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Yamaha 24hr Reliability Trial 2008

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JULY 12 & 13
11.00AM

Kapunda Trotting Track
From a Mother's Point of View by Mandy Hutchesson

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2008 24 HOUR RELIABILITY TRIAL
FROM A MOTHERS POINT OF VIEW
By Mandy Hutchesson

Having for many years been the ‘Workshop Widow’ to a 24 Hour competitor, it was my time to be the Mother of 24 Hour Competitors. My 16 year old twin sons, Max & Sam Hutchesson were competing for the very first time in a road trial. There was no time for them to do a shorter road trial to warm up on, as they only got their P Plates weeks before the event.

They attended their first 24 Hr Trial at the age of 4. At that stage they were riding a Honda QR 50 on the farm, which their father converted into a trials outfit for them. Since their first taste of road trials, they have been hell bent on doing the 24 when they were old enough.

Max & Sam at 4 years old with a natural talent for outfits

Max & Sam at 4 years old with a natural talent for outfits

Finally the day had come that they had been waiting for 12 years for! It was a very proud moment for all who know them and especially Mum & Dad. I believe they are the youngest outfit team to have competed at the 24.

With a wealth of experience from their Dad and past competitors, they prepared their bike and themselves for the biggest day of their lives. I flowed tears of joy and that was before they even started!! I cannot explain the thrill of following them around the course and cheering them on with the other 20 odd people that came up from Victor Harbor to support them.

We made sure someone was at every fuel stop to urge them on and keep their spirits up. The relief was so great every time they made it back to Mains and were safe and sound. The bike had not missed a beat and neither did the boys.

Due to a missed marker they were late making it back into Mains on the last lap. Fear was creeping over all of us wondering what had happened to make them late. Finally they appeared and were greeting to a thunderous cheer from their supporters. The bike passed machine examination and then it was time for big hugs and kisses and pats on the back and even more tears of joy. They had not only finished the 24, but through unfortunate course errors by the rest of the clubman class, they won!

Wow, what a weekend!!

I would like to say a special thankyou to John Hobson (Rider No 151), who kept an eye on my boys and encouraged them throughout the trial. Your kindness was truly appreciated.