Interschool Dirt Bike Team Grasstrack Competition

On Friday 5 May, Lilydale High School partook in its second consecutive State Motocross competition. It is an event that requires a tremendous level of commitment and that is just to get there.

The competition is held in Warnambool, which is a 3 and 3/4 hour drive. Some lucky students and their families camped at the track the night before, which gave them the added sleep that would be needed by the end of the day.

The event started at 8.30 am, however most competitors started arriving around 7.30 am to start setting up what can only be described as professional looking workshops.

The day started out mildly moist and the riders were talking excitedly on how perfect the conditions would be. However, the cold crisp morning produced a slippery track that did not reward anyone, but the person leading each race. The sun did come out and create a track that was described by the end of the day as “EPIC”.

Motocross is a rare school competition where students don’t turn up as individuals. We were a team that consisted of students from every year level in the school. What was more impressive was the fact that the love of motorbikes transcended any difference of age. The love of the sport also allowed our students to have race rundowns with students from other schools as well. Our students represented themselves in a manner that one would expect of professionals, but more importantly it came to each of them naturally.

Our day started with Ryan Harford having mechanical issues with his newly tuned bike. Jacob Street kindly donated one of his, so that Ryan could perform. On a borrowed bike, Ryan managed to finish 2nd in two different classes. Matt Garner, fresh off an ankle injury managed to ride with style and achieve 3rd place in his class. Team Captain, Tayla Allan, gallantly joined a relay team from another school and rode her way to a Silver medal; all in the midst of stopping mid race to help another competitor who had fallen over. Jacob Street managed to ride his ‘monster’ bike (unanimously claimed by anyone who knew anything about bikes) to second position in the ‘All Powers’ class. Paula Pavic was a welcome addition to our team and added our first Farm bike to the event. She showed true spirit in her determination to participate that earned her respect from all of her team. Tayla Street was a commanding presence on track and made herself tough competition. Ellie Beecroft was a consistent rider who constantly looked in control. Our team’s new additions this year were siblings, Ethan and Beau Pollard, both of whom rode hard and fiercely all day and competed in battles that changed overall standings in the 250 class.

Finally, I would like to thank all the parents who committed time, enthusiasm and effort to the running of the event. More importantly for the time taken from their work to allow students the opportunity to ride their treasured dirt bikes at a school event.

In addition, thank you to the school administration, who have once again allowed our students to show their talents and passions in an area not traditionally explored in school sport. We look forward to competing again later this year.

Christopher Pennycook & Adam Price

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