Many of New Zealand’s leading motorcycle riders will go on trial in Taranaki this weekend, a number of them likely to be found guilty of crimes against the laws of gravity.

The region will host rounds seven and eight of the North Island Moto Trials Championships, with the forecast rough weather likely to make an already difficult assignment a nearly impossible one.

But, when it comes to riding a motorcycle over steep and slippery terrain, there are perhaps none better than the competitors entered for the two days of action – round seven on Saturday near Egmont Village and round eight on Sunday near Inglewood.

The prime requisite for the sport of Moto Trials is balance and throttle control and even riders at the bottom of the rankings exhibit scintillating skills in this regard.

With this branch of motorcycling sport, the emphasis is not on speed. The prime aim is on conquering the extreme terrain without touching feet on the ground or falling off the bike. Points are lost for these “faults” and a rider with the lowest score wins.

Competitors will be stretched to try to match Kiwi internationals such current national champion Jake Whitaker, of Wellington, and multi-time former national champion Warren Laugesen, of Napier, although consistency sees Dunedin’s Blake Fox leading the Expert grade after six rounds, while Rotorua’s John Haynes will also be a threat.

Though an infrequent competitor in the series this season, New Plymouth’s Matt Foster still has a realistic chance of featuring near the top of the A grade this weekend, but Auckland’s Liam Draper holds the points advantage in this class, ahead of Tauranga’s Jacob Gundry and Lower Hutt’s Carl Robson.

Taranaki’s Craig Thompson has been competitive in the intermediate grade at recent events and he could be expected to use local knowledge to advance his cause this weekend, while two young Taranaki riders, Luke Thompson and Jason Day, will be using this weekend to make their respective championship debuts.

Saturday’s event is on Herbert’s property, Herbert Rd, Egmont Village, and Sunday’s event will be held at McEwen’s property, 795 Upper Durham Rd, Inglewood.

Access to both days’ riding will be signposted from the respective main roads. There is no charge for spectators. Riding starts at 10am on both days.

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