A weekend in Paradise

[Nicola W]

Well maybe an elaborate thread title but a weekend spent doing what we love!

I thought I would start a thread to show how we spent our weekend and although we are all aching all over, it’s always completely worth while.

Saturday was spent at Tokora trying out a big wheeled 85cc for our son who is 10 and currently on a 65cc. Although he could not touch the floor, once on, he was away and enjoyed his time on the bike. It was a bit tricky getting off and on the bike but with a little practice he managed without help throughout the day. It’s still a bit of a decision to make by skipping the 85cc small wheel to just jumping straight on the big wheel, but we’ll have to work out what is best for him.

We were pleasantly surprised (to say the least) to be joined by the lovely Cody Cooper who was over there practising. He was a joy to watch and very happily sat with my sons for a photo and some shirt signing. I’m a bit miffed to see the pen I used wasn’t as permanent as I thought because in the wash today his autograph has disappeared but we had the pleasure of meeting him, so it’s not that bad.

On Sunday was our first ever visit to Awakaponga Track, Whakatane where my husband and two sons raced in their Round 5 Winter MX Series. An early start to the day saw a heavy covering of thick mist but throughout the drive taking in the magnificent scenery, the air cleared to see a glorious day breaking through. I also met a forum member for the first time! Katoomer who spotted my Kiwi-Biker t-shirt!

My eldest son Sam rode well and finished 5 rounds with 1st’s and 2nd’s with little brother Ethan coping very well on his air-cooled amongst the speedy water cooleds. A few non-serious off’s for him as the surface became very dusty with not much grip but he didn’t finish last.

I’m very proud of my husband who rode his first race on Sunday. The sensible ‘need to go to work on Monday’ style proceeded, but the velocity of many in the Vets racing surprised us - some very fast gentlemen/ladies in that group! He enjoyed his races and has monkey-butt to prove it! And considering he’s had a back operation and suffering with tennis elbow and didn’t come last means there’s life in the old dog yet!

We were joined by our good friends Roger and Nicola in which after the day’s racing we spent having a few beers together in the wonderful sunshine. I’m in the process of uploading all photos to my website. I only managed the mini races and Expert Senior, Vets and Expert B, due to running around like a blue-arsed fly but if you were in any of those and they are on my website, I’ll post them on here.

First pics of my son on the 85

[Nicola W]

Some Cody pics

[Nicola W]

Few more Cody pics....

[Nicola W]

Awakaponga Track, Whakatane - few pics.

My 10 year old. 2 start pics, 1 jump pic and one with the lovely Yvette who did brilliantly on her first ride on a 65cc from her PW.

[Nicola W]

My little man age 7.

Few race pics and the signed shirt from Cody before I washed his signature out.

[Nicola W]

And finally the hubby and his line up

Roll on next weekend!

[Ktmboy]

I bet that the guy on the honda #700 had an involuntary twitch when he saw a shadow over taking him in mid air LOL.

Yes, we are blessed in our country that our stars are so approachable and available. You park next to them at an event and they are just every day folks like us.

I wonder if the internationals the likes of Bubba Stewart etc etc would be the same?

[Nicola W]

The majority from the UK were similar, very approachable. It’s such a small scale sport really. We’d often bump into a few famous riders while out practising. Just didn’t expect to see Cody in the flesh after only seeing him on the TV such a short time previously!

Bubba? Never met him but only saw the back of his head while attending the MXdN at Winchester in 2006. You couldn’t get anywhere near the Americans. Security was massive!

[Hemex]

I bet that the guy on the honda #700 had an involuntary twitch when he saw a shadow over taking him in mid air LOL.

Yes, we are blessed in our country that our stars are so approachable and available. You park next to them at an event and they are just every day folks like us.

I wonder if the internationals the likes of Bubba Stewart etc etc would be the same?

Ive heard that Bubba and Chad Reed are extremely approachable and a mate of mine who trains in OZ met them and he couldnt beleive how cool they were...

Personally I know that Sebastien Loeb is really freindly!! I'm sure most just want to be approachable and friendly as long as there arent swarms of people running toward them..

[Garvani]

Many moons ago we sat next to Ben Townleys family at the Rat Track in motueka, his parents and he himself were very nice people, this was way before he had a name for himself. Parents had taken another mortgage on the house to pay for him (and im sure he had a younger brother also into motox??) to travel up and down the country doing all the mx events. Anyways getting a little OT.

[Nicola W]

I’d say out of all the riders we have ever met, Josh Coppins has been the most friendliest. I have photos of him with my sons ranging through 4 or 5 years from the Brit GP’s, Maxxis, Hawkstone etc… It's funny how you can see my sons growing up in the photos and Josh remains the same. He is always welcoming and has plenty of time for his fans.

Among others, we’ve met Stefan Everts who let us take a photo with him and signed autographs but he often used to get called in after a few minutes and would leave little kids waiting to see him. We appreciate any time from riders as we wouldn’t want to pester them and we always thank them for their time.

[clmintie]

You really are making the most of your new surroundings... Awesome stuff....

[4stroke]

wow sounds like a good weekend, i spent sunday at the sandpit riding with rupcopp and reckles think i wore them out

[theblacksmith]

wow sounds like a good weekend, i spent sunday at the sandpit riding with rupcopp and reckles think i wore them out

How s the Husky pleasing you mate - I had a go on a 250 2T at the Pumice Blast - beautifull bike I thought. Very responsive right through the range and awesome to jump with! Felt really light.

Sounds like you had a ball Nicola.

[Nicola W]

We are thrilled to be able to do what we love is such a beautiful country.