Where’s Wally? Ahead of the pack, he hopes!

The 79-year-old trail bike rider from Mulgoa will again demonstrate age is no barrier to living life in the fast lane when he competes in the Super Seniors race at this month’s Classic Dirt Track Charity Weekend in Castlereagh.

Wally took up dirt track racing 60 years ago, gave up for a few years to manage family and work life, and got back into it 20 years ago after a friend persuaded him to go for a spin on the track.

“When I was 20 I was a bit of a petrol head,” he said. “My father and brother raced cars and I was going to race cars but got into bikes first.

“I still love it. It can be a bit hazardous – I cracked a rib a couple of years ago and I’ve fallen off so many times it’s not funny.

“You can reach speeds of 150km an hour on the straight for up to 20 seconds.

“But it’s the adrenaline boost that gets to you and keeps you going back – and the camaraderie among all the blokes.”

Wally says his wife doesn’t like him doing it – “she thinks I’m nuts! But you know, you need to keep active in mind and body when you’re my age and you just have to be aware of the risks.”

And the retired motor mechanic certainly knows how to keep both in top shape. When he’s not racing he spends mornings at the Warradale Men’s Shed in Warragamba where members are restoring an old truck.

Last year Wally, a life member of the City of Penrith Motorcycle Club which organises the charity weekend, won the Super Seniors race competing against riders 15 years his junior – and he’s keen to take them on again.

The club has 20 members aged over 60 and there are many more in clubs around the country.

Each year Penrith club members select a cause to benefit from the charity weekend. This year it is Dementia Care Australia.

The race meeting is open to riders from around the country and attracts a good crowds.