Glen Magson is not one to boast, but he is rather proud of his recent motorcycling achievement.
After being diagnosed with Hodgkin lymphoma in 2000, Magson spent nine months in hospital before beginning his long road to recovery.
The Ascot Park man receiving a huge fillip when he won one of the country’s most toughest and gruelling motorcycling events – the Moonshine Run Extreme Harescramble on August 22
The event involved riders racing three laps of a 20-kilometre course off Bulls Run Rd in Upper Hutt, a five-hour undertaking.
Magson was one of 14 in the expert class.
“I entered on a whim,” he said. “My bike – a Sherco 450 – was ready and I was ready.
“I was supposed to be helping with the event, but I just wanted to ride.”
Magson said the best part of the competition was knowing he could still race, even though his condition made him feel more drained.
“To be honest, I hadn’t been bike fit since having cancer, so I didn’t think I’d do that well. I just went out there to ride.”
While he was racing, Magson said he received overwhelming support from some of the track marshals. When they told him he was winning, he didn’t believe it.
“It was definitely a surprise when I found out I’d won as I think I started in seventh position and couldn’t remember passing anyone. It was amazing.”
A highlight for Magson was his second lap – he’d already been through once and was in the zone.
“It was a beautiful day and the bike went really well. I’ve had the bike since 2006, so it’s not a current model, but it worked for me.”
Magson has been around motorbikes since he started riding at 15.
He spent seven years on the competitive speedway circuit, picking up a few titles along the way. He has also dabbled in the road racing and enduro scenes.
“Riding has always been my life. It’s a release. When I was in hospital it was the light at the end of the tunnel.”
He is a longstanding member of the Kapi Mana Motorcycle Club.
“I haven’t rated myself as much before, but this was a really nice thing to achieve [winning the big race on August 22].”
