GOPHER DUNES G O I N G S T R O N G A T Discover full-throttle fun just minutes from Tillsonburg W hen Frank Schuster’s parents bought him a mini bike in the
grew into a business,” says Frank, who spent his youth racing at Big Bend, Motopark and Hully Gully in Varna. “At first we just catered to dirt bikes and three-wheeled trikes. But we expanded over the years to offer all kinds of different riding ex- periences.” Now in its 31st year of operation, Gopher Dunes continues to draw riders and race-enthusiasts from all over North America. In 2005, Gopher Dunes hosted its first CMRC Pro-Motocross Na- tional event and since that time, has gained a reputation as the toughest
motocross track on the circuit. However, it isn’t only professional riders who’ve come to love Gopher Dunes. The facility also offers a popular pee-wee track, arenacross track, as well as a beginner track for first time riders. “We’re affiliated with Honda and offer the Red Rider Training Schools,” says Frank’s son, Derek, who, along with his wife Kerri, and Wayne and Carrie Carroll, took over the ownership of Gopher Dunes in 2015. “Our qualified instructors offer training for everyone—from novices who are thinking about purchasing their first bike or quad, right up to experienced riders wishing to im- prove their sand racing skills and techniques,” says Derek. Gopher Dunes also offers a 30 km marked trail system that runs through 100 acres of bush. “The trails are divided into three one-directional sections and never crisscross,” says Derek. Other onsite amenities include a storage facility and a well-equipped Pro-Shop and Service Department. “We carry all the motocross gear and safety equipment for sale and rent,” says Derek. “Plus all the track- side necessities.”
late 1960s, they knew their young son would want to ride it around the family farm. However, never in their wildest dreams did they fore- see a day when thousands of other riders would want to do the same. But fast-forward a few decades and that’s exactly what’s happened. The Schuster farm—once home to acre after acre of tobacco—has been transformed into Gopher Dunes, one of Ontario’s premier off-road riding facilities. “It started out as a hobby and
34
DTMag_Sprin17_draft9.indd 34
2017-05-23 10:47 AM
Made with FlippingBook - Online Brochure Maker