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The sad news of Jeff Smith’s death, has brought many, many responses from people who knew and respected him. – As reported earlier, I do have my own special memory of the great man, as it was at the 1976 200 mile Moose Mountain Cross Country that Jeff was on the line with myself and another 171 riders for the shot gun start.
It was following Jeff on an almost impossible straight up hill after the start, when most of the riders took the easier but longer way around., which enabled me to get near the front, although I soon lost sight of Jeff at the top. -Jeff was on a 250 Can Am and I was on the new Yamaha Canada IT 400. – Jeff finished 2nd to Danny Amor – I finished 6th. – I lucked out that first day by following a World Champ.
Much has been said about how very humble the great super stars are, and Jeff Smith certainly fit into that mold. He was not only a 2 time World MX Champ – he won the Scottish Six Day Trial and The Scott Time trial. – He moved to Canada to work for Bombardier and develop the Can Am bikes, then later moved to the States where he continued until his retirement. – The story goes that he had a knock on the door at his home in England, and a guy from Quebec was there asking if he could talk about a business deal – Jeff told him to come back in the morning – ( How totally British) – The other thing about Jeff that sticks in my mind, was after that Moose Mountain Race the trophy presentation was held in extremely hot 40+ weather so Danny showed up in Tank top and shorts – Jeff wore a collar and tie !!!!!!
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Answer to the last quiz – Dave Bickers – in the ISDT a rare appearance for him as he always rode Scrambles. – Only Harlow got it
Quiz today. – An easy one – Who is this Canadian rider?
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We had a great ride on Sunday with buddy Roy – first time he has been out since last Fall – weather was cool, but no snow and the only thing we saw out there was a bunch of deer.
Neat spot called the Rusty Pail Trail. – I was out on my 125 TRS which I have added a quickly detachable seat -This works great – but I am also really Looking forward to getting out on a new 2026 Beta Sincro 200.
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Only a couple of weeks now until the first Trial in the Okanagan – The Naramata event goes at Easter – the boys have been busy on the loop and it should be another “Cracker” – We will only be able to attend on the Sunday – but Katie will be in charge of the Outlaw Beta tent and answering any questions ( We do hope to have a new Beta Sincro with us on Sunday – but the timing may be a bit tight – it’s due to be shipped to us on March 26th)
And here is a great pic of Katie Stateside for that last big extreme Enduro – she posted that she didn’t finish, but I’m sure she did her best – looking forward to hearing about that – yes Trystan Hart won.
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