FLYING MACHINE: Tyrone Gilks works on his bike in preparation for his latest world jump record attempt. Picture: Ryan Osland
ONE of the world’s major motorcycle jump records could be smashed in Maitland on Saturday by 19-year-old Tyrone Gilks.
Gilks set world distance records on 65 cc and 85 cc motorcycles before deciding to take on jump supremo Robbie Maddison’s 125 cc world record in 2010, breaking it by almost 6.5 metres.
The daredevil freestyle motocross rider from Lake Macquarie will be at the Bike and Hot Rod Show at Maitland Showground where he will try to break another of Maddison’s records, the 250 cc two-stroke record of 94.61 metres.
‘‘A lot depends on the ramp speed and the ramp angle, even the weather can play a part,’’ he said.
‘‘In the few days before the jump, I’ll make some practice jumps and do some calculations. In the end, it’ll be all up to me.’’
He will ride his motorcycle at full speed for almost 1000 metres, hit the take-off ramp and fly for almost 100 metres then hit the short landing ramp and attempt to stay upright.
‘‘There are two ways I look at it,’’ he said.
‘‘When I’m not on the bike, when I’m just standing there beside the ramp wearing my normal street clothes, I’m scared. When I’m on the bike, in my riding gear and there is a crowd, and the adrenaline is pumping, I just want to do it.
‘‘It does get harder the closer you get to the record and that’s when you get right on the edge but I’m only here once so I might as well make the most of it.’’
Gilks, who now lives on the Gold Coast, recently took second place overall and best jump trick at New Zealand’s famous Farm Jam festival.
After Maitland, he will ride in Serbia.