Revelstoke’s 3rd Annual Papa John Classic Moto Weekend went down in a big way on September 26 and 27, 2015. Organized by the Revy Riders Dirt Bike Club, this event saw over 200 riders from Saskatchewan, Alberta and B.C. in attendance.
Early registration for Saturday’s Poker Run took place at the beautiful Glacier House Hotel & Resort. Many staged from there and used the connector trail to access the Revy Riders tracks and trails.
Various routes were set up for the Poker Run, and riders could choose to follow the original Lower Frisby Trails or the more challenging Deadman’s Creek Trails. Whichever way they went, however, they were treated to immaculately crafted trails, stunning viewpoints and amazing scenery along the way.
Afterwards, riders headed back to Glacier House for a reception on the patio. Tons of prizes were given away, and thanks to sponsors like Klim, Fly Racing, Fox Canada and Gamma Powersports there was everything from goggles to moto pants in the mix. The fun continued with a dinner, catered by the Village Idiot Bar & Grill, followed by a huge bonfire.
Glacier House Resort & Hotel opened its arms to dirt bike guests during the event. — Kirsten Armleder photo
Not too bright or early on Sunday, some choose to explore the trails on their own while others entered the Revy Riders Rip—a hare scramble of sorts that incorporated motocross, single-track and endurocross. Great for spectators, this exciting race featured Ladies, Juniors, A and B classes.
In the A or pro class, it was Ian McKill from Riders Edge Suspension in Vernon who claimed the top spot. Second place went to Darren Pickering from All Seasons Motorsports in Cranbrook and third place went to Jordan Hatch of Golden.
Chris Pawlitsky, president of the Revy Riders Dirt Bike Club, congratulates Ian McKill for winning the A class on Sunday's Revy Riders Rip race. — Kirsten Armleder photo
Overall, the Papa John Classic Moto Weekend was a huge success, and according to Chris Pawlitsky, president of the Revy Riders, there are plans to have more races in the future.
Behind the scenes
For the club, organizing events like this one is fun, but there is also a lot of work involved, and sometimes we don’t appreciate to the fullest extent what goes on behind the scenes.
The Revy Riders Dirt Bike Club was formed in 2008, and since then, club members have worked tirelessly to obtain a tenure and the rights to develop and maintain a trail system in the Frisby Ridge area.
The club has worked hard to create three tracks and 80 kilometres of single-track trails. — Kirsten Armleder photo
Right now, the club is sitting at 80 kilometres of professionally built single-track trails, plus two motocross tracks and an endurocross track. There are plans to continue building trails, but it is a process that won’t happen overnight. You see, each trail must meet guidelines and be approved by the government before any ground work can begin.
But they needn’t worry, because from what we saw at the Papa John Classic Moto Weekend, the word is out about the Revy Riders’ dirt bike scene, and Revelstoke is well on its way to becoming one of B.C.’s top off-road motorcycle riding destinations.
For more photos, see the 2015 Papa John Classic Single-track, Endurocross and Moto Gallery.
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