Gopher Dunes

Gopher Dunes is a dirt track near the community of Courtland in Norfolk County, Ontario, Canada.[2] Many of its sponsors are either locally based companies or local franchises of popular restaurants like Wendy's and Kelsey's Neighbourhood Bar & Grill.[1]

Gopher Dunes
Canada’s Toughest Track
Location4385 Norfolk 59
Courtland, Ontario, Canada
N0J 1E0
Time zoneUTC−05:00
OwnerFrank and Barb Schuster (as the founders of GoPHER Dunes, Inc.)[1]
OperatorGoPHER Dunes, Inc.[1]
Broke ground1986[1]
Opened1987[1]
Major eventsDirt track racing

Summary

The track is internationally renowned for being one of the toughest tracks which require conditioning.[3] There are 26 kilometres (16 mi) of trails in addition to a child-oriented track that is much shorter - all strategically places on 20 acres (870,000 sq ft) of land.[1][2] The kiddie (referred to on the official web site as pee-wee) track can only be attempted by motorbikes up to 125cc (e.g., Suzuki DR-Z 125) and quads up to 110cc.[1] Dirt bikes can commonly be seen on the track as recreational biking is encouraged along with organized racing. Rider training is also provided along with memberships. CMRC Pro National races and Mudfest are scheduled races done by the organized motorsports leagues for the purpose of racing their respective seasons.[3][4][5] It is considered one of the most difficult tracks on the national tour.[6][7][8]

A "weird" wedding occurred here involving Mr. and Mrs. Nick Zavitz of St. Thomas, Ontario.[9] They got married in their respective tow straps deep in the mud of the main pit.[9] A trio of quad riders would pull up in front of the Trans Am on a pickup truck chassis and spray the newlyweds with mud instead of rice.[9]

The summers of 2016 and 2017 have provided the perfect weather for both professional performers and amateur users alike who generally like the solid performance that the track provides for their vehicle.[10]

Attempts to maintain profitability in recent years have been affected by illegitimate facilities that have opened up within 30 miles or 48 kilometres of Gopher Dunes. These improvised facilities on improperly zoned land have ruined the peace and quiet that comes with living in rural Ontario.[11]

References
  1. "Gopher Dunes - Tracks and Trails/Year of Establishment/Founders' information". Gopher Dunes. Archived from the original on 2009-03-23. Retrieved 2011-11-12.
  2. "Location of Gopher Dunes". Dirt Bike Tips and Tricks. Retrieved 2011-11-12.
  3. Rak, Paul (2009-07-20). "Round 5 of the Monster Energy Motocross Nationals". Monster Energy Canada. Archived from the original on 2009-08-17. Retrieved 2009-07-29.
  4. Brault, Danny (June 10, 2008). "Sturgess Cycle National Track Tour: Gopher Dunes". Racer X Canada. Retrieved 2009-07-29.
  5. "Killough fourth at Gopher Dunes". Tillsonburgh News. 2009-07-23. Retrieved 2009-07-29.
  6. "Dusty Klatt, Teddy Maier tame Gopher Dunes". Oxford Review. 2009-07-29. Archived from the original on 2012-09-05. Retrieved 2009-07-29.
  7. "Rough Cuts: Gopher Dunes National". directmotocross.com. 2009-07-22. Archived from the original on 2011-07-10. Retrieved 2009-07-29.
  8. Robinson, Jacob (2009-07-22). "Gopher Dunes hosts the best in the country". Delhi News-Record. Archived from the original on 2012-07-23. Retrieved 2009-07-29.
  9. "Weird Wedding @ Gopher Dune". 4 Wheel Off Road. Retrieved 2011-04-04.
  10. 2017 GOPHER DUNES MX | RACE REPORT at Motocross Transworld
  11. "Bylaw changes take on yappy dogs, dirt bikes". The Simcoe Reformer. Retrieved 2012-09-27.

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