13 years ago we drove up to Track 2000 in Milton for an open house. Dean was hesitant as he had been involved as a teenager and told us we would get hooked. Well, Kyle had been off training wheels at age 2, and just wanted to jump his bike, so off we went to the track. and Dean was right, from day 1, we jumped in and helped out . . . . we had found a wonderful family activity.
Fast forward 13 years - i had been Track VP, track volunteer, track official, track registrar, OCA VP BMX, OCA staff member, national official, course conductor etc etc etc - and i was leaving the sport. I had lost the drive, the thrill and the joy of the sport - it was no longer as much fun as it used to be . . . . i dreaded race weekends; i found reasons not to go to the locals; i just could never enjoy just watching the races anymore. I realized it was time to move on.
We achieved a lot in those 13 years - and i say WE as there was an amazing group of people - first one was Sue, we met thru BMX and are best friends to this day - man did we go through some ups and downs - she became my sounding board when i was so mad with the new processes at the office; she calmed me down when i would rant and rave; she supported me when i said i had had enough. Then Brendan, my SWM, we hit it off from day one - he is what i really miss at the office. Between the 3 of us we started the first High Performance program for BMX racing - we fought for funding; for respect; for recognition - and we did it, we helped create National and Provincial champions, and our model has been followed by other provinces.
Then Martin, oh what can i say about Martin - other than his wife, i am probably the only woman he allows to nag him. We started the first officials program in Ontario; wrote the course for the national organization; became 2 of the first national officials in Canada; and he the first international official from Ontario in BMX racing. Man we fought some battles.
Then the families; the Walshes, the Fosters, the Trachs, Melansons, Ketchins, Richards, and all of the rest - i was lucky to see the kids grown through the sport. There were also some kids that made me want to quit so many times, one not from our track was a thorn in my side for 5 years - but i just tell myself that one day he will get his own, and you know what, i so dislike this child that i will not be there to pick him up when he does get pushed down. He made my life hell.
But my whole bmx experience has bought me the most wonderful friends, memories, laughter, tears, the biggest tragedy in my life, and the strongest support after that tragedy - i love you Timmy.
I was told i wore my game face at the races - in fact i just wanted to get out of there at the end - my time was done. The dozen years i spent in the sport, 10 were great, 2 sucked. If i had to be honest, i should have left in 2007 when someone that believed in me also left. Because with him i was given support, motivation, energy and respect. And when he left, i think my spirit for the sport left with him.
But as i look back and look at what we all achieved together, i am proud and honoured to have been part of a sport with so many amazing people and children. And you know what, that little asshole that made my life hell can just piss off . . . . cos i never have to deal with him again.
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