Parents who would like their kids to enjoy motocross as part of the school curriculum in England and Wales should act now.
They have until 30 October to register their interest through their children’s school.
The opportunity arises thanks to the determination of off-road motorcycle instructor Simon Newell.
He has spent the last two and half years lobbying the exam board Edexcel, the Department of Education and Ofqual – the Office of Qualifications and Examinations - to overturn what he describes as “their blanket ban on motorsports”. The subject had not been included in the GCSE PE list.
Newell, who runs Chiltern Young Riders and is one of four Kawasaki off-road experience providers, said: “I overturned the ban last Christmas and it has taken nine months to write and rewrite the criteria for MX teaching to be accepted.
“Everyone says that no-one is doing anything proactive to introduce biking to new riders. Well this is the biggest opportunity for ages.
“Mothers, the natural enemy of motorbikes, will hopefully see the activity as a little more credible and acceptable now it is available under PE subjects.”
Newell added: “The position is kids need to ask their schools to send in an application form MLN1 before 30 October for it to be assessed next year.
“Some could miss out and no doubt there will be some resistance from PE teachers because it’s bikes.”
Chiltern Young Riders has provided motocross training for more than 14,000 kids in Hertfordshire since 1989. It says it gives the opportunity for people upwards of four years old to experience the thrills of off- road bikes in a safe, controlled and caring environment.
“We seek to blend fun and excitement whilst instilling consideration for other children and a healthy respect for the bikes they ride,” its website says.
www.chilternyoungriders.com
Simon Newell: 07957200471
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Friends of motocrosser Mark Hucklebridge (Huck) are appealing to the motorcycle industry to back a fund-raising campaign set up after he was diagnosed with terminal cancer.
Freelance sports PR Carly Rathmell and associates at motocross website MX Vice have clubbed together to promote the 'Hope for Huck Appeal'.
“We are hoping people within the motorcycle industry will get behind this and support Huck and his wife Emma in what is now going to be very tough times. We are arranging a number of online eBay auctions to raise some money - the auctions will be placed here http://www.mxvice.com/features/racing/mark-hucklebridge-auction/ and also on the Facebook Page - 'Hope For Huck Appeal' - www.facebook.com/HopeForHuck
Huck, 35, has been a dominate figure in the motocross industry for the past 20 years, as a rider and also a race organiser plus one of the top ACU trainers in the UK. In 2010 his life changed when he was diagnosed with stage four cancer.
Among his many racing achievements, Huck was British School Boy Champion in 1994, the youngest ever winner at that time of the Weston Beach Race in 1998, British SX Champion 2001, KWS Champion 2004 and 2008, and Winner British SX Championship 2005.
Huck retired from professional racing at the end of 2008 and in 2009 he was offered a great opportunity by the ACU to work in training and developing young motocross riders.
Emma and Mark have been a couple since 1998. They eventually tied the knot in 2006 and their son Charlie was born in 2007. Nothing stops in their family and they are continuously on the move and working hard to achieve their goals and targets.
In 2010 their lives took a drastic turn when Mark was diagnosed with stage four (spread beyond the original tumour) bowel cancer, a huge blow for the Hucklebridge family.
After treatment and several operations Huck was told last month that the cancer had returned and was inoperable.
The future for Mark will include more tests and scans to monitor the tumours as well as palliative chemo (used to shrink tumours), which will start the first week in March and will continue for the rest of his life.
Before Mark starts his next batch of intense chemo, he and Emma will be competing in the Bath Half Marathon to raise money for the Forever Friends Appeal, Bath RUH.
You can donate here - https://www.justgiving.com/Emma-Hucklebridge1
Rathmell is appealing for donations for Huck and his family and to raise money for the Forever Friends Charity -
http://www.foreverfriendsappeal.co.uk/ruhcancercentre
She says: “We are asking anyone who may have something they can donate that we can sell to please get in touch with us and help us raise as much money as possible. Huck has put so much into our sport and now it is our turn to put into Huck and help him. If you have anything, signed, unsigned, race kit, products, tickets, anything we will sell! Please e-mail carly.rathmell@btinternet.comor or Elliot.spencer@mxvice.com to arrange delivery, logos etc.”
Huck says: "All the money raised will go to the Forever Friends Appeal. It is developing its cancer unit and wants to be in the top five in the UK for research and care. Dyson is a big sponsor as well as MJ Church and through myself have pledged to raise £50k this year.
“Before I start my treatment Emma and myself are running the Bath Half marathon with lots of our friends, as a group we have already raised over £2500 so far.
“I would like to thank everyone who has donated gifts and have brought items and Carly and James for putting this together. Let's hope that your donations will help the doctors to find a cure for Cancer soon and a cure for me.”
http://www.foreverfriendsappeal.co.uk/ruhcancercentre
Suzuki claims motocross is taking off as amateurs head off-road at weekend events across the country.
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| Motocross: Taking off |
“From kids participating in junior championships to seasoned veterans still plying their trade at club level, motocross brings a host of people together with a shared interest,” says the Japanese manufacturer, which features motocross machines in its model ranges.
Suzuki points out that star motocrossers the world over were once budding talents taken to weekend race meetings by their families, while even a lot of star road racers started out in the dirt of their local motocross track. Many, including Tyco Suzuki's British Superbike star PJ Jacobsen, still use motocross to train in the off-season.
When discussing the popularity of motocross at youth and amateur level, Neil Prince, a former British 125 champion and who is appointed manager of Team GB in the prestigious Motocross of Nations event, said: "Motocross is definitely a growing sport at both youth and amateur level, and that's great for the sport and individuals involved. But what's more important is the focus it gives young people in their lives, not to mention the skills learned too.
"As many communities right across the UK will testify, when young people are engaged and interested in a subject, the whole community benefits, helping to keep young people off the streets. I took part in local motocross before I moved to the British Championship and there was nothing like it; the paddock atmosphere and the friends you made, plus learning about the mechanics of the bike and the sport, made it an invaluable experience that taught me many life lessons early on."
For riders interested in trying the sport, Suzuki actively promotes the Motocross Challenge Project - a charity-based initiative that not only provides taster courses for riders of all ages, but also works with schools and local authorities, opening up the world of motocross and engineering to students.
For more information on the MXCP visit www.mxcp.co.uk , or contact the team on 01304 202244.
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