Round 6 of the Offroad Motorcycle and ATV (OMA) Nationals for 2016 took place in rural Fenton, IL. The best riders of motorcycles and ATV’s filled the parking area at the Bike Barn on Saturday, November 5, and Sunday, November 6, 2016. The track leads out into the corn stubble and returns to a motocross obstacle course before the finish line.
The great November weather welcomed the first riders to a 9:00 a.m. Saturday start, as the 50cc cycles–with riders aging from 5 to 8 years old, dressed in professional color–became focused and ready. The younger riders were followed by the 65-85cc cycles. Grade school aged riders took a more expanded adventure, ending back at the Bike Barn finish line.
At 11:00 a.m., over 70 ATV’s were summoned to the start line to compete on a more challenging terrain. The morning filled with buzzing engines, anxious youth, supportive families, and beautiful weather. It closed with many taking part in the afternoon Fun Run.
Saturday racing activities are a prelude to the OMA National racing on Sunday. The Bike Barn acreage, along with the cooperation of 40+ neighboring farmers, was the site for the Moose Run competition. This event sent 200+ cyclist into the surrounding woods, through streams, under rural roadways, and across harvested cropland in pursuit of earning National points and gaining sponsorships for future racing functions. Professionals, Class A & B, and Seniors compete for two laps on the 50-mile trek into the Fenton’s offroad terrain. The C classes, Super SR’s, Masters, and Women compete in a one-lap competition.
Bill Guse and his Bike Barn crew have been hosting National competition for over 40 years. Bike Barn attractions continue to draw competitors of all ages from around the Nation into the small rural area around Fenton, without receiving extensive local recognition.
Only 30 riders completed the grueling 106-mile course that drew competitors from 12 states.
Listed below are 1st place finishers by category.
PRO 1: Nick Fahringer, Jefferson, GA
PRO 2: Cody Barnes, Sterling. IL
A CLASS: Bryan Johnson, Prophetstown, IL
VET A- 30+: Eric Mischler, Beaver Dam, WI
SENIOR / 40+: Robert Newport, Faribault, MN
B CLASS: T. J. Nees, Aledo, IL
VET B / 30+: Jaramie Brown, Sterling, IL
SENIOR B / 40+: Micheal Freeman, Prophetstown, IL
SUPER SENIOR / 50+: Tom Farris, Scotch Grove, IA
C CLASS OPEN: Drew Murphy, Hunington, IN
C LITE: Jayson Crawford, Rock Falls, IL
VET C / 30+: Justin Cox, Danville, IL
MASTERS / 60+: Dick Burleson, Traverse City, MI
WOMEN: Justine Cox, Ceresco, NE