Motorcycle manoeuvres wow crowds

For each performance, the team members wear tidy red uniforms and complete each difficult manoeuvre with confidence. The “Moving Fortress” is among the most difficult of the 16 tricks in its portfolio.

 

As three motorcycles are running side by side, a dozen team members board them group by group. The first group of two members stands on two motorcycles, with one leg on one motorcycle. Then, a second group of three members climbs up and each stands on a motorcycle seat. When all 12 members have climbed aboard, the manoeuvre is complete.

 

“The difficulty is, the three riders need superb driving skill to keep the motorcycles running at the same speed, otherwise the team members standing on the motorcycles would lose their balance and fall. Team members also need to trust the other riders," team Officer-in-charge Ho Hang-sang said.

 

Sometimes the “Moving Fortress” stunt can incorporate five motorcycles, with more performers, increasing the level of difficulty - and the wow factor.

 

The “Cruiser Pyramid” requires eight members working in close co-operation.

 

“The first rider slows down the motorcycle and puts both legs above the handlebars. After that, the seven other members get onto the motorcycle one by one and form a pyramid. This action emphasises boldness and co-operation,” Mr Ho said.

 

“When team members ride on one motorcycle, they must trust and rely on each other to successfully complete the manoeuvres. We spend a lot of time participating in training, rehearsals and performances, so a keen interest and commitment is also important,” Mr Ho explained.

 

It usually requires two years of training before a member can participate in their debut performance. To maintain their skills, team members attend training sessions on a monthly basis and undergo an annual test.

 

Feminine side

The team now has five women, including Ming Lam who joined four years ago.

 

“I like excitement and freedom, and driving a motorcycle on city streets did not sufficiently satisfy me,” Miss Lam said.

 

The first woman to join the team, Miss Lam was eager, but frustrated, at her initial attempts.

 

“I could not manage to handle the tricks as fast as the others. I considered quitting. But my coach and senior members helped me and with lots of practice, I was able to perform well,” she said.

 

Miss Lam participates in the “Scooter Fairy” manoeuvre. One of the men stands on a scooter and uses his thighs to control the handlebars. Two female members then get onto the scooter and stand with their arms opened wide.

 

In her debut performance, she was the only 'fairy'. When the Master of Ceremonies introduced her and the audience cheered her on, Miss Lam was hooked.

 

Young at heart

Team veteran Yung Chun-suen, aged 54, has been performing for more than two decades. He recalls many highlights, and some low points, as well.

 

“The most unforgettable show was one in which we fell while performing the 'Moving Fortress' for a live TV show. There were electric wires and cables on the grounds, making it uneven. We lost our balance when the motorcycles drove across them and everyone tumbled down. We were all disappointed after having spent so much time in advance training."

 

The team members are not paid for their participation, but they are rewarded with a sense of satisfaction.

 

“It is unpaid volunteer work. What matters most is our passion for motorcycles. As long as I am physically able, I plan to stay on the team - or at least until I am 60 years old,” said Mr Yung.

 

He encourages new teammates not to shy away from hard work. They should learn to appreciate the importance of each position, he said, and respect whichever post they are assigned to maintain team spirit.

 

For more information about the CAS motorcycle demonstration team, visit their Facebook page.