I’m on the road to recovery.. on an off-road bike
RIDER NOW GETS HIGH ON ADRENALINE Teen ditches drugs for motocross
Heather Greenaway Teenager Kacper Gawlik used to take drugs and alcohol – but now he’s high on adrenaline after taking up motocross.
This time two years ago the 15-year-old was drinking, smoking, playing truant and getting into trouble with the police.
But after discovering the thrills of off-road biking ,Kacper, of Aberdeen, has ditched tobacco, alcohol and illegal substances.
The schoolboy, who competes in the Scot t ish Twin Shock Championship, said: “There’s no better feeling than flying round the track with the wind in your face. “All your worries disappear. “It’s just you and the bike against the world. It’s a natural adrenaline, which leaves you buzzing and on a high. It’s really thrilling. I was going down a very different pathway, which wasn’t going to end well.
“I was doing drugs, drinking and getting into bother with the police.”
He added: “Discovering motocross has changed my life for the better and I’ve no intention of going backwards. I wouldn’t be at this point in my life if I hadn’t been introduced to biking.
“At the moment, I’m competing in the Twin Shock Championship once a month and I’m improving all the time. My dream is to get sponsorship, go to the St at e s and r ide professionally.” Kacper got his biking break courtesy of the Kingdom Off Road Motorcycle Club, who were set up in response to a tide of anti-social and criminal behaviour by young motorbike riders in Fife.
He was put in touch with Dave Paton, who runs the club based in Methil, Fife, and was given a place on one of their 12-week programmes.
Kacper said: “I can’t thank Dave and the club enough for taking a chance on me.
“The programme they run is fantastic as they don’t just teach you how to ride a bike, they teach you how to maintain it and give you a way into the sport.
“At first my parents didn’t want me to get a bike as they thought it was far too dangerous but after realising how disciplined the club are, they are my biggest supporters.”
Dave, whose club are one of six Scottish projects shortlisted for a National Lottery Award, added: “Kacper came to us through our referral programme.
“He had been struggling and getting into bother. His has been a really positive journey. He wants to race professionally and if his dedication to the sport of motocross continues, he stands a good chance.”
Kingdom Off Road Motorcycle Club are among six organisat ions nominated in the National Lottery Awards, which are held to find people’s favourite projects. Others include:
Fares4Free – the charity who ask Scottish taxi drivers to give up to four fares a month for free to help forces veterans.
The Senior Centre in Castlemilk, Glasgow – a “youth club for the over 55s” who tackle isolation and loneliness.
The Ecology Centre in Kinghorn, Fife, who offer environmental education, volunteering and training.
Whale Track, a smartphone app, developed by the Hebridean Whale and Dolphin Trust, which allows anyone to become a “citizen scientist”.
Falkirk’s Freedom of Mind Choir – who aim to improve the physical, mental and emotional wellbeing of participants through singing, are hoping to win Best Health Project.