It was almost nine summers ago when Bowan Karl Rekken passed away. His friends were so moved by his passing that they approached his parents about building a motocross track in his memory in Carlyle. It was a sport Rekken enjoyed when he was alive. The community got involved, pooled their resources and in 2004 the Bowen Rekken Memorial Moto-X Track was formed. Kelly and Susan Rekken the parents of Bowen Rekken said their son loved the sport and ever since the track was built, events have been steadily growing in size and popularity.
"It was pretty much a labour of love, expense wasn't the issue, it was the time and effort put into it" Susan Rekken said.
It soon became one of the popular circuits in southeast Saskatchewan involving racers from the Â鶹ÊÓƵ Corner Racing Circuit. Saturday, Sept. 21 was no exception. Riders from across the province came out to participate in the second motocross event for the year in Carlyle. There were over 150 riders of various classes who participated. Carlyle's very own Kelly Lees, 17, was one of the racers on the day and she represented the town in good fashion winning the women's event. She was introduced to motocross by her older brother and was even more destined to become a rider by the mere fact that her father is the owner of Kawasaki dealership in Carlyle. Lees said she has been racing for five years and enjoys the event and representing Carlyle.
"It was muddy, rutted and it was fun I love it - I'm the only girl rider," she said.
There were young, novice riders and veteran riders at the event as well a women's class. The stands were full and there was ample support for all riders, adding to the family orientated nature of the event. Parents were able cheer on their children as 12-year-olds could be seen making giant jumps, manoeuvring though mud and revving their bikes for the fun of it.
In addition to Carlyle the Â鶹ÊÓƵ Corner Racing Circuit also hosts events in Estevan, Oxbow and Weyburn, totaling seven events for the year. The Â鶹ÊÓƵ Corner Racing Circuit heads to Weyburn next, which will be the final event for the year.
