Start Them Young

Is it possible to predict where the next Motocross Star will come from? So it could easily be Texel? Here they start young and through perseverance and dedication develop to a level that entertains. You don’t know where Texel is? Not many people do. It is an island in the North of The Netherlands just a short ferry ride off Den Helder (8 Euro return), an easy one day motorcycle ride (or two or three depending…) from the UK. First, there are many activities on the island including a renowned skydiving drop zone. Due to my interest in motorcycling and the fact that I am on a motorcycle tour around the world, my first inclination was to identify local motorcycle activity on Texel. Great was my surprise to stumble across an organised and active Motocross, Trail and Orientation rides motorcycle Club just behind the local airport. I made a note of the track times which was Saturdays 14h00 to 17h00 and Sundays 12h00 to 17h00. I arrived on Saturday afternoon to find that practice was in full swing irrespective of the declining weather and that it was not only youngsters but also the father’s, uncles and as it seemed grandfathers are all into the sport. There were no sitters’ arounders; everyone was on the track, each round trying harder, going faster, different approaches. The Sunday was even more interesting when I spotted two small boys all dressed in protective motocross gear on the track for juniors giving it a serious bashing. Their father in attention checking that the competitive brotherly spirit does not get out of hand and to help if one has a fall or other problem. When I took out the camera for a few pictures the effect was immediately visible, faster, higher, feet of the pegs…… at that age, can you imagine in a couple of years time? As far as touring and sport bikes go there are not many on the island but plenty touring motorcyclists. The roads on the island is in excellent condition and lends itself to relaxing rides in the countryside, that is of course if you remember to stay on the right hand side of the road.
Accommodation on the Island ranges from camping to 5 star and prices to suit everyone’s pocket.
Fish is fresh and a visit to Oudeschild harbour is a must, so is a visit to the Texel Brewery.
It being Holland, the whole island can be toured by bicycle and the roads are specifically adapted. Cyclists have priority of way. I speak under correction but as I have it there is roughly 135 km’s of road that can be travelled by bike all over and around the island.

For more information on Texel motorcycling go to: http://www.mabclub-texel.nl/ and Texel, http://www.texel.nl/ (there is an option to view this site in English)