6 minute read
Families Ride and Race in Washougal Families make memories at Washougal MX Park
RIDE & FAMILIES
Brenden Huffman (son of Ryan Huffman), age 19, rides at Washougal MX Park. Photo courtesy of Ryan Huffman. IN WASHOUGAL RACE By Brooke Strickland
Earlier this year, Ryan Huffman ate lunch with his daughter on the hilltop overlooking Washougal Motocross (MX) Park. The 300-acre piece of land north of Washougal River has been in his family for decades, starting when Ryan’s father Ralph purchased the land from the previous owners in the early 1990s. Ryan and his daughter reflected on how many families the land has brought in through various motocross races and events. They discussed how important the space is to them and what new things they might be able to add in the future. The land is not just part of their family—it is part of who they are as people.
Ryan, an avid motocross racer who raced professionally for several years, grew up with his parents as well as nine brothers and sisters who are still involved in the business in some way. Today, Ryan runs day-to-day operations as the manager of the park and he continues to help fulfill his dad’s vision for bringing families together through motocross. The land has various areas: off-road space, trail routes, motocross courses, single track mountain bike trails, obstacle courses, and a mud running area. The acreage is used for national motocross events, practices, private events, and there is even space for camping—all amidst a scenic natural environment. continued on next page
Top: Ben Ruzicka competing in the Northwest Off-Road Championship Series at Washougal MX Park. Photo courtesy of the Ruzicka family.
A race at Washougal MX Park. Photo courtesy of Ryan Huffman.
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Jenn Curtis and her family have been racing at Washougal MX park for over 10 years. They can’t wait to get back out there with their bikes. “Santa bought my oldest son a previously loved Honda 50 for Christmas in 2009,” she shares.”By the following spring, we were all riding and camping around the Pacific Northwest.”
Curtis shares that she and her family have had many memorable times at the Washougal course—racing, watching the nationals, and camping. “It’s a fun track! It can be a little intimidating but finishing any race on this track is a great feeling. I’m never in the top three, not even close. My goal? Finish!” She also explains that the sport has given her and her husband the opportunity to teach their kids valuable life lessons that they can take into adulthood. “Teaching them a difficult sport that takes mental and physical stamina is rewarding. It also teaches them great life lessons like being aware of your surroundings and knowing where your destination is. It’s so easily applied to everyday life,” she says.
Local resident Ben Ruzicka started motocross in 1996 and for a while averaged about 10 races per year all over Washington State. He shares that his last race at Washougal MX course was incredibly memorable. It was a muddy day in 2001 and he was in the lead at the beginning of the race. Going into the finish line jump, though, he had too much speed, causing him to land
Before visiting Washougal MX Park, check their website or social media channels for current social distancing policies.
facebook.com/WashougalMXPK washougalmxpk.com
Location: 40205 NE Borin Rd., Washougal, WA 98671 360-837-3975
incorrectly. He and his bike were both injured, and he was helped off the track by medics. Even so, he still placed in the race and quickly recovered. Ruzicka explains, “I thought I got the win but found out I ended up in second place by less than a bike length. I have thought back to that race at Washougal MX many times over
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the years. I think of the comeback from 11th to second and I even still have the muddy jersey from that day. I never gave up and I never give up on anything in my life now.”
These are just some of the stories that make Washougal MX Park special. The people—their experiences and their memories— are what fuel the Huffman family to continue offering an outdoor recreation space that brings families together.
Huffman shares, “My dad has always done this for the love of people. He loves it and keeps it open for families everywhere. It is part of his DNA. I am trying to live that legacy, too. I am trying to carry on what my dad has built.”
A lifelong resident of the Pacific Northwest, Brooke Strickland is a full time freelance writer and social media specialist for businesses around Portland and Vancouver. She is also the co-author of “Hooked on Games,” a book about technology and video game addiction. When taking a break from writing, she can be found reading a historical fiction book, trying out a new recipe in the kitchen, or spending time with her husband and two kids. Visit her website at brookestrickland.org.
View of Washougal MX Park. Photo courtesy of the Ruzicka family. Washougal MX Park employees, along with the Huffman family and friends, enjoying and running motocross nationals at the park.
Photo courtesy of Ryan Huffman.
Find admission prices, camping rates, race entry fees and MX class information at washougalmxpk.com/ general-trackinformation
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Motocross at a Social Distance
As the world grappled with the coronavirus pandemic, Ryan and the rest of the Huffman family got creative on how they would keep the park running. They worked closely with state and local health officials and were able to open the park in May with restrictions and rules in place. Summer events that normally happen every year will be adjusted and rescheduled as needed, which Huffman shares is disappointing for many riders and motocross enthusiasts. “We are working together to bring it all together and make it all fit,” he says. Because the motocross nationals event is such an important occasion for the park itself and riders everywhere, a task force was created to figure out how they can make it happen with set rules and social distancing restrictions. Huffman explains that while this and other events are an important focus in planning right now, the park is open for regular use. Individuals are required to adhere to the COVID-19 rules that are designated and displayed around the park.
