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THERE ARE NO EXCUSES NOW
APRIL 19, 2007: Got a dirt bike sitting unused in the garage or shed? A helmet under the bed? Boots stinking up the laundry?
There’s now more reason than ever to come out of hibernation, kick the bike into life, dust off the helmet and polish the boots.
The popular Yamaha-sponsored Top Trail Rider (TTR) Enduro Series is about to hit some of the most stunning scenery in the central North Island, on a farmland course just outside Pahiatua this weekend.
The 2007 TTR enduro series, ideal for entry-level dirt bikers, covers the length and breadth of the North Island, features some of the most picturesque and rugged terrain New Zealand has to offer, and promises to cater for all ages and abilities.
It has already achieved outstanding success with large numbers of novice and first-time riders turning up to ride at the opening rounds. This Sunday’s event will be at Kohinui, near the famous DB Brewery at Mangatainoka.
Featuring two parallel but separate series -- the six-round Yamaha TTR Central Enduro Series and five-round Yamaha TTR Northern Enduro Series -- the two competitions kicked off in February and March respectively and the series co-ordinators, Palmerston North’s Steven Bird and Auckland’s Shaun Stanbridge, said the main focus was to encourage novice and first-timer riders to participate.
“This Sunday’s course will be mostly farm tracks, with a few rocky creek crossings,” said Bird. “It will have a little bit of everything, challenging for the experts but nothing too tough either … we want everyone to be able to finish.”
The two Yamaha-sponsored TTR enduro series will also appeal to the expert and intermediate grade riders but categories have also been included for novice, youth and veteran riders.
These TTR events are unique in that beginners will be able to line up next to some of the nation’s top enduro riders and perhaps learn from them.
Former national champion Bird said he would also ride this event and he expected Ngaruawahia’s Heath Howlett (Yamaha) and national enduro championship leader Chris Birch (KTM) would also enter.
Bird’s elder brother Ross (37) wrapped up the veterans’ section of the North Island Cross-Country Championships near Ashhurst last weekend and he is also likely to be a frontrunner.
The two series are sponsored by Yamaha, Kiwi Rider magazine, Acerbis, Mitas and supported by Motorcycling New Zealand.
