The day started out a bit overcast and then started to drizzle on and off. It wasn’t looking good but we were going to carry on.
The first show all the sections were pretty greasy but we managed to do them all, without doing anything too flashy.As the day went on the rain stopped and eveything started to dry out. By the 1pm show all the sections were dry and we were able to show off a bit more. The 3pm show went well but I was starting to get tired. Towards the end of the show, and as I was coming off the double step of the trailer I stalled the bike when the front wheel was hanging over the edge and went over the handle bars. I landed on my right hand and it was pretty sore but just thought it was badly bruised. Later that night we went to the hospital for an x ray, and we found out I had a break of the “distal radius” bone in my right arm. Fortunately it heals pretty quick and I will only be in plaster for 4-5 weeks, which means with intensive physio I will still be flying out of here on the 25th June as planned.
Special thanks to Mum and Dad, Warren and Carren Laugesen,Brendan Wadsworth, Dave Fletcher, Colin Salmon, Murray and Leigh Shaw and all of the volunteers on the day I couldn’t have done it without you all.
The day leading up to the dinner was really busy but finally everything was done and we were just waiting for everyone to arrive. I was a bit nervous about my speech but once I got into it I was ok and it got easier.
I really enjoyed listening to all the guest speakers and I would like to thank Warren, Luke, Brendan and Dad for their encouraging words. A special thanks to Trevor Mallard for joining us on the night. I would also like to give a big thank you to John Ravenscroft for being a great MC.
After the speeches we had a DvD presentation created by my Uncle Erin. It was awesome and everyone enjoyed it so a big thanks to him also you made the night.
Lastly, I would like to thank everybody who came along on the night it was really good to see you all there to support me.
Unfortunately due to unfavourable weather conditions we have had to postpone the demo planned for Sunday 29th April.
Riding in wet conditions is extremely dangerous for the riders and unpleasant for the spectators as well!
New date is Sunday 6th May, all show times, displays etc remain the same.
? Rosewood Estate is pleased to be able to host a Fundraising Dinner to help Jake get to Europe in July this year.
When: Saturday 28 april 2007, Where: Rosewood Estate, Moores Valley, Wainuiomata. Time: 6pm to 11pm
Cost: $65.00 per person, continuous cocktail food, complimentary bubbly on arrival, cash bar
Tickets: Available by phoning Rosewood on [04] 5646 246, or email rosewoodestate@paradise.net.nz
Trevor Mallard, Minister of Sport will be our guest speaker along with Warren Laugesen 7 times NZ and twice Australian Champion. There will be a DVD presentation of Jake along with some musical entertainment.
On Sunday 29 April 2007 Rosewood will also host a family fun day and Trials Demonstration. A great? day out for all the family, in a wonderful garden setting. Jake and Warren will present 3 shows during the day 11am, 1pm and 3pm. There will be bike shops displayiing their latest machines. Choppers, Harley’s, Triumphs and Police bikes on display. Mini quad bike rides and Harley rides with ‘Blue Mountain Harley Motorcycle Tours” available. Music throughout the day. Food and Devonshire teas etc available.
Admission: Adults $10.00, Children $5.00[5-13yrs, <5: free], Family Pass $25.00[2 Adults, 2 children]
Gates open at 10am. Postponement if wet Sunday 6 May 2007
Note: Due to room, entry limited to 600 per show.
On Sunday the 1st of April we were invited to the? Manfeild truck races to do the lunch time entertainment. We picked the MNZ demonstration trailer up? in Levin along with Warren Laugesen who kindly agreed to ride out there with me. Some members of the Manawatu Trials Club gave up their time to help set the trailer up and drove the demo car that we rode over, thanks guys much appreciated.
When the time came for the show we waited in the dummy grid before we were called to the track. When we were given the nod to go out I rode out alongside Warren and thats when the nerves kicked in as there was a **** load of people watching. It was hard going out there cold, without a warm up at all really but after a few times over the car I forgot about all the people watching me so I was now riding as my usual show off self. At this stage the trailer was set up and we started our normal routine on it. Everything went well and there was only one part of the trailer we hadn’t done yet the eight foot splat wall; Warren did it first and then it was my turn. Now a splat is when you let the back wheel hit first and that sends the front down so you dont loop out but I gave it a bit to much { still adjusting to the 250 power after coming off the 125,the bike I normally ride} and only just nipped the top edge of the trailer so I was still hanging way off the back but I managed to keep it under control and got a good clap from the crowed and a “s**t that was close!” from Warren.
After the show we collected donations for our trip to Europe in July. Thank you to everyone who gave so generously and supported me. We raised $ 1600.00, which will be a big help.
Jake Whitaker