FMX Insider No.11: Andy’s Fundraiser

Welcome to our brand new weekly web-exclusive column, Transmoto‘s FMX Insider. Penned each week by South Australian rider, Ben Heidrich, the FMX Insider will present the story-behind-the-stories of the Aussie and international freestyle motocross scenes. 

There has always been something very unique about the sport of freestyle motocross. The bond the riders share is incredibly strong, in that we all have each other’s back, through the good times and the bad. It’s a true mateship; a brothers alliance!

We all ride together and go through some of the biggest highs while learning new tricks, traveling and accomplishing things on a bike we dreamed of as kids. We also share some of our biggest lows. We all know what it’s like to crash, and crash bad. Everyone’s been there, so when it does happen, we group together and look out for each other.

A perfect example of this is Andy Hensel’s story. Andy has gone through what every rider most fears; a serious crash leaving him paralysed from the waist down. Andy has had his friends and family by his side the whole time, while his story has touched the hearts of the FMX community around the world.

On November 9, 2013, something pretty incredible happened. Andy’s fellow riders and friends, new and old, came together and rode a gnarly FMX demonstration at his home town of Port Pirie. Some of Australia’s best riders were present, traveling from Perth, Queensland, New South Wales and Victoria, just to ride for their friend. There was over 15 riders present, along with five bands, and everyone chipped in their bit free of charge. Everything was donated to make this event the success it was.

In-kind donation of the Port Pirie Trotting Track where the event was held, the food and alcohol profit made by the Harness Racing committee to time was given by the many volunteers. The community of Andy’s local town of Port Pirie came together and made it happen by supporting the event and giving sponsorships and making donations, totalling $8000 for up-front costs.

At the end of the night, Andy’s friends strapped him to a bike with tie downs and he rode laps of the track. Even the Mayor of Port Pirie jumped on a motorcycle and rode a lap with Andy! This was definitely a highlight, and seeing Andy ride a bike again touched everyone watching.

The event raised over $23,000 and helped Andy reach his goal of $50,000 for costs of much needed rehab on his legs.

I just think it’s amazing the support a person can get from such a sport, because without the appearance of the contributing FMX riders, this fundraiser would not have been possible.

Since the accident, Andy has touched the hearts of many and made lots of new friends. It’s not just the rehab that is going to get him through this, but the positivity and support he gains from all of his friends and family.