Eugene Motocross
Happy Holidays! December 14, 2011 This is a very difficult day for us....as many of you know Mike and I have had the honor of promoting motocross in this area for the past 23 years. Yep, that's right it's been 23 years. It has been one of the most enjoyable, frustrating, happy, and sad privileges ever. We have met some amazing young riders and not so young riders and their families in that time. We have watched riders grow up and bring their own young ones out to race track. Our own children grew up with motocross, Jeremy who went on to race Pro and Justin who challenged his dad on the old Husky! What fun times! We had camp outs, water fights and B-B-Q's with bands! And we watched our own grandchildren race as well....Bradley and Katelyn and our nephews Clayton and Collin, their mother Daphne who ran the snack shack and other family members who watered, flagged and did the starting gate. We worked kids that were like our own, and families we will never forget. Their support and friendship will always be treasured. The track was a family tradition and affair for many of us! We were challenged by angry neighbors, pampered & privileged riders and an unfair county government....but we made a promise to ourselves and to You the riders...that we would be there no matter what....and we're proud to say we were! We held events in 105 degrees, in thunder showers, 6 inches of snow and when only 5 riders made it to the track for the day. I didn't even let knee replacement surgery or a heart attack stop me....and when Mike lived in Mississippi for 3 years I kept things going! Commitment...we promised it and lived up to it. Although we did not own the land we felt like we did...we cared for it and fought for it like it was. We spent thousands and thousands of dollars fighting the legal system and wished we could have done more but we were able to get the track grand fathered in and that is huge. It may not seem like it to some but believe us when we say "we won the war" We always knew that the day would come and the land owner and her family may want to sell. Sadly that day came recently when the 93 year old woman pasted away. Mike and I received a letter from the family attorney telling us the family was putting the land on the market....we instantly called the Realtor and shared with him our desire to purchase the land...thus guaranteeing the longevity of the track and the sport in this area for many...many years to come. With only two weeks in we were beginning to make plans on the improvements we've always wanted to do but could not because we didn't own the land. With only three weeks in and while liquidating our assets to make the purchase another buyer was able to step in and make an offer...an offer that was accepted with out even so much s a phone call to us from the Realtor. The deal was made and we are OUT! Final papers were signed today. We feel like we have been punched in the guts....sad can't adequately describe how we feel....we've been there for nearly half our adult lives...how do you move on from that? It's difficult to imagine....life without the track? Without the riders? But we will have to figure that out.....and it will take time. We want to take this time to thank each of you that have touched our lives...thank you for your love, support and loyalty. There are too many to mention that have sacrificed their time to assist us in our efforts. But please know that we know who you are and we will always keep you dear to us! Our Best Wishes Always......... Marlis and Mike Moats |
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