WITH the thrill-a-second Maxxis British Motocross Championship coming to Canada Heights again this year, one of the organisers gives News Shopper the inside scoop on why an afternoon at Kent's premier motocross track is a must for everyone.

By Brian Edwards of Sidcup & District Motorcycle Club

What do you consider to be your perfect Sunday? Perhaps watching or playing football. Maybe you're a golfer. Sailing, or boating may be your thing, or perhaps your dear lady drags you round the shopping Centres?

Well, whatever interests fills those precious days between the toils of work, you may like to escape and considered the thrills, colour and spectacle of off-road motorcycling and the motocross championship.

The sport is colourful, rough, demanding and breathtakingly exciting and one of the very few speed events where you can get really close to all the action.

The Sidcup & District Motorcycle Club has been organising off-road events on its international Canada Heights track for many years and it attracts huge crowds.

On March 11 the first round of the Maxxis British Motocross Championship kicks off on the spectacular track and this year both spectators and riders will be in for a big treat, as during the off season period the club has completely revised the whole track.

It will not only run in the opposite direction but will include many new, exciting, technical, man-made and demanding obstacles.

The cicuit has always had the reputation for providing thrills and excitement and for keeping both visitors and competitors on their toes and this new track should certainly do that.

It would be interesting to know how many of you have visited the exciting Canada Heights motocross course know anything of its history, or have thought where the name Canada Heights comes from.

Well there is a lot more to the venue than just a nice piece of land for off-road competitors to have fun on.

The land is steeped in history and dates back to before the first World War when a large contingent of Canadian troops were billeted there under canvas before departing to the bloody battle fields of France, many never to return to either their country, or loved ones.

Hence the name Canada Heights.

In the early thirties motorcyclists started to use the land for motorcycle events, called in that period, mountain grass tracks.

The rough, undulating terrain was ideal for the rapidly growing sport of off-road motorcycling, providing enthusiasts with immense pleasure and the opportunity to compete against each other.

Ok, it was not as tough as it is today but remember the machines did not have the benefit of suspension and knobbly tyres and most used belt drive.

It did however provide competitors with a place to compete and enjoy themselves.

As the sport grew and the machines developed it became known as scrambles.

The venue began to become very popular and was eventually taken over by the Sidcup Motorcycle Club.

During the seventies and eighties the popular and go ahead Sidcup club began to organise even bigger events, eventually launching into championships and internationals.

Over the years the venue and the club has been proud to play host to some of the finest riders who have ridden motocross.

Competitors from home and abroad provided some of the most breathtaking and amazing action at this amazing venue.

The circuit is situated in 28 acres of delightful chestnut woods in Button Street, near Swanley, Kent and purchased by the club for organised off-road motorcycling in 1985.

Since then, the club has spent a great deal of time maintaining this wonderful asset and works closely with nature to retain its natural beauty, while also provinding for the sport.

It abounds with all forms of wild life and creatures which thrive in the natural surroundings.

A few years ago a wild duck laid, hatched and brought up its clutch of chicks right next to the motocross track, completely undisturbed, and only took to flight when a helicopter had to land near by and was quite unperterbed by the bikes roaring round.

In addition to motocross, the club also successfully organises Enduros, Long Distance Trials and Observed Trials, as well as strongly supporting its social side.

The world of off-road motorcycling may not be apparent to many non-enthusiast but it continues to thrive, greatly supported and encouraged by clubs like the Sidcup MCC.

There is no doubt motorcycles attracts the younger generation, many of whom cause immeasurable damage and nuisance on illegal machines riding on private property, but there are many clubs throughout the country with dedicated people attempting to maintain its good image and encourage younger people to take up the sport and compete against like-minded people safely and under a properly controlled environment.

The off-road world is an intriguing one offering a wide variety of motorcycling disciplines will appeal to most interested people.

If its speed which attracts you, then motocross will interest you.

Enduros offers a combination of both and as title indicates, speed and duration of riding.

This type of sport is growing rapidly and offers the best value for money from a time in the saddle point of view.

Observed trials is quieter and an extremely skilled off-road sport where throttle control and balance is the key.

Riders in this discipline are often referred to as the violinists of the off road world.

Anyone considering entering either any of the sports will benefit by starting in trials, as it will teach them how to control a machine over all sorts of obstacles and terrain in muddy and slippery conditions, which will benefit them enormously in any of the other disciplines.

It can also be invaluable as a road motorcyclist and help to reduce accidents.

Becomming a member of a motorcycle club not only gives you the opportunity to ride motorcycles safely and under a proper environment, but teaches you teamwork and to enjoy the pleasures of working with like-minded people.

Most clubs are always looking for helpful, enthusiastic people and you don't necessarily need to be a rider.

You can become a dedicate and trained marshal and enjoy the action from close quarters.

We will be happy to train you to deal with incidents and to provide a safe track for competitors to ride under and your skill will be really appreciated.

At most of our events we look after our marshals and see they are fed and watered during their duties.

If you sit at home some weekends, bored and wishing there was something exciting and worth while to do contact the Sidcup & Dist MCC and consider joining the exciting world of off-road sport.

For more, visit sidcupmotrocycleclub.co.uk or phone Mrage Clarke (01634 201268) or Brian Edwards (01474 852155).

4:08pm Monday 12th February 2007

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