Starting Young

Seven-year-old Gregory Coleman was only six when his father cut down a 50cc Suzuki motorcycle to fit him.

Greg's grandfather was the immortal Percy Coleman, who although he lost an eye in his Palmerston North workshop, rode his big Harley-Davidson to victory on tracks around the world.

Greg's father, Bob, and his uncle Rod, who carry on the family business in Wanganui, have both won N.Z. titles and competed in the Isle of Man T. T. Rod won the T.T. in 1954.

So it is hardly surprising that young Gregory can confidently juggle the four gears of his 40 mph machine to ride it up a steep shingle road.