Rafe Symons booked in for some sand surfing with Ringwood MX Club at Tincleton and it did not disappoint.
Being fairly local, it was good to blow away the cobwebs having had a 2 weeks off riding and line up with a near full gate of Small Wheels (SW) and Big Wheels (BW). Having ridden the track only once before, Rafe was excited to return.
Race 1 – As 28 riders thundered up the start straight, Rafe was boxed in, keen to avoid a collision he let off the gas, which worked to his advantage as there was a massive pile up of about 5-6 riders at the first corner, which Rafe was able to avoid. Quickly reverting to sand riding, Rafe settled into a smooth consistent flow, making well educated passes and putting riders under pressure, he crossed the line 11th Overall and 5th in the SW.
Race 2 – Keen to avoid a similar start as the previous race, Rafe was pumped and knew what he had to do. Super fast reaction times, he nearly took the holeshot and rounded the corner in 2/3rd place. The track was roughing up this time, and after a few laps the front wheel washed out in a deep corner, Rafe was up quickly and got going again, with a thumbs up from dad, he quickly settled back into the race. With another SW rider in front taking a tumble, Rafe crossed the line in 4th for the SW. Awesome ride Rafe.
Race 3 – Another great start, out in front with the fast lads, they disappeared out of sight and when the riders reappeared, Rafe was nowhere to be seen. Rafe had given in a little too much sauce over the back straight and had high-sided on a jump. With a bloody nose and broken goggles, Rafe was keen to get going again. However, the crash had mentally taken its toll on him and he ended up dropping the bike in a few more corners. Battered and beaten, he still finished the race and is keen to sand surf another day.
Overall, Rafe walked away with 5th overall (SW) – Well Done Rafe!
As we near the end of the season for 2024, Rafe is excited to be supported by NORA CRS for 2025 and thank each and everyone of the sponsors for their help and support this year. Plans for the 2025 race calendar are still being put together, but it’s looking to be another exciting year.
