Sunday was all about the Pro riders; it was their final round of racing for the year. However, the YZ65 cup riders still had two more rides on the Coolum track that was going to be even rougher and tougher than the day before.
With the track still soaking wet in the morning for the first YZ65 cup ride, Jayden decided to sit it out, size was not on his side, and it was going to be tough on him.
He then talked himself out of riding the second ride later in the race, I tried everything to convince him just to go out and have some fun, but to no avail. It was his decision, and I had to go and take some photos of the racing in the main classes, so headed out.
Halfway through the first MX1 moto for the day, with the YZ65's due out on the line straight after the race, I got a phone call from my wife, "He changed his mind he is going to ride." Youn Seth Carpenter helped him get his gear on and took his bike to the staging area with him where I met up with them, cheers Seth.
The 40 riders lined up for their last ride, gassed it down the straight and off they went. The track was the roughest it had been all weekend for the little guys and gals, but they put in a great effort to get around the shortened track and finish off the event.
Every rider came in with a smile from ear to ear, sure it had been tough, but what an experience.
Jay came back to the pits last; I ran over to catch him as he came in, he still could not quite touch the ground on the 65. He pulled his helmet off, and his face was read, he had spent all his remaining energy getting around the track, but his smile was huge, and it all stemmed from the self-satisfaction for going out and doing something he thought was going to be too hard.
Our first YZ65 Cup experience was over, it was an absolute blast, and Yamaha Australia and every single person who worked to make these events happen in 2018 should be proud of what they have achieved. It really was a money can't buy experience.