Out of the Blue | Karly Bussemakers | Presented by Schrader’s
By Jeff McConkey
‘Out of the Blue’ is presented by Schrader’s.
Name: Karly Bussemakers
Birthday: September 27, 1995
Hometown: Peace River, Alberta
Occupation: Oil and Gas Office Admin/Bookkeeper
Number: 172
Bike: KX250F
Race Club: Peace Motocross Association (PMA)
Classes: Ladies
This week, ‘Out of the Blue’ features BC rider, Karly Bussemakers |Nadine Bussemakers photo
How did you get started in racing?
We grew up on an acreage and always had dirt bikes, trikes, and quads. My mom and dad bought by brother a CRF 100 and when I was big enough I took it over when I was 12 years old. When new neighbours moved in (who we became good friends with), they were into dirt bikes and our families started researching about dirt bike races and we found out about the PMA. My brother started racing when he was 12 years old, so I have been going to races since I was around 10 years old. My first race was a few years later on my CRF 100 in Beaverlodge. Since then I have been on and off racing. I have never got into the intense competition, but this year I finally bought my own dirt bike and I am starting to race more.
As a little girl, did you ever expect to be this deep into a sport like motocross?
Yes and no. I have always liked riding around on the farm, but when my brother started racing I always wanted to get more into motocross but I was also involved in school sports. Since I am out of high school and college I am really excited to get more into motocross and train and see how much I can improve in the next couple years.
Do you think motocross is harder for a female to compete in?
No, definitely not. Females can ride just as good as guys. I wish more females would get into motocross so we could have a couple different classes going in the PMA for every age and size of bike. But all female motocross riders in the PMA are in a friendly competition and that it makes it super fun to go and do your best and motivate each other. But I do believe that if you practice and take the fear away we can be just as good as the male motocross racers.
As she is to many racers, Ashley Fiolek is a huge influence on Karly |Nadine Fulcher photo
Who is your favourite rider and why?
Broc Tickle. He is a very motivated rider and is improving every year. Except his pelvis fracture that put him back this year but next season he will come back stronger. And I like his last name (laughs).
Is there one lady racer out there that you think has paved the way for other girls to be successful in the sport?
Ashley Fiolek. She has accomplished so much in Motocross, she has won 4 Championships in WMA Pro nationals, she was the first women to appear on the cover of Transworld Motocross Magazine, she’s someone you look up to that tells female riders you can accomplish a lot if you put your mind to it.
What Canadian Pro do you look up to and why?
Colton Facciotti. He is really fast and has a great riding technique.
“My biggest accomplishment was at the Peace River Race on August 20, 21. I was always at the back of the pack racing but I kept practicing and it definitely paid off. I got 2nd place. I was really proud of myself. It is amazing what you can accomplish if you put your mind to it.” | Nadine Fulcher photo
What is your favourite track and why?
Definitely my home track – Peace River Motocross Track. It is a challenging track for PMA but it pushes me to be ready for anything that comes my way.
Who is your hero?
Definitely my mom, dad, brother and my Moto Family.
What were your goals for this season?
My goal for this season was to keep practicing and see how much I can improve since I finally bought myself a new bike.
What are your biggest accomplishments?
My biggest accomplishment was at the Peace River Race on August 20, 21. I was always at the back of the pack racing but I kept practicing and it definitely paid off. I got 2nd place. I was really proud of myself. It is amazing what you can accomplish if you put your mind to it.
What do you like to do when you aren’t racing?
Since Alberta has such long, snowy, cold winters we need to keep entertained for the off season. I like to snowboard, I have a couple horses I work with, also will travel as much as I can.
Is it important to have a motocross racer as a boyfriend/partner, or just a bonus?
It would definitely be an asset to have someone to share the same love for motocross with. That always motivates you, and keeps pushing you to do your best, especially on those hot days waiting at the start gate to hold an umbrella for you.
Karly’s favourite track is the Peace River Motocross Track |Katie Ballos Photography image
If you ever have children, will they be motocross racers?
Oh definitely. They are super cute to watch riding around, and starting them young in a sport like this will always keep them busy.
Who do you want to thank?
I want to thank Jeff for giving me this opportunity to do this interview. But most of all I want to thank my Moto Family. My mom and dad for supporting me for years, and my brother, Jake Bussemakers, who always puts his heart and soul into motocross racing and helped me with my bike and hauling it everywhere, and many more moto family that support me every step of the way, and our biggest sponsor Al with Accurate Racing. Also, all the PMA Ladies, every year we all get closer to each other and it’s always a really fun summer.
