Blick Jr turns off the engine

KAMPALA. He has been toying with the idea. And after a long thought, Arthur Blick Jr has agreed with himself that it is time up.
The legendary motocross rider confirmed to Daily Monitor yesterday that he had finally turned off the engine of his MX1 bike competitively to free more time for family and motor rally, bringing to an end a glittering career of joyful moments and accolades.
“It is definitely hard to believe that this day has finally come,” said Blick Jr, 42, in a message shared with Daily Monitor yesterday.
“But after a lot of praying and thinking over the last couple of months, I have decided to hang up my boots and retire from competitive motocross competitions.
“This decision has not been easy at all. My entire life has revolved around motocross (and) it’s been a true blessing from God, one I’m thankful for.
“I can humbly say that I have achieved more than I ever could have imagined with 13 National Motocross Championships and two East African Motocross Championships to my name.”
Actually, Blick Jr has won 11 national motocross champhionships. But before it evolved into motocross 19 years ago, it was called the Grass Track National Motorcycling Championships, which Blick won twice in 1997 and 1998 to bring his count to the 13 he is talking about.
A lot had been said about how Blick Jr had lost his touch after not winning the MX1 national championship since 2012.
But the veteran battled back to beat youngster Maxim van Pee for this year’s title with a race to spare.
Just last weekend, he also won the East African Motocross Championship in Kenya thanks to his consistency in the first and second rounds. He won the same last year.

Ultimate role model
And what better recognition than from your rival, a rival who was responsible for you not winning the title in the previous seasons and one who grew up idolizing you!
“He was always ready to help,” said Van Pee, “He is the one who convinced our dad to bring us to the track even when we didn’t have bikes.
“He did not keep knowledge to himself. He was always humble and respectful. He was also very competitive but was never out to hurt anyone. He won fairly.”

Immense contributor
Federation of Motorsports Clubs of Uganda (FMU) president Dusman Okee said “Arthur Blick has contributed immensely to the sport and the Blick family legacy.
“Even the likes of James Akena (former President Obote’s son) joined motorsport because of Blick.
“But more importantly, Blick planted a forest and more kids are coming through because of him. We shall not see Arthur competitively on the motocross track again, but we shall continue seeing Arthur in sponsorships, teaching kids and elsewhere because he is that much to the sport.” Blick Jr will now devote more time to his family and motor rally, where he was champion three years ago.

BLICK JR’S CHAMPIONSHIPS

National Motorcycling
Championships - 2
1997, 1998 (grass track)
National Motocross
Championships (MX1) - 11
1999, 2000, 2003,2004,2005,2007,
2009,2010,2011,2012, 2018
East African Motocross
Championships – 2
2017, 2018