NZ TEAM ON TRACK | Bikesportnz

After the late call-up to join the Kiwi team, the New Zealand International Six Days Enduro crew swung into action to get Paeroa’s Chris Power to Mexico.

“Peter Payne from Yamaha NZ moved heaven and earth to get things started, MNZ’s Vicky Simm went out of her way to get the International Competition Licence done quickly and came in after-hours to do this … amazing,” said Chris’ dad, Greg Power.

“A trip to the AA for an international drivers licence worked well and, of course, insurance too. Motorcycle rider Natash Cairnes, from Harvey World Travel in Warkworth, arranged tickets at very short notice and sorted the USA Visa problem.

“Paul Lance from DRD magazine gave Chris time off to go even though, as Editor of DRD, Chris has a deadline for the next magazine before he gets back.

“Chris came home to Paeroa to pack still not knowing whether tickets, clearances and visas had been accepted. Frantic emails between (sponsor) Wellard team manager Peter Strickland, Karl on site, Trevor Power and myself were filling up the broadband space. Finally just before we left for the airport, everything came together.

“Perhaps this is not as daunting as it may sound. Chris is current 450cc 4T NZ Enduro champion and 2010 NZ GNCC Champion, plus he also won the Australian 24-Hour Enduro back in July. So his credentials are more than required. Plus as a bike magazine editor, Chris has ridden the Yamaha models being used in Mexico. In fact, Chris attended the Australasian launch of the YZ250 and rode the WR450R Yamaha in the Australian 24-Hour Enduro.

“No doubt, his cousin Karl will have had a hand in advising the Yamaha mechanics how Chris likes his bikes set up. Karl and Chris regularly ride as a team in long-distance events riding the same bike so no surprises there. In fact winning both the last Hawke’s Bay Six Hour and Castrol Honda 6-hour together will mean Karl knows exactly what to do.

“The Team is currently walking the Special Tests (minus Chris of course) and will be relaxing as best they can before getting geared up for the start.”

This year’s ISDE event in Mexico kicks off today and runs through until Saturday.

The ISDE course is laid out near the city of Morelia, located in the north-central part of the state of Michoacán. The city is located in the Guayangareo Valley and is the capital of the state.

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