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ON THE MOVE: Colton McLean (riding #27 bike) from Courtenay, B.C., grabs the hole shot while in a race in London, England. —Photo courtesy Colton McLean

Motocross is one of the most demanding sports in the world of motorsports racing. Riders have to be in great physical shape and top condition; that is one of the best ways to describe Courtenay, B.C., rider Colton McLean.

McLean has worked his way up through the classes on Vancouver Island with authority. He has become one of the top riders in the 125 Intermediate class on Vancouver Island and in the rest of the province. He has ridden with heart and soul in each and every race from the time he started competing in motocross.

A 16-year-old with a promising career in the sport, McLean is one of the most exciting riders you'll see on the track. His high-flying jumps and burm railing are always exciting to watch. McLean grabs a fist full of throttle and hangs on right from the drop of the gate to the waving of the checkered flag. And you know when McLean is out there; he gives his all. Whether he wins or not, however, McLean comes off the track with a smile. He also gives high fives and a smile to his fellow riders—a true sign of a great sportsman.

Born to race
McLean started out his riding career on the Island and has competed in several other races in the Vancouver area and a few races across Canada. He has become a well respected rider. Through the years, McLean has been successful in both outdoor racing and arenacross. He recently returned from London, England, and he did well in the competition.

When he is not riding at the Campbell River track—either for practice or in competition—he can be seen helping out around the place, either raking out an area that needs a little extra repair or throwing rocks off the track to help make it a little safer for other riders.

McLean will be competing in the opening round of the Canadian Motorsport Racing Club (CMRC) Vancouver Island Spring Series on April 13th in Campbell River. The track is located across the road from the McIver Lake turnoff on Highway 28, the Gold River Highway. This will be McLean's first ride as a professional.

From the rider’s mouth
Here are some tidbits from the author’s interview with Colton McLean.

Ed Masters (EM): How many years have you been riding?

Colton McLean (CM): I started in late 1999, so around seven and a half years.

EM: What got you started in the exciting sport of motocross?

CM: Well, my next-door neighbour, Milo Christie, used to wheelie down the road all the time and I used to watch him. I came to know him and he took me to races just to watch and I started from there.

EM: Have you had any bad injuries?

CM: Yeah. When I was in Grade 6, my dad bought me a 2005 KTM 85 (the first year they came out with them) and we had went down to Washougal, Washington. It was the last practice before we were heading home. I don’t quite remember what happened but I tore my ACL, cracked my kneecap in half and tore a whole bunch of cartilage. I’ve also had a few concussions but nothing too, too major.

EM: What would you say is the most exciting race you have had on Vancouver Island?

CM: On the Island, that would have to be my first year in 125 Intermediate when I was on my RM 125 two-stroke. Port Alberni’s Ryan Bisseden had the hole shot and I worked my way up and battled with him—I ended up winning that moto. That was the first moto I had ever won in Intermediate. And I guess the other great part was last year when I won 125 Intermediate, GP Intermediate and Youth classes.

EM: What do you think of arenacross racing as compared to the outdoor races?

CM: I like them the same and I have a lot of fun in both but I tend to ride a little bit better in arenacross. I think that’s only because I like riding in more of a technical setting. I guess that’s why I do good in the outdoors too—because of the aggressiveness.

EM: How did you make out this year racing arenacross?

CM: I made out fairly well—not as good as I hoped for. I didn’t have the best luck, but like they say, “You make your own luck.” I ended up second overall in 125 Intermediate, second overall in GP Intermediate, and first in Youth.

EM: You just got back from racing in London, England, and from what I hear, it went well for you.

CM: It was awesome. I got to see a lot of cool sites; I saw Big Ben. The racing was amazing too. I was excited there was 24 pros signed up and they took 12 and I made it into the main event. A big thanks to Future West—without them, it would not have happened.

EM: How did it compare to racing on the Island and the arenacross racing you have done?

CM: Well, they were faster—only ’cause they were pros—and I race Intermediate. But I don’t think the pro speed in the indoors is as fast as it is here. But, from what I hear, their outdoor riding speed is super fast.

EM: That must have been a real thrill for you as well as a highlight in your racing career. What has been the biggest highlight for you so far?

CM: Well, for sure going to England and winning the 125 Intermediate, GP intermediate and Youth classes on the Island last year.

EM: I know most young riders grow up idolizing one rider in particular. Who was it for you?

CM: Well, when I was young and I first started racing it was, of course, the person who got me into it: Milo. But the major guy was for sure Darcy Lange. I looked up to that guy huge and I still look up to him a lot. He is an amazing rider.

EM: What is your goal in this sport and where do you see yourself in it in the next few years?

CM: I am hoping to train really hard and race as much as I can and maybe do the Canadian Nationals, the arenacross series again and maybe try the American Motorcyclist Association (AMA) Arenacross series.