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Feeling the rush

When Nolan Hadikin was three years old, the roar of a motorbike caught his attention—and he has never looked back

by Kali Love

RidersWest speaks directly to Nolan Hadikin, a 25-year-old living in Nelson, B.C., who is riding for Main Jet Motorsports as a professional motocross racer.

Tell me a little bit about yourself.

My name is Nolan Hadikin. I am a 25-year-old Castlegar (British Columbia) native who has always had a passion for motocross. I've always been into sports growing up, but there is something about the roar of an engine that really catches my attention. Whatever I'm riding, it's throttle wide open.

Was your family into riding and racing and how did you get into it?

My first experience with motocross was probably around three years old, when I broke the motorcycle figurine off the trophy my dad won and raced it around the dirt in my mom's flowerpots in the house. The rest is history.

How did you end up living in Nelson and riding for Main Jet Motorsports?

I live 30 minutes away from Nelson. Aaron Seminoff and the Seminoff family from Main Jet Motorsports have always been huge supporters of mine. They sponsored me with bikes, gear, trailers, fuel, encouragement and whatever it took to keep me on two wheels.

How did you make the transition from riding for fun to racing professionally?

Racing and competing is in my blood. I always strive for the best and love the rush of competition.

Do you snowmobile professionally as well? 

My passion has always been motocross, but since we have such a short season here in the Kootenays, in the off-season sledding is the next best thing. I have been filmed for movies such as Thunderstruck and Adventures of the Krazy Canadians with professional snowmobiler Dan Davidoff. I ride a short-track Ski-Doo 800R for jumping and a long-track Arctic Cat or Polaris demo sled from Main Jet Motorsports for hillclimbing.

Can you describe the best race you competed in? 

I can't describe one single race, because every time I'm out there I get the same feeling. It's a feeling that only a motocross racer gets—and every time, it is the best.

What are a few of the most prestigious awards and circuits that you have been in? 

I've placed second in the region in intermediate and I've had an 11th-place finish in my first professional season in Morden, Manitoba. The most prestigious circuits I've been in were the 2010 CMRC Monster Energy Canadian Motocross Nationals all across Canada.

What are your plans for the 2011 and 2012 seasons?

Unfortunately, injury has set me back this season. I am struggling with a shoulder dislocation and have an impending surgery at the end of the summer. In the meantime, I'm continuing training as well as planning on spreading my knowledge and experience with local youth in the Castlegar region. I will be putting on some MX schools at the KMX Motocross track on the Bombi Summit near Castlegar, B.C.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

I'd like to thank Aaron and Kevin and all the staff at Main Jet Motorsports as well as Honda Canada—and most importantly, my family for all their support.

Aiming for the top

It’s not easy to break into the world of motocross, but Jared Stock is making headlines and dreaming big

by Kali Love

Jared Stock is gearing up for his third year of racing in the Canadian National Motocross Series. — Photo courtesy Jared Stock

Making it as a professional motocross racer is a tough gig—and for the talented, passionate and dedicated few that climb their way to the top, it is a dream come true. Jared Stock is living one of those dreams.

“The world dream of motocross is making it to the United States and making a living from it,” said Stock. “It is 100 per cent a dream and it is a never-ending dream that you keep chasing. It is a passionate sport and those that want to do it stick around. Even with the stress of having no money, there is nothing that I would rather do and keep going at it. The dream for me would be succeeding and being a well-known racer in the country.”

A lifelong goal

Stock began riding a motorbike when he was four years old in Medicine Hat, Alberta. His father also raced motocross throughout his youth and Stock said that he has never known anything else other than motocross. Stock started out racing in the Southern Alberta Motocross Series; as he advanced through the circuit, he moved quickly from the junior to the intermediate class and then decided to get into the Canadian National Motocross Series. When Stock was 19, he turned pro; he started racing his Yamaha 450 in the full Canadian National Motocross Series and obtained sponsorship.

Stock is currently preparing for his third season of professional racing in the Canadian national circuit and just got back to Medicine Hat from training in California. For the upcoming season, Stock said he is concentrating on improving his scores and kicking up some dirt around the track.

“June 5 will be the first round of nationals,” said Stock. “Being my second year in the pro class, I jumped up to 450 class, which is the premier class. For me, getting a top 15 (ranking) is huge because that is the best in Canada. Last year I got a couple of top 15 (spots), so this year I am aiming to be consistently in the top 15 if not top 10. The better you place, the more exposure you get and the more exposure you get, people want to support you too.”

The green machine

Trevor Pearson was named Team Green Rider of the Year by Canadian Kawasaki's Team Green Rider Support Program

by Kali Love

Trevor Pearson was thrilled to be named Canadian Kawasaki's Team Green Rider of the Year in 2010. — Photo courtesy Chris Pearson

RidersWest recently had the opportunity to get to know Trevor Pearson, the Canadian Kawasaki's Team Green Rider of the Year in 2010. Across Canada, racers who competed earned points for the number of events entered as well as for placing on the podium. The one lucky rider with the highest score was given a Kawasaki KX and named Team Green Rider of the Year. Pearson, a 13-year-old from Williams Lake, B.C., took the grand prize. We had a chance to ask Pearson some questions about his racing and what inspires him.

Where do you live?

My parents moved us to the Okanagan when I was one. My dad took a transfer with his work, which took us to Williams Lake, when I was six—and that is when I started riding.

How did you get into riding and what was the first bike you ever rode?

We lived on an acreage and my mom thought that every kid should learn to ride a bike. My dad bought each of us a bike—mine was a Honda 50. It was really small, but so was I—so I guess it was a good fit.

Where was your first race and how does it compare to the racing you are doing now?

My first race was in Williams Lake and it was on the Honda 50. As many of your readers would know, you shouldn't race a Honda 50. They aren't made for jumps! After the race, a man came up to my dad and offered to sell him a proper motocross bike. He said that it was dangerous for me to be on the Honda 50, and that night my dad came home with a KTM50. Racing on little bikes is a lot different than on big bikes. I'm riding a KX250F, which is a pretty big bike, but I'm only 13, so when (I) crash . . . it's going to hurt. When I was riding the little bikes, I was the same size as everyone else. Now I'm the smallest, so that can be intimidating too (but) I'm riding in the junior MX-2, junior GP and youth class.

Tell me about your racing history.

When I first started racing, I didn't do that well but I had fun. A lot of parents put a lot of pressure on their kids and it takes the fun out of it—I got to enjoy it. About three years ago things started to change. I was awarded a most improved rider award, which was voted on by all the riders. That was when it started coming together. I didn't feel pushed, I felt challenged—and I think that's the right place to be.

Where do you travel for races?

We race across B.C., Alberta and Washington state. We do it as a family. My brother (who is injured) is my mechanic, my sister takes all the pictures, my mom takes the video and my dad is my coach. My dad says that a family that plays together, stays together—so when I race, my family is always with me.

I've read a little about what is going on with your mom and your brother's injury. Given what is happening in your personal life, what inspiration do you draw from that and use in your races?

Motocross is a lot like life. You compete against others, but your biggest battles are often with yourself. My dad says that it's not how you place, but how you race. It's not about whether you came in first, it's about how you overcame the challenges of that particular race. My mom was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis two years ago. She went from walking to (being in) a wheelchair in six weeks and it took the doctors another three months to figure out that something was wrong. She never stopped fighting; (she) exercises every day and has been in physio ever since. She exercises every day just so she can walk again. My brother had a compound fracture and broke his leg in six places. He trained every day just so he could ride again. When he came back, he placed second overall in the junior class. There are a tremendous amount of role models out there, but I really don't need to look further than my family. Quit isn't a word that we like to use in our house. Falling is acceptable as long as you plan on getting back up, and my mom and brother lead by example.

Do you have any specific goals for 2011?

I love motocross, so I'd obviously like to keep doing it. I'm hoping that I can finish the season strong and have a good finish in Raymond (at the Western Canadian Amateur Championships). We went down to the States in March and we really enjoyed it. I'd like to do a little more of that if I could.

How did it feel to win Team Green Rider of the Year in 2010?

It was awesome! It was a tough year for our family and sometimes you just need to win one. I've said it before: I didn't win it, our family did. Each person in our family has a job, and each person did it. My brother kept the bike running, my sister and mom make sure that our sponsors know what we're doing, my dad helps me train and keeps me focused. I just have to ride the bike.

Is there anything else you would like to share?

I'd like to say thanks to my sponsors: CnC Crash Co., Smith Optics, K&N Filters, Moto Tassinari, Kimpex, OGIO, Signworks Graphics, Fox/RMR Suspension, VP Fuels, Rekluse EXP, Tubliss Tires. Just lastly, I'd like to thank my sister for taking the pictures, my dad for his support, my mom for teaching me what courage is and my brother for being my best friend.

To find out more about Pearson, his family and the Team Green Rider Support Program, click here.
 

Practice makes perfect

Hard work and dedication has paid off for the Whitecourt Motocross Association

by Kali Love

It’s been a long time coming. There has been a tremendous amount of work and many man hours put in by numerous people, but the new White Ridge MX Park Track—located in Blue Ridge and only a 15-minute drive from Whitecourt—is open for riders and races.

On August 21 and 22, Round 8 of the Canadian Motorsport Racing Corporation provincial racing series is being held in Whitecourt, and has young riders very excited. Trevor Motkoski, the president of the Whitecourt Motocross Association, said that this will be an opportunity for the 70 riders that are members of the Whitecourt Motocross Club to witness 400 ranked calibre riders competing.

“It is great for the kids to be involved with other, older racers that prove to be great role models,” said Motkoski. “The kids (will) get to mingle with racers that compete at a national level in Canada and the USA . . . we have seen provincial champions from our club every year (too). This is a big accomplishment.”

Motkoski said that the community of Whitecourt has received tremendous support from Woodlands County and Alberta Sustainable Resource Development (SRD). In fact, SRD donated $63,000, which was used to buy equipment for the motocross track.

In addition, Motkoski said that this track will make it easier for kids to get involved in motocross as they will be able to practice in their hometown.

“It is a lot easier to practice and stay involved in the sport when you can go to a track that is nearby,” said Motkoski. “In the past we have struggled with having to travel an hour plus just to go practice. Now the kids can go out after school and (this track is) drawing riders from other communities as well.”

Robert King, the former president of the Whitecourt Motocross Association, said that the track is a great addition to Whitecourt and challenges the riders that practice on it.

“It is more on the technical side,” said King. “It is not for a beginner rider, but the kids have to learn to ride it, so that is what makes them better riders. It is the jumps and turns that make it so technical.”

Right on track

From the age of two, Tucker Hibbert has been tearing up the track, whether it’s covered with mud or snow

by Kali Love

Reaching max potential: Tucker Hibbert, the only athlete to compete at a premier level in both motocross and snocross, astonishes viewers with his moves. — Photo by John Hanson

What were you doing when you were eight years old? I?think I?was playing with my Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, watching Full House and asking my mom to make me apple slices with peanut butter. Sound about right? Maybe Tucker Hibbert did these things too (minus watching Full House), but he was also competing in his first motorcycle races in Noies Park, Idaho. One year later—at the age of nine—Hibbert had competed in his first snowmobile race in West Yellowstone, Montana. Superstardom seemed inevitable. In 2000, at the age of 15, Hibbert became an instant celebrity when he became the youngest athlete to win a gold medal in snocross at the Winter X Games. From there, he blasted into the snocross and motocross scene, earning nine Winter X Games snocross medals, 55 National Pro awards, six Canadian Motorsport Racing Corporation (CMRC) MX2 moto wins, seven AMA?Motocross 250 top-15 moto finishes and four AMA Supercross 250 top-10 finishes. h3. A racing prodigy Hibbert mainly focused on snocross in his early professional years, but in 2003, he retired from national snocross to race motorcycles full time. It was during this time that Hibbert became one of Monster Energy’s first sponsored athletes. However, Hibbert soon realized that he missed snocross and returned to the national snocross tour in 2006, while forming team Monster Energy/Arctic Cat and becoming the only athlete to compete in snocross and motocross at a premier level. h3. Why the nickname? From the get-go, Hibbert has had his best friend, Robby Dahlen, by his side. Even now, Dahlen is working on Hibbert’s team as a mechanic and designer and he is the one who dubbed Hibbert T-Train—a nickname that has stuck. “Growing up (my best friend Robby Dahlen and I) used to race motorcycles, ride and do everything together,” said Hibbert. “One day he decided that I needed a nickname and he started calling me all sorts of different stuff. He went through a couple of different ones that I didn’t care for and one day he called me T-Train and I said that one is all right, so it kind of stuck. One that didn’t fly was T-Bone. It was weird and didn’t quite sit but he started calling me (T-Train) and now a lot of people do.” h3. Still holding the solo title To this day, Hibbert is still competing at a premier level in both snocross and motocross. When asked where his motivation comes from, Hibbert said it simply comes down to his desire to be better. “For me it’s about trying to find ways to be better,” said Hibbert. “I really love what I do—that is the core of it. If I didn’t enjoy it, I wouldn’t do it. From a racing aspect, it is just so challenging and there are so many things that go into racing and there is a lot of opportunity to progress. That is what drives me, to figure out how I can become a better athlete.” Hibbert has no plans for slowing down. In the future, he said he would like to work on his supercross skills. Just this year, Hibbert was invited to compete in the supercross event at the Summer X Games 16. This year, 16 riders will compete for the gold at the Los Angeles Coliseum from July 29 to August 1. “I feel that I have the skills and talent to be a winner at supercross racing,” said Hibbert. “So, I really want to find the time to put focus into that.”

What has age got to do with it?

Eric Beilman spent the majority of his twenties and thirties racing his Honda 250 and is what some refer to as a pro veteran

by Kali Love

Becoming a pro: Beilman has had some fantastic rides over the years — photo courtesy of Eric Beilman

Eric Beilman grew up in Littleton, Colorado, where his love of racing motorcycles was born and nurtured—but it wasn’t until Beilman was 20 that he started racing. During his first season in an amateur 125 class Beilman lasted about half the season before he switched to a Honda 250. “I got my first Honda support ride was on a 125 cc,” said Beilman. “But I obliterated the bike. Like we broke the frames, I smashed foot pads off and sheared off parts of the transmission, so they gave me a new 250 mid season and I have been racing 250 two-strokes forever.” A speed demon at heart, Beilman spent his twenties tearing up the track. He fondly remembers this last race as an amateur before he turned pro. According to him, it was one of the best races of his life. “I had raced all season against two different guys,” said Beilman. “On the first moto one of these guys started to the left of the gate and I was on the far right. We got to the first corner and he squeezed me out. So on the next moto . . . I got ahead of him and I ended up winning both motos by over 30 seconds and he got second on both motos. It was one of the best races of my career and that was my last race as an amateur.” When Beilman went pro he competed in his first race soon after. I’m sure he thought that was the beginning of lucrative career, and it was—just with a few bumps along the way. “(A month after) I turned pro I got hit by a truck walking across the street,” said Beilman. “It was one of those things—life happens or whatever . . . but I got my cast cut off of my leg in 1984 and raced in the Grand Prix two weeks later with 15 degrees of motion in my knee. It was a really important race with long motos and I couldn’t not go . . . That was at Pueblo Motorsports in Colorado. It was my second race as a pro.” Beilman raced motocross until 1994 and has since occupied himself with other things. He is now 49 and living near Bull River, B.C., as of January 10, 2009, and while the lifestyle is somewhat slower than what he is used to he is content with where he is. He has recently bought a new Honda 450 and has been riding whenever he can in the hopes of getting back into the racing circuit. “Obviously, I am not up to speed but it is still all there,” said Beilman. I have only ridden half a dozen times and some days it is not working and it’s frustrating and some days it feels so good and it is absolutely amazing.” In the very near future, Beilman plans to get in a couple of races in the Southern Alberta Series. Thus far, he has obtained his pro license from the Canadian Motosport Racing Corporation for the over 40 class and he plans to participate in all of the Southern Alberta Series races in the fall. “I am just trying to get in there and see how fast I actually am or not anymore,” said Beilman. “I am not really good yet but I know that I can be as fast as ever. It is pretty exciting and I get goosebumps just thinking about it.”

Make room for the girls

Chelsea Masters is paving the track for ladies in the motocross world—move over boys

by Kali Love

The real deal: At the age of four, Chelsea Masters competed in her first motocross race in Campbell River—from that point on she was hooked. — photo by Ed Masters

Ed Masters is the public relations co-ordinator for the Campbell River Motocross Association, and he spends his free time covering Canadian Motosport Racing Club events. As such, his five children have spent their younger years racing. Masters is proud of all his children and their accomplishments in the motocross world. He holds a special spot in his heart for his only daughter, Chelsea, who is ripping up the track as one of the only girls in the industry. “She rides around (Vancouver Island) with 10 girls in the ladies class,” said Masters. “She is what I call the pioneer. When she was four years old there were only a couple of ladies and she brought out some younger girls that started riding in the 50 class and now it is growing and growing.” h3. Behind the pink bike From a young age, Chelsea loved dirt bikes. In fact, her father said the sound of an engine was one of the first sounds that Chelsea heard. She started out with a pink and white Yamaha PW50 and is now racing a TM 125. Currently, Chelsea is in grade nine and spends a lot of her free time racing around the track in Campbell River and at competitive races around Vancouver Island. “I do it for the fun of it,” said Chelsea. “If I get a lot better then I would like to do it for a career. The girls in my (150) class are really good and when I am around people like that I try to push myself to do better.” The community of Campbell River has been very supportive of Chelsea’s passion. Quality DeSigns in Campbell River and Barker Bros Cycle in Abbotsford have sponsored her, as well as TM Canada. Masters said the support that Chelsea has received from the community has been utterly moving. “Her bike is made in Italy by TM Racing,” said Masters. “She is the only girl that I am aware of in B.C. who rides for TM Canada, and I don’t even know of any girls in Western Canada that ride those bikes. It has been a fabulous bike and we have had great luck with it.” h3. Making strides To improve her skills, Chelsea sets goals for herself every time she rides. She can still remember the first time that she got air off of a jump, and she said this is a memory she holds close to her heart when she is attempting new tricks and jumps on her bike. “The first time that I got air on a jump was my favourite memory,” said Chelsea. “I love it, and now I like to go even higher. I used to be afraid of that stuff but now I am not.” Chelsea’s early racing days have been a learning experience for her and Masters. In a predominantly male sport, Chelsea has to work even harder to get to where she wants to be. However, she might not be too far behind the guys. In fact, one of Master’s favourite memories is when Chelsea was racing against the boys and beat all of them. “She races against the boys too,” said Masters. “She had them all in tears and that was a big thrill for me to hear that.”

All in the family

This father and son duo race to win

by Kali Love

Dedicated to racing: These high-speed riders are passionate about their sport. — photo courtesy of Chris Pawlitsky

The community of Revelstoke is a beautiful setting for outdoor activities. The community’s ATV and snowmobile clubs are noted around the region for being progressive—and there is no shortage of beautiful areas to ride. Revelstoke Mountain Resort is known internationally as a fantastic ski and snowboard destination, and the Revy Riders—a newly formed dirt bike club in Revelstoke is making fresh tracks around the area. Chris Pawlitsky is the president of the Revy Riders and was born and raised in Revelstoke. He rode and raced dirt bikes quite a bit when he was a kid, and last year at the age of 40, he started dirt biking again. Pawlitsky said last year was a good one for him, considering that he took so much time off from dirt biking, yet was still leading a series. “This year I was leading my cross country series,” said Pawlitsky, “but I tore my rotator cuff so I had to miss the last two races.” h3. Carrying on a tradition Pawlitsky grew up in the Revelstoke area, and he knows about all of the hidden gems and the best riding trails. It comes as no surprise that when Pawlitsky got married, he passed along his love of the sport to his stepson, True Romeo. “My mom and my dad got married and my dad bought me my first dirt bike, which was a Honda 50,” said Romeo. “(It is a) retro 1994 bike, and then I started riding that and got too big for it so my dad bought me a Kawasaki 65. I was five or six when he bought me my first bike and I’m 12 now.” h3. An active lifestyle A skilled athlete, Romeo plays on the rep soccer team in Revelstoke, snowboards during the winter and wins dirt biking competitions around the region. Some of the competitions that Pawlitsky and Romeo want to enter are too far away, but they have found some cross country races near Revelstoke that they like to participate in. “They had a Cross Country Okanagan Hare Scramble series last year in Vernon, Kelowna and Penticton,” said Pawlitsky. “All of the places are fairly close to Revelstoke and we hit every race last year. True won the 65 class and I had a couple of wipeouts and got fifth in my class.” For the coming season, Pawlitsky and Romeo have a couple of races planned, including a cross-country race in Salmon Arm on September 13. After this dirt biking season wraps up, Pawlitsky and Romeo will be found on the ski hill with plans to return to their bikes once the snow melts.

The Dakar dude

This man’s dedication to racing knows no limitations

by Kali Love

Speeding over sand: The Dakar Rally takes racers through some of the toughest riding conditions around. — photo courtesy Don Hatton

A few years ago, Don Hatton was an overweight insurance broker. Today, he has sold his insurance company, dropped 40 pounds and is an athlete in training. He owns Duncan Motor Sports and is pursuing his dream of racing in the Dakar Rally. First, a little history for those who don’t know what the Dakar Rally is. The Dakar Rally is an annual off-road automobile race, organized by the Amaury Sport Organization. Since its inception in 1978, the Dakar Rally has hosted races that go from Paris, France, to Dakar in the Republic of Senegal, a country in western Africa. About 550 amateur and professional racers are accepted to race in the Dakar Rally each year and there are different classes for bikes, cars (which range from buggies to small SUVs) and T4 trucks. This is a very dangerous race that consists of crossing varying terrain including sand dunes, mud, camel grass and rocks. Sometimes racers will cover 900 kilometres in one day—and this goes on for several days. In 2008, the Dakar Rally was cancelled for the first time because of terrorist threats, which caused great upset for both participants and spectators. In 2009, the rally was relocated to Argentina and Chile where it is also being held in 2010. h3. Living a dream Hatton has lived in Duncan, B.C., all of his life and has been riding motorbikes for as long as he can remember. Racing in the Dakar has always been a dream of his, and in 2007 he decided to follow his heart and do it. To prepare for the race, Hatton worked out for nine months, travelled to Death Valley, California, to train and entered a six day off-road race in Morocco, Africa, where he placed 25th—an impressive standing against some professional racers. “In 2007, I decided to do this rally,” said Hatton. “In 2008, I put the team together to go to the Dakar rally in Lisbon, Portugal, and I flew the team down. Just before the start of the rally, they cancelled it because of terrorist attacks so we all had to fly home.” Although this was a huge letdown for Hatton, he decided not to give up and entered the 2009 Dakar Rally in South America. The sign-up fee for the Dakar Rally alone is $25,000 but for Hatton the experience was worth more to him than money. He was accepted and flew a full team with a support vehicle, motorcycles and mechanics for the price of $300,000 to Argentina. h3. Setting out with determination The race took place as planned and Hatton began the race with the support of his wife and son along with his friends from Vancouver Island. Being one of the most dangerous races in the world, only 33 per cent of racers reach the finish line and 60 racers have perished in their quest to complete the Dakar Rally. While Hatton did not die, he did crash his motorcycle on the fourth day of the race and was severely injured. “I was doing 135 kilometres an hour when I crashed,” said Hatton. “I broke eight ribs, my sternum, lacerated my lungs, pulled my heart partially out of my chest cavity, separated both shoulders and tore all the tendons in both shoulders.” Although Hatton said his brain is still scrambled from the crash, he is recovering from the horrific accident and is training again for the 2010 Dakar Rally. This year, he is planning on racing in Egypt and Morocco and at the Dakar Rally. While Hatton knows that the Dakar will be a tough grind, it is something he has been working towards for years. “It is going to be really gruelling,” said Hatton. “You ride about 14 hours a day…and every day there are a hundred reasons to quit the rally but you just have to keep pushing your way through it and keep going.” h3. An inspirational goal It takes a special kind of person to have the determination, dedication and desire to see the Dakar Rally through to the end. When asked what inspires Hatton to continue on his quest to race the Dakar Rally, he is hard pressed for an explanation—he just knows that he wants to do it and is willing to do anything to make it happen. “I can’t really tell you where (my desire) comes from,” said Hatton. “But it’s been a passion of mine since I watched the first Dakar Rally on TV 30 years ago. I just knew that I could do it and I started training. I am a pretty determined guy and I don’t want to quit—you just learn to dig down. Every day when you come through a day that was really difficult, you are so proud of yourself that you made it through and you can’t wait to do it again.”

Energy and caffeine-fueled competition

Jeff Fehr, Canada’s first Red Bull X-rider, will be in Calgary on May 30th

by Kali Love

Sky high: Jeff Fehr performs a gravity defying stunt over a crowd of people at a past event in Calgary. — photo courtesy of Jeff Fehr

Jeff Fehr started racing motorcycles when he was 12 years old. One to follow his heart and his dreams, Fehr continued to ride his motorcycle every day—simply because he loved doing it. In 2003, Fehr started doing freestyle motocross professionally and has become known for his signature moves, including the backflip superman and the cliff-hanger—moves he describes as a lot of fun and a little creepy. “(The cliff-hanger would be) if you took your feet and hooked them underneath your handlebars and then stood straight up with your arms over your head,” said Fehr. “But upside down you would be hanging from your dirt bike handlebars like a bat with your arms straight down…It is creepy for sure.” h3. Where the action is On May 30, 2009, Fehr will be in Calgary during the Red Bull X-Fighters event—a tour of five countries, 170,000 spectators and 1,130 jumps in total. An exhilarating display of freestyle motocross, Fehr is the first Canadian freestyle Red Bull X-Fighter rider. Fehr has come a long way in his career from the 12-year-old boy who started riding his motorcycle for fun. In 2006 he placed first in the Canadian FMX Championships and performed a natural terrain backflip, reaching heights of 105 feet. He also finished eighth at the Red Bull X-Fighters event in Mexico City in 2009. Fehr said that he rides his motorcycle every day and the one thing that motivates him is his passion and love for the sport. “Being Canadian isn’t easy for a freestyle motocross rider,” said Fehr. “There’s not the sponsors and not the same money. If you are Canadian and are going to be a freestyler, you better be doing it for the right reasons or you are not going to be doing it for long.” When Fehr was asked what his plans for the future are, he kept it sweet and simple. “I will be doing this until I am a decrepit old man,” said Fehr, “until my body no longer allows me to, and then even past then I will ride a dirt bike every single day until I just die and just for absolute fun…It is not something that I do for a job. I would not be alive inside if I could not ride my dirt bike. If I couldn’t ride, there are other things that I would do for sure—but as long as I can, I will.”

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