Motocross is for girls

The second in a series of coaching days for girls interested in entering motocross competition and improving their dirt skills was held at the Noble Falls circuit late last month.

29 eager hopefuls participated in the day. While coaches on hand to help them hone their skills included successful riders Tony Fenton, Corey Blackman, Mark Bond, Glen Dorran, Harry Bankin Jnr and Steve Ellis. Some of the girls really showed their enthusiasm by traveling from as far away as Albany, Manjimup and Geraldton for the event.

Only one female rider currently competes in Western Australia. Tanya Spooner is that sole competitor and has been the motivating force behind the coaching days to help other girls get in on the act.

Many Perth motorcycle businesses are also keen to help support the girls. Most generous was Rockingham's Honda Country who supplied bikes for those girls who did not have access to a mount of their own for the coaching day. A fundraising raffle was also held with Witch Cycles, Extreme, The Honda Shop, Mack 1, Bikers Corner and Highway Yamaha helping to provide some prizes.

More coaching clinics are being planned for the coming months with a view to holding Western Australia's inaugural women's only race at Manjimup or Noble Falls.

Females have been competing in reasonable numbers on the east coast over recent years with one particular team scoring some significant sponsorship from Jim Beam to help fund their efforts. A couple of the Australian girls have also headed to the United States for even more competition.

The coaching clinics are proving a great success with all the girls upping their pace throughout the day under the tutelage of the experienced coaches. All ended the day significantly faster riders than when they started.

Tanya was enthused about the event, “A few of the girls had never even ridden before but the coaches got them going soon enough and they had picked up some good skills by the end of the day.

“It was great seeing them out there and giving it a red hot go.”

Bookings are now being taken for the next girls coaching day which is scheduled for December 14 in Toodyay. Ring Tanya on 0407 440 340 or Tony on 9454 2910 for more information.