FOR THE BEST PART OF THIS YEAR’S TWO-DAY RIDE, THE WEATHER GODS WERE ON OUR SIDE
Motorcyclists sure do love a lot of things — bakeries and beer come to mind, just not at the same time, mostly. But also high on the list of recipes for a two-wheeled good time are getting together to ride their bikes and in the process support a very worthy cause. Back in 2001, the wishes of NSW junior enduro racer Steven Walter came roaring into life with the creation of The Snowy Ride, a motorcycle charity ride based at the NSW alpine resort of Thredbo.
Now, young Mr Walter’s story is an inspiring one. Being diagnosed with cancer in your right leg at just 11 years of age would be a shattering situation to deal with, let alone then going through chemotherapy and the removal of a major bone in your leg. But talk about fighting the good fight — this guy was renowned for it.
A member of the Sutherland PCYC Mini Bike Club in southern Sydney who loved nothing more than riding his dirtbike, Steven progressed to the Oyster Bay Motorcycle Club and the junior enduro scene. At age 16 he lined up for the A4DE and promptly rode away with a silver medal — while holding his L plates — before returning home to continue his cancer treatment.
