OzVMX Forum
Clubroom => General Discussion => Topic started by: Kenneth S (222) on December 22, 2011, 07:56:14 pm
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This being my first year in VMX, it has brought back some great memories I might have otherwise never thought of again. This forum is probably a place where hopefully some people will enjoy if I share some and share their memories as well.
When I saw Carl Blecher at The Lakes last year, it was the first time I had seen him in 28 years. I began racing Motocross in Aus in 1978 when I was 17 and not having a license or car, Carl was good enough to let me travel with him to many a race up and down the East Coast of Aus. One of my favorite memories of those days with Carl was when we were travelling back to Sydney late one Sunday night from a race way up North somewhere and a stone smashed the Wind Screen of his panel van. We had to get home so we knocked the broken glass out, put on our helmets and googles and drove the remaining 5-6 hours that way. We got a lot of funny looks that night.
As it turned out I was living no more than 5 minutes drive from his bike shop Northside Motorcycles and had no idea he still owned it.
I was lucky enough to catch up with Stephen Gall at CD8 this year, the first time I had seen him since early 83. One of my favorite memories of Stephen was in early 1982 when I travelled to the US at the same time he, Matt Carlson, I think a young Craig Dack and a few other guys were staying in a hotel near Disneyland and racing Saddleback for experience. I had a great week with them going to the track watching them ride, visiting trick bike part shops, going out at night and even dragged them out to a nights mud wrestling. But that's another story.
Most probably know that Steve now sells knee braces. I bought some from him and they are exceptional and have made a huge difference to me. I can now walk on Mondays after a race meeting.
Is Matt Carlson still around? What about Charlie Reynalds from Tamworth?
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Another great memory I have is of Pele Granquist and how he introduced his gritty, never say die form of European motocross to us. Whenever there was an event with long, grueling motos on technical & tough natural terrain tracks, Pele was relentless and a joy to watch. Super fit and a true racer, Pele would grind and grind on his obviously under powered Husky compared to the competitions worked Suzukis and Yamahas and wear his competition down. He and his lovely wife were wonderful people as well, very approachable and a delight to be around.
I wonder where they are now.
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Pele's living in Sweden but makes the pilgrimage back here to see his wife's family for a month or two every year.
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KJ - I agree - whilst not havnig met some of the names you mention I have great memories of the Tassie crowd where I grew up (some of whom are on this forum) but I also think some of my recent VMX memories are up there with them as well - the new people I have met this time around compared to when I was a kid. ;D
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From what a mate told me, I think Matty Carlson is still around, and racing Moderns in Wollongong at Mt Kembla.
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KJ - I agree - whilst not havnig met some of the names you mention I have great memories of the Tassie crowd where I grew up (some of whom are on this forum) but I also think some of my recent VMX memories are up there with them as well - the new people I have met this time around compared to when I was a kid. ;D
Good point Ross, Vicki......not sure what to call you!
In fact I have had more fun this past year than I think I did for most of my earlier years racing. Perhaps my first couple of years of racing were the most fun I had back then before I got too serious trying to be a world beater. You are absolutely spot on though, I see myself as very fortunate to have discovered this whole VMX circus when I did or I might have missed out all together.
Xmas Cheers
KJ