David Knight can't be beaten, says Patricia Weston, so it's time to take notice of a new legend.
David Knight is fast becoming a legend in the sport of motorcycle Enduro. The 'Knighter' is a rider who can't be beaten. The 27-year-old Manx-man holds the prestigious title of World Champion Enduro X rider.
Enduro is long-distance dirt biking along cross-country courses varying from a few miles to 150 miles. Competitors set off at staggered time intervals on a pre-determined route with time checks and special tests.
"It's the nearest thing to a car rally," according to David. "We ride through forests, along tarmac and through cross country. We have to take time checks, on average there are four time checks on a 60 mile lap," he says.
According to Gez Morrison, PR for the rider, "In theory, an Enduro is a trial against the clock over a measured stage, separated by check points.
"Penalty points are incurred if the rider is early or late to the check points. The points are collated on the rider's time card, which is carried by the rider. The field of riders is split into classes and different time schedules according to ability. The classes are Championship, Expert, Clubman, and Sportsman. Enduro is fast and exciting!"
David rides a KTM 500cc four-stroke bike. The bikes used are similar to motocross machines and are four-stroke and two-stroke engines, depending on the class.
Suspension is much better than on a road bike, allowing freedom to soak up the bumps in the varying terrain. "The suspension is the most important thing on the bikes," he says.
The machines have to be road legal and have lights fitted and must be quieter than motocross bikes. They also tend to be less highly tuned than their motocross counterparts.
Using the undulating and picturesque Manx countryside as his training ground, Knighter sharpened his riding skills at an early age. He took part in his first trial at the tender age of four years old.
"I've been riding bikes since I was three years old. My Dad took part in trials and so did my brother. I did trials up to 1997, then in 1998 I switched to Enduro," he says.
Enduro is a physically demanding sport and requires the rider to be at the peak of his physical and mental fitness.
David keeps himself in top condition by keeping 'bike fit'. He's done the gym thing, but finds the best way of keeping fit is to take his bike out every day. "I didn't like the gym and I don't think running and weights would keep me fit for my sport. I think being bike fit is the best way for me and I'm one of the fittest riders out there," he says.
Knighter's most recent accomplishments are his third consecutive victory at the Hell's Gate race in Italy. He won the event in February by three-and-a-half minutes, despite losing the use of his lights during the closing stages of the race. He also claimed yet another indoor off road victory by finishing first at the second running of the Genoa International Indoor Enduro. He won the event the previous year and this year he was the fastest rider competing.
David is competing in the 2006 World Championship Enduro to try to hold on to his title. The first race took place in Sweden on March 18th - and David won.