May Update Birchmx

An update on how Birchy's season has started.  State round 1 at Coastal Park on the grid saw some tough competition this year.  The red number 1 plate on the bike for the reigning champ.  The pressure was on. 1st race was a dissappointing result for him as he was running 2nd place but crashed into another rider.  2nd race came out better in 2nd as some adjustments to the suspension made a difference.  Last race another crash and come in 12th, finishing 7th overall for the day. 
With the break between state rounds, an Enduro event was held at Harvey and Dave was keen to give it a go. Never rode an Enduro before but looks like fun.  A great practice run about 9.30am.  Ready to race an hour later.  Gets a great start off the line but 15 minutes later when the riders come into view there's no Birchy.  What's happened?  He eventually rides in injured.  "for sure the shoulder is broken" he says.  Off to the ambo's, ice pack and strap it up.  We all leave for the Rockingham Hospital, xray's taken. Not broken and a sigh of relief.  Slightly separated ACL joint.  Like a sprain to the ankle they said.  It will heal in time.  His licence is suspended pending on Doctors clearance. One week later he's cleared by the Doctor and off to Collie for the 2nd State round.  Still a little sore but pumped to still be racing.  Without full strength in the shoulder it was going to be struggle all day as the pain got worse.  1st and 2nd races he came in 4th and 3rd but last race, crashed and kart wheel himself and the bike into the bushes, winded and dazed, got back on to finish the race in 12th.  Overall for the day he finished equal points in 3rd but on a count back was dropped into 4th place.  He's made up some points this round and moved up to 5th overall.  Still 4 rounds to go.  Anything can happen! Lets hope it's all good.   Coming up this weekend, Manjimup 15000. An international event thats getting bigger every year.  Dave will be riding in the Allstars again this year and with a 10th place finish last year on the 250cc he'll be wanting to better the score.  Here's hoping for a good safe days racing for him and all the competitors.