The sign at Bowan Rekken Memorial Park in Carlyle reads: "Live your life to the fullest in memory of me." Moto-X riders from across southeastern Saskatchewan and Manitoba did just that at the 10th Bowan Rekken Memorial Race in Carlyle on Sept. 20.
The one-day event is a tribute to Bowan Rekken, son of Kelly and Susan Rekken, who passed away 10 years ago. The track was built by Bowan's parents, his brothers: Kaylan, Kelsey and Bjorn; along with help from Bowan's extended family and many friends.
As part of the Â鶹ÊÓƵeast Corner Racing Circuit, which includes races in Carlyle, Estevan, Oxbow and Weyburn, The Bowan Rekken Memorial hosted competitors from ages 5 to 60-plus, competing in 11 different classes.
Although heavy rain and high winds delayed the start of the event, "It went really well," says Susan Rekken. "The guys came off of the first heat and said the track was perfect."
Racer Kate Lees of Carlyle says, "It was awesome. Everyone out working on the track did a really wicked job getting it ready, with the rain on Friday night."
"I placed second in the Ladies' and sixth in the "B" Class, until I injured my hand," she adds.
Lees, now a second-year nursing student in Regina, says, "I love racing in Carlyle. It's my absolute favourite. There are so many people that know why I race. My brother used to race and I can't imagine my life without it. It's always fun racing in Carlyle."
Christie King of Frobisher agrees. "My sons (Derek, 15 and Travis, 14) have raced for five years now. Carlyle always does a good job. They sometimes have weather trouble, but they always get it done."
"Everyone's good here. Even the guys you're racing against . . . if you need a part or something, they'll help you," adds King.
"We've upgraded the whoops and the double and triple jumps this year," says Kelly Rekken. "Club members did the building, with equipment loaned by Carlyle Rental Centre, CanElson Drilling from Carlyle and JJ Trucking from Arcola."
"It first started when one of Bowan's friends came up with the idea of building a track near Carlyle, as a way to honour him. The kids that were racing were having to go all over to do it and they really wanted to honour Bowan and have that memorial closer to Carlyle," says Bowan's mother, Susan.
"For us, it's all about the races and paying tribute to our son. It was a good day overall. Everybody had a good time and we look forward to next year."
