RTRA Management Committee

The current Management Committee was formally elected at the Association's Annual General Meeting held on October 2016.

The committee is: 

Xander Kabat (President)
Valerie Pretzel (Secretary)
Steve Pretzel (Treasurer)
Murray McKellar
Brett Grandin
Matt Ackley
Don Martin
Darren Clarke
Paul Neve (Deputy Chair)
Sam Karamfiles

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Name: Steve Pretzel

Nickname: Pretz

Age: 59

Family: Married with 1 child

Occupation:CEO, Technology Assisting Disability WA

Current Bike: Husaberg FE450

All Time Favourite Bike: The blue and yellow one.

Riding Background: Started at 13 on a Honda Z50A, progressed through a Kawasaki 75 mini, XR75 then CR125M Elsinore. Raced C Grade motocross in last year of high school (forged birth certificate to get racing licence early), gave up because I couldn't afford a trailer and got sick of completely dismantling the bike to stuff it in the boot of my MkII Cortina. Took it up again five years ago after a weekend ride with West Coast Safaris (had a huge grin for about a week after that one).

Favourite place to ride: South West.

First Race: UW Mini Wheels mini bike club c 1973.

Hobbies: trail bike riding, snow skiing, photography, music (keyboards and drums)

Favourite Food: Omniverous.

Favourite Rider: Most impressive ride I’ve seen was a 13 year old Jeff Liesk annihilating the field at Amaroo Park

Why did you get involved in the RTRA? At a time when trail riding is coming under increasing pressure I saw that no one was representing the interests of the riders. I’m always up for a challenge so I figured I’d try to do something about it.

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Name: Valerie Pretzel

Nickname: don’t think I have one :-(

Age: none of your business

Family: Married with 1 child

Occupation: Company Director

Current Bike: KTM Freeride 350

All Time Favourite Bike: the one I have at the moment.

Riding Background: was introduced to riding in 2006 by my husband and when my daughter started riding. If you can’t beat them, join them!

Favourite place to ride: South West.

First Race: no racing, just for enjoyment.

Hobbies: snow skiing, trail bike riding, horse riding, travelling, catching up with family & friends.

Favourite Food: Japanese.

Favourite Rider: my husband ... because I don’t know any famous ones!

Why did you get involved in the RTRA?: We started RTRA because trail bike riding has been suffering as a result of riders not presenting a single, united front and speaking with one voice. Whilst other recreational groups are engaging with government about keeping recreational areas open and providing tracks and trails (eg walkers and mountain bikers), we never heard from trail bike riders. Motorcycling WA represents those who race competitively but there was nothing for recreational riders, who are the ones experiencing the issues. I particularly want to get better and more riding areas and trails for families so we can ride legally but have the great riding experiences that we want.
Other trail bike riding involvement: (1) my husband and I started our company Trail Bike Management Australia specifically to tackle the complex issue of resolving trail bike conflicts. This year we have been developing the State Trail Bike Strategy with funding from government. (2) I am on the Off Road Vehicle Advisory Committee which provides advice to the Minister for Local Government on matters pertaining to the off-road vehicle act. 

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Name: Brett Grandin

Nickname: 

Age: 51

Family: Married, two adult "kids"

Occupation: Delivery Specialist

Current Bike: KTM 400 EXC

All Time Favourite Bike: 

Riding Background: Started riding on the farm as a youngster, then progressed to trail riding/ motocross with some mates. have always owned a dirt bike of some sort. i enjoy getting out with mate to have a social ride and go riding with the family. Enjoy taking my two grandsons out riding and watching the passion build in them.

Favourite place to ride: Dwellingup is a great place to ride. Although my main area is now  metro road. 

First Race: Longreach Qld, 1978

Hobbies: Working on and rebuilding old dirt bikes : presently I have a YZ 80N, 2 xPE175T , Husky XC430 and montesa VB 360 Cappra on the mend. Riding with family

Favourite Food: Rock Road

Favourite Rider: Toby Price

Why did you get involved in the RTRA?: I am passionate about having and maintaining  a strong trail riding environment for all whom enjoy the sport. I also want the future generations top have the opportunity to enjoy what i and many others have enjoyed for years.  


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Name: Alexander Kabat

Nickname:  Xander

Age: 44

Family: Married

Occupation: Owner, Overlander Adventure Equipment

Current Bike:  Honda XRV750 Africa Twin

All Time Favourite Bike:  Honda XRV750 Africa Twin Marathon (no did not own it)

Riding Background: I started when i was 5yrs old and never took more then a year off. I have raced (local stuff) both enduro, moto-cross and navigation rallies. I was never very good but always had a lot of fun.

Favourite place to ride:  I have ridden around the world, so I have far far too many to list.

First Race: Massachusetts under 8s

Hobbies: Bikes, Photography, Motorcycle modifying.

Favourite Food:  I just love food.

Favourite Rider:  My wife Tam

Why did you get involved in the RTRA?:  The RTRA is the most important organisation for the future of non-competitive in Western Australia, how could i not try and be a part of it. 

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Name: Don Martin

Nickname: Mentelle

Age: 40

Family: 2 x kids

Occupation: Civil Designer

Current Bike: KTM 300

All Time Favourite Bike: Rockhopper

Riding Background: Grew up in Toodyay so would ride anything from an early age.  Graduated to road bikes, then track bikes at Barbagello.  Used to surf a lot but was getting a bit dangerous so took up a safer sport - racing Enduro.

Favourite place to ride: Peru and Mongolia

First Race: Was the strongest swimming sperm

Hobbies: Will ride any time I can

Favourite Food: Any protein

Favourite Rider: Toby Price and #46 Valentino Rossi

Why did you get involved in the RTRA?: Want to help out wherever I can


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Name: Murray Mackellar

Nickname: Muzza

Age: 48

Family: Wife and 19 yo twins

Occupation: Ops Excellence Manager, Woolworths

Current Bike: Husky FE501 and KTM 1190R Adventure

All Time Favourite Bike: KTM 380SX

Riding Background: First bike was a PE175 that I bought in 1986, the engine was in pieces in a box. Started riding off-road then and never looked back. My dream was to race motocross, but I only ever raced Hare Scrambles, enduros and Flat Track.

Favourite place to ride: Africa, so much single trail and perfect terrain

First Race: Flat Track on MX bikes, 1992

Hobbies: DIY, Boating, 4x4'ing, but mostly riding offroad

Favourite Food: Curry n Rice

Favourite Rider: Jeff Herlings

Why did you get involved in the RTRA?: I have been riding at Pinjar most weekends since I discovered it, in 2012. I have always been very grateful for the venue and for the work that RTRA have put into it to make it real. I want to help to continue the great work that has been done and make Pinjar a place that riders and families can thoroughly enjoy into the future.

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Name: Matt Ackley

Nickname: 

Age: 44

Family: Single

Occupation: State Manager

Current Bike: KTM 950 SE, Yamaha WR250Z

All Time Favourite Bike: 2002 KTM 520SX

Riding Background: Started trail riding at 8, got into road bikes for many years. I enjoyed racing motocross till recently and now trail ride for pleasure.

Favourite place to ride: Anywhere!

First Race: Condobolin N.S.W. 2002

Hobbies: Motorcycles, 4wding

Favourite Food: Pizza

Favourite Rider: Toby Price

Why did you get involved in the RTRA?: To give something back to the sport we love

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Name: Darren Clarke

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Name: Sam Karamfiles

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