The bikes were back last weekend for another adrenaline pumping race at Hawkstone Park. As you drove into the park, paying an extortionate five pound per head for entry, you could see men and woman of all ages sitting around their bikes, tents and caravans relaxing before the next race.
We were at the park to see the talented and fear-less Neal Wailing in the races. He is an extremely talented family member, who has drive and no worries when it comes to riding. It was getting to 11am and it was time for the race to begin. Wailing was on the front line of the race, with about 30-40 other bikers ready to show what they could do on the dirt tracks. As the whole family crowded as close to the gates as they possibly could, we watched as Neal drifted into his 'zone' preparing himself to do his very best. Five minutes later, the riders were 'warming their engines' and the sound of the bikes drilled through the air making even the audience nervous, it was a very exciting experience. Petrol plummeted through the air so much you could actually taste it and the riders were ready. As the English flag was lowered, the first group of riders were speeding ahead, full-throttle leaving the second row of riders literally eating their dust. The atmosphere and emotion that you feel when the bikers take off is really intense! (So intense some of my family members cried, they were so excited and nervous to be watching Neal in the race for the first time).
We stood for 40 minutes whilst the bikers raced around the dirt track and avoided falling off. The first race was a great success and Neal looked rather exhausted after it! We then walked back to the caravan for a nice cup of tea and some hot dogs. It was a great time, the family was all together laughing and having a good old banter, waiting for the next race at 1pm.
Finally, 1pm came around and we all found ourselves at the starting line again watching the bikers prepare themselves. The flag went down and the bikers were off, full throttle doing what they love, and doing it so well. We were all screaming for Neal behind the gates and ran to the next stop where we were hoping to see him racing around the next corner. This is were the problems began.
At first, we thought we had missed him come around the corner, until we suddenly all looked up and noticed his bike lying in the middle of the track. My mum and Nana began to panic as we knew it wasn't good. Thankfully, we managed to spot Neal by his bike with the paramedics watching over him and assessing if he was okay. He wasn't okay..he decided he couldn't finish the race. We then waited for Neal to safely come off the race track and walk towards the medical hut to be assessed on his injuries.
Unfortunately, Neal had broken his collarbone and hit his head, causing him pain and dizzy-ness. We had to take him to A and E to get his arm wrapped in a sling and recieve some pain killers. As we were packing up the caravans, we had heard that another biker had come off and broken his leg. This race was a painful one! Thankfully, we managed to get everything packed up in good time and left for the hospital. Luckily Neal had no other injuries, however we were told Neal could look forward to about 5 weeks of excruciating pain. Hopefully he recovers soon, so no doubt he can get back on his bike and race once again!
It was a brilliant yet stressful experience!
Thinking of you Neal!
Chloe Hannah Beaumont xxxx
We were at the park to see the talented and fear-less Neal Wailing in the races. He is an extremely talented family member, who has drive and no worries when it comes to riding. It was getting to 11am and it was time for the race to begin. Wailing was on the front line of the race, with about 30-40 other bikers ready to show what they could do on the dirt tracks. As the whole family crowded as close to the gates as they possibly could, we watched as Neal drifted into his 'zone' preparing himself to do his very best. Five minutes later, the riders were 'warming their engines' and the sound of the bikes drilled through the air making even the audience nervous, it was a very exciting experience. Petrol plummeted through the air so much you could actually taste it and the riders were ready. As the English flag was lowered, the first group of riders were speeding ahead, full-throttle leaving the second row of riders literally eating their dust. The atmosphere and emotion that you feel when the bikers take off is really intense! (So intense some of my family members cried, they were so excited and nervous to be watching Neal in the race for the first time).
We stood for 40 minutes whilst the bikers raced around the dirt track and avoided falling off. The first race was a great success and Neal looked rather exhausted after it! We then walked back to the caravan for a nice cup of tea and some hot dogs. It was a great time, the family was all together laughing and having a good old banter, waiting for the next race at 1pm.
Finally, 1pm came around and we all found ourselves at the starting line again watching the bikers prepare themselves. The flag went down and the bikers were off, full throttle doing what they love, and doing it so well. We were all screaming for Neal behind the gates and ran to the next stop where we were hoping to see him racing around the next corner. This is were the problems began.
At first, we thought we had missed him come around the corner, until we suddenly all looked up and noticed his bike lying in the middle of the track. My mum and Nana began to panic as we knew it wasn't good. Thankfully, we managed to spot Neal by his bike with the paramedics watching over him and assessing if he was okay. He wasn't okay..he decided he couldn't finish the race. We then waited for Neal to safely come off the race track and walk towards the medical hut to be assessed on his injuries.
Unfortunately, Neal had broken his collarbone and hit his head, causing him pain and dizzy-ness. We had to take him to A and E to get his arm wrapped in a sling and recieve some pain killers. As we were packing up the caravans, we had heard that another biker had come off and broken his leg. This race was a painful one! Thankfully, we managed to get everything packed up in good time and left for the hospital. Luckily Neal had no other injuries, however we were told Neal could look forward to about 5 weeks of excruciating pain. Hopefully he recovers soon, so no doubt he can get back on his bike and race once again!
It was a brilliant yet stressful experience!
Thinking of you Neal!
Chloe Hannah Beaumont xxxx
That brought the experience back so vividly. You forgot to mention, however, that I finished third in the first race and fourth in the second race--seventh overall--I was also in fourth place in the race that was curtailed for me by a Neurophen mist.
ReplyDeleteThe event was televised for Blood, Sweat and Gears; to be shown next month, which will be great. But not as visceral and stirring as your fabulous account--thanks for that!
Signed--THE FORTY-EIGHT-YEAR-OLD DAREDEVIL
..and by the way; I had heard 'two weeks'
ReplyDeleteIt was a brilliant day
ReplyDelete