Monday Morning Coffee Opinion Column

Grab another cup for this week’s Monday Morning Coffee column where we talk about some of what happened in Motocross and usually more

By Billy Rainford

As another Monday rears its ugly head, the weather here in my neck of the woods has turned to fall. We had what looks like it was our final kick at summer-like weather on Saturday when it was sunny and a balmy 22C. Today, things seem much more “back to school” as the trees are completely orange and we’ll be lucky to hit double digit temperatures.

But I’ll tell you what, I like the changing seasons. I lived in Vancouver for a long time and although they do see some changes there, it’s not quite the same as the 4 distinct seasons we have here in the east. And I like it.

It’s funny how most of us dread the thought of the weather changing from the hot summer to the cool and then cold, but then once it starts happening it’s like we all realize we actually like the fall weather – Football, Halloween, and perfect weather for riding.

If you can keep your hands warm, riding in this weather can be so much more enjoyable than the 33C dog days of summer at the track. Or is all this just what we tell ourselves to not go crazy when it gets cold? That could also be true…

I was supposed to go riding with some Vet riders on Saturday to enjoy one last warm day, but then I ran out of time and wasn’t able to get my things in order to go with them. I didn’t plan to fail, I simply failed to plan.

I needed to change my filter and get gas. Yes, that’s really it. But somehow that seemed like a lot to do before getting picked up at 10am to do some riding. What happened to me?! That’s pathetic!

I managed to get out for a really enjoyable mountain bike ride with another buddy. We headed over to Boler Mountain from my place and rode a few loops of the new Red section they added this past summer.

My goal is to do one final race next weekend at Turkey Point. However, every time I check the longrange forecast the weather is looking worse and worse. No, I haven’t registered yet, and the likelihood of me doing so is getting slimmer and slimmer. Right now it says 12C and cloudy. Not bad, I guess.

Last year I went and did this race for the first time and I was surprised to see a couple former motocross racers lining up and kicking ass!

Josh Long was 3rd overall and Colby Older was 7th. Remember those names?

Josh Long circa 2021 | Bigwave photo
Colby Older circa 2020. | Bigwave photo

And Greg Poisson won the Clydesdale class!

Greg Poisson circa 2022. | Bigwave photo

Me? I was 38th overall and 7th in my age group. I’ve done a lot of distance sports over the years and this was the first time that I think I’ve felt every single leg muscle try to cramp at the same time! Everything was going well until about the last quarter of lap 2 when the legs started to give out on me. It was a struggle but I made it.

It’s funny how you can do what you think is a hard effort for the same length of time or maybe even longer, but then have it be so much more difficult when it’s a race. It happens every time, doesn’t it?

But enough about my nonsense…


Ryder McNabb to Take Break from Racing

We all know Ryder McNabb has been battling some health issues the past couple years and now he will step away from racing to get his health under control before he takes another look at racing. Here is the post from his Honda Canada GDR Fox Racing team’s Instagram:

Two-time Canadian Champion and our 250-class racer, Ryder McNabb, has made the incredibly tough decision to pause his racing career after battling ongoing health issues over the past two seasons.

This wasn’t an easy choice for Ryder — racing has been his life from a young age — but his focus now shifts to getting healthy and continuing medical testing to find the answers he needs. In the meantime, Ryder will begin his post-secondary education and take some time to reset and look toward the future.

Ryder has been such an important part of our GDR Honda family. From championship celebrations to long, hard-fought weekends in the trenches, his determination, talent, and heart have left a lasting mark on everyone in our program.

We’re so proud of the racer and person he’s become, and we’ll continue to support him in his next chapter. ❤️

You’ll always be part of the GDR family, Ryder. 🏁


Rachel Gutish FIM World Enduro Champion

Rachel Gutish came back to Canada and took the Corduroy Enduro title this past September and has now taken things a step higher.

Congratulations!


Sebastien Racine Wins Tyler Condon Pro Challenge at Tomahawk MX in West Virginia


Videos We Posted this Week

Long form, full video from the 2025 Corduroy Enduro:

2025 WLTN Kawasaki #1 Plate Presentation to Canadian Kawasaki:


FMSQ Banquet Octo 25 in Drummondville

fmsqofficiel

🎉IT’S NOW OR NEVER FOR THE FMSQ 2025 BANQUET!

The banquet is right around the corner… And this is your LAST DAY to get your tickets!

🔥 We’re aiming for a LEGENDARY evening with a record participation and a phenomenal atmosphere!

You don’t want to miss this.
Laughter, reunions, music, energy, gifts, champions trophies, track of the year, special prizes… It’s THE party of the year. ✨

🎟️ Do you have your tickets yet?
➡️ Otherwise, it’s crucial to take them tonight:
LINK IN OUR BIO!

📅 Saturday, October 25, 2025
📍 Hôtel Best Western Universel, Drummondville
D From 4 pm

🎯 Join the community for an unforgettable celebration. Be part of the moment. Be in the heart of the action!

🎉 THIS IS IT – FINAL CALL! 🎉

The FMSQ 2025 Banquet is just around the corner… and TODAY is the LAST DAY to get your tickets!

🔥 We’re going for a RECORD-BREAKING night full of energy, celebration, and unforgettable moments!

Reunions, laughter, music, connection, special prizes– this is THE event of the year. ✨

🎟️ Got your tickets?
➡️ If not, don’t wait another minute:
LINK IN BIO!

📅 Saturday, October 25, 2025
📍 Best Western Hotel Universel, Drummondville
🕖 From 4:00 PM

🎯 Be part of the magic. Be part of the crowd. Let’s make this night one for the books!


2026 Canadian Triple Crown Schedule


OK, I guess I should get out for a cycle if I’m going to enter this damn bike race. And I should also get the air filter changed in my YZ250 just in case the guys want to get out for another ride before the snow flies around here.

Have a great week, everyone.

Is that it? Are we done here? OK, see you at the races...”