MIDHURST, Ontario —If you’ve ever considered motocross as a sport of interest, regardless of your age, or perhaps your kids have shown an interest but don’t know where to begin, former professional motocross racer Ken Bland and RJ Motorsports have partnered up to offer anyone the opportunity in getting started and experiencing the excitement.

Owners Crista and James Farrington have operated RJ Motosports in Midhurst for over thirty-five years. They offer motocross training as well as track time; a place to perfect your skills and share your passion for dirt biking with other riders. Whether you are new to the sport or looking to push your skill level up a notch, the track is available Wednesdays and Saturdays for public use. They also offer motocross training led by MX racer Ken Bland, with either your own bike or on one of the 18 bikes available, including all equipment, sponsored by Stuart Todd of Barrie Honda Powerhouse.

Motocross racer Ken Bland brings his experience and wealth of knowledge to riders of every level. Ken is a father of five and currently employed at Honda in Alliston. Although motocross is where he spends most of his time, he also enjoys playing hockey with the Honda recreational league. His evenings are usually spent at RJs training upcoming riders and racers. Many of his students are local and have been training with him for several years, some of his students having started when they were only three years of age. I had the pleasure of meeting and watching Ken work with a small group of riders. He says he keeps the group numbers small, at a maximum of eight riders.

Ken was born in Scarborough, grew up in Bramalea, and moved to Stroud when he was twelve years old. Ken has now been living in Hillsdale since 2003. Ken says his father always had bikes and Ken remembers getting his first dirt bike when he was eight years old. Ken recalls it all started when his father took him to see the movie.

“On Any Sunday,” a 1971 documentary film about the sport, and different forms of racing. Ken says from there he was inspired by American professional motocross racer Bob Hannah who was competitive from 1976 to 1989 and was one of the most successful motocross racers in AMA history with 70 AMA national championship race victories.

Ken started training upcoming riders at the age of seventeen at Motopark in Chatsworth where he still competes. He has also been involved with Motocamp, a camp for deaf and special needs children located just south of Parry Sound from 2002-2016. Former professional racer Lino Zecca has been involved with the camp for over twenty years, leading a group of dedicated instructors. One notable student Ken has trained is Tanner Ward. Tanner won his first-ever pro-national at Walton Raceway in Walton, ON last year and is now working with trainer Todd Schumlick and the Honda, GDR Fox Racing team.

Ken is continuing to win championships and is very competitive at the 40+ and 50+ Veteran divisions on his Honda 250cc. Some of the tracks he competes at include Ottawa’s Sand Del Lee Motocross Park, Gopher Dunes in Courtland, and Walton Raceway. Many of his student riders he says start their racing debut at Burnt River, located in the Kawarthas.

“This is a great beginner track where riders of various skill levels can enjoy a less difficult track with enough hills and jumps.”

Ken says his biggest enjoyment in motocross is not his wins but being able to pass on his skills to young riders. “I get the most satisfaction watching riders develop, working on their skills and seeing them improve through providing them the with proper techniques and knowledge for developing safe riding skills and by setting them up for success with a solid foundation.”

He shares he sees so many riders competing that really lack the fundamentals, not only to be successful in winning but also being safe and fully in control of their bikes. It’s never a question of ‘if’ you will crash, it’s when. Mishaps in motocross can often be detrimental; you want to be as safe as possible – at all times. Ken says he really emphasises respect and safety to all his students both on and off the track. Once he feels the student is in full control in their riding and handling of the bike, only then does he push for more. “Proper riding technique, focus and accuracy, develop good riders.”

Parents are often the biggest fans and supporters, as in any sport, their dedication is important especially with the younger riders. Ken says many ask, “How do I know when my child is really serious about motocross or if it’s just a hobby?” Ken’s answer: “When they are ready to do the work off the bike.” This means when they are fully committed to do what it takes to succeed in the sport. It requires not only the dedication of riding, but also fitness; you need strength training and cardio to not only be a winner, but to even be competitive. It makes the difference in racing – wanting to win or knowing that you CAN win!

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