WHILE the Nitro Circus thrillseekers enthralled crowds at Browne Park, Barcaldine got their own show when Eddie McDonald took off on his rocket-powered skateboard.
Skating past the Tree of Knowledge along Barcaldine's Oak St on Saturday night, Eddie fired up his rockets to reach about 60kmh in front of a cheering crowd outside one of the town's pubs.
"Everyone was pretty blown away by it. It definitely got a lot of attention" he said.
Unfortunately, the commotion drew the attention of nearby police officers who fined him $154 for riding a modified recreational vehicle.
"It was an expensive ride, but it was worth it in a way. It was good fun at the time."
Eddie said he had bought rockets that were legal to use as model rockets and attached them to his skateboard.
"I love skating, and I can get to around 30kmh on it just by pushing, so I wanted to see how fast I could get it with a bit of rocket power," he said.
"After that I just figured, why not just go down to the main drag and give them a bit of a show."
The 24-year-old boilermaker and daredevil said he spent a lot of time building new contraptions including motorised watercraft and planes.
Eddie said while getting the fine put a sour note on the ride, he was hoping to do it again.
"I'd love to do it again … but with bigger rockets this time. I want to see how fast I can get it to," he said.
"Except I might do it somewhere the police aren't patrolling next time."
A police spokesman yesterday confirmed that a fine had been issued for this offence and said the legislation was in place to help ensure the safety of individuals.
"When people make modifications to vehicles like this, there is no way of knowing how it will function," he said.
"We have to control these matters as it not only poses a risk to the individual, but anybody nearby."
Via: TheBulletin
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