GROWING IN POPULARITY
The Northern Experience Track ‘n’ Trail Cross-country Series continues to grow in popularity.
Round two of the series was held Marua near Whangarei, at the weekend, and saw an increase in competitor numbers from what had been at round one.
The junior race saw the competition step up a level with the entry of Jason Dickey and Brandon Given, from Raglan. Jason had a bit of an issue at the start which saw Brandon take the lead and hold onto it for the whole 1 ½ hour race. Jason impressively battled his way through the pack to end up 2nd overall by the final lap, with Mark Davies, from Whangarei finishing in 3rd. Amy Newman, from KeriKeri was the first woman home, finishing in an impressive 4th overall. 2nd lady was Cassidy Nield, in 8th overall.
The first lap of the senior race saw an epic battle between brothers Mitchell and Damon Nield, both riders wanting the lead and neither wanting to settle for 2nd. Mitchell gained the lead, on the Kiwi Rider-sponsored Husaberg FE450, and held it for the entire 2 hour race, with Damon finishing 2nd on Husqvarna TSC250. Kelvin Platt from Kaiwaka Suzuki was 3rd overall with Gary Sands from Waipu right on his heels.
The track was well marked and brilliant riding for all, with a mix of open farmland and graded tracks through the native bush. A donation to the local Hikurangi Hall was made from the event to help them get a new hall roof.
Sunday’s trail ride saw over 220 keen motorcyclists turn up to ride the tracks, finishing off a highly successful weekend, with no injuries over the two days.
The final (round 3) is to be held on Saturday, December 19, at “The Farm” at Whangaruru, signposted from the BP at Whakapara on SH 1, slightly north of Whangarei.
This will be an awesome track, with a prizeqiving, bbq, and product prizes.
Once again, a monster trail ride will follow on the Sunday, with extra trails for kids and experts. Camping is available for the whole weekend.
Info on www.onlinemotorcycles.co.nz or phone Kiri 021 263 1171
Results available on www.Silver-Bullet.co.nz
Organiser Kiri Nield offered thanks to sponsors of the event, Kiwi Rider magazine and Dirtguide for helping make this series great for all.
Photo by Andy McGechan, www.BikesportNZ.com
