The signage pictured at the junction of Herbert Road and Korito near Egmont Village says ‘No Exit’ no matter which way you go and that sounds kind of ominous.
But, it won’t put people off for long and we think we know where you’re going to be tomorrow, at the ninth annual Korito Technical Matrix event in Taranaki.
New Plymouth enduro legend and event organiser Dougy Herbert makes no bones about it … this event ranks as one of the premium extreme off-road motorcycle contests in New Zealand and he expects a good-sized crowd to converge at the venue, which is the Herbert family’s farmland property on Herbert Road, just off Korito Road, about 15 kilometres south-west of New Plymouth, and signposted from the main highway.
The racing is expected to draw the cream of the crop from across a diverse range of motorcycling codes and the riders will all bring something special to the popular event with many opting to ride trials bikes – giving them an advantage over the tricky arena-style obstacles – or motocross and cross-country bikes, which will offer a speed advantage in the more open and flowing sections.
New Plymouth’s Daniel Herbert (Husqvarna TE300) powers his way to a podium result at the Korito Technical Matrix in 2024, the young man finishing third overall at the seventh annual event in Taranaki. Photo by Andy McGechan, BikesportNZ.com
Tough, moderate or just a little bit easier, the actual course options are entirely up to the individuals and, although riders will be classified as Gold, Silver or Bronze grade, it really only matters what lap time can be achieved by each individual competitor.
The tricky part is deciding on the risk-versus-reward factor, whether to take the easier-but-longer route or to take the much shorter but incredibly more difficult pathway and riders, regardless of their actual ability, and riders can decide the best route for themselves.
The four-lap race on Saturday will surely sort the boys from the men and the girls from the women, the chequered flag going out when the first Gold grade rider has completed four laps.
Each lap will be divided into two timed sections – the cross-country loop and The Matrix, a short arenacross-style extreme enduro prologue course that could also be described as being quite similar to a typical trials section.
“Every year the Korito Technical Matrix has gotten bigger and bigger,” said Herbert.
“But every rider will find themselves out of their comfort zone.
“This is what is popularly known as a ‘Type Two Fun Event’ – while racing it you really wonder why you are doing it, but when it’s all over you feel great elation for having survived it.”
© Words and photos by Andy McGechan, BikesportNZ
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