Extreme motocross mania wheelies into PNE

By Bob Mackin

Reagan Sieg lists his workplace injuries in matter of fact fashion, just like he's reading from a grocery-shopping list.

"I completely shattered both feet in 40 places in both ankles, got 12 screws between my two feet and a plate. Broke my wrist and collarbone," said the 26-year-old from Vernon.

"I definitely don't like the injuries. You try to be as safe as you can. There's always that X-factor. It can happen, it comes with the job."

Sieg, you see, gets paid to ride the most dangerous and exclusive attraction at this year's Pacific National Exhibition. He's competing Sunday and Monday in the Canadian Extreme Freestyle Motocross Championship. He's been performing as part of a troupe of daredevil riders doing all manner of death-defying tricks and stunts four-times-a-day in the Action Bowl, next to Playland.

Sieg actually started as a motocross racer in the Okanagan, but noticed the crowd's reaction when he'd do something fancy on the racecourse. He entered his first competition in 1999 in Fresno, Calif., and finished third among top American riders. Since then he hasn't looked back. Instead he looks in all directions as he does what is almost an aerial ballet with his Kawasaki.

"If you weren't in first place, they didn't care who you were," Sieg said of his racing days. "I like showing off to the crowd, that's the avenue I decided to go."

Sieg actually wears less body armour than he did in races. It gets in the way and hinders his flexibility, he says. A helmet is mandatory.

During the PNE, Sieg has taken time out for some North Shore mountain biking. This week he rode trails from the top of Mount Seymour to the bottom. The pedal-power helps him keep limber as he takes cross-country trails on his downhill bike.

"It's super good for your balance and just keeping your body in shape," he said. "That keeps me in really good shape, I like that. More skills and balance on this thing."

His cohorts at the Action Bowl? They're not mountain bikers. They're pure motorheads and "they're all too lazy" to join him in the trails, he said.

published on 09/04/2005