A 40-year-old trail biker was badly injured when he crashed at high speed near Whakatane today.
The Thornton man had been riding in sand dunes with friends when he crashed into a stump, Trustpower TECT Rescue Helicopter base manager Liam Brettkelly said.
He landed heavily and received head and shoulder injuries.
Mr Brettkelly said the man's condition was initially serious but he improved after treatment from St John ambulance staff.
He was airlifted to Whakatane for treatment.
