Local youth organizes memorial ride

Damon Livreri, a local 12-year-old motorcycle rider, organized a memorial ride for fallen motorcyclist Kurt Caselli, who died at the Baja 1000 ride a couple weeks ago.

Caselli, who was leading the Baja 1000 race in Mexico Nov. 15 had crashed and was later pronounced dead from his injuries. Livreri, who views Caselli as a hero, was saddened by his death, and as a result, organized a memorial ride in his honor Nov. 17, at the Caliente Moto Cross Track.

Around 30 people participated in the event, all of whom are avid riders and competitors in motorcycle racing.

To our local riders, Caselli is described as a very, ?down to earth,? rider, who always took time to talk with the locals and encourage them.

Livreri had seen Caselli on a number of occasions, and said Caselli gave him autographed riding pants, a jersey, and other equipment, usually, ?right off his back.?

Caselli was known for hosting his own memorial rides for fallen racers, such as Nathan Woods, a pro rider who died two years ago.

Starting at around 10 a.m. that Sunday morning, the racers rode until around 2 or 3 p.m. Livreri said, ?Surprisingly on a Sunday, a lot of people came.?

?Almost everyone who rides in the county was here,? Livreri said. Lincoln County motorcycle enthusiasts are growing and definitely holding their own in competitions, if not excelling.

Riders Axel Pearson, Miguel Gonzales, Wyatt Woodworth, Damon Livreri, Chase Curtis, Eric Curtis, Jayden Settles, Hagen Boyce, Todd Parker, Kenny Cole, Karson Boyce, Alexandra Livreri, Colton and Tammy Gubler and Aaron Turner, in addition to many more, all attended the occasion, and many of them will be receiving awards for the season at the upcoming banquet at Sam?s Town in Las Vegas on Jan. 11.

Patti Long arrived and brought refreshments to the riders.

Local rider Dave Pearson was also competing in the Baja 1000, and trailing Caselli in second place. The two had once been a team, but had gone separate ways over the years. However, at the start of last month?s Baja 1000, the two were able to wish each other a safe ride, not knowing it would be the last note of encouragement spoken to one another.

Caselli is viewed as an integral part of helping Lincoln County enthusiasts get on the racing scene, by attending rides in the county, and raising the awareness of the great land we have to race on, bringing more riding enthusiasts to the area.

Livreri said he would ride for Caselli in future races. ?I?m scared, but not scared to ride,? he said.