MORE than 750 people paid tribute tribute to motocross rider Bronte Holland, 21, at his funeral in Kaniva on Friday.
A large contingent of motorbike enthusiasts joined Wimmera residents from all walks of life to honour a man known for his fighting spirit and larrikin nature.
Holland was a promising motocross rider who won a national junior motocross title and drew attention from overseas motocross teams.
Holland broke his neck during a training mishap in February 2007, but according to family friend Mark Hancock that did not dampen his attitude or his determination.
Hancock said Holland had left a major imprint on not only the Wimmera community, but the entire Australian motocross community.
``He was a hero and legend to the juniors who watched him. I don't think he was aware of how many lives he touched until his accident,'' he said.
``The whole motorcycling community was behind Bronte, as well as Horsham and Kaniva people. It goes to show not only how tight-knit the communities are but how close motocross riders are as well.''
Friends Lee Hogan, Adam Bailey, Josh Woods, Adam Robinson and Blake `Bilko' Williams delivered a eulogy and each spoke about Holland, his motocross career and his rehabilitation.
Girlfriend Carlie Archer also spoke during the service.
``Will and determination was a common thread throughout all the stories. If someone said to Bronte that he could not do it, it was a green light for him to go ahead and do it,'' Hancock said.
``It is a sad loss for the Horsham and Kaniva communities as well as the motorcycling fraternity.
``Motocross riders are united by a common bond. It is an extreme sport and to succeed you have to be dedicated. It showed how much Bronte meant to motocross riders when you see their representation at the funeral.''
Holland's coffin was adorned with his motorbike helmet, boots, and tops bearing his number 711.
The last five motorbikes he rode were also at the funeral.
Robinson spoke about how he and Holland nearly got into a fight when they first met but later became close friends.
Bailey shared funny stories about their time together.
Woods spoke about how he and Holland became friends after Holland's accident, and the challenges and adventures they shared.
Williams, who rides with Crusty Demons tours spoke about how sorely people would miss Holland.
Hogan said the funeral was a fitting tribute.
``I was his coach when he first started riding and trained him through his career,'' Hogan said.
He said Holland showed much promise as a motorbike rider even as a child. However he said Holland could also be a handful.
He said he used to give Holland push-ups to do to keep him in line.
``We've lost him to the big motocross track in the sky, where he doesn't have to worry about his wheel chair,'' he said.
Holland is survived by his parents Brendan and Sue and brother Grady.
``It was just amazing to see how strong Sue and Brendan were,'' Hogan said.
``No one wants to put their kids in the grave. Just to see them and how close they are, it was heartbreaking.''
Holland died on June 5 after suffering a stroke.
About 750 friends, family and fans gathered at Kaniva Football Oval on Friday for Holland's funeral and later lay him to rest at Kaniva Lillimur Cemetery.
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