Record number of riders attend long race

A record number of riders at the Yukon Cross Country Motorcycle Association’s first harescramble this year had race organizer Mike Beaman wondering if he needed a larger course for the kids.

“We were really happy we had 51 people,” he said. “I think the word is spreading that it’s a fun sport.”

The YCCMA has been promoting the sport as family-friendly and has lowered the cost of entry for kids, which has bolstered participation numbers to the highest since the organizer first began in 2011.

“We’re trying to keep it a family sport,” said Beaman.

There are categories for everyone, from the most beginner riders to veterans.

They’re able to teach new riders trail etiquette, proper skill on the bike and to wear safety gear in a controlled environment.

The main event came later, three different courses for older riders from most challenging (AA) to middle of the road (A) to least (B).

When marking the course, Beaman said they tried to make it so that it didn’t matter the size of the engine on your bike, the trail is suitable for all. But he said, “The more skill you have on the bike, the better your chances of winning.”

Harescramble has been gaining popularity worldwide and is characterized by long natural courses, usually in the forest to test rider skill and endurance.

Riders compete to perform the most number of loops in a set amount of time.

The peewee and mini classes had 20 minutes on the mini track; junior U15 and novice had one hour on the B loop, while intermediate B had two hours on the same course; intermediate A had two hours on the A loop; and expert AA had two-and-a-half hours on the AA loop.

Beaman said riders completed anywhere from four to 15 loops depending on the course and their ability.

“Everybody rode well and had fun,” he said. “Nobody got lost.”

The next YCCMA event will be Sept. 24 and 25 for the group’s first-ever double-header: enduro cross and a harescramble.

Results

Peewee:

1 KJ Raymond

2 Sam Watson

3 Memphis Nolan

Mini:

1 Seth Adams

2 Cody Adams

3 Kya Larkin

Junior Under 15:

1 Sawyer Adams

2 Seth Adams

3 Austin Larkin

Novice:

1 Brett Bartelen

2 Terje Kristensen

3 Angie Bartelen

Intermediate "B":

1 Shane Orban

2 Broden Cull

3 Gary Rusnak

Intermediate "A":

1 Steve Wheatley

2 Dave Muir

3 Matt Wolsynuk

Expert "AA":

1 Tim Schirmer

2 Travis Adams

3 Sam Schirmer

By Marissa Tiel, Star Sports Editor