Category: 2022

We are now back home after our massive adventure. It took 3 flights to get to our US start point, then we drove through 6 states (Florida, Georgia, Tennessee, Virginia and North & South Carolina) and then had to take another 3 flights to get home. We learned what we needed and didn’t need to RV from track to track, what facilities have to offer, what each AMA class involves for my age, heat, humidity, and was able to meet some of my awesome support network face to face. We went shopping, sightseeing and I got to chase some squirrels. I had a list of things I wanted to see and do – not all moto stuff – and we got through a lot of them. I’ve brought home 6 AQ trophies from the 8 classes I rode and thanks to Team Green US’s team we know how to set up my bikes even better for me now. It’s rest time now as we work out what to do next.

We spent the week after the Dalton qualifier near Chattanooga TN resting and riding and enjoying the area. I had seen footage of ProSport MX on YouTube and was looking forward to the big step up jump there. When we arrived at Wytheville VA it was very different to Lazy River as they do not track prep here, they run the dozer over the track and fill in the holes and that’s it. The jumps were big and most of the track was narrow and tight. It rained before Friday practice and it was slippery. It kept raining through the night but after riding Cambridge and Patetonga in the wet I knew what to do… twist the throttle and ride it likes it dry. I finished 2nd overall in 10-12 85, 1st overall in Mini Senior 1 on Saturday and 1st overall in 10-12 85, 1st overall 9-13 85 on Sunday with 3 holeshots. Dad got some great video of me over the step up which was one of my goals. Even in the challenging conditions I kept my head up and gave it 100%. This has been an amazing experience.

It was a long drive to get from Jacksonville FL to Dalton GA for my first go at a Lorettas area qualifier. Friday was practice and I spent a lot of time getting a feel for the track, it was nice to be on dirt after a hard week in the sand. On Saturday my starts were good and I was feeling really comfortable on the bike. The race format over here is 2 races per class and only 4 laps per race so there’s no room for mistakes. I went 31-4 in 10-12 85 Limited after banging bars with a rider battling for 4th in race 1, and 10-9 in Mini Senior 1. Not the results I wanted but made up for it on Sunday when I applied the things I learned from Saturday and went 2-2 in 10-12 85 and 7-7 in 9-13 85, competing in the modified classes on my stock bike. I found my flow in the rollers and had so much fun on and off the bike. There are so many awesome people here and so much to see. I qualified for the regionals in Mini Senior 1 and 10-12 85 this weekend and am really looking forward to working towards better results next weekend.

One week down of being stateside. It’s been an adventure for sure. We travelled for over 25 hours straight to get to Orlando, Florida, where we picked up bikes and got some sleep before driving up to Jacksonville where we picked up a huge RV to call home. We stayed and played at WW Ranch with Club 57 for 4 days doing on and off the bike work. This facility is awesome, so much sand and some big jumps. The weather was great the first day, hot and sunny, and then overnight storms made the place really challenging. I had a big off and lost some confidence riding in the deep thick wet sand but it came back by not giving up even when I wanted to. Homesickness kicked in which I haven’t had before but a call home reminded me I am here for an experience and I’ll be back in NZ soon wishing that I was back here. After a rest day we restocked, prepped bikes and have started the 7+  hour drive to Lazy River MX, Dalton GA for a practice day and the area qualifier for Lorettas where I’m competing in 10-12 85cc Limited and Mini Senior.

Two weeks to go until I’m off on a  epic adventure. Thanks to everyone in my corner helping to make this happen. Thank you Patetonga MX for the ongoing support and being the best cheer squad. Thank you Kawasaki NZ and Team Green NZ for putting us in touch with Team Green USA. We now have Kissimmee Motorsports going above and beyond setting up bikes for me and making sure Dad has what he needs to keep them flying. Thank you Crown Kiwi Enterprises and Xpress Racewear for getting the new kit to me, printed up and looking sweet. Thank you Motomuck for sorting us out with Motomuck USA hook ups. Thank you LM Graphic Designs for getting the new graphics out in record time. They look so good. And thank you Powerparts Depot for getting the parts we need to take with us and getting them to us through this awesome moto community we have.

I had so much fun double classing at the last round of Patetonga yesterday and loved the chance to work on some race skills. I rode in my usual 85 class to speed train, had some solid battles and a couple of dirt samples. I also rode in the 125/250 class too to be pushed a little further and have different challenges from having to fight for places. Prizegiving followed racing and I took out the top step for Under 17 85s and 12-14 125/250 and Most Points Junior for the season – been giving those little KX85 wheels a big work out. Massive thanks to the club and committee for everything they do.

Haven’t had a foggy drive to moto in a really long time so today was an exciting 4.30am start to the first round at Tokoroa, which is one of my favourite places. I double classed in 12-16 85 and 12-14 125 on my stock KX85 small wheel and it was hard work to get those little wheels going in the sand against the big bikes. I missed my A kit suspension too but I am learning how to ride smarter with less than what I’m used to. I ended up finishing 5th over all in each class which is a great result with some inconsistent starts.

I am beyond stoked to have been accepted as a Dirt Bike Kidz (DBK) ambassador for 2022/2023. This well known company was established in 2012 by a group of FMX/MX legends who continue to enjoy careers and push boundaries in this awesome sport. They have set up a support program and want to spotlight young riders and the people who support them – because we are the future of the sport. We promote the DBK brand by wearing their awesome gear and posting on social media and in return DBK will showcase us in front of their wider global network. Now to get some racing happening do we have something to post about…

https://dirtbikekidz.com/blogs/news/recognizing-supporting-our-young-riders

Spent two days coaching with Josiah Natzke as part of his fundraising for his AMA outdoors venture. We did lots of sections, learning better ways to do things and understanding line choices and weight placement. The track prep was amazing and it was a really good experience. I hope Josiah has a really good time in the states and has success with his racing.

It was very cool that even under lock downs and  restrictions that my local club – Patetonga MX – was able to still put on a twilight series. I missed one round but still finished 3rd for the season. The club and committee support me heaps with my riding/training schedule, I’m really appreciative to have their help in chasing down my goals.