5 Lap Sprint – Christmas Edition
By Jeff McConkey
Photos by Billy Rainford
In this installment, Jeff asks Blake Savage, Brittany Gagne, Cade Clason, Ryan Lockhart, Heidie Cooke, Nathan Bles, and Kim Normandin the same 5 questions, mostly about Christmas.
1) What’s the best Christmas gift you have ever given and why?
Blake Savage
Blake Savage
The best gift I have given was maybe a while back when I was racing for Suzuki doing off-road. I had gave my dad one of my bikes from that year so he could ride, and then I hooked him up with a full TLD kit: helmet, gloves, jersey, and pants. Then, I believe we went on a trail ride on Christmas, or maybe it was the day after. He’s always loved riding, so it was really cool to see him like a kid with all his fresh gear on!
Brittany Gagne
I’m a pretty practical gift giver. I’d say 75% of the gifts I give are motocross related and the other 25% are hunting related. I’ve given 3 guns as Christmas gifts to my dad and Jake. So, I guess that’s pretty cool.
Cade Clason
A few years ago, my sister and I made a photo book for my grandma with all her grandkids in it and she loved it so much she started to cry. Sometimes the simplest gifts can mean the most.
Ryan Lockhart
This year, I’m giving my fiancé Randi a ‘Slap Chop.’ Yes, I know sounds stupid, but she always tells me that cutting vegetables is one of her least favorite things to do. So, I figure if I can eliminate that problem, I will be in her good books. Hopefully, this isn’t posted before Christmas or maybe she won’t care to read this anyway?
Heidi Cooke
Heidi Cooke
I honestly cannot think of a “best gift” given because I love Xmas so much that I like to think all my gifts are good! This year with the kids I’m hoping to be one of the coolest years for me because Talon understands it and we have some awesome gifts for him!
Nathan Bles
The best gifts are still under the tree all wrapped up. I get to spoil my little niece.
Kim Normandin
The best gift I can give is to be with my family and friends.
2) What’s the best Christmas gift you have ever gotten and why?
Blake Savage
The best Christmas present I have ever received has to be when my parents got me a new bicycle. It was probably like 1996, and I remember it pretty clearly, actually. The bike was just a little on the big side for me, and my first bike with no training wheels. Ever since, I’ve been in love with anything that has 2 wheels.
Brittany Gagne
When I was 12 years old, I got a brand new Suzuki RM125 for Christmas. My grandparents also sent me to MTF for a week back in 2010 for a Christmas gift. I thought that was pretty sweet. But, to be honest, it’s not about the gifts to me. Especially since I moved away from my family. I just love being with them for the holidays.
Cade Clason
I was 7, KTM Sr 50. Where the whole journey began!
Ryan Lockhart
In 1996, my parents took me to Florida and Daytona SX. I mean, this was so cool since it was my first ever SX. I don’t remember who won but I can remember sitting in the stands watching and thinking this is the best thing ever and dreamed about lining up there. Well, in 2001 was my first attempt of four.
Heidi Cooke
My best Xmas gift was a TLD Hot Wheels helmet in 2003/04 not sure of the year , but it was my first Xmas away from home and my roommates surprised me with it! Tyler is really really good to me at Xmas and he gives me some really thoughtful gifts.
Nathan Bles
Nathan Bles
Lem 50 was the best gift so far. It was red that looked pink (laughs). I was 3 years old and can barely remember it, but it was overwhelming. Dad started it up in the house revving it up, and ever since, I was hooked.
Kim Normandin
The best gift I have received was 3 years ago when my mom and dad said, “you did great, it is time to get you some new gear.” And I got 2 sets of TLD gear and a new OGIO bag.
3) What is your favourite part of the holidays and why?
Blake Savage
My favorite part of the holidays is it seems to just have a different vibe everywhere you go. Everyone sees decorations, everyone gets together for parties, there’s just a different feeling about it. I wish people would have that same mentality through the whole year. The world would be a different place.
Brittany Gagne
Brittany Gagne
Family, for sure. I spent 21 years of my life being with my family every weekend racing and riding. I moved to Montana in October of 2014. Being out here is hard due to the fact that I’m 2800 miles away from them. But Jake and I were non-stop all summer, so I’m getting more use to it. It’s still nice to have them at the track with me. There isn’t any racing for Christmas, but family time is the most important thing. It’s great to have a family that supports me, even my grandparents have been supportive since day one. Motocross is always a topic of discussion.
Cade Clason
My whole family has always gotten together since I was a little kid and spent a week or so together. That’s probably my favorite because I never really get to see them so it always makes for a good time!
Ryan Lockhart
I really like the time off from the regular work grind. It seems like the older I get time just flies by. There is nothing I look forward to more than to than hanging out at home with Randi and our new son Meston.
Heidi Cooke
Favourite part of the holidays is the bakery life. It’s so busy like a little workshop and people are always stopping by and the place just goes nuts. I love it from every standpoint.
Nathan Bles
My favourite part is the food, and I guess spending time with the family. Food and family makes for good story telling (Laughs).
Kim Normandin
All the family are reunited, everyone is at parent’s house, and we celebrate. Behind us we left our differences, and all we want is to spend a good holidays and also know what my presents are.
4) What was the your biggest highlight in 2015?
Blake Savage
My biggest highlight of 2015? Sadly, I guess would just be a podium finish at Deschambult. I had a ton a good motos, and flashes of good speed. Unfortunately, I feel like I blew it a couple times, and I know I could have had another, probably 3-4 podiums if it weren’t for my own dumb mistakes. Or maybe just a little more preparation pre-season. I’ve learned that a lot the last couple months, that whatever you do pre-season, sets you up for how strong you will be the rest of the year. Not saying I didn’t work hard before the season, but the workload that I am used to now doesn’t even compare to what I used to do. I’m in a lot better place right now, and much smarter than what I have been in the past. Unfortunately, it could mean nothing now.
Brittany Gagne
Overall, even with an injury, I had a great season. I definitely loved being able to ride so many different tracks. I learned a lot this year and met all kinds of great new friends along the way. I’d have to say Sand Del Lee was a great weekend for me. I didn’t get the starts I wanted, but the track was fun and who doesn’t love coming through the pack (Laughs). Not to mention, I got to see my family and my brother, Lane, race the 450 pro class.
Cade Clason
Cade Clason
Making my first 450 main at Anaheim 2.
Ryan Lockhart
2015 was a good year from me, from winning a few more titles at Walton to having a great Arenacross season, but nothing will top the birth of my son, Meston.
Heidi Cooke
Highlight of 2015 ….. 2015 was a different year for me because it was the first time I chose not to ride a bike. This year was a family building year, let’s say. (Laughs) I did do a cooking show for Vice with Matty Matheson and went on a little tour with the film crew!
Nathan Bles
My best memory and highlight would be training at Club MX. That was a lot of fun and great times. Also, being able to just ride the last few rounds on the two-stroke was cool.
Kim Normandin
Kim Normandin
Finishing 2nd in the Canadian Women’s East Nationals. It’s a dream come true and also the weekend at Madoc. It was a hard one but a good one, too.
5) What are your goals and plans for 2016?
Blake Savage
It will be something involved with motocross, but I can’t say it will be racing on or not. We’ll just have to wait and see.
Brittany Gagne
For 2016, I will be on a Yamaha, thanks to Mondak Sports. I’m going to try and race as many different tracks as possible and be on the bike as much as I can. I’m not sure if I will be racing the East Coast or West Coast Canadian Nationals this year, but I’m definitely looking forward to seeing what 2016 has in store for me.
Cade Clason
Podium Podium Podium Podium
Ryan Lockhart
Ryan Lockhart
Plan for ’16 will be lots of local racing along with Western Amateur National and Walton. Every year at the end of arenacross I always say this is my last run indoors but I always come back for more (Laughs).
Heidi Cooke
Goals for 2016? Ride a bike more (laughs), but I really want to do some long endurance trail running. It sounds boring, I know, but the suffering involved and mental annoyance becomes weirdly addictive. Mostly, I just love Xmas! The decorations and cutting the tree down are major highlights. On that note, everyone one have a great holidays.
Merry Xmas,
Heidi
