For 16 years every time I got on the bike it was in Europe or America, so to be able to do it in my home town is something special.
- Steve Mini
Steve Mini's FMX Show will once again feature at Mudgee Motorfest this weekend, which will also mark the local motocross star's first performance in nine months - after he contemplated hanging up the helmet.
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"I'd had six months off the bike, because after 16 years I'd had enough of the time away and decided to call it quits," he said. "Then the committee called me up and asked me if I was interested in doing Motorfest. I ummed-and-ahhed about it for a few days and went for a ride to practice.
"After about 10 minutes I was doing backflips and tricks I used to do and was really enjoying it.
"So getting the offer was a bit of a blessing in disguise, it's got me back on the bike and motivated again. And since then I've signed on for some Nitro Circus shows next year and a few other gigs."
With long overseas tours likely behind him now, the regional shows in February and March are the best of both worlds for Mini - being at home, but also getting to perform and catch up with the other riders. And this weekend is another great and rare opportunity.
"It was awesome two years ago [at the 2017 Motorfest] to be able to ride in front of a home crowd," he said. "For 16 years every time I got on the bike it was in Europe or America, so to be able to do it in my home town is something special.
"I'll have my son there, I think he's even more excited than I am, he hasn't seen me ride since the last show I did in Sydney back in February. It's a really well-run event, the committee are planning a really big day and make it a family-orientated event, putting on a lot of things for the kids as well as the parents."
Also taking to the skies over the Showground on Saturday will be Mini's friend and fellow Nitro Circus rider Michael 'Chucky' Norris. "We've been travelling around, riding dirtbikes together since we were 19 and he's one of the best riders Australia has ever produced," he said.
- The Mudgee Motorfest Car and Bike Spectacular is on Saturday, November 9, from 7am, at the Mudgee Showground. Steve Mini's FMX Show is at 11.30am and 2pm in the main arena. The event is hosted by local club Cudgegong Cruisers Inc, more information at cudgegongcruisers.com.au/ or call 0488 445 506.