Gutsy Ella completes her first Hattah race

Third generation of talented biking enthusiasts, Ella Harrison, daughter of Emma and Gerard Harrison, has enjoyed her first Hattah race.

By Kimberly Grabham.

Third generation of talented biking enthusiasts, Ella Harrison, daughter of Emma and Gerard Harrison, has enjoyed her first Hattah race.

Coming an impressive 16th in her age category, her first Hattah was quite a successful one.

She is massively keen to get back to Hattah next year, having awaited her first opportunity to go for quite some time.

The Hattah Desert Race was held earlier this month, with more than 7,000 people in attendance.

International rally rider Daniel Sanders won the event. Hattah is also widely regarded as the most challenging off-road race in Australia.

It takes place in north-western Victoria just south of Mildura and can attract as many as 700 competitors across the categories.

Entries for the race sell out as fast as three minutes after they’re put on sale.

Ella chuckles when asked if she strives to win, and be the next Toby Price.

“I’m sure a lot of riders have those thoughts but that’s not really what it’s about, it’s more about what I can accomplish personally, and beat personal goals and times.

“I’m just there to have fun and do my best. Hattah, especially, is more of an experience thing than a conventional race for me.”

Motorbike riding, along with playing AFL is one of her main passions, and bike riding is something she credits as a great family pastime and way to spend time together.

A two-hour race, on a 22.6km track, Ella said she was a little sore and tired after finishing, and her hands were aching.

She had a couple of quick pitstops for fuel and water, and a lolly snake to keep her going.

Ella has paid off her motorbike by working at the family-owned IGA, a truly driven and inspiring youngster.

Currently in year nine at St Francis in Leeton, Ella has high but achievable ambitions of becoming a paediatric nurse or midwife, or a physiotherapist.

Her short-term motorbike related ambitions are to go back and enter as many races as possible before entering the seniors.

Her longer term ambition is to race with her grandfather David in the seniors.

She has some succinct advice, brief and humble, as is her nature.

“We all start from the bottom, and have to work our way up, somehow. Just don’t ever give up.”

Ella, you’re an inspiration and will succeed at whatever you put your mind to, congratulations.