MILTON — At 39 years of age, John Knapp, of Syracuse, N.Y., bought his wife their first bike, a CT 70. The next purchases, when he was 42 years old, were a Honda 100 and then a Suzuki 185.

When 43 years old, Knapp entered his first enduro (a cross-country off-road course) in New York and learned that “going over the handlebars in front of an audience impressed them.”

He was hooked on racing.

After taking time to raise four children and send them to college, he started riding again in 1980 in obstacle courses; he participated in skill rides, where you can’t put your feet down, and more enduro events.

Knapp and his wife are friends of Milton resident and Sunrise Kiwanis member Penny Nichols Wilson, who met the Knapps at a campground when Knapp was riding the circuit with his pair of British Greeves Motorcycles.

The group meets every year when the Knapps pass through the area. Their most recent meeting was when John Knapp raced in Maplesville, Alabama.

That’s been one of countless other events.

In 1999, Knapp participated in Vintage Bike Motocross races in Ocala and, by 2000, entered his Greeves Motorcycles in the American Historic Racing Motorcycle Association National Trial race as a novice.

He placed first in his first race, and has placed first and second in many races up to this day. Awards through the years are too numerous to mention.

So, what’s the best thing about racing?

Knapp said it’s the fraternity of men and women who have a common interest.

He added he is fortunate to have a spouse who travels with him and keeps lodging in order while they navigate the United States’ race circuit.