Dating back to 1972, it all started with four semi-retired cross-country and motocross riders who were not as competitive any more, but refused to give up riding. These “Original Four” were Ron Farmer, Stan Johnson, Brooks Gowanlock and Vern Amor. The first official meeting of the BC Oldtimers Club was January 9, 1974 and the club joined the Oldtimers MX Association around the middle of 1974 makin
g the Association an International one. George Wagstaff was the first President and Brooks Gowanlock was the first club Secretary. Our current information shows President George Wagstaff followed by Brooks Gowanlock from 1984 -1987; Ron Farmer in 1988; John Berezowecki in 1989 &1990; Norm Twa in 1991; Larry Wear in 1992 & 1993; Len Edwards in 1994 until 2001 and Don Tocher in 2002 to 2013 when Don decided it was time to hand the gavel over to new young blood. At the November 7, 2013 Annual General Meeting, Rick Perrin became the new President. Ron Farmer was indoctrinated into the Canadian Motor Sport Hall of Fame in March 1998 for his tireless effort to establish and maintain a drag-race and motocross facility in Mission. OLDTIMERS Motorcycle Club became the fourth club to join the Oldtimers MX Association, which was founded by Los Angeles and immediately followed by Oregon and Washington. entry into the Association in 1974 made it International and the name was changed to the International Oldtimers Motocross Association. The Association now has thirteen clubs (2010) from all the Western States and the two Western Provinces - B.C. The most recent club to join is Carlsbad, California, who will put on their inaugural race October 30 - 31, 2010. Arizona joined in 2002 and put on their inaugural race March 1- 2 of 2003. Motocross is a very family-oriented and healthy sport. It is the most physically demanding sport in the world, ahead of soccer. Officially, “Oldtimers” are 40 years and older, and we have 19 active riders in the 70 year old class with 5 riders over 80 years old (2009). As of 2006 we established a separate class for them, which is the +80 Master class. Prior to 2006, they had to ride with the “KIDS” in the +70 class. All classes are decided by age and ability, but then we do cater to all other ages as well. The youngest grandchildren, sons, and daughters are in the mini class. People under 30, but on a big wheel bike, ride in the support class. The 30 to 39 year old riders compete in the Over-The-Hill Gang/+30 class. All our International races are two day events, with 3 motos on Saturday and 2 motos on Sunday. For those over 70 years old, and the 60 Novices, it is reduced to 2 motos on Saturday. All motos are considerably longer than normal local races. For example the +40 Master class runs five 22 Minute Motos. We like you to go home tired but want you to know that you earned it. Most of our International tracks are real Motocross tracks with long lap times and very few, if any, 'stadium style' jumps. Although every track has a fair number of jumps, they are mostly step-up, step-down and table top type jumps. On Saturday night the BCOT supplies a 'first class', catered dinner and the best raffle on the circuit. Although it is becoming quite popular with other clubs, our world famous raffle and dinner, are still the best. We also try very hard to have the most unique and best trophies on the circuit and something you would really like to win and keep. We also attempt to have the trophies based on a Canadian theme. The rules are 30% trophies and we are generous with that minimum and also pay 100% trophies to anyone over 70. They deserve it. Anyone over 80, rides free, as long as they pre-enter. Congratulations to Charlie Burchinal, who is our first over 80 year old rider and first inductee into the BCOT Hall of Fame. See the President's recognition speech to Charlie here. Its great fun for all ------So come join us.
