FEATURE STORY

MX IN PARADISE
While flipping through the channels recently, I caught the end of 2-Wheel Tuesday highlighting Jeremy McGrath, Greg Albertine and Steve Hatch doing some trail riding on the island of Kauai. I was thinking, those lucky dogs, what a cool trip that must have been. Shortly after I received an email from a friend who lives on the island suggesting I come over for a little vacation and a couple schools. After the year I’ve had it didn’t take long to agree to it. So off I went with my wife for a week on the garden isle.

My friend Chris hooked us up at the Kauai Marriott where he works part time in addition to his own construction business. Our room had a spectacular view and the weather was perfect. After having a look around the island, which has been a great location for movies like Honeymoon in Vegas, 6 days and 7 nights, King Kong and Jurassic Park, we headed out to take a look at the track. Imagine a track that is situated next to the beach and in between a golf course and the 5-Star Radisson Resort. Then add in a 50 track and an RC track about 100 yards away. The only bummer is they can only ride on weekends but still, imagine playing a round of golf in the morning, then riding with your friends before heading over to the beach to catch some waves and cool off! Waialua MX Park is definitely unique.

After riding around the track the morning of the school, I was surprised to see how big the jumps were and how long the whoop section was, but everyone did just fine and a handful of riders ended up jumping things they had never jumped before. Luckily the clouds rolled in just enough to keep it from baking us out there. During the school, volunteers weed whacked the grass that grows over the track at an alarming rate for a race this weekend and it started to look a bit like the golf course next door. It was a great time and everyone seemed to enjoy the schools. Before I left, there was already talk of a trip over next year. I can’t wait!

I want to thank Chris Walcher for making it all happen and also Ron Victorino who supplied the 4-wheeler I rode and wish him a quick recovery. After the school he was putting in some hot laps and tweaked his foot. Paul Mederious, who rides quads…scratch that, who hauls a$$ on quads was very helpful and it was obvious he loves being around the kids and the track. Thanks for your help Paul, and finally Andrew from North Shore Motorcycles was a big help. He also helped out with bikes for MC and Alby. He came to Kauai from Australia to visit and never went home! How’s that cup holder mate? See you all next year yeah.

While I have Hawaii on my mind, for those of you in need of some motivation, check NBC’s coverage of the Hawaii IRONMAN tomorrow. It was a really tough day with the heat index and all the wind.

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