Rider dies at Desert Storm

**vazza** · 16th January 2011, 19:55

Really terrible. Was quite a buzzkill.

my thoughts go out to his family.

**EXCDirt** · 16th January 2011, 21:09

That's terrible to hear.

R.i.p and condolances to the family.

Was it really dusty and he was just too fast?

**motor_mayhem** · 16th January 2011, 21:09

That was a tragedy. Poor family having to go through that.

I would hope it was just bad luck as the course did seem to be marked out really well, though I guess the dust made it difficult to see the obstacles sometimes. I nearly plowed into the white gate about 2km into the east loop today, was only because the previous person (ahead out of sight) had accelerated around the corner and I got the sudden shock of dust clearing and gate appearing. Not much you can do about the dust except be careful as a rider, nothing the organisers could do anyway.

**Gone Burger** · 16th January 2011, 21:18

Tradgic news - thoughts and condolences are with his friends and family - and also with those who were at this event. Very chilling time for you all.

**takitimu** · 16th January 2011, 21:50

RIP my thoughts to his family and friends, way to early to pass on.

**Buddy L** · 16th January 2011, 21:54

Originally Posted by EXCDirt

Was it really dusty and he was just too fast?

Not sure on what happened to the rider in question, but it was extremely dusty, i got past buy a few people on both days, riding well beond there visabilty, and i mean not seeing anymore then 3 meters in front of them, while riding at pace, Just stupid

**GPS MAN** · 17th January 2011, 06:38

These things do happen.....sadly.

I have been at several races over the years, in the states, where someone died. It always made me do a reality check.
Thoughts and Prayers with the family

**raglanash** · 17th January 2011, 10:15

Nobody really knows what happened yet, it's all speculation until the coroner has made his report. Apparently there was no rocks/trees or anything really nasty where he was and it was relatively straight.

From my brief experiences with him I can say he was an exceptionally nice guy and not an idiot rider in the slightest.
He was from Hamilton.

More details will come in the next few days no doubt.

R I P bro. You will be missed.

**cave weta** · 17th January 2011, 11:21

IMHO.. while well run The Desert Storm Trailride attracts large numbers of riders with vastly differing skill levels and riding agendas.
This means that riders who get little practice, especially riding with other people are constantly being overtaken by faster riders who are perhaps not used to riding with slow beginner riders, quad bikes or family groups.
At big events, dust is always a problem with many riders outriding their visibility. The easy tracks are just too easy for people to go really fast on. And speed and inexperience=potential danger. They just twist the grip on their mx 450 4 stroke and before they know it they're pulling 80k over rough ground heading into a corner.

I stay away from these events now- just too many people with too much to prove.....

**Crisis management** · 17th January 2011, 11:37

While I agree with you CW, maybe this thread shouldn't go into the possible causes and speculation as it may be viewed by people that knew the rider.

**raglanash** · 17th January 2011, 11:42

Valid points, we have all witnessed people riding above their level and I for one have caught myself out doing it in the past.
Though it is still pure speculation as to what happened in this case.
Only the coroner can say for sure, please wait for that before passing judgement on this ride or the rider.
Name released now but still no cause.
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/ar...ectid=10700201

RIP Damo.