THEY MUST BE NUTS | Bikesportnz

Now in its fifth year, having grown in popularity year after year, the 2014 edition of the Nutbuster Hard Enduro at the weekend was certainly one for the record books.

The event attracted an outstanding 145 dirt bike enthusiasts, who descended upon Woodstock Heights, near Oxford, Canterbury to test their skills against some spectacular, extreme terrain.

Many of the country’s most experienced extreme riders made the trip across the Cook Strait, flanked by a myriad of other excited North Island enduro enthusiasts.

Among the North Island contingent was last year’s runner-up and multi-time national moto trials champion Jake Whitaker (Husqvarna FE250), of Wellington, Tokoroa enduro legend Sean Clarke (Husqvarna FE250), Taupo’s Greg De Lautour (Beta RR300) and Napier moto trials legend Warren Laugesen (Beta RR300), to name just a few.

Add to that, the talent of local South Island riders like the Beta mounted Macdonald brothers, Hamish and Angus, as well as Christchurch’s Jacques Bakkenes (Beta RR250) and Nelson’s Shane McGowan (Suzuki RM125), things were looking interesting.

With weather forecasters threatening the worst the decision was made to keep the race to a short and sweet, make-or-break, single lap.

This meant any mistake would be costly as time was of the essence.

As riders set off in their randomly drawn start order, it was quick work from Wellington’s Whitaker who set about stamping his authority on the event early.

In hot pursuit of the Husqvarna mounted Whitaker was Taupo’s De Lautour, Tokoroa’s Clarke and Maruia’s Ethan Bruce (Yamaha YZ250).

As the race wore on the battle heated up between the top four as they blitzed the extreme terrain with ease.

In the end though it was Whitaker who held his composure and led De Lautour, Clarke and Bruce to the chequered flag with only a few minutes separating the top four finishers.

Nearly all of the 145 competitors carded a finishing result, with most people leaving the event with a smile on their face, having conquered the course and achieving their goal.

A big thanks to all of our sponsors for supporting such a great event that is fast becoming a South Island icon and seemingly a real bucket list event for riders all over the country and once again we look to continue to make things bigger and better for next year’s 6th running of the Nutbuster Hard Enduro.

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Watch here for some great filming from MCD Edits and, in particular, some hilarious footage on-board with Sean Clarke.

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