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"Scugog's Community Newspaper of Choice" ry ALL HS [ORNON Quality 1s High Prices are low "lewis £) HIFELINE _ hos gh HEALTH * Reiki "| NW SOURCE Commons PY BS Waers, ) big jes 7) port Perry : v, 85-8591 | Little Britain, ontario (705) 786-0354 Alpha Racing report Check out the off-road trails at Bethany if you're looking for a pleasure ride or a challenge At a time when most young people are wondering what to do this summer, Bicycles Plus, an Oshawa area store, has announced a program for local riders that will answer some of their questions. For the second year, this local shop is sponsoring mountain bike rides on Thursday nights at the Alpha Racing off road trails in the Bethany area. Open to everyone, the Bicycles Plus sponsored program opens at approxi- mately 6 p.m. every Thursday evening and continues until dusk. The local shop is providing draw prizes for riders, in conjunction with other shops in the Peterborough, Lindsay and Oshawa areas throughout the entire summer. As an added bonus'this year, there will also be racing competitions for those who want to take a more aggressive, challenging approach to riding. The timed races start at 7 p.m. each night, while recreational riding will be avail- able throughout the evening. With the great mix of riders, from moms and dads with their young children, teens out to take on the world, and older riders more interested in the great scenery, it makes an evening at the Bethany location a great experience for everyone. The trails, located one mile south of Bethany on Porter Road, have been developed specifically for mountain bik- ing, and feature a full range of riding terrain for all levels of riders. There are over 10 kilometers of trails, featuring a mixture of open fields, sweeping forest single track, tight, gnarly, twisty pine forest, and the occasional ramp and mound for added thrills for those who want the extra challenges. The folks at Bicycles Plus have gone into mountain bikes in a big way over the past several years. With mountain bikes representing the majority of two wheeled non-motorized vehicles on the road today, it is understandable why Bicycles Plus is so supportive of a pro- gram that helps riders get off the road and on to the fun of trail riding. For more information call Bicycles Plus at 436-6040 or Alpha Racing at 986-0959. So whether you want to come out for a pleasure ride on some great smooth off-road trails, or hammer away with some of the best riders in southern Ontario, see what all the fun is about, and get your summer off to a healthy start. Bicycles Plus will be there with you to make the evening an even more pleasurable experience. CHRIS HALL / PORT PERRY STAR GETTIN' DIRTY: The roar of engines could be heard throughout the day last Sunday (May 9) as the second annual Ontario Championship Motocross Blackstock was held at Martin Haulage on Devitts Rd. Racers of all ages on a variety of machines including minis and quads competed in the all-day event, which attracted large crowds. It'll be May 22 at Port's Fairgrounds Uxbridge-Scugog Pony Club to host Hunter Schooling show The Uxbridge-Scugog Pony Club is hosting a hunter schooling show on Saturday, May 22 at the Port Perry Fairgrounds, starting at 8:30 a.m. sharp. This show is open to all riders, regardless of whether they are Pony Club members. There will be 24 classes in two rings, including equitation, plea- sure, hunter classes on the flat and over fences, a "command" class some- thing like musical chairs, and a leadline sack race. Some classes are orga- nized by age groups; for example, the sack race competitors must be no older than 10 as of Jan. 1. The Port Perry Fairgrounds are on Regional Road 8 at the north end of Port Perry. Spectators are welcome without charge. By Chris Hockley pecial to The Star For all of us that were unable to make the trek to Belleville for the Quinte opener, this weekend will be one of the first times back into our summer offices. Something that all of us look forward to after fishing on a giant ice cube for two months. Crowded launches, the sound and smell of out- boards idling, the anticipation ahhh... This fantasy can quickly become a nightmare though when you either break down on the way to the lake or your A basic checklist before you begin the new fishing season outboard refuses to produce that familiar hum. No jinx intended ... lets get down to a few basic maintenance checks that will keep this nightmare from becoming a reality. 1. Lower Unit - This one is an easy one. Change your lower unit oil! An inexpensive piece of the outboard puzzle that will help guarantee a smooth running engine. Change the lower unit oil in your engine at least once a season. Twice a season in well used outboards. 2. Spark Plugs - An entire article could be written on out- board maintenance but these are really the heart of the sys- tem. Change them in the spring and carry an extra set just in case of an emergency. 3. Electrical - Do a thorough check of your wiring. Loose or corroded wires have got to be the main cause of more heartache amongst anglers than any other factor. Make sure your battery is topped up and charged. Make sure it is holding the charge as well. Fuses ... enough said? Carry plenty and a variety. 4. Props - Do a quick check for nicks and junk caught on or under your outboard prop and be sure not to forget your electric motor prop. Always carry any necessary tools to remove your props. Don't forget extra sheer pins and those annoying nuts that always find their way into the lake. You should also carry an extra prop for both your electric and out- board. If you are running an expensive stainless steel prop on your outboard then purchase a cheap aluminum backup if price is an issue. These could definitely salvage a fishing trip gone very wrong. 5. Trailer - This is the pre- cious cradle that carries your Getting you back to your summer offices on the lake baby from home to lake. Make sure that the hitch is in good working order and the chains are secure. Remember the wiring here too. Replace any blown bulbs. Make sure that your securing straps for the bow and stern are exactly that, secure. Most important is to make sure that your trailer tires are property inflated and the bearings should be well greased. Try installing bearing buddies on your trailer this year for added security and convenience. You will find these at your local store. a oh I A