This is a really tough subject, but one that off-road motorcycle coach Andrew Maisey is prepared to tackle.

“To be honest I am in two minds about it, as although I believe totally in what I am saying, I also feel that it may cast a dark shadow over the sport and that is not my intention or what I wish to achieve at all as I am totally passionate about motorcycling and wish only good things for our sport.

“Most of us attend races, whether it be Motocross, Supercross, Road-racing, Motard , TT or whatever, and whether we are riders, spectators, parents, volunteers or just there to tag along make up the numbers and drink a nice hot coffee from the coffee cart and enjoy the day out.

“But, let’s face it, racing  is exciting, fun and a great day out away from the house work, gardens, lawn mowing and all that other trivial stuff that we must do at some stage and it’s great to watch riders of all abilities going hard out rubbing handle bars, swapping lines in and out of corners at speed, jumping, whipping it sideways and any which way and showing the amazing range of skills they have and are building up as they progress through the ranks to pro level.

“I love motocross and all forms of motorcycling and racing and having been doing it myself for more than 40 years and I will continue to watch and support it and, yes, I still ride at a social level and have had my own fair share of crashes over the years.

“But doesn’t it make you cringe and feel a bit off when you witness a nasty crash, some of epic proportions and some really ugly ones that see the rider being stretchered off and even leaving them with debilitating injuries that may take months and even years to recover from? It is not just about the bigger crashes but I wonder sometimes why there are so many crashes and, sometimes, so many injuries.

“Now I know what you are thinking: Yes, that is all part of motor racing and we all know the risks involved and enter the race of our own accord and even sign waivers, etc, acknowledging the fact that we are out there 100% at our own risk and that is fine and has always been the way so no questions here. And, yes, there will always be some crashes as that is part of racing and riding. But there do seem to be many more crashes than ever before a trend that has become quite obvious over the years.”

So what has changed over the past 20 years? Let’s take a look:

 

1/   The bikes are faster and more powerful. But, okay, they handle much better than before;

2/   The tracks are way more technical and have much larger jumps and there are more of them;

3/   Clearly, the riders are riding faster than ever before and jumping higher and higher;

4/   Supercross has come strongly onto the scene and is way more intense than motocross;

5/   There are way more riders than ever before and the kids are starting younger;

6/   The sport has grown globally and is high-profile and kids want to be as fast as their idols;

7/   If you make it to the top level you can possibly earn a living from the sport.

 

“So what is my angle you are asking?  I am just throwing this out there really and letting you decide and think about it.

“Yes I am stating the obvious and this is an issue that is controversial and somewhat delicate to talk about for many. Some of the above are merely indicators as to perhaps why the crash rate has increased as has the level of risk.

“Personally, I think that it is a combination of many factors as to why there are more crashes than before, partly that the motocross tracks are more technical and the jumps are bigger than ever, partly because we have riders both young and old riding beyond their ability and at a far faster pace and partly because of a lack of riding time and gaining that skill base before they go hard out racing.

“There are some good things being done in New Zealand with motorcycling and let us not forget those positives like the training schools being held around the country by the likes of Broxy Coaching, Mary Perkins, Nick Saunders, Rhys Carter, Karel Pavich Pro Rider and the likes, to name a few. Also, riding schools for learner road riders, etc, and defensive rider schools with Honda Riders club and so on.

“Organised trail rides and enduros are a great way to grow your skills base on a dirt bike as are track days on road bikes in a controlled environment and with experienced people at hand to pass on tips.

“When you are sitting on your motorbike and before you even start it: Switch your mind on 100% to the task at hand and what you are about to do.

“I will leave you with this thought: Sometimes you have to slow down to ride faster grasshopper.”

Andrew Maisey, Action Events and Training

You can contact Andrew Maisey at 18A Frederick Street, Two Mile Bay, Taupo. Email: actioneventsandtraining@xtra.co.nz

Ph 0272728594 Home 07 3784141

ACTION EVENTS AND TRAINING runs and organises events involving many outdoor sporting activities including guided motorcycle adventure rides.

Motorcycle and quad bike basic skills coaching is another part of what the company does and this will be aimed at the learner/ novice and intermediate rider and will cater for dirt bike, road bike and quad bike riders. Group sessions and one-on-one sessions are available by appointment.

The first event on the calendar is a two-day adventure ride starting and finishing in central Taupo on the weekend of August 27-28.

© Photo by Andy McGechan, www.BikesportNZ.com