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Gravity Canterbury was formed by Dave Wayman, a Christchurch Policeman and Orange 222 rider.
Like a lot of downhillers, Dave was frustrated with the lack of support and structure within the Canterbury down hill community.
Over the past 10-15 years, several highly motivated individuals had run events and built trails.
But the problem was... over time, these people got pissed off with
red tape, riders building illegal trails or simply moved on from the
sport.
This left the riders with poorly maintained tracks, no steady race
series and the very grim prospect of getting banned from Victoria Park!
After running a small, but successful race in Victoria Park... Dave
was encouraged by the response, and decided to hold a meeting for
everyone who was interested in forming a DH club.
The first meeting was well attended, but some riders where quite
sceptical about a club. However, it didn't take long for them to change
their tune!
Prior to the inaugural AGM, the first president of the club was
Rick Cassels Brown. A BMX'ing DH'er, Rick holds a Masters degree in
mountain biking (I kid you not) and is well known by a lot of riders.
And whilst Dave Wayman was on the committee, an up-coming overseas
trip, did not put himself forward as president.
As soon as the club was formed - the ball really got rolling! We
started running races, building new tracks, improving old ones... heck
we even got some of the initial doubters to join the committee! Soon
Gravity Canterbury races where being attended by racers from through
out the South Island... even some from Auckland! The Port Hills Ranger
Service saw the club as being beneficial - and with help from the likes
of Nick Singleton, we managed to build one of the best multi-use DH
legal parks in the country!
Thanks to Dave Wayman's long term vision, and the current team of committed volunteers...
DH in Canterbury looks to be in good hands.
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