Erie Ramblers held motocross race in 1981

By C. Scott Holland

It is hard to believe, but in May 1981, Erie Ramblers Motorcycle Club held its own motocross (cross-country) races at their own track, which was situated approximately five miles east of Leamington, just outside of Wheatley, and about one mile south of Highway 3.

Their first event of 1981 featured hundreds of participants from Southwestern Ontario and the surrounding area. The riders competed in eight different divisions, which included two newly added (A and B) to the small wheel schoolboy class. The new divisions were created to give beginners an opportunity to compete against other riders of equal talent.

During the event, two of Erie Ramblers’ own members finished first in their respective classes. They were Jeff Sutherland and Matt Metcalfe.

One of the participants at the motocross races hosted by the Erie Ramblers Motorcycle Club was Bruce Belford of Don Mills. Belford and his bike were as mud-encrusted as the other participants at the event.

The track had suffered heavy rainfall a week prior to the event, but the Erie Ramblers’ membership helped repair the mud and holes as best as possible and the event was held under good weather. Despite the work, the riders ended up becoming very mud splattered.

Their next local event was slated for early June and it was hoped that better conditions prevailed.

The race winners were: 125 Junior - Jeff Sutherland (Woodslee); 250 Junior - Eric Van Keulin (Wyoming); Open Junior - Rick Rogers (London); Veterans - Dick Sparrow (Jerseyville); Schoolboy Class: A - John Sharp (Guelph); B - Toby Stoll (Scarborough); Mini Class - Matt Metcalfe (Chatham); and Large Wheel - Sean Van Dongin (Clinton).