old and I live in Hilliard, Florida.

DW: Dylan Wright, 21 years old from Richmond, Ontario, Canada.

JT: My name is Jake Tricco I’m 16 years old from Collingwood, Ontario.

How old were you when you started riding and what was your first bike?

CF: Starting riding when I was about 4. I got a z50 for Christmas and was hooked ever since.

MA: I started riding when I was 3 years old and did my first race at 4 years old. My first bike was a PW50.

DW: When I started riding I was 4 years old on a Honda XR50. It’s actually a funny story since no one in my family actually raced moto at all. When I was 2 years old, my parents decided to move to a farm just outside of Ottawa in Richmond, about 3 km from Sand Del Lee. So one day while my mom was away, my dad thought it would be cool to go check out a local race at Sand Del Lee because of a sign we had seen. So we went to check the race out and my dad, my brother and I really liked it, so the next day, my dad went out and got us a Honda XR50 hoping that my mom wouldn’t divorce him!

JT: P-dub

How did you choose your amateur racing number or permanent number?

Honda Canada GDR Fox Racing team owner, Derek Schuster sits down with his 2019 team roster for a candid Q & A

CF: My dad actually picked my number 89 but it’s funny because he thought I was born in 1989 but I was actually born in 1988... dads hahaha MA: The first race I went to was World Mini in Las Vegas. My favorite number was 8 but I couldn’t have it on my bike because I wasn’t top 10 the year before. So we asked if I could run 80 but that was Michael Blose’s number. I asked if I could run 800 and they said as long as it’s visible on my bike I could. I haven’t changed my number since.

DW: So I actually had 2 amateur racing numbers. My first one was 117 and I chose it actually because it was Tyler Medaglia’s amateur number before he went pro. He was our fastest local guy and I grew up looking up to him, so when he went pro I asked him if I could run his number. My second number was 539. I had switched to this number after my grandpa had passed away. He was born on the 5th month in 1939, so that’s where I got the number. When I was running the number, it always used to say “in loving memory” on top of it. He used to race horses professionally back in the day, so I wanted to continue his racing legacy.

JT: My original number was #27 (Jeremy McGrath/ James Stewart) then someone had the number #27 so I added a #5 (Ryan dungey) for 527.

Favourite Netflix Series?

CF: I try to stay away from them or else they end up taking two days on my life, but one I really liked was Blacklist.

MA: I’ve only watched one show on Netflix before. The Punisher. We had a crazy ice storm a year ago and the power was out so the wife and I binge watch the first season. Haven’t watched Netflix since. I’m not really a tv show guy.

DW: Dang, that’s a hard one, there’s so many good ones. I may have a little too much time on my hands and have polished off quite a few! LOL But, if I have to pick one, I would have to say Blacklist.

JT: My favourite Netflix series is “trailer park boys” I like a good laugh

All-time favourite movie?

CF: Talladega nights, Blair JSR and I watched it every weekend in 07 I believe.

MA: My all time favourite movie is all of the Rocky movies. I love Sylvester Stallone and all his movies.

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2019-03-27 12:06 PM

THE FOUR HOR SEM EN

Most annoying thing about you?

CF: My wife would probably say I play too much xbox but I have to get in my hand eye coordination training.

MA: When I’m really frustrated about something I talk about it over and over and ask the same questions again and again. Like I’m looking for the answer to just appear. It drives my wife crazy!

DW: I feel like that’s a good question for the team Manager, Derek.

JT: I’m still a young so I have lots of energy

What actor would play you in movie?

DW: I’m gonna have to say Step Brothers! I really loved this movie because I feel like it was relatable with me and my brother LOL JT: There’s so many good ones, but I would have to say “step brothers”

One talent that you wish you had?

CF: Teleportation so I didn’t have take planes and skip traffic.

MA: I wish I knew how to water ski. I’m always afraid I’m going to blow my knee out so I’ve never tried. Maybe I’ll save that for after racing.

DW: One talent that comes to mind would have to be holeshots! I feel like my life would be a whole lot easier with holeshots every moto.

JT: I wish I new had to swing a golf club I’d love to play some golf.

What sport would you play if you didn’t race motocross?

CF: For sure golf, I’m not the greatest but it’s something about that one good shot that keeps you going back and thinking your going to be the next Tiger.

MA: I’m big into American football. I would never make it though. I’m a little guy.

DW: I feel like I would probably want to play something like badminton or table tennis just cause I feel like injury and body wise, it would’ve been a lot better choice LOL. But, no seriously probably do BMX just cause I used to really enjoy that as a kid!

JT: If I wasn’t racing motocross I would want to be a professional hockey player.

Somewhere you would like to travel to?

CF: I’ve been fortunate to travel to a lot of different places with racing but Italy and Australia is one of the places I haven’t been and would like to check out.

MA: I’ve never been to Fiji. It looks so nice and relaxing. I’d love to go there on a holiday.

DW: I’d really like to travel to Fiji one day for vacation. I’ve never really been on vacation without my dirt bike with me and it looks so beautiful there. LOL But, I’m going to need that championship bonus to afford that trip, so hopefully in 2019?

JT: I’ve travelled to some cool places but one place I would love to go is Paris.

One thing always take with you when you travel?

CF: My passport I’ve lost it before which resulted in a 20hr drive to the first Canadian national so one thing I hope I never forget again.

MA: I always have to have my travel phone charger when I travel. The iPhone battery dies so fast.

DW: I mean, if I’m going to the US, I always have my passport, just because you need it to get across. But other than stuff along those lines, I’m going to have to say a spare set of underwear, just because, I mean you never know when you’re going to need those!

JT: I always take my New Era hat box with a few of my favourite hats.

CF: Arnold Schwarzenegger - GET TO THE CHOPPER!!!

MA: A young Sylvester Stallone, Back in his Rocky days.

DW: I mean I’m going to have to say Jamie Dornan from 50 shades of grey, because I mean he seems like a pretty chill dude! But on a serious note, I’m going to say Avicci, because I’ve been told we look a lot alike.

JT: Adam Sandler.

What is your guilty pleasure?

CF: Glossette raisins on race night.

MA: I love sweets. Skittles, sour patch kids. Anything super sweet.

Can’t have that when I’m training though. I have a stock pile of it in my nightstand for when I can have it. I sneak one every once and awhile.

DW: My guilty pleasure would have to be chocolate, I can’t eat as much as I would like, but I do like my chocolate!

JT: Playing video games.

What is your favourite store to shop at?

CF: I’m too cheap to buy clothes usually the wife buys my clothes if I really need them or I hit up my sponsors like fox because they got a lot of nice stuff.

MA: I’m not a big shopper. If I had to pick something I’d say maybe the Nike store. I like my shoes a little too much.

DW: I mean not going to lie I don’t like to shop too much, I leave that to my girlfriend. But, I’m going to have to say Canadian Tire, just because I feel like I spend way too much money there every year!

JT: I like shopping at sports stores such as Lids, Champs, and Foot Locker.

What is your favourite restaurant and meal?

CF: Harbour 60 in Toronto, steak dinner only when Derek is buying.

MA: There is a place by the beach where I live called Salty Pelican.

They have the best fish tacos and sweet potato fries. With honey to dip the fries!!!!

DW: My favourite restaurant is going to have to be Gusto Italian grill and bar in Moncton. And my favourite meal there is their chicken parm, just because I’ve tried chicken parm at a lot of places and it’s got to be the best.

JT: I love eating Mexican food so I would say a burrito from Chipotle.

Who was your childhood hero or someone who has inspired you?

CF: I always looked up to Blair and JSR and still do, they were the Canadian heros of MX and both are great guys.

MA: Growing up my biggest childhood hero was David Bailey. He had the best riding style and he was such a nice person to talk to.

DW: My childhood hero started out as Tyler Medaglia and then was Ricky Carmichael because growing up he was the man to beat in moto and I always wanted to be that guy!

JT: As a young kid it was definitely Jeremy McGrath.

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THE FOUR HOR SEM EN

Last person to make you nervous?

CF: My daughter... is it a number 1 or number 2 in that diaper?

MA: I’m going to say my daughter. Kids are a different game. She is just starting to take her first steps at 8 months and I follow her around like a nervous parent afraid she is going to hit her head. I want to just put her in a plastic bubble because she never stops moving.

DW: Last person to make me nervous would have to be Mike Allessi at his compound when we were doing a moto and I was soo nervous he was gonna clean me out LOL. JT: I don’t really get nervous, but my mom telling me I better pass my driving test.

You find $1,000 on the street, what do you go spend it on?

CF: Buy a bunch of lottery tickets if my luck is that good.

MA: I’d probably try to find out who it belonged to. That’s a lot of money for someone to lose. If I couldn’t find the owner I’d probably save it for a rainy day. That or diapers haha DW: I would probably save it since I’m pretty dang cheap!

JT: Straight to a dirt bike shop to buy some aftermarket parts for my ride

What is the toughest part about racing motocross for you?

CF: Being away from the wife and kids in the winter training.

MA: The toughest part of racing is the mental game we all go though. The sport is very physical but the mental part will get you. If you aren’t feeling it on a weekend it’s so hard to get your head right. The weekends when it all gels though, that’s the best feeling.

DW: I’m gonna have to say losing is the hardest thing! Just because I hate losing more than I like winning!

JT: It’s the mental game trying to stay focused but having a set schedule makes the difference.

What is the best piece of advice you have been given?

CF: Don’t half ass anything.

MA: The best advice I think I’ve ever been given is to stay humble. Don’t let your head get to big in this sport because one minute you could be on top and the next you can be on the bottom.

DW: The best piece of advice I have ever been given is to be good to people and people will be good back, and those are words I will always live by.

JT: To never give up on your dreams, and I’ve followed that saying to now making dreams reality.

Best part about being a professional motocross racer?

CF: Race days where you can see all the hard work pay off.

MA: The best part of being a racer is meeting new people at the races.

I love meeting all the fans. I’ve established so many great friendships from racing.

DW: Best part is to be able to make a living doing something I absolutely love to do. But also traveling with some good friends and getting to see new places is always a bonus for sure! I honestly couldn’t think of a better job!

JT: Of course the racing is the best part but I enjoy traveling and meeting new people.

DW: I actually had a few rivals growing up with Wrozyna and Dasilva.

They were always memorable races for me that I’ll never forget!

JT: Definitely Jake Piccolo coming through the amateur ranks every year he would come from out west to race Transcan.

Worst part of your job?

CF: The training, it takes a lot of time and dedication to be good especially on years where you don’t have the best results but like I said on race days where you see it all pay off it’s also the best part.

MA: The worst part of the job is the injuries. Being Injured is the worst.

Your mind just goes through so many different thoughts.

DW: I’m gonna have to say one of the worst things about our job is that we have to be away from home for nearly 4 months of the year over the winter and that can get really tough sometimes.

JT: Personally there is no worst part, there is definitely some times where it’s tough but you just have to push though them.

Who’s in your regular crew?

CF: The fam keags kam and joce.

MA: My regular crew is the wife and daughter.

DW: My regular crew consists of my girlfriend and our two dogs, as well as the whole GDR team. Derek, Justin, Kyle, Kerri, Randell, my teammates, we are all so close knit its like a second family!

JT: For the last 5 years it’s been the MPA crew everyone is like family.

What is a piece of advice you can offer to a young aspiring motocross racer?

CF: Hard work pays of, do your best and learn from your mistakes.

MA: The best advice I can give any young racer is to stay focused and work hard. Don’t let the money or the fame get to you because one day you won’t be as famous as you are.

DW: The best advice I could give to a kid coming up would be to never forget the basics. You would be surprised how important they are throughout your whole career and that us as pros are always still working on the basics every time we’re on the bike!

JT: Like I said early the best advice I was given is to follow your dreams and for young racers to do the same.

Words to live by?

CF: I’d google some quote that’s super cool but I’m too lazy so I don’t got much other than live your life, set goals and have dreams you never know what will come next.

MA: Stay humble.

DW: As Ricky Bobby would say: “If ya ain’t first, your last!

JT: Ricky Bobby once said if your not first your last and I like to follow that.

Biggest rival in racing? (Past or present)

CF: I’ve never really had too many I guess the biggest one would probably be Dusty Klatt. We had a lot of close racing and specially being on the same team for a couple years always makes it a bit more a rivalry as well.

MA: I’ve had a few. I’d say the biggest was Ryan Villopoto because he was a rival in both amateur and professional racing.

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2019-03-27 12:09 PM

Photo by Austin Watling

One place you will not find sand at the Dunes is the Supercross track which gives riders a completely different style of track to enjoy.

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2019-03-27 12:12 PM

Photo by James Lissimore

The trail system that winds through the forest at Gopher Dunes offers some great scenery during the riding season.

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2019-03-15 5:11 PM

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2019-03-20 2:40 PM

Available in 5 different colours

The TAG T2 Handlebar is TAG’s original handlebar and is still the choice of countless riders across the globe.Featuring a tapered outer wall that gives you the strenght of an oversized 1-1/8’’ clamping diameter. For racers that don’t want a crossbar, this brace-less design offers excellent strenght and maximum flexibility for a premium feel. Constructed from 2000 series aluminum using the highest level of craftsmanship and engineering.

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2019-03-15 5:03 PM