MCCONNELLS WIN THE WILLO
The James Williamson Memorial Enduro has run since 2011 to commemorate the life of James Williamson, who died in his sleep from a undiagnosed cardiac condition on March 23rd, 2010 while at the Cape Epic in South Africa. James’ aunt Meg Patey set up the event that runs at Wingello State Forest, as mountain bike events were such a feature of his life.
“Before James died he went to a lot of events. He would always come home and talk about them. I always thought he would probably organise his own event one day,” said Meg. “So I thought what about creating something for perptuity, an event that would be a lasting memory of James. James just loved events, he was always so happy afterwards. I wanted to create that.”
The Willo, as the event has come to be known, hasn’t changed a whole lot since the first memorial race in 2011 – but those who come to the event have changed. While in 2011 much of the elite race was made up from close friends from around Australia, and overseas, now the competitors still include close friends of James, but also their children in the kids’ event, and young riders who know who James was, or have even benefitted from the Junior Development Camp that proceeds from the event go towards.
“The camp has really helped a lot of young riders from regional areas connect,” said Meg Patey. “It has helped them gain confidence in what they do, and lots of James’ friends are still involved in running that. It’s a great connection.”
With the elite races won by Dan McConnell and Bec McConnell, that really wasn’t the complete focus of the event. Mountain bikers were there to enjoy the morning in the forest, riding the singletrack at Wingello State Forest and catching up with one another. This really is an event based around a community – and a community that loves riding mountain bikes. And in that sense it is the perfect memorial event for James. After this year’s event Meg Patey has stepped down from organising the event, but assures us that along with a large network of volunteers she will always be involved with the event. For 2020, Martin and Juliane Wisata will run the James Williamson Memorial Enduro.