Freestyle sport riders ramp it up for Cure Kids

The event will feature at least 20 world class freestyle athletes taking part in seat grabs, heel clickers and even an impressive motocross versus BMX train. Photo/Supplied

The best in the freestyle business will take to the skies in a Nitro Circus style stunt-fest coming January 14, and it's all for Cure Kids.

This is the third Wheels 4 Cure Kids event to be held at Fraser Cove Shopping Centre. It's a massive charity event featuring at least 20 world class freestyle athletes taking part in seat grabs, heel clickers and even an impressive motocross versus BMX train.

Thousands have attended the previous two events with $9000 raised for Cure Kids in its first year, $14,000 raised last year.

Event organisers are local freestyle motocross hero Luke Price and Cam Keogh from World's End Bar and Restaurant. Luke dons his bike helmet for charity these days.

"Cure Kids is a fantastic cause. It's horrible seeing children suffer, they don't deserve it but at least there is Cure Kids working hard for them and their families. Creating a charity event raising money for them is just a pleasure and it's very rewarding."

The event line up includes Levi Sherwood, Nick Franklin, Mitch McHardy, Alex Bennett, Trent Gartner, Joe McNaughton and others. BMX riders are Jed Mildon, Paul Langland, Jaden Leeming, Billy Clerke, Tasmin Lowen, Allie Chew, John Riddell and more. Nitro Circus star Jed was notably the first person in the world to do the triple and quadruple back flip on a BMX.

It's an opportunity for the public to get up close and personal with the riders, Luke says.

"That's what people love about this event, it's a chance to meet their idols. People can expect to see some 'freak of nature' stuff from the best in the business.''

The moto versus BMX train "is when riders follow each other as closely as possible and all do tricks so there's potential for a lot of people in the air at one time," Luke says.

Three shows are scheduled at 1pm, 3pm and 5pm with plenty to keep families amused outside those times. There will be charity auctions offering great prizes, kids entertainment, live music, a barbecue and giveaways. One of the raffles is for a KTM 50 SX worth $5500. People will be collecting donations from the crowd for Cure Kids so bring a gold coin donation to help make a difference.

Luke dons helmet once again for charity

WORLD-class stunt rider Luke Price lost five precious motocross racing years when he was struck down by an illness at the age of 13.

Pegged as the man who helped bring the movement freestyle to New Zealand, Luke has had an incredible motocross career... which almost didn't happen.

He was diagnosed with Scheuermann's disease as a youngster. It is where the spine can grown unevenly and damage can be permanent. So Luke was under strict rules to give up rugby and to leave his motocross bike at home in the garage.

By age 18 he was given the all-clear and he was back in the saddle.

Making up for lost time, Luke has ridden himself into freestyle motocross stunt rider glory. He performed with the famous Crusty Demons stunt riding team in the United States. A highlight of his career was the aerial display performed on live television during the 2006 Fight For Life.

Luke is married to Kelly-Ann and the Poike couple have children Dustin, 10, and Millie, 8. Luke took some time off to be a dad. Now he's back doing what he loves for charity events.

An engineer by trade at Page Macrae Engineering, Luke built a few freestyle ramps and together Peter Broxholme and Nick Franklin, started the freestyle movement in New Zealand.

He starred in the hugely popular Ride for Life Meningitis Trust fundraiser held there back in 2005. The Wheels 4 Cure Kids is a big priority event for Luke.

"It's a great show, it's for an awesome cause and a gold coin donation means everyone can come down, meet their heroes and watch the action."