A motocross rider was airlifted to Tauranga Hospital after he was injured in an organised trail ride at the Pirini Trust Motorbike Park in Pongakawa yesterday.
The Rotorua Baytrust Rescue Helicopter was called to the park about midday to pick up the 29-year-old Papamoa man who broke his leg and dislocated his knee after falling from his bike.
Helicopter pilot Art Kowalski said two St John Ambulance paramedics flew to the scene in the rescue helicopter and were greeted by Tauranga St John staff, stationed at the event, who had stabilised the man.
The patient was airlifted to the hospital in a comfortable condition.
The Pirini Trust Motorbike Park is owned by Trish and Frances Pirini.
Mrs Pirini said yesterday's event involved about 130 riders, aged from 4 to 50-plus and while accidents were unfortunate, they were "par of the course".
"It doesn't happen every day but sometimes accidents do happen," she said.
A second accident occurred at the park yesterday but Mrs Pirini said the rider sustained only minor injuries.
