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Every now and then something touches the heart and makes you step back from the busy lives we all live. One such occasion was at the Rodney Motorcycle Club's club day at Ken Fell's Kaukapkapa farm event eight days ago. A good crowd of 168 entries and supporters rolled up to riders briefing with me being another set of ears for our 12 year old son Scott.
Tuna, Grant Salmon the Club President, started by calling several people a-top the truck tray that served as a stage.
I just happened to have my camera. The gent in the pic at the left is introduced as Eric Judd, a Board member of The Make-A-Wish Foundation.
Next is a face I do recognise, it's Nick Franklin who is a world class FMX rider. In March, he was one of the Crusty Demons and now spends his time between here and Europe performing in competitions and demos, riding for Red Bull.
Next to Nick is a shy young man in motocross gear and his name is Ricky Wilkens. Grant tells us a story that 17 year old Ricky has been battling cancer and that the Rodney Club, Make-A-Wish and Nick Franklin are gifting Nick's 2004 KTM250SX to Ricky. That was a hugely emotional moment and an equally emotional thankyou from Ricky who could not take the grin off his face.
What a gift for a kid with a life threatening illness and why shouldn't he be doing what he loves ? Mid-afternoon I saw him sitting astride that KTM at the start gates, a gloved hand was polishing the graphics. Well done to those involved.
It's moments like that, that make you want to support organisations such as this one. If just one person visits their website then I have achieved just that.
