It was a day filled with jumps, stunts and aerobatics for Fort McMurray.
Freestyle motocross riders, Lance and Dylan McMorran of Medicine Hat, entertained crowds Sunday (May 15) at the Penhold Regional Multiplex during a fundraiser for the Red Cross and the Fort McMurray wildfire relief efforts.
The freeriding brothers have both been doing freestyle motocross for more than 15 years and regularly tour across Canada and the United States, and have also performed around the world in places like China.
“We've been racing and riding motorcycles since we were both about four or five years old,” said Dylan. “We've done shows all over Canada and in the U.S., and we've done shows in Fort McMurray where people have paid to come and watch us. This is our way of giving back by doing a free show for everyone and trying to collect some donations to help out,” he added.
Close to $2,000 had been raised prior to the last show at 4 p.m. on May 15.
“This day has been awesome,” said Lance, noting their appreciation to the people and sponsors behind the scenes and to the Town of Penhold for their support as well.
“Thanks to everyone that helped put on an awesome event for a great cause.”
During the fundraising event, the McMorran brothers rode customized Suzuki 450 motocross bikes.
“We jump a 75-foot gap on a manmade takeoff and manmade landing (ramps),” said Dylan, noting some of the manoeuvres on the bikes. “We (customize) the sides of the bikes so we can jump off and grab on with our hands,” he said. “It varies, we're all over the front of the bike, the back of the bike, the sides and up in the air.
“Some of the tricks we're doing takes years to learn,” he added. “They're really dangerous, so conditions have to be perfect in order to do some of them.”
The brothers have a busy summer schedule ahead as they are touring across Alberta and North America. They were more than happy to stop in Penhold over the weekend to help raise funds for the people of Fort McMurray.
“A lot of people are going to be in need of things and we're just trying to help,” said Lance McMorran. “If everyone does a little something, it goes a long way.
Dylan McMorran
"This is our way of giving back by doing a free show for everyone and trying to collect some donations to help out."
