GROWING SPORT A BIG THRILL FOR FANS AND RACERS

By Nicole Davis

Let me tell you what I did last week. I rode on one of the fastest bikes on the road at 172 km/h. I was on the back of that bike, and I don't think my butt touched the seat.

This took place at Stratotech Park, a race track in the southeast corner of Sturgeon County. The track hosts motorbike and karting races all summer, with races taking place almost every weekend of the summer. The Edmonton Motorcycle Roadracing Association (EMRA) has raced at Stratotech Park for five years now, and had 57 intermediate members and 28 expert members.

The perk of being a reporter is that we get invited to many different events, some of which are interesting and some that are a little less interesting. And then there are the times when we hit the jackpot, such as this time, when I was invited to attend an afternoon of motorcycles and speed. And I was not disappointed.

I was put on the back of one of the fastest bikes on the market, behind the president of the EMRA, Evert Nadema.

The track has two straightaways, one long and one short. It also has a soft chicane (a hard left and right combination). There are nine comers in all. When we were going down the long straightaway, we went from 172 km/h to about 80 km/h, and the force pushing on the back of my body was incredible. It was like this invisible hand was shoving against my back, lifting my body and pushing my head down. For my high school graduation my parents got me a day in a stock car, but nothing compares to the adrenaline rush that motorcycle racing gives me.

When the motorcycle turns a corner, it seems like it bends into the comer. The bike can become almost horizontal the faster a rider goes. This is one of the most incredible experiences, seeing the ground rushing up to meet your face.

The sport is a growing wonder these days. This year, even Champ Car is coming to Edmonton, so there are plenty of chances to experience the speed and excitement. All ages of people are racing, including women. Women like Trina Hennig, who can hold her own against the fastest guys on the track. Hennig has been racing since last August in the intermediate group, and says it is an incredible feeling.

"I got a Harley Fatboy and I rode it a little too hard," she said. "So I gave racing a try. Its killer, I have no regrets. It's a good experience to come for a day, try it out. Everyone I know whose come out just loves it."

One of the youngest riders is 12-year-old Justin Eacott, who has been riding since he was four, and has moved up from motocross to road racing. Eacott got the bug from his father, who is a racer himself.

"By next season, we may consider home schooling so he can spend more time on this," said dad Jonathan, who said his son is one of the best riders he's seen.

"There's maybe one in 50,000 who have this talent. He's probably in the top five or so in his group (the Alberta Mini Road Racing Association). But we leave it up to him."

If you are wondering what to do with your kids or family that has unexpectedly come for a visit, I strongly recommend spending a weekend at Stratotech Park. Whether you are interested in motorcycle racing or kart racing, you will be blown away by the speed and power of the bikes and karts.

For more information on schedules and racing, go to www.stratotech.ca or www.emra.ca.