The Badger's Set: January 2008

Due to an immense amount of pressure and the threat of friends castrating me if I didn't comply, I recently organised another Downhill Extreme over the festive season. It was time, it really was. We're all a lot older and some things are slipping away or becoming more difficult to do, like an ollie on a skateboard for example. Not wanting to lose another awesome experience to age and maturity I happily got to work and sorted out the logistics.

I kept it small this time round because on previous occasions, what with un-scheduled boat races and shots of tequila thrown in, things predictably got a little out of hand. All well and good for those taking part, but as the organiser of this event it can be a little stressful hoping and praying that every soldier makes it to Waxy's alive and well. And with this Downhill Extreme taking part on the 22nd of December there was more than enough concern for me to deal with as I wouldn't have been a popular guy with some families had I been the idiot responsible for someone's son ending up in the Emergency Ward of Westville Hospital.

This year we kicked things off at the Bush Pub on the top of Botha's Hill. They weren't open so it was basically beers out the back of a bakkie, but the lack of a formal establishment was never going to be a cause of concern, as Mike McKenna clearly illustrated to my Mom in the driveway as we left, when he said that safety is in fact not first, it's beer first that counts.

The ride starts with a beer and then we frequent 10 stops along the way, with a drink at each watering hole and finally finishing at Waxy's in Westville. It's approximately 40kms and there are some challenging hills along the way. I think a lot of guys shocked themselves in terms of their personal levels of fitness and there was a lot wheezing on route with red faces and looks of despair along certain stretches of road.

Thanks go to the sponsors (Andy Camp, Andy and Nicky Arde and Wade Kerdachi). Without you guys the day would never have been possible. You guys are legends, shot for supporting such a worthy cause. And a big shout out to Shuz for designing the shirts. Having a matching shirt for each rider always seems to give us some level of credibility on the roads and the cops seem to turn a blind eye to all the swaying and swerving. And then a huge thanks to the support crew (Cally, Nix, Candice, Philippa and Lauren) who were always on standby to assist wherever needed and were on top of their game by always ensuring that our drinks were ordered and that money was being paid and people looked after.