Kids as young as 4 come out for motocross competition

COSHOCTON — The steep jumps and sharp turns of the dirt track at the grandstand tested the skills of motocross competitors of all ages on the last day of the Coshocton County Fair.

Thursday evening’s event featured close to 200 entrants from age 4 and up competing in 35 classes. Though competitive, the sport is also family-friendly, said Tina Rogers, of the Ohio Motocross Association, the presenter of Thursday evening’s event.

“Even if someone in the same class has a broken bike, the other families will do what they can to help so that kid is able to ride. That’s what I like most about motocross,” she said.

The motocross competitors took to the rough terrain at the grandstand track with various bikes and all-terrain vehicles. The event featured 25 bike classes and 10 ATV classes. Rogers said the top five competitors in each class were chosen after completing the seven-lap course.

“I think what most of them like best about it is just riding in front of their family and friends,” she said.

This was the first year for Ryder Jarvis, 6, of Coshocton to put his motocross skills to the test with his dirt bike.

“I like the ramping best,” he said.

Ryder, whose name his mother Heather Jarvis said was inspired by his father’s love for motorcycles, had been anticipating the race all summer.

“I enjoy his enthusiasm for it, but I admit it makes me nervous,” Jarvis said.

Her worries were calmed somewhat by what his father taught him about being safe when riding, she said.

“He learned a lot about safety from his dad,” she said. “This has been the highlight of Ryder’s summer.”

Tressel Vanatta, 7, of Coshocton, was full of excitement as he lined up to practice before the race began. Although it also was his first time to race at a motocross event, Tressel was full of confidence about his chances for placing at the top of the two classes he was competing in on his 50 cc dirt bike.

“I like racing ’cause I want to win first place,” he said. “I love going really fast!”

His father, Tyler Vanatta, said his son is in the learning stages of the motorsport, adding that Thursday’s event would give him the experience of competing.

“It’s not about winning or getting a trophy, but about learning,” said Vanatta, who admitted he was more nervous than Tressel about the race.

“Tressel has no fear. I like and hate that he has no fear,” Vanatta said.