A lifelong dream becomes a community venture near Oakville
People driving through the Oakville area might have seen some surprising changes happening on a family property that has been around for generations, just south of town.
What began as cleaning up around a historic farmyard has gradually turned into an exciting motocross track project by local enthusiast Ian Alford. He’s blending his passion for dirt bikes with family roots and hopes to inspire future riders.
Alford shared that this property holds many personal memories.
“Me and my wife have been cleaning up the farmyard, which dates back to my grandpa,” he said. “My dad and his three brothers were born in that house.”
He mentioned that the family has been connected to the land since before World War II.
A ‘farmhouse jump’ draws attention
A standout feature that has caught the eye of those passing by is what Alford humorously calls the “farmhouse jump.”
The “Farm House Jump”
This elevated jump is situated right in front of the longtime family home and has quickly become one of the most noticeable updates to the property.
“I didn’t plan it, but the apex of the jump is right center of the house,” Alford explained. “Right where the garden is and right where the lawn is.”
The motocross track itself has been gradually constructed over this past year with assistance from local racer Justyn Mc Cabe, who has raced on a national level.
Alford mentions that he’s always tweaking things as he works on new layouts and improvements for the track.
“Just last night I was out there,” he said. “I did a moto, went out there, fixed up a jump, did a moto, went out and fixed another one.”
From childhood riding to mentoring others
Alford’s journey with motocross started when he was young.
He recalled getting his first dirt bike from the Miller family near Oakville before eventually racing in Manitoba’s motocross circuit during his teenage years.
“We had tracks at Austin, Winnipeg, St. Jean, Brandon,” he said. “There were much closer local tracks back then.”
Your interest later grew into mountain biking, road biking, racing, and coaching others.
Alford shares that working with younger riders is now one of his favorite aspects of being involved in this sport.
“I’ve always enjoyed doing things with my kids,” he explained. “When the kids got into bikes, we went into Kids of Mud and I started coaching.”
He added that coaching often meant spending mornings guiding younger riders before racing himself later in the day.
Related stories:
Aiming for future ride days and mentorship opportunities
The Oakville track may still be under development, but Alford envisions eventually opening it up for organized ride days and chances for mentorship.
<p“The plan would be one day to bring kids or teens or people trying to learn out to the track,” he said.
The property already features trails, gathering spots, and even a converted “binzebo” overlooking everything.
“There’s a place for a bonfire; trails all over the place; it’s all mowed down,” said Alford. “One of the guys from Bon Homme Colony said it’s like a park out there.”
Beyond motorcycles though, this project means more to Alford than just that.
Source link
