The Heaphys can call on a combined 50 years motorcycling experience as they take on the best off-ride riders in the country this weekend.
53-year-old Bryan and his son Luke, 21, have both been selected for the six-strong Nelson Motorcycle Club team which is aiming for a top three finish at the 18th annual Battle of the Clubs event at the Digger McEwen Track.
Neither of the Nelson pair rode last year when NMC finished a very creditable fourth of the 20 clubs competing in Taupo.
MX2 rider Luke missed out on the Nelson team but ended up as an injury replacement for South Canterbury.
“I reckon we have a strong team this year. I have ridden that track lots of time. There are plenty of jumps and that should suit Dad. He is still a good rider, and you should see the jumps he does,” says Luke who got his first bike at six and used to watch his father compete as he was growing up.
These days they still train together. Bryan’s workshop and coaching skills plus his longstanding knowledge of the pumice Taupo track will be a real asset for the young line-up.
“I have been to the Battle of the Clubs about 10 times and Nelson finished second one year,” recalls Bryan who is competing in the veterans over 35 class.
“I have been lucky with injuries, going 20-odd years without breaking a bone but once you get older you have to be a little more careful.”
Wills Harvey, who rounds out the senior contingent, wishes he had that luck.
The 19-year-old Appleby rider broke his collarbone while competing in Tauranga in February and on his return, two months later, suffered a knee injury.
“My fitness is a bit poor, but I will figure it out when I get there,” says Wills.
He’s gone up to the tougher MX1 class where his 250cc Yamaha is a bit smaller than his rivals’ conveyances.
“We are a bit light on MX1 riders here. I just want to go out there and be a bit of an underdog and try and smoke everyone,” declares Wills.
The junior crew consists of 15-year-olds Ryder Solly, from Murchison, and Kyro Baigent from Golden Downs plus Motueka 14-year-old Kase Shuttleworth.
All six riders will contest three races on Saturday.
Bryan just hopes the Desert Road is open as in the past, winter closures have added an extra hour and a half to their trip to get to Taupo.
The annual Battle of the Clubs racing doubles as a fundraiser to send three top riders to the Motocross of Nations event in Europe.
