Extreme Rider from Finland Coming to Sonomafest

Contact: John Cardinale Sears Point Raceway (707) 938-8448 X107

Extreme Motorcycle Rider from Finland Ready to Scale Walls at Sonomafest

SONOMA, Calif. (April 5, 2001) - There is certainly nothing strange about riding a motorcycle, but the same can't be said for someone who actually scales walls and climbs ramps up to 7-feet high with one.

But that's exactly what Tommi Ahvala does, and he'll be demonstrating his rather unique talents at Sonomafest 2001, a 10-day soiree of activities for motorcycle enthusiasts at Sears Point Raceway, April 27-May 6. Sonomafest, which enters its sixth year, was co-founded by Sears Point Raceway and Cycle World Magazine. It is one of the largest motorcycle-themed events in the country.

Ahvala, a native of Helsinki, Finland, will bring his unique brand of motorcycle riding to the Wine Country during the first weekend of Sonomafest at AMA Vintage Motorcycles Days West, April 27-29.

The objective of Ahvala's tricky brand of motorcycling is to ride through a specified course without setting his foot down, crashing, riding out of bounds or stopping. He will navigate up to six massive obstacles that vary in size and length.

Ahvala, a two-time world champion in the sport, is the world's top Freestyle Trials rider. Moreover, he is so prominent in his native Finland that they created a postage stamp bearing his likeness.

Ahvala, who competes for Team Extreme, will put on several demonstrations during AMA Vintage Motorcycles Days West weekend. Times for the Team Extreme Trials Showcase have not been set, but stay tuned.

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