Can Am BMX Club in the Soo

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In the 80’s, the Soo had a new sport for kids to get into. It not only challenged their bicycle skills it was also fun and good exercise. The dirt track was located on Great Northern Road between Northwood Funeral Home and Gino’s Restaurant. It allowed many a participant to peddle as fast as he could going over moguls to reach the finish line first. It was an exciting weekly competition for boys of all ages. For safety reasons, most of the boys were well equipped wearing helmets with visors and padded shirts and pants for protection. Some just wore elbow and/or knee pads in case they hit the dirt. No one wanted any injuries and miss out on the next week's competition.

Every parent was enthusiastic about rooting for their child during these laps around the track. No doubt the boys were pumped hearing all this cheering as they approached the finish line. Will he be first, second or third. Jason had a small collection of trophies from each one. Some days he was riding well while others he just wasn't quite speedy enough. Irregardless he was enjoying himself and that was the main reason for joining this elite group of cyclists. It emphasized on having fun.

Of course the St. John’s Ambulance was always waiting on the sidelines in case an accident occurred. Luckily no serious injuries ever happened that I can recall.

On one occasion, my son flew off his bike and had the wind knocked out of him. It was scary at the time as I raced to his side but he soon recovered and entered the next race.

It was all great fun while it lasted and I'm sure many young lads proudly displayed their cherished trophies at home like my son did.

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