Off to the races at Arkansaw Cycle Park

The thrill of the ride is what drew Jon Richardson into the world of motocross racing.

“Once you start racing, you get hooked,” Richardson said.

Richardson, 19, has been riding since he was 3 years old, and began racing four years ago. Phil Gullickson, another avid racer, began racing ATVs a few years ago and does not believe this activity is for the weak of heart.

“You have to possess the will and the heart to do this sport,” Gullickson said. “Crashes, wrecks, and broken bones are a part of the bargain. The love of the machine makes it all worth it.”

Gullickson, Richardson, and about 200 other racers with the will and heart to participate will race at Arkansaw Cycle Park in Arkansaw, Wis., July 27-29.

Eric Richardson, in charge of planning the event, said he hopes to attract around 300 competitors.

Eric Richardson, whose parents own the track, coordinated all of the events for the weekend, organized the entertainment, and had the most contact with the competitors. He also had a hand in preparing the track for the weekend.

On Friday July 27, racers will come to the track for a practice and Saturday, the competition begins and goes all day.

After the races are finished, Saturday night is filled with activates at Cycle Park to entertain the competitors, their friends and family.

A Hawaiian pig roast is planned, along with a fireworks show.

“We just want a night where people can spend time with the racers they came to support and enjoy themselves,” Eric Richardson said.

Arkansaw Cycle Park will also be giving away a “pit bike,” a small motorcycle that can be ridden by an adult or a child, and 300-400 free T-shirts in addition to more than $1,000 worth in door prizes distributed to the racers throughout the weekend.

Even though Arkansaw Cycle Park lies in Arkansaw, Wis., in Pepin County, the park holds its doors wide open to Minnesota racers as well as Wisconsin racers.

“We are so close to the Wisconsin-Minnesota border, an open door policy is a good way to get a diverse competition,” Richardson said.

Racers looking to participate must be members of the American Motorcycle Association (AMA) and have an annual membership with Arkansaw Cycle Park.

Richardson has high hopes for how his race will go.

“The last race went well and hopefully the upcoming race will go just as good,” Richardson said.

Tags: sports, proam, motocross