The Rider

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I first started riding my Dads' bike a TY250, at the age of ten, I had to stand on a milk crate to get on & off the bike. At thirteen years of age Dad bought me a Suzuki RM80. I then joined the Maroondah Motorcycle Club riding at the Club track most weekends. I always wanted to race but never had the opportunity. I then saved and bought an RM125 when I was seventeen which I trail rode in the hills close to my home in Wandin. After a break from riding for several years I then purchased a ZZR250 which I rode for nine months. Then I saw a CBR600 road bike and thats the bike I bought and began racing on. Rol had been chewing my ear about racing for some time and his encouragement led me to racing the 600 a short time later. After some quick modifications (and a crappy paint job) the CBR was ready for racing. A couple of years later I updated the CBR for a later model because I copped so much stick about my paint job! I really enjoy this style of racing and have now been racing for four years. I race in a class called the 600 Super Stock. In the Australian Championship this year I am currently placed tenth and this year in the Club Championship I came 1st. Several years ago Rol invited me to have a ride of the 'Beast" at a ride day at Winton race way. That was my first taste, this was even before I had started racing. In 2001 Rol again invited me to race (as apposed to just have a ride), the Beast at Mount Gambier, which I thoroughly enjoyed. Rol discussed his ideas and his dreams of keeping the 'Beast' on the track for everyone to enjoy and asked me whether or not I would be interested in riding her for a season providing he could manage it financially. I was wrapped it is an extrordinary machine to ride and it is a bike that is different and attracts a lot of attention. Riding the 'Beast' was an easy decision to make and was really stoked that Rol had asked as I know how much this bike means to him. I think that we have done a great job this year and I have enjoyed not only racing the CBX but also learning more about what makes them tick. This year we have finished second in the Hartwell Championships & third in the Victorian Championships and recently we finished fifth in the Australian Historic Championships at Mallala, South Australia. I am a 31y.o. carpenter with a beautiful wife called Cassandra and a georgous daughter called Pippa who is just one year old and we all live in Lilydale just 5 mins from Rols house. Rol and I have been friends for many years and I am sure many more to come. I would like to take this opportunity to thank all concerned that have contributed in the even the smallest way to keep this bike on the track, from financial support to track support. Rol tells me that he gets loads of emails and calls from people who have an interest in what is happening with the 'Beast' and that makes it all the more special to ride. Thank you for helping keep the CBX on the Track. I am enjoying my time on the 'Beast' and hopefully circumstances permitting, we will be out and about on the track for the next season.