While New Zealand swelters in record high temperatures, Kiwi bike ace Paul Whibley is having to adapt to racing in the mist, rain and cooler conditions on the east coast of the United States.

The Pahiatua man, whose former career as a forestry worker gives him the colourful nickname of “The Axeman” on the off-road motorcycling scene, is taking every opportunity to race as his focus continues to finish the season once again as the No.1 rider in the US.

The 34-year-old won two major cross-country titles in the US last season, clinching the Grand National Cross-country Championships (GNCC) and the Off-Road Motorcycle and ATV (OMA) crown as well, but even lesser events such as the Mid-East Hare Scramble Series still attract huge interest and draw plenty of top international talent to the starting line.

But Whibley was just too slick for his rivals at round two of the Mid-East Hare Scramble Championships this week, winning easily ahead of top American riders Jesse Robinson and Casey Leatherman.

“The rain fell constantly during our two-hour drive from my base (in South Carolina) to the second round of the Mid East series,” said Whibley.

“It didn’t really let up and the best we got before we lined up was a mist that got you just as wet as actual rain. Add to that the low temperatures and we were in for a fun day racing bikes.

“I drew last pick of the start gate but still managed to take the holeshot. Thankful to be out front and avoiding the roost, I was happy to dish some out and shower my rivals with dirt.

“The track was pretty slick and a lot of water lay in any low spot. By the time we came around on the second lap some lines had been established and some of the water had splashed out. A few of the bigger hills had small bottlenecks forming but I was able to zig-zag my way through the steaming and spinning bikes.

“The rain played havoc with goggles too, but I managed to make mine last until the fuel stop and the end of the third lap. Jesse Robinson held second somewhere behind me.

“Bikes and riders were getting pretty coated in mud and it was becoming increasingly difficult to tell who was who. The track seemed to hold up well considering the conditions, with not too many bike-swallowing ruts forming and most of the hills remained climbable.

“I had built a safe margin over Jesse, so rode the last lap safely to take the win. I was happy to get into some dry clothes and I had just about thawed out by the conclusion of the trip home.”

Whibley prepares for the next round of the GNCC series, set for next weekend, April 6-7, at Steele Creek, Morganton, North Carolina.

Whibley is supported by Monster Energy, Sargent Yamaha in Masterton, MotoSR suspension, BikesportNZ.com, Graphic MX Creation and Yamaha Motor New Zealand.

© Words and photo by Andy McGechan, www.BikesportNZ.com