News 23 Apr 2013

Off-Road Observations: 16

MotoOnline's weekly enduro and desert feature, presented by Yamaha's WR450F.

The Australian dirt bike industry has come together in a united fashion this week in support of Toby Price, who has encountered a nightmare turn of events after suffering a broken neck during a race in California on the weekend of 13-14 April.

Since the incident Price has remained hospitalised in Palm Springs with his parents by his side, but has faced a frustration series of complications regarding insurance and the surgery required.

It was initially scheduled around a week ago, but since then, it’s been determined that the way forward at this stage is to return to Australia for an operation in Brisbane.

Price has been in a process of traction during the past week in a bid to stabilise his injuries according to updates from his father John on Facebook, and now he has been checked out of hospital with the plan of travelling home to Australia tonight.

It’s frightening stuff, but in true form of a champion, he’s remained positive through each challenge he’s faced. Countless times here in Australia we’ve been asked for any updates on Toby that we have and the amount of support he has gained via social media is great to see.

Toby Price continues to fight like the champion he is. Image: Greg Smith/iKapture.

Toby Price continues to fight like the champion he is. Image: Greg Smith/iKapture.

A recovery fund has been set up for Toby, so if you get a chance, any contribution is greatly appreciated using the details below:

Toby Price Recovery Fund
BSB- 112879
Account- 431539059

Knowing Toby as well, although his health status is paramount, he’ll be devastated to miss a heap of upcoming events on the national calendar. His HSE Motorex KTM Desert Racing Team has been testing in Finke over the past week, plus the AORC, Finke, Hattah and A4DE are all just around the corner.

It’s times like these that we all face reality, the dangers of competing and riding on two wheels, however with events like this in the pipeline we are reminded why we all love and embrace the sport in itself.

Stay tuned as we further monitor the progress of Toby and also Mitch Harper as they continue their recoveries, and we can’t wait for the events that are ahead on the schedule – things are really about to heat up!

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