Teamwork
Ever noticed how nothing really ever gets done without a little co-operation, and a lot of teamwork? I certainly have, especially this year when I went to the Australian 4 Day Enduro for the seventh time in as many years.
Travelling to another country to race a four-day enduro can be a daunting task at the best of times. It’s such a big mission, and one that I’m sure mirrors what some of the moto boys go through to go racing MX over there too. The hardest bit is obviously the organisation of all the riders and all the helpers, to make sure everyone is where they should be at the exact right time. I have done a few years helping organise some of our trips and it’s no picnic. Firstly, there is the container that takes the bikes across the Tasman, though some are lucky enough to have bikes waiting for them in Australia. Then the logistics of accommodation and getting everyone a bed, transport from the motel to the track as well as to the checks, organising who goes to what check and when so riders don’t turn up and there is no one there. It’s a bog job but somebody has to do it. This year the Clarke family took up the top dog job for the A4DE Kiwi team. Adel and Sean did a great job and in turn the team also performed very well – thanks guys!
Anyone travelling to race overseas knows you have to do it off your own bat, and that’s the choice the riders make. But the unsung heroes in my opinion are the helpers, who also pay their own way, just to come and stand at a time control in the blazing sun for seven hours a day, making sure we get enough fuel and food to keep us going. That’s teamwork right there, and without it us riders simply wouldn’t be able to ride. I want to personally (and on behalf of the NZ team I’m sure) thank all those who took the time and effort, and spent their own money to go to Oz and help me and the NZ team.
It turned out to be well worth the trip, as the NZ Team managed to score a second in the Senior Trophy Teams class. Each state in Australia puts forward their six best riders, hoping to do their state proud and claim the title. NZ is classed as the ‘other’ state and we managed to pull off a second place – the highest placing the senior team has ever achieved in my seven years over there. That’s teamwork again! The six team members giving each other tips on track conditions, hot lines and plenty of encouragement and help if needed. I always feel proud to be part of the A4DE team and it’s a good feeling to do your country proud – even if it is only against some Aussies.
Talk about busy though. After a week and a half off work racing in Oz, combined with the two short weeks due to Easter weekend, this month’s deadline has lapped around pretty quickly! It felt like only yesterday that I was sending the April issue of DRD out the door, and now I’m sending out the May issue. I’m happy to say that its packed full of everything again this month; moto, enduro, freestyle, trail and adventure. A bit of everything that should keep anyone entertained and informed in some way, shape or form.
The coolest part for me was the 250cc MX shootout. We managed to bring together four of the best 250F machines you can get and thrash them for two days to see who has the goods for 2010 – the result may surprise! I also got to attend the launch of the latest invention from Red Bull – The Red Bull Chronicles. It’s a TV show that will start airing on Sky Sport which showcases all the crazy and amazing stuff Red Bull is involved with here and around the world. Local lads Levi Sherwood and Chris Birch will star in coming episodes, so keep your eyes peeled on Sky Sport 3 on Saturday nights – it should be a goodie.
After four killer days riding Aussie bush, followed by a long, hard week in the office, I might have this weekend off. Haha – yeah right!
Chris
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