Siblings taking sport by storm
AT the ages of eight and six, Daisy and Harry Brookes are already on their way to becoming motorcycle trialling stars.
The sport tests control, balance and focus as riders take on obstacles without their feet touching the ground – and the siblings excel in all three.
Harry was two when his grandad, Paul Brookes Snr, propped him on a motorbike tank and rode around fields.
That sparked Daisy’s interest in her grandfather’s passion and the then five-year-old soon followed in her brother’s footsteps.
In three years, she has won several trial riding events, while Harry has also started entering competitions.
Paul said his passion for riding started at a more mature age – 50 – and, since then, he had dedicated time to helping his grandchildren pursue the sport.
He said: “When Harry was about 18 months old, I used to sit him on the tank of a little bike, and we’d ride around a field
“Then we sat on a bigger bike and would go over the hills. He was only about two years old, still in nappies.
“His sister decided she’d have a go at it and she has really excelled. I think that both of them will really go far.
“It’s inspirational watching them as they get older and watching them grow up. If they continue, they will go right up to the top.”
In March, Daisy took part in the ACU Belle Trailers British Ladies and Girls Championship, competing against girls from across the country.
She completed day one of the event as the winner of her category, finishing the whole day only dropping 10 points for her feet touching the ground.
The next day, in round two, she came first again, only dropping eight points.
She is set to take on the next round in July.
Daisy said: “I was five when I started riding and my grandad inspired me. The thing I love most about it is new challenges and going up new rocks.
“My favourite riders are Alicia Robinson and Emma Bristow because they try really hard and they are amazing.”
Harry said: “I was two years old when my grandad started teaching me. The thing I love most about riding is going to different places to practise.”
The children’s dad, who is also called Paul, said: “They’re always smiling whenever they are on the bike.
“It’s amazing watching Harry from the age of two progress to being one of the best riders in his age group, and the same with Daisy.
“Daisy is currently winning the
British Girls Championship after two rounds.
“She has five rounds left, but she’s in a strong place to win it.
“Harry is competing in all the trials that are local to him, and he competed against adults the other week and finished in 11th place, so they are both doing really well.”