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   This Sunday is the big race day. Hundreds of people will descend on rural Drakesville (IA) to watch and race dirt bikes over the hills and through the woods for a fun and adventuresome day. The race is set up by a southern Iowa racing club, Pro Hick Racing, under the rules of the Iowa Endouro Rider’s Association. These races will draw riders from several states and all skill levels. There will be riders for whom this is their first race to professional riders who run a national circuit and race in Europe on the Red Bull Enduro races. Racers are divided into classes according to skill level and experience. The first race starts at 8:00 a.m. with the little bikes. Children, both boys and girls as young as 3 years old race a short course of a mile and a quarter. This class is especially fun to watch as some of these little ones can ride better than they can walk. Others do not ride so well and wreck a lot.

   As the day moves along, the bikes get bigger, and the tracks get longer. Through the course of the day, there are classes for beginners, electric bikes, those who are over 60 years old, over 70 years old, and people who just want to ride the trails for the entertainment value of it. The last race of the day starts at 1:30 in the afternoon with the B, A, and AA classes. These riders are ranked by their proven skill levels while on the circuit. The AA class include the professional riders and, in my opinion, are certifiably crazy. These people ride dirt bikes in places a rabbit would not go. They not only ride in rough terrain with a lot of obstacles, they do it at a high rate of speed. The amazing part about it is, there are rarely any serious injuries. Their course is 18.3 miles long per lap and will be more than one lap long. Endurance as well as skill is required to complete this race.

   Damon, Pat, and Zane have spent countless hours making and maintaining the course. When they think a section is done and ready to go, a tree will blow down across the trail and need to be removed. Whole sections have had to be re-routed when rains looked like it would make low-lying sections too muddy only to be added back in when dryer weather made it passible again. Mowing 18.3 miles of trail also takes some time and is not always easy.

   On Race Day, food trucks will be on site as well as porta-pottys for the convenience of both riders and spectators. Many people show up the night before and camp overnight to be on site for the morning races. Camping is free with paid gate admission.

   Last year was the first race in Drakesville. It was very successful and rated as one of the best courses on the circuit. This year, with more people aware of the quality of the course, a larger crowd is expected. The public is invited to attend, either to race or just to spectate. Registration for the race begins at 7:00 and there is a class for everyone with a dirt bike. You do not have to be a member of Pro Hick Racing or the IERA to compete unless you are wanting to earn points for classification or year-end totals. Spectators can show up anytime, but I recommend getting there before the 8:00 start of the little kid’s race. Watching their determination will make your Race Day. The address is 15520 175th Street, Drakesville, Iowa 52552.

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