Nathan Woods Benefit Ride Day at Glen Helen

By Adam Waheed (via motorcycle-usa.com)

The dirt bike and motocross community paid its final respects to off-road racer Nathan Woods yesterday at Southern California’s Glen Helen Raceway. Woods, a two-time WORCS champion passed away when he crashed his motorcycle during Friday practice at the opening round of the ’11 WORCS series that took place at Honolulu Hills Raceway in central California last month.

Woods’ close friend and fellow racing competitor, Kurt Caselli organized the ride day with the help of Charles Jirsa (Woods’ former mechanic) and Glen Helen. Each rider paid a $20 practice fee with all the money collected going directly to the Woods family.

“It’s all about family and friends and Nathan was a good friend of mine,” said Caselli. “Nathan was an animal. Anybody who knew him… he’d ride with broken bones. First or last he’d give it his all. With me being an actual competitor of his, it was intimidating. You were always looking over your shoulder if he was behind you. He’d stick a wheel on anybody, he wanted to win.”

A considerable contingent of riders showed up to give their support including many pros from the past and present including Gary Jones, Johnny Campbell, Ryan Hughes and Grant Langston. Monster Energy Pro Circuit Kawasaki riders Broc Tickle, Tyla Rattray and Dean Wilson were spinning laps as were young up and comer Jesse Nelson and Tarah Geiger from the Troy Lee Designs team. Reigning Motorcycle-USA.com Women’s Motocross Champ, Jessica Patterson, could also be seen on-track. The track remained moist and tacky throughout the day equating to nearly perfect conditions.

Later in the afternoon everyone gathered for a memorial service followed by a raffle and silent auction to raise money for the Woods family. A number of products from Renthal, Shoei Helmets and Motorcycle-Superstore were donated. Additionally, autographed riding memorabilia from such riders as Kevin Windham and Josh Grant were offered up. Before the auction started, announcer Tom White spoke with both Caselli and Woods’ wife, Amanda.

“He didn’t want people mourning him,” said Amanda. “He doesn’t want people to be sad. He would want people to keep riding their dirt bikes. We had talked about all these things and had everything figured. He was going to race this year at privateer status and we were behind him 150%"

“He was ready,” continued Mrs. Woods. “I know this was just a freak accident and it’s just one of those things that happen. I mean, I always knew what the risks were. I figured he’d lose a limb or maybe be paralyzed, but anyone who knows Nathan knew that he didn’t want that. We had conversations as far as ‘if anything ever happens and I’m on life support, you pull the plug. I don’t want my family or friends to be put through that.’ He lived everyday to the fullest and lived his life with no regrets.”

“We had some really good times at the Six Days and have some good stories that Amanda hasn’t heard… but we’ll save those for later [laughs],” said Caselli. “He was so enthusiastic and passionate about this sport. Obviously, as you can tell, it’s given him so much in return. It’s what he loved and everyone out here riding understands. You do what you love and that’s what makes you happy. For the people that love and support you it’s a lifestyle. It’s not just something you do on the weekend. This is something you do seven days a week. It’s what we do for a living, to pay the bills and get by in life. When it comes down to it we’re all here for each other. We keep each other safe and support each other. Riding is just the fun part of it. My heart goes out to his family and it means a lot to me just like it does to Amanda and the Woods family.”

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