2011 Club Des Nations – Team Rotorua

With a hard charge in 2010 the Rotorua Club managed a very deserving 7^th Overall in the first ever Club Des Nations run by the Taupo Club. The event format is the same as the Des Nations International motocross event with the exception being that 6 riders are involved. With 3 juniors on an 85cc, 125cc and 250F and 3 seniors on MX2, MX1 and a Vet rider over 40. The 2011 event saw 22 teams from 20 different clubs throughout New Zealand with a good selection of the best riders in the country on display and competing for club pride and glory.

The Rotorua Team selected by Bryan Patterson (multi-time NZ Senior MX Champion) and Managed by Todd Mountfort was named as follows

85cc    Nathan Sharland

125ccCameron Vaughan

250F   Haki Waller

MX2    Scott Canham

MX1    Mikey Phillips

Vet      Mark Patterson

Excitement built quickly in the months leading into the event as out junior riders all performed really well in their respective classes at the New Zealand Junior Champs a month prior to the Club Des Nations. Also encouraging signs from Scotty Canham training and pushing hard back from injury and ready to hit the seniors hard. Also we were really lucky that the international calendar with Australia allowed Mikey P to be available to his Club to add his experience and enthusiasm to this team’s event.

As the race day progressed our team weren’t without their share of bad luck with the odd crash affecting the riders overall positions, but they all learnt quickly that it is important to race right to the finish line as places meant points and the team with the LEAST points wins the day. Although it is pretty difficult in this fast paced event to keep track on how we are going in the day, but we knew we were handing to the top. Going into the final race of the day saw Cody Cooper riding for the BOP Club have a bike failure on the line that ultimately cost them the valuable points required to take the prize.

As the days racing ended we gathered as a team and photos were taken still not being fully aware of our position although the rumours were there that Rotorua had done WELL.

As the podium positions were named by Neil Ritchie it was absolutely euphoric to hear Rotorua Motorcycle Club named as 2011 Club Des Nations Champions. All the boys took their spots at the top of the podium and we were well supported there with Rotorua Motorcycle Club members. The boys all looked great in the team jackets sponsored by the club. It took a while to sink in I am sure for all involved but this is an exceptionable result and achievement for our Club and all Rotorua Motorcycle Club Committee and members can celebrate the contribution that they make to our Club through this achievement. Of particular mention is the tireless work Darrin Palmer puts into the Motocross aspect of the Club and also the great support we get from Mikey, Dennis and Barbara Phillips that supply us with the land to base our Club and the potential to grow.

From my point of view and that of Bryan Patterson is we were completely humbled by the heart and commitment shown by all the riders; there were some standout performances during the day where individuals rode beyond expectations and they were certainly noticed for their efforts. We were one of not many when it came to club teams that were selected from riders who live in the area of the club they rode for, our riders were all from Rotorua and it made victory that much sweeter.

From here as a Club I hope we use this victory and the publicity it gives our club the confidence to look ahead and develop our facility and promote to local riders that the opportunity is there to represent the Club at the 2012 Club Des Nations. The team selection debate for 2012 has already started! If you haven’t already, give the riders a pat on the back next time you see them, they definitely deserve all the accolades they get for their achievement.

In Des Nations tradition we will be running front number boards with 2011 RMCC and each bike numbered 1 through 6 to represent that we are the incumbent champions. Make sure you are all there to support your team.

The trophy and cup for winning will travel around various sponsors and supporters for the next 12 months, so keep your eye open for it.

Todd Mountfort

RMCC Club Des nations #1 Fan

Friday 8^th April 2011

 It was great to see over 280 keen riders from all around New Zealand descend on the Rotorua Motorcycle Club MotoX Track Friday 8^th April 2011 for a great days racing to battle it out for the title to win the School Trophy and to take out their class. The racing was fast and at times competitiors could be seen going beyond their limits trying to claim that title.

 The weather held out for us and turned out to be a cracker of a day! The sun was shining with a cool breeze in the morning to make for a warm day in the afternoon. There wasn’t much dust on the track which helped with the days racing.

 There were a few injuries, ranging from deep bruising/grazes, a fractured pelvis, sprained wrists and ankles to one serious injury which was transported by BayTrust Rescue Helicopter through to Waikato Hospital with a head injury. We are pleased to report that the injured rider was discharged from Waikato Hospital later that day and we wish the rider a speedy recovery and was roaming around at our first round of our 2011 Winter 6 Round Series the Sunday after.

 The 13 Years & Under 85cc class and the Novice (Unlicensed) 85cc class were the only classes which were full with a handful of reserves and the other classes following close behind with 3 or 4 riders off being full.

 We must thank some people for their continued support and all the effort that they do to help the day and our events run so smoothly. The Phillips Family, thanks for the use of your land and all the work that you and the boys do on the track to keep it in good shape. Without the use of your land, we would not be able to hold the MotoX events that we do hold, so our thanks and deepest gratitude goes out to you. To our Medic Glen Downes and your crew, thanks for the superb professional medical service that you and your team provide. Your efficiency and professionalism is greatly appreciated. To our MotoX co-ordinator, Darrin Palmer. Thanks for all the work you do (seen and unseen), organising various items so Rotorua Motorcycle Club can host a successful event. And a huge thanks must go to Rotorua Motorcycle Club and the Executive Committee for all the hard work you do in aiding the co-ordinators and helpers in running an event. Your guidance is one to none. Craig Stevens Motorcycles, thanks for the use of your equipment, the quad and Rhino were a great tool to use which aided us in getting around the track efficiently. To Western Heights High School, thank you for the opportunity for Rotorua Motorcycle Club to participate through hosting the MotoX Sport in your Secondary Schools MultiSport Tournament and the students and staff who came out and did the flags for us. Nicole Bol from MX Timing, thanks for the effort you and your crew put in behind the scenes sorting out the classes and handling all the entries beforehand, then looking after the lap scoring on race day. And finally to W. Whites Wholsale for sponsoring the event and putting up prizes for the riders.

ROUND 3 20^th March 2011

 It was great to see just shy of 100 riders descend on Rotorua for a wicked weekend of racing. Fortunatley, there were not many injuries on the day, with only one rider requiring to be transported to hospital with a dislocated shoulder which required to be re-set. It was great to see that he was back out at the track later that afternoon.

 It was great to see the roadway was widened which helped with getting traffic through and thanks to the Geyserland Guards Marching Squad for manning the gates. You and your crew did a superb job. Thanks to the crew who were out trackside all day – manning flags, and keeping race control updated with racing progress. Without you, the day could not have run so smoothly. Thanks to the crew who stayed overnight at the track the night before, looking after the riders gear left there and for the volunteers who showed up on the Saturday to help with preparing and setting-up the track.

 To our sponsors for the event, thanks for all your support and without you, we cannot function. Our sponsors for the event were, Gourlay Homes Ltd, Farmlands, Nationwide Accessories, Balance, Bike Force, Fertco, John Newton Panel and Paint, Patterson O’Connor Motorcycles, Pinnacle Insurance, Craig Stevens Motorcycles, Central Plateau Farm Services, W. Whites Wholesale and to local farmers who allowed us to borrow their equipment, Gary Driver, Derek Maisey and Andrew Cook (AT Cook Contracting).

 Tuesday 12 April 2011 Rotorua Motorcycle Club held their AGM at the Pig ‘N’ Whsitle Pub, Tutanekai Street, Rotorua. A lot of items were discussed and we have some good ideas in the pipelines for the season to come.

 We wish to thank those who have held positions on the Executive Committee over the past season for all your time and effort behind the scenes making the Club tick over smoothly. Firstly, Joe Nathan our outgoing President and Brendan Loughnane our outgoing Vice-President. Thanks for your wisdom and all the work you did guiding Rotorua Motorcycle Club. To our incoming President, Grant Vaughan and Vice President Joe Nathan, good luck. We are sure you will do a superb job running Rotorua Motorcycle Club and we look forward to your ideas for the up-coming season.

 To our outgoing Secretaries Diane Van Der Drift and Wendy Morrissey, thank you for all your hard work and time the two of you have given to Rotorua Motorcycle Club. Your effort is greatly appreciated. To our incoming Secretary Rochelle Bourke, welcome and thank you for your acceptance of the position. Thank you for all your hard work you have put in with the Mini’s. Now it is your turn to help lead Rotorua Motorcycle Club through the next season.

 To our Treasurer Graeme Osborne, thank you for all your tireless efforts you have put in behind the scenes managing the Club’s finances. Thank you once again for accepting the Treasurer’s position on the Committee.

 To our Senior/Junior MotoX co-ordinator Darrin Palmer. Thank you for all the effort you put in behind the scenes in organising MotoX events. Your effort and time you put into Rotorua Motorcycle Club is greatly appreciated. Thanks once again for accepting the position of Senior/Junior MotoX co-ordinator. We also welcome Dominic Winsor to the Senior/Junior MotoX co-ordinators role. It will be great to have youth giving input into the running of MotoX events in the 2011-2012 season. We wait in anticipation for the events you have planned.

 To our outgoing Trail Ride co-ordinators Joe Warmerdam and Ross Campbell. Thank you for all your tireless efforts you have given in organising Trail Rides and leading the Track Crew in the bush. To our incoming Trail Ride co-ordinators Joe Nathan and Graeme Osborne, thank you for your acceptance of the position. We are sure you will bring strong leadership qualities to lead the Trail Rides of 2011 through to the next season.

 To our Sponsors/Marketing/Profile Officers Todd Mountfort and Morgan Osborne, thank you for your work over the past year getting the name of Rotorua Motorcycle Club out there in the public eye. To our incoming Sponsors/Marketing/Profile Officer Barbara Phillips thank you for your acceptance of this position. We are sure you have some great ideas hidden up your sleeve which will help lead Rotorua Motorcycle Club through this season.

 To our website/newsletter editor Morgan Osborne. Thank you for the time and effort you give to Rotorua Motorcycle Club. It is greatly appreciated. Thank you for accepting this position again this year.

 To our incoming Executives, thank you for accepting your position. Without your acceptance Rotorua Motorcycle Club would not be able to function and with all your expertise and knowledge thrown into the mix, we are in for a cracker of a year!  We are sure that you have some great ideas to help lead Rotorua Motorcycle Club through into the 2011-2012 season tucked away somewhere.

 To our out-going executives, thankyou for all the time and effort you have put into Rotorua Motorcycle Club. You went the extra mile to help us through.