by Steve Bradley
Last Saturday and Sunday, the Bugbee Farm, which overlooks Hoosick Falls, was buzzing with activity as the locally based State Line Riders presented the State Line Hare Scramble off road motorcycling event. The event was sanctioned by the New England Trail Rider Association which consists of 28 clubs scattered across New England and New York. [private]The State Line Riders club, the local club, has 80 members.
This event, according to State Line Riders spokesman Pete Johnston of Cambridge, brought more than 250 riders, some from hundreds of miles away. More than 60 of the competitors hailed from the local area.
Competitors, both male and female, ranged from 12 to 69 years of age. The Pee Wee race, held on Saturday, had 44 riders from 7 to 12 years old. The course was seven miles over all types of terrain, with added obstacles such as logs to cross and jumps to negotiate. The rains of the nights prior did little to affect the course, although it did make the parking areas soft.
There are several divisions riders compete in. The AA Pro division raced Sunday afternoon, and the skill level of these riders was very evident. The winner of the AA division received $500 for the win. Second and third place paid $250 and $100 respectively. The top three finishers in the other divisions received trophies.
Everyone who attended enjoyed the races. The view from the top of the hill is a spectacular place to watch an event. The competitors had a camaraderie between them, but all riders were there to do their best. Parents were supporting and working along side their competing children. Many of the racers were teens happily spending the weekend with their parents. The State Line Riders put on a great event, and it was fun to watch.
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