Yes, there are not a lot of Canadians in Supercross or Motocross, but we've historically had awesome success in Arenacross (Darcy Lange, comes to mind), and currently we're having a true vanguard of, mostly western, riders making the trip down to the Endurocross series.

The Endurocross series is a great chance for off road riders to get to ride under the stadium lights in a tight, technical format, and for those of you who aren't familiar with it, look into it. Most of the races are "western" races (or at least would be considered Western Conference if we made an NHL division!), kicking off and ending in Las Vegas.

For the 2012 season opener, held on the Friday before the Supercross finale this past Saturday, fourteen Canadians tested their luck and medal against some of the best riders in the world. Big guns Cory Graffunder and Bobby Prochnau were givens for the events, with Graff finishing 8th and Prochnau taking 10th, but there were twelve more riders, split between the Pro, Open Am and Women's classes.

Among the list of riders are: Top Pro Junior at our National Enduros, Ryan Graffunder; the name in off road in Alberta, Shane Cuthbertson; current Women's champion, Chantelle Bykerk; former women's enduro AND western moto champion, Shelby Turner; 2011 E1 Champion, Tyler Murray; trials import and honourary Canadian, Stephen Foord; along with Jordan Strachan, Wayne Reimer, Krisopher Beer, Avery Turner, Matt Coonfer and Lexi Pechout.

I am incredibly proud to be able to call most of this list personal friends of mine, and just as proud to call the few remaining people on this list countrymen.

So, next time someone tells you that Canadians aren't making any effort to race in the states, turn their heads towards the world of Enduro where riders like Bobby Prochnay, Cory Graffunder and Chantelle Bykerk (all mentioned in the press releases leading up to the event, by the way) are turning heads and waving the flag.

Oh Canada.

Now, if you'll excuse me - it's a beautiful day outside here in Southern Ontario, I think I'm going to go turn some laps in the woods.