A few BTS updates from Neil + Burts
The father-and-son duo turn out to be tougher than any terrain they ride.
It’s been a rough few months for the Triple D gaffer and team rider Burts Crayston. Even for this father-son duo who normally ride out on equal measures of determination, a spot of mischief and two-stroke fumes, a few obstacles have been thrown up that no one wants to meet at speed.
But if there’s one thing you can always count on in the Triple D camp, it’s that setbacks are just the warm-up before the comeback.
With both chaps now on their own roads to recovery, here’s a little bit of a BTS update on their progress with a look ahead to what’s coming down the track.
Triple D’s Enduro rider Burts Crayston headed into the FIM Hard Enduro World Championship at GetzenRodeo full of enthusiasm after an overall strong season. But the small village of Griessbach had other plans.
A heavy crash in practice saw Burts land hard on his back. Thinking it was 'just a twist' he battled on to get through the prologue despite the pain and still managed to come away with P13, which he was pretty happy with all things considered.
The morning race was a different story though and riding in agony to try and grab as many points as he could, he realised he'd have to bow out. The initial diagnosis was a fractured vertebrae and a herniated lumbar disc, so it was probably a good idea to get off the bike before risking any more damage.
Specialist scans back in the UK confirmed there was no spinal fracture but a prolapsed disc - painful, yes, but recovery-friendly with a bit of time and taking it easy.
Despite the early exit, Burts wrapped up the season 4th in the Extreme Junior World Championship, following last year’s 3rd place. While we were obviously aiming for a climb up the leaderboard, not the other way around, this is the world of racing. It gives, it takes, and it keeps you hungry.
And if you know Burts, you know hunger isn’t something he runs out of.
Meanwhile, Neil Crayston — shop gaffer, mischief-maker, and unofficial spokesman for “sportsfans everywhere” (IYKYK) took a tumble of his own at Oulton Park in October.
In a deceptively slow, soppy slide at Lodge, Neil slid inwards and had the misfortune of landing square on the inside curb’s rumble strip. The result? Several ribs broken (some in more pieces than they should ever be), plus a partially collapsed lung that bought him a hospital stay to manage the pain and stop pneumonia from joining the party.
Anyone who’s cracked a rib knows you feel it every time you laugh, cough, breathe, or basically exist.
Rest at home was the order of the day but with boredom setting in quickly, it wasn’t long before he was back in front of the camera at Triple D, albeit a tad out of breath.
Both riders have been spending time at Breath for Life in Heysham, receiving Hyperbaric Oxygen Treatment (HBOT) - a mouthful, but an absolute game-changer for injuries like theirs.
What the hell is HBOT? Well, some might call it a nap pod, but it’s a sealed and pressurised air chamber allowing your lungs to take in significantly more oxygen than normal. That extra O₂ then dissolves into your bloodstream, reaching injured tissues faster and accelerating healing.
Hyperbaric Oxygen Treatment has been shown to:
In short: more oxygen = faster healing. And for two lads who hate sitting still, that’s priceless.
While Neil’s recovery has been a little slower (nothing to do with his age of course - it just turns out ribs really don’t like being in bits), Burts has stepped up in the shop, helping prep for Christmas and making sure the place is stocked to the rafters with new KTM gear and merch.
The Triple D Shop is all stocked up for KTM Christmas gifts
Neil has been dipping in and out of the shop as pain allows, delivering his trademark commentary for the camera - carefully timed between breaths - while resisting the urge to sneeze at all costs.
His infamous 'Neil’s Deals' have become second fiddle to 'Burty’s Bargains' as young Burts found himself getting comfy behind Dad’s desk - and in front of the camera!
Perhaps this is the shape of things to come for the next generation? Who knows - but Neil certainly ain't for hanging up his riding boots just yet.
The best news? Burts is already back on his bike, eyes firmly set on next year’s competitions, ready to chase that podium finish he missed out on this season.
Neil, meanwhile, is sensibly taking things steady… ish. True to form, he’s already put his hand up for the upcoming Stark Varg trail experience demo days, refusing to let a few broken ribs get in the way of a good ride out on these amazing electric bikes.
Both Neil and Burts are now well on the road to recovery, helped along by determination, HBOT, and the occasional sarcastic comment. The team, the shop, and the Triple D community have rallied behind them and if there’s one thing guaranteed, it’s that when they’re back to full strength, they’ll be back with a bang.
Until then, thanks for all the messages, support, and patience while we juggle healing bodies and an ever-growing pile of Christmas stock.
Dom is one our retail team and is a parts, garments and accessories specialist. He rides a 2024 KTM 150 EXC Enduro bike and has recently been sharing his green lane exploits on YouTube and Insta under the handle https://www.youtube.com/@allth....
