A 12 year old on his Husky TC85 at the IMPI

Words: Alonzo Forster – with Mom, Anel
Pics: Action in Motion

I consider myself a normal energetic 12-year-old boy that enjoys spending time with my family. Playing pool with my mom, riding downhill bicycle tracks with my dad and baking with my sister. I also have an adventurous side – the boy rider in me!
I started to compete in off-road motorcycle racing events with a 50cc KTM at the age of nine. Soon after we upgraded to a 65cc Husqvarna still competing in cross country championships and then switching over to EWXC and Lowveld Enduro Series and that was when I became besotted with enduro and hard enduro riding. In 2022, I won the 65cc class in the coveted EWXC series and was second on the Podium in the LEC series.

This year is my introduction year for my small wheel TC85 Husqvarna and so far, so good. I am currently competing in EWXC, LEC and both the Traditional and Hard Enduro National Series. Later this year I will also be exchanging my small wheels for big wheels on my TC85 and I am really excited to be advancing as quickly as I am. It will allow me to get over obstacles with ease and it will improve my riding ability. I am definitely more of an enduro rider, enjoying technical sections over speed. Advancing to big wheels will definitely up my level in both the faster and rougher terrains I am competing in.

The IMPI Hard has been the single most humbling and challenging race that I have completed so far. I participated in the bronze and my goal was to finish which I did and I did the 3 days in a very good time as well. I was in the saddle for over 20 hours in 3 days. At times, it was hard… really hard and daunting. The obstacles were the size of mountains that were spread out on the horizon but we slowly chipped away each day. The main motivation to complete the challenging race and not to throw in the towel, was the anticipation of the cheer from my family as I got to the end and receiving my medal that I worked so hard for. I earned that and nobody can take it away from me. Hard work and persistence always pays off. Hard work puts you where good luck can find you. To say that I was chuffed with my performance is a bit of an understatement. I loved every minute of it even though it was tough and challenging. I will be competing in the IMPI Traditional event later this year as well and then aiming for my first Silver at The IMPI Hard in 2024.

I want to thank Brett Stevens for taking the time to train me in preparation for The IMPI Hard as well as being my chaperone for the three days. Without him, none of this would be possible and my dream of competing in The IMPI Hard would always remain a dream especially at my age. Thanks for believing in me and being the amazing mentor that you are. Much love.

My small wheel TC 85 Husqvarna was my trusty and noble steed for the race. We recently upgraded the suspension with some mods and bits and TBR suspension and together with riding ability the mods definitely made a difference. On Friday, I suffered a bit of hardship after my gear lever broke but luckily my MacGyver chaperone Brett Stevens came to the rescue with a bush mechanic fix so I can change gears again and we could finish the race for the day. That evening my dad and I swapped the make shift lever for a new one, serviced the bike from top to bottom checking everything and the bike was race ready for the last day of the event.

My dreams and goals in the years to come would be to become a factory rider and to participate in the FIM Hard Enduro Junior World Championship but for now I will practise and hone my skills to become the rider that I was meant to be. For me, enduro riding is not just a sport or a hobby, it is the sheer pleasure of enjoying and seeking the world around you. The next jump or climb can be just around the corner and that is the adventure of enduro.