Personal History
Hello, to all -
My name, is Lyndon Barnet. Just turned 27 years, YOUNG! Born and raised in Harrow, Ontario (Population: 3,500)
Riding background: I was raised in, whats known as the Southern most tip of Ontario, Canada. Born in Windsor, but raised in a small town of under 4,000 people. I got my first dirt bike at about 8 years old, but I am still shocked to this day, that my parents let me drive them up the freaking walls for years! Literally everything that came out of my mouth was about dirt bikes, if not bikes - it was cars. Sure enough, they crumpled under my child annoyance and got me a 4 stroke Suzuki DS80 (Enduro). I made short work of the "boring" flat fields we were surrounded with, and soon was lugging any scrap piece of wood, steel, large sticks, and shovels over to where I would ride...about 330 days a year. I was making "tracks" and "jumps" with what I could. I out grew and the almost 15 year old, under powered 80cc machine, quite quickly but - Thankfully I was blessed to be brought up with incredible parents that instilled the "if you want it, you go work for it" lifestyle very early on in my life
First Ephinay at a Young Age: After hearing them repeat that phrase many, many times, but not thinking much of it; I then realised that this was the "thing I wanted" was a new bike, and "it" was not just going to drop in my lap. I took the last year I wanted to be on that bike, to sharpen my young skill set, while doing odd jobs and working small jobs around the neighbourhood, all to save up my goal of $1,000 to get me, what I was calling my first "real bike." A gas-mixing, 2-stoke monster, a 12 year old KX85, which was not only, a major step up from what I learned on, but the NEWEST bike I owned! The years pass and I get a "new-to-me" bike every 3-4 or so years, all with saving majority of the funds by myself and saving any birthday/Christmas cash I could. Around the time I was about 12-13, I was locked on the thought of getting into the racing scene, back then (2005-06') there was gopher dunes, in our area, (2 Hour drive still) and that's all we really got to. There was some local and private tracks that would pop up, here and there I would beg my old man to drive me to. I competed in some school boy (ages 11-13) and 85cc races, and it took me some time to settle in, as I remember the pit I felt in my stomach after the sight of seeing a track in person for the first time. Remember, I was riding circles, in a 5 acre flat fields - for the last FIVE years, that had a couple "jumps" placed randomly all over, that were more of a "bump" that would throw your face into your handle bars, more effectively than being a "jump."
Fast forward to High School: Also in small town, Harrow. I stopped riding from about 16-19 and got my first sport bike at 16, from the funds I saved up from getting my first "real job" on the books at a golf course my dad worked at, I was getting paid $5.50/hr. I got the job in grade 7, and my dad would leave work to come get me at 3:30 and drive me back to the course. He did that for 2 years until I got my motorcycle license the DAY I turned 16. I had half the cash saved and went to the bank, for the rest and built my credit and had a great first ride, early as grade 10. From daily driving a sport bike, for 2.5 years until I went and got my actual license, had taught me a lot about control, and weight distribution, etc; Now sport bikes are a whole other world from the MX bikes but there are some good similarities that can be transferred from the street, to the MX track; and I absolutely believe the hundreds of thousands of miles I've but on during almost 10 years of owning, over 6 different SuperSport bikes has raised my skill level with my motocross skill set.
Senior Year of High School: I had to decide what I wanted to pursue as a career. I always and forever will have a large passion for Sport and MX racing bikes, high performance cars and the modification/upgrading and repairing of all those. That pushed me into the fabrication/welding field. My first time welding was during an automotive mechanic junior apprenticeship during high school, and that day forward I never looked back. I knew that the Welding field was for me. I always do a ton of research before any important decision, and I found that there are so many different areas and branches you can take welding. After graduating high school, I took a year off from college, as I got offered a job at a small custom fabrication/welding shop, that was a mile away from my parents house. It just so happens that our small town of 3,300 (Harrow) not ONLY, holds the largest steel manufacturing plant in Canada. but also houses a wide variety of different welding shops and moderately sized manufacturing shops. I took this year to learn as much as I could, and also to make sure that this was actually something I could see making a career out of. I was green as a pea, the first time I stepped in this small welding/tin knocking shop - and I tried to learn as much as humanly possible after I quickly found - I absolutely was meant for this trade. After learning more in 12 months, than I had ever learned, I went to St.Clair Trades College: right here in Windsor. That year I learned more of the science and text book end of many different welding methods, skilled fabrication methods, advanced fitting procedures and was quickly working my way to the top of 112 registered in the program. As I was at a major advantage from the incredibly educational year I just spent working in the "real world."
College Continued: I took this extra experience I had gained to help or mentor anyone who wanted it, or would accept my help. As I noticed and saw so many instances where people were doing something incorrectly or doing a task, flat out wrong. I always offered a hand, as I could never be a person who sits back and lets people struggle, knowing you have to abilities to help or teach that person. I soon noticed this welding thing, was almost second nature to me, and all of the new techniques that some, spend years practicing I was picking up in, just hours to days. I was told I had a "god-given" talent after just a few months in the program, and still do not understand where it came from, since BOTH my parents played professional sports, and now work office jobs. I graduate Top in the program, with offers to run a the shop "night classes." I just turned 19 at the time. I get offered to go to Weld Nationals, the Canadian Welding competitions, and accept to compete, just months after my college graduation. I go to Toronto/Scarborough & Ottawa placing with a bronze, out of over 180 of the top welders, coming from all corners of Canada. I receive the multiple welding certifications I passed in the last testing days of college. The owners get wind of my recent success, and they own the 15x larger, structural steel welding shop, that sits just 1/2 mile down from where I am currently going back to work. The owner comes to my parents house and offers me a job for $5/HR. That was a massive pay increase, but I knew it was going to be a severe change and much more challenging. Like the last job, I do my best to listen, learn and provide top quality work and I enjoy 5-6 years of working there, and also completing other sub-contracted welding jobs I was asked to do. It's now Summer of 2014 - I ride my 2007 Yamaha R1 every day after work, and this beautiful June day brings a day, I was dreading after almost 7 years of riding machines that, really shouldn't be made to do the speeds they do... I'm 22 at this point, have had to mature quickly the last 6 years, working with professionally, incredibly skilled tradesmen. But, this day in June, of 2014 brought me, my first serious wake up call - that life is so precious and everything can change within a split second.
JULY 2014: Riding downtown Windsor, I was struck on my R1, by a driver that was not paying attention what-so-ever and I went from 60-0 in about 001. of a second. As motocross racers, you guys know that its not the fall that hurts - its the very sudden STOP. I get loaded on a stretcher and get into the ER. Final verdict, 4 broken ribs, fractured pelvis, fractures in both heels, 3 broken hand bones on left, 4 of the same bones on the right hand, and severe whiplash, muscle tears and tendon bruising all down the right side of my back to my neck. This day not only left me with some anxious thoughts about ever riding again, thoughts about if my body is ever going to be the same - but I thought of the most important thing I could have thought, just days after while still bed ridden. That was, "I will never, ever let my biggest passion in life, be stripped from me - solely due to some strangers negligence." I thought I would NEVER be happy again, if I let someone I didn't even know, take away the biggest thing that brings me joy, freedom and happiness, in life. The next couple weeks my insurance check came in for the amount of my bike and gear - and as soon as I could physically ride again - I made a 22HR round trip to Ottawa to pick up my next dream bike. The doctors, massage therapists, and specialist said, there's a good chance you wont be able to ride with again, either from mentally having issues or if I were to actually overcome the mental side, it was said I wouldn't be able to be physically comfortable on any type of racing bike. Not mentioning the possibility of riding, I was NOT supposed to be physically able, to do ANY type of strenuous activity for 6 months....
Just another obstacle: From the day of the crash, to the day I had the other bike in my possession, was exactly 26 days... I rode it half way home for 4 HRS on the busiest (4-5 lane) highways in Ontario - Getting back on the "horse" and throwing myself into the hottest fire, I knew would be the best way to overcome that fear - I knew if I wasn't to get on a bike again, even for a couple years - I most likely would not have, for the rest of my life. That is something that I could not let happen, as it was something that was haunting me during the recovery process. I had 2 years of muscle rehab, and massage therapy twice a week, and yes, I absolutely feel that impact every day of my life. Heck, this typing for this time, my wrists are screaming. The worst pain that I get reminded of every-single-day is, definitely in my hands, wrists and feet. This is something I have tried several different methods to cope with, but since I've broken over 12 bones in my life, it is just something I'll deal with for the rest of my life. Now, I made sure to ride that bike, for a considerable amount of time, to make SURE that mental hold was completely vanished. With riding with the bike, I noticed the biggest thing was my hands were incredibly sensitive to vibrations but even more so, the aggressive riding position on super sport's - as they have most of the rider weight sitting all on the wrists of the rider. I knew that wouldn't be the case AS much on an MX bike, so after two years of riding and getting over any fears, I was at peace again with my biggest passion in life.
Planning Bigger and Better Things: Now, I was able to sell the street bike, and since If I don't have some type of two-wheel toy, I get the itch - incredibly quickly. But, I was making big plans for the near future at this point in my life. I had just turned 24 and during the last 3 years, I was able to acquired over 9 different welding tickets, 6 operators certifications for (forklift, crane, overhead, propane handling, work place safety course, level 2 Advanced First Aid with DEFIB. machine, challenged the CWB Weld Inspectors Exam and received the Level 2 Inspectors license, just got my Level 1 scuba diving license the past summer, and was really feeling like the last 8 years, I have pushed myself and was at an experience level of a 35+ year old welder, and a knowledge level that some tradesman, will never received due to my extra time put in, to soak in as much scientific learning as I could, along with registering for any workshop. With all of this knowledge in my head, and this talent, that I knew was in fact, God-given - I found myself feeling like, I could be doing more; not only for me financially, but for my future family, my immediate family, and after getting laid off for the 2nd year in a row - due to lack of work all around the county - I was then thinking about my future in depth, more and more everyday. I soon got the feeling that, I was spinning my tires, but not moving.
A Whole New Life, Just Around the Bend: It was then the first month of the new year of 2017, I had all my paperwork, documents, files, registration, fees, and dues paid to have a business legally in Ontario- I went in for my last day of work and put in my resignation notice, and was so excited about the new journey I was about to start, hopefully something that will be able to pay my bills, put some money in my pocket, and provide for my family... I told some guys I worked with, all I got was laughs and remarks like "you'll be back in 2 months!" I knew, especially being in a small town, there was going to be some flack, so I tried to prepare as best I could. I told some of my closest friends that weekend hoping for just some type of supportive comments.. Not one supportive comment, more demeaning, back sided comments. Fast forward just a few weeks, I land my very first big job. A large welding contract for lots of custom fabricated, railings, brackets, stairs, and operator platforms for a multi-million dollar tool & die company. I spread out to doing automotive fabrication, custom exhausts, roll cages for race cars, fuel cells, off road jeep/truck parts and after a quick 12 months. I had got through my first year.
Second Year: This year was a roller coaster, every month - up and down, up and down; although this was to be expected from how many business' fail in the first 2-3 years. I struggled for a few months at the end of year two, trying to find a quality product to make, consistently or trying to find my "niche" area that we could specialise in. Each day that passes, either good or bad - I make sure to pick something that I learned from that day, this adds up to learning a TON every week, and instilling everything I learned into the daily processes we have. I hire my first 2 employees at the end of year two.
Start of Year Three in Business- I get a call from one of my previous customers, that refers me to another couple who lives on Lake Erie. (Our closest Lake) They tell me about the record breaking water levels that have been recorded during the last 10-12 months, and are only expected to rise. We come up with a simple design made out of individual cut pieces, to help prevent water come over the break wall, during storms. That night, I go back into a researching trance and find out that this problem is potentially going to turn into community evacuations, severe flooding over large areas, predicted to cause millions of dollars in property damage, house flooding, and even a state of emergency in areas that are very close to where we are. I learn over time that any copious amounts of water that makes its way over steel break walls, then causes standing water, soil, sand ground erosion, which then leads to break wall failure in severe cases, but commonly leads to major property damages, home foundation damage, flooding of yards and homes, erosion that takes down trees, structures, etc; I complete the job then see it work in action. It works phenomenal but, I know I can make it better. I come up with an engineered drawing, have a steel shop cut and bend my exact template and install two sets on 2 separate walls, in the harshest area on Lake Erie.
A Day I Will Never Forget: I return to my "prototype" installations and speak with the customer, that is 89 years old and have lived at that same house for 45 years. He agrees, these water levels, and storms are by far the worst hes seen. He then tells me before our "water deflection plates" were installed - during a storm his basement floods and his sub-pump runs all night long. During the two weeks they were on, they faced 4-5 of the harshest storms of the year and said something that possibly kicked my business into where it is today. "Lyndon, I will tell you I was absolutely not expecting this to work, but I have to give you credit where its due.. There hasn't been a drop of water in my basement for weeks, and I have not heard the pump come on as well. Son, you have something seriously good on your hands here, you can really make something out of this." I was incredibly moved as I put a ton of time and money into the last 3 years, and this was the first time I really felt an incredibly amount of hope and excitement. This design I created could set me up for years to come and potentially be the product I have been looking for, to specialise in - thus enabling my company to rapidly expand.
Looking Back: That iconic, future altering day was almost two years ago. Its now the final month of 2020. Myself and my business has not only made it through the "terrible 3 years" but has been rapidly inclining in every margin. This past year, we were not only able to work all 12 months during a world pandemic, being classified as essential, due to the experts being right about, the worst coming in water levels and damage. There has been several communities evacuated from their homes, roads shut down, thousands of acres of property lost, approx. 1.6 million in damages, currently over 40,000 homes and 92,000+ civilians in the worst "flood pane" along with an unfathomable amount of damage caused to homes, properties, eco-systems, wildlife habitats, etc; During the last two years, we have strictly worked on the waters of 3 of 5 Great Lakes, Detroit River. We specialise in Marine Fabrication, Welding, Repairs and Installations. We take pride in our company solely preventing approx. $160k worth of property and structure damage that could have happened, if we did not carry out our on-site welding/repair services. This year we got the approval for our design from the most important organisation that is in control of our water ways, we registered with the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestation to aid in the process of preventing damage and keeping our eco-systems and animal habitats in good working order. I refined our product early this year, and have the first and only steel water deflection plate that is patent pending. After this month, we have completed and protected over 2,400 feet of shoreline on 3 of our Great Lakes, and have been able to travel to different parts of beautiful southern Ontario to work on beautiful properties and ,million dollar homes. I now have a crew of 5-6 employees with additional welding rigs and trucks. The last 2 years have been years I will never forget, with so many trials and tribulations I've personally had to overcome for everyone of my staff members, my family, and to keep my head above water.
In closing: There are so many things, that I have left out (for the sake of your health) things that I don't think anyone will ever know. I think every now and then how much just 3-5 years change your entire life. I never would've thought that I would be here today, being able to do the things I do, and possibly being able to make my biggest dream come true of travelling the Region for motocross racing and then going to race inside some of the most historic sports arenas ever. I cant even begin to explain how surreal it would be. I was absolutely flattened when I heard 2020's last half of SX Futures were to be cancelled, but going through life, learning to be resilient, I took this time to re-evaluate logistics, training camps, training schedules, and mostly to have another year to train. So, looking back I know I am going to be in a lot better shape physically for the points races, and my small team of 2-3 drivers, and a mechanic will be much more prepared in all aspects. If any company representatives have any questions, or would even like to talk more - please message me. I would love to answer any of your questions, regarding schedules, events, logistics or anything you may have in mind!
Again, I know it was a long read and If you actually made it here - First off, I salute you! But, really - I thank you so much for you interest.
Riding Goals
2021 - Amateur Motocross Racing Ontario
Qualify for Ontario Provincial Championship (250 Intermediate OR Open Junior) Classes
RD 1 - 4th or Better
RD. 2 - 5th or Better
RD.3 - 4th of Better
RD.4 - 4th or Better
RD. 5 - 5th or Better
RD. 6 - 6th or Better
RD. 7 / 8 / 9 - Podium (s)
Competitive Highlights
Supercross Futures 2019 -
Very First SX Race -
ST. LOUIS - 25+ Class - Practice/Qualify/Heat 1 (8th) Heat 2 - DNF With Rad Leak (Overheat)
2014 - Gopher Dunes - Youth (4th) 125cc