It all starts with the magical number 69.
69 explained: Earl Hayden, the father, was the first Hayden to get a 69 license plate. Earl liked to joke that he competed as #69 because his number could be seen even if he flipped his bike in the mud. The 69 would then be preserved in the family.
My memories of Nicky Hayden
The number 69 becomes one! Yes, I watched him achieve his goal in 2006. The motoGP world championship is the pinnacle of motorcycle racing! His smile and friendliness are the most unforgettable aspects of him. Even when the strain from the roughest races was hammering in his neck, he always said hello.
Nicky was commonly observed around my hometown of Mol, Belgium. He visited his closest buddy frequently and went on bike rides with legendary racer Tom Boonen.
Because of my professional sports photography background, I photographed him extensively during his MotoGP career. I photographed him while he was a factory Honda rider in the highest level of motorsport for many years, as well as while he was a factory Ducati rider. Even if his Ducati years were arduous, he was able to podium with it! He never tossed the towel in with the lion heart he was carrying.
He lost a crucial fight in 2017, and his life was cut short by an accident. Hayden died as a consequence of serious head and chest injuries received when he was struck by a vehicle while riding his bicycle near Italy’s Misano Circuit. He was only 35 at the time.
Because of Nicky’s massive footprint on the globe. The Kentucky Kid has 69 survivors. People all across the world will cycle 69 kilometers or miles in his honor on May 22nd.
Our adventure started on an MX course created by legendary 5x world champion motocross Eric Geboers. I’ve been riding motocross on this course since I was 13 years old. So I have excellent recollection here.
Unfortunately, the authorities shut down the MX track after locals complained about the noise the motorcycles made.
All of this is still pending in court; let us hope that it is settled soon so that everyone may enjoy their sports.
Our journey leads us on narrow asphalt roads to peaceful areas with beautiful curving roads. We transform the vast countryside into a network of small-town streets. We’d travel 69 kilometers to Lommel, an industrial town on the Iron Rhine.
We even travel over into the Dutch woodland habitat. Large wooded areas, heather side vistas, and calm roads take me to previously unseen areas.
We couldn’t have wished for a prettier day, with the sun shining on our faces; perhaps Nicky did the job ;-).
We went again to Belgium, this time to Mol and Postel. We enjoyed a lovely view of the Postel Abbey as we rode by.
I completed my 69 kilometers just where we began. It was the first 69 charity effort, and a parking lot packed with gorgeous motorcycles is a sight to behold.
Nothing beats a gang of bikers expressing their enthusiasm. People dressed up in legendary Repsol leathers (ex-team – Nicky) and displayed their prized two wheels.
It was wonderful to see so many people getting together to honor 69. It reflects Nicky’s impact on this world, and while there is a sense of loss, it is amazing to see this occurring all around the world.
I had a lovely time, and I hope the pictures capture how amazing the day was. Thank you to Honda Motors and Motor Media for making this possible. I want to see many more 69 manifests.
Thank you for leaving your imprint in the short time you were here, Nicky. Keep the sun beaming on all of you bikers out there!
#ridefornicky
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Visiting links:
– Link to GPS – track – https://motornieuws.be/22-mei-69-km-voor-nicky-hayden-be-there/
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