Riders from the Bermuda Motocross Club returned yesterday laden with trophies from their tour of Ontario, Canada.

For 19-year-old Shaki Easton, who made the most impact while competing against a formidable field of foreign riders, it was a dream tour and he intends to return again next summer.

"Competition was very stiff and indeed tough in all of the races, and it is my intention to return for the entire summer next year,'' said Easton who was competing abroad for the first time ever.

While nobody else from the local contingent matched his first place finish in one regional event, others gained valuable experience.

Brent Munro, who organised the tour and who is the sponsor of Nich's Racing, said it was the second trip by a majority of the eight riders and a third trip was on the cards for next year.

"Overall it was quite a learning experience for our riders," he said. "They were busy all day, starting out at 9 a.m. and riding until 4 p.m. all through the week. Besides the strong opposition the tracks offered a challenge as they were much larger with bigger jumps than the one we have here, which is a little more technical."

Easton said his biggest problem was not the tracks but fitness, pointing out that the races in Canada involved 20 minute motos, while in Bermuda he was accustomed to doing just 12 minutes.

"The bikes I used were excellent, but fitness was often a battle," he said. "However, I definitely want to return and compete with their many fine riders.

"I am the number one rider here in my class but I would like to establish myself abroad. Returning to Canada will help, even though my intention is to only use the sport for fun.''

In addition to Easton the other local riders were: Melanie Munro, Aaron Cannonier, Josh Charlton, Randy Munro, Craig Nesbitt, Kenshae Wilson and L.J. Degraffe.

The Bermuda group first participated in three regional events and then the America National Series and among the oustanding performances were Wilson who finished fifth in the 50cc six to 12 year olds; Melanie Munro who finished 11th out of 26 in 125cc; Randy Munro and Josh Charlton who finished 25th and 26th in the 80cc 13-16 age group; Shaki Easton who finished eighth in the 250cc Jr. Class and seventh in the Champion of Champions and 25th in the Youth Class.

Easton though won the 250cc junior race at Motopark and placed second in the 125cc junior race and third in the GP Junior Race.