Open Practice raises $4200 for Christchurch

What started out as a slow day got busy around noon.  The worry was there was plenty of other events on.  There was a trail ride at Limestone Downs, another at Kawakawa Bay that attracted 640 riders with the entry fee going to the local Volunteer Fire Brigade.  Huntly Club Day was on plus it was the last time Juniors were allowed on Tokoroa before the Junior Nationals at Easter.

With all that opposition, 110 riders signed on with riders, split A's and B's each getting at least 5 x 20 minute sessions.  $30 for the main track and $20 for the Mini track with spectators donating a gold coin.

W. White Wholesalers generously donated 3 Shoei Moto-V helmets and 8 full sets of Fly Racing motocross gear and these were put into a silent auction.  Euro Treads donated aset of Bridgestone tyres and Dirtrider Downunder magazine 3 annual subscriptions.

"We raised just over $4k for the Christchurch Earthquake Appeal" said Club President Scott Wilkins. "The turnout was a little bit under what we expected with 110 riders coming along, but with three trail rides, and four motocross events also taking place around the top half of the North Island, it was always going to be hard to get huge numbers."

Riders had access to the normal track together with an enduro section added for variety.  At the halfway point the enduro section was removed and the full track restored.  That included the jump named 1.5 which few are game, or skilled enough, to attack.

Seen here is Luke Temple on 1.5

It was good to see Devon Rogers back at Harrisville.  As most of you know Devon had a nasty road accident early last December in which he lost his lower left leg. In fact he was lucky not to lose his right leg as well as the scars bear testament to the damage.  Besides his internal injuries he has had his pelvis pinned via an external frame which is about to come out.  Luck is hardly the appropriate word but he is 'lucky to be alive'.   His mates raised funds and bought him a PlayStation which Dev said has been awesome and kept him sane.

Aaron Cooksley's son Tyler is seen here chatting with Dev and Cam Kennedy. Cam's watching the action and yes, Cam had dusted off his KX125 and did some laps. 

Derek Crane, Steve Cunha, Carl Anderson and Chris Cowell are four 'mates' who have joined forces and ride under the banner of CES Racing.  Creative Electrical Solutions is Derek's business and they have additional sponsorship from Lucas Oil organised by Steve via importer Ricky Logan.  Look for more Lucas Oil presence in the Motocross scene soon.

Pitbike exponent John Nelson is usually found on the Mini track but was given the opportunity to try the jumps on his Honda. The photo does not really show it but No.7 is a big downhill and he attacked it without lifting off.  Heart stopping stuff.  Two laps and he was shattered - no wonder !!