There is a lot of interest from the juniors and groms about competing at this year’s Master Of The Hill (MOTH).

It is this weekend, so you gotta start making plans on how to get there and getting parental permission to race.

ASRA have changed the focus of MOTH this year, and made it tastier for all the groms, juniors and anyone new to Downhill. This is a perfect race to start your downhill sporting life. The road we are racing on is about 800m long. It has an up hill run out, so no need to waste urethane sliding or shoes foot breaking. There is no motorised traffic. Road is perfect hotmix, no potholes. It is located in the bush, plenty of places to sit, watch or chill out.

For parents and guardians
This is not a dangerous event. ASRA are taking every precaution to make the event as safe as possible. There is always an element of risk, however there is no more risk than normal skate play on a local street or hill. In fact, kids are probably taking more risks on their local roads than they do at a sanctioned ASRA event where the authorities are watching.
ASRA believe it is important to give the youth coming into Downhill an event to learn all the safety aspects of the sport from older competitors. This is better than skaters holding their own outlaw races.
Competitors will get their safety gear and longboards checked. Racers will learn proper skating etiquette, how to skate within a group and near other competitors.
Racing will be limited to two competitors. All skaters will be wearing fullface helmets and leather jackets.

For competitors
You will need the proper safety gear or you will not be allowed to compete. If you still need a full face helmet, we have them available in hopshop. For leather jackets, check your local motorcycle shop, there are normally sales this time of year.
Leather pants are not required, but are an additional safety item. Shorts or jeans with skate knee pads are a good idea. Draggin Jeans have a full range of jeans that will save your skin in a crash. Check em out, your skin will love you for it.
Please check all requirements on the official MOTH page

How to get your parents to let you race
Let them read this blog post, so they can see the ASRA safety requirements.
Tell them they can call the Hopshop and speak to James, David or Jackson on 02 80601588. Sometimes it is better to let one of the older skaters explain what the event is. Parents dont respond well to “it will be mad and (insert unreliable friend’s name here) will be there, and I’ll hate you forever if I can not go.”
If reason does not work, time for bribery and honey. Promise to do more around the house, more homework etc. Or tell them they can be involved.
Dad’s are more than welcome to volunteer, or be involved in some way – make it a father and son day. Mum’s are welcome. We always need more mum’s track side to make the responsible decisions.
If that does not work, try to sell the charms of the Blue Mountains. They can drop you off at the race, and then enjoy a day in the Blue Mountains.  Maybe if you can all stay overnight, make it a small holiday. Last minute accommodation can be booked at Wotif.com.
Your parents can do the heritage walk at Katoomba. How about visiting the art galleries? Bushwalks. What mother could resist high tea at Liianfelds!!
The Hawkesbury farmers market is on this weekend in Penrith. Located on High Street in the Civic Precinct. 8am to 1pm. Enough time to drop you off, go to the markets to enjoy the food, produce, music and cooking demos, then cruise back to MOTH to see you in the final!

Get creative, and get to MOTH.