Tony Kirby passed away last night after a hard fight with motor neuron disease.
*TK, one time editor of Australasian Dirt Bike and the founder of SideTrack Magazine, had a great following within all spheres of the motorcycle industry. His honesty about various makes and models could get him into hot water or make the bike a huge success. The industry support was universal; from Yamaha’s support of the Across Australia Record in 1998 using the new and untested WR400 to Suzuki’s support in a number of Australian Safaris including a class win on a DR250.
Despite being a Kiwi, his knowledge of Australia and the australian bush was almost unique. There would not be a half decent fire trail, interesting single track or back road throughout Australia he hasn’t travelled, writtern about or photographed. It could also be argued that he brought trail or adventure riding out of the small time and into a thriving sport. He was instrumental in the formation of the Dual Sport Motorcycle Riding Association (DSMRA), who’s aims are to keep riding areas open and to bring like minded riders together.
Boulder was a close friend of TK’s an I know was going down to see him last week.
I was never lucky enough to meet him but he is the man solely responsible for Adventure riding’s status in Australia. A very sad day for the motorcycle industry in Australia
My condolences to Tony’s family, Brendon and everyone that knew TK.
TB
*borrowed
