Local pro, Jesse Royan, leads the pack during a September 2022 SMA/ACM Shootout at the Lucas Bachman Memorial Raceway. Royan and local rider Charity Bachman will be hosting the Levi Gilchrist Memorial Ride Day on May 11 with free training for kids under 16 from a handful of local riders. Mature riders are also welcome to train by donation if time allows. Source File Photo
The local motocross scene may not be what it once was, which is even more reason to remember riders we’ve lost over the years.
That was the thinking behind the Levi Gilchrist Memorial Ride Day, sponsored by Lloydminster Honda, which will be taking place on May 11 from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. and hosted by Charity Bachman and local pro, Jesse Royan.
Gilchrist passed away on Aug. 27, 2023, during a race in Unity, Sask. at 38 years old, leaving behind his wife, Kendra, and two young daughters.
Over the years, Gilchrist was a big inspiration for the local motocross community and always helped riders in any way he could. He was always generous with his time through sharing his knowledge of the sport, something Royan and Bachman want to continue doing.
“Charity and I thought remembering him and memorializing him by giving back to the community like he did when we were young was important,” said Royan.
“Growing up racing, Levi was always there to help, and I thought it was important to give back like that.”
When Royan first started racing as a young kid, Gilchrist was one of the guys always offering to help when needed, leaving a lasting impression on the rider who, now 22, offers up his time to help young riders.
“Levi and his brother Luke were always willing to help, and since I was 11, he was always there,” said Royan.
“I’m now trying to be a role model for young riders the way he was for me.”
For Bachman, whose brother, Lucas, passed away in a car accident in September 2011 and was memorialized through the renaming of the local track, the event hits home.
“Levi was such a huge part of the Lloyd moto community, just like my brother, so being able to keep his memory and honour him means so much to so many people,” she said.
“When I finally got into racing, Levi was already a good family friend of ours and really became a part of the family.
“If I ever needed help, he was always there to give a hand.”
Check out the Levi Gilchrist Memorial Ride Day Facebook page for more information on the event.
