Journal · Bench Racing
The Thistle Off-Road Festival
A couple of years ago, while researching what local race I could attent with my vintage RM 250, I discovered the Ormstown Vintage Off-Road Festival. While I had planned to attend, the universe had other ideas for me and I had to pass on it. I was okay with my decision because there will always be next year. Unfortunately the VORF was cancelled in 2018 due to NIMBY neighbours.
I made an attempt to get something going here in Ottawa at SandDelLee for 2018. The fine folks at MX101 were happy to host, but I could not drum up the interest necessary to draw an adequate crowd. I learned that what made Ormstown work was that it was a multi-day event that offered riders many opportunities to ride. Traveling a long distance just to run a couple motos was not something that interested a lot of folks so I mothballed the idea.
Enter John Lake. John also saw a need for an Ormstown replacement and armed with more time to organize, he got "The Thistle" going. Just like Ormstown, this will be a multi-day event with Motocross, Trials, and Enduro riding. If you like vintage motocross, this is an event not to be missed. I volunteered my time to build a website and set up a registration form. I have also been helping with the promotion of the event and some with technical support.