Craig Gillies was involved in a head-on collision with a motor vehicle on Thursday 18 June, whilst he was tuning/testing his Yamaha Tenere. Craig was a well-liked and respected Trials rider, perhaps one of the most naturally gifted riders to originate from Queensland. Sponsored by Yamaha from age 15, Craig won an Australian Junior Championship in 1978, his career continued with many wins in A grade in local events and also achieving Queensland and NSW open solo Championships. Craig was also an excellent Enduro rider, showing many during his racing career (1981-1985) that Trials skills were a big advantage in competition Enduro. "Gillies" was always cool, calm and collected, he demonstrated great sportsmanship and was willing to help others when in need. Craig and his father, Gordon were also collectors and riders of classic bikes, they are fortunate to have shared thier common passion for motorcycling.
I recall an event in the 70's, Craig has lobbed home early on a Sunday morning from a 'big night' at the Sunnybank Hotel. Gordon drives a sleeping Craig to the Trials event, wakes his rider up so he can get through 'scrutineering' to go on to win A-grade that day. New Zealand Championships 1987- very unlucky to win overall in this 3-day event, on day 2, Craig halves the score of second place to win the day on sections that all featured nasty tree-roots, a testimony to his amazing throttle-control and balance. A great friend to his mates, Craig will be missed and fondly remembered.
Richard Kent