SunLive – Aventure enduro will be a strict test

It always takes a special kind of athlete to win the Husqvarna Hard Adventure Enduro, so it’s a good thing that so many special riders have entered again this year for the eighth annual edition.

The Husqvarna Hard Adventure Enduro (HHAE) draws the country’s elite dirt bike riders to the central North Island over Labor Weekend every year and organizers are confident this year’s adventure will be the best yet.

It is expected to be tough, with many obstacles lined up to trap, mislead and tire even the most experienced dirt bike racers.

It will be staged in forested areas around the Central Plateau and will take place over two and a half days over Labor Weekend – starting on Friday evening, October 25 and ending on Sunday afternoon, October 27 – and, when the bike engines are turned off, Or the riders shout ‘enough’ , late Sunday afternoon, the eventual winner has earned every accolade that can be deserved.

The event is designed to be difficult, but also achievable for the level a rider has achieved, using a format similar to Red Bull Romania’s infamous International Hard Enduro held in Romania every year.

Last year’s winner was Jake Whitaker of Wainuiomata, with Taupō’s Wil Yeoman finishing second and Rotorua’s Bradley Lauder taking third place overall.

There’s no doubt that record eight-time national trials champion Whitaker will fancy his chances of winning again this year, but the likes of Yeoman, Lauder, Taupō’s Brad Groombridge, Papakura’s Ryan Hayward and New Plymouth father and son duo Tony Parker and Sam Parker may have something to say about that, for example.

It is also highly likely that some of the Kiwi internationals competing in the International Six Day Enduro in Spain this week will be home in time to compete in the HHAE next weekend.

It’s expected to be another ‘last man standing’ affair this year, with plenty of obstacles lined up to trap, deceive and wear down even the most experienced dirt bike racers.

“The Husqvarna Hard Adventure Enduro is a massive event,” says organizer Sean Clarke, himself a Kiwi international with excellent racing credentials.

Each day’s circuit during Labor Weekend will be different, measuring up to 85 miles in length and also featuring sections of gold, silver, bronze and iron content.

“This event will not be a typical New Zealand hard enduro; it will be a true Adventure Enduro, and each level will be set to give riders a real sense of adventure, and test the rider to reach the level they have started,” said Clarke.

Clarke explained that riders would follow a Global Positioning Satellite (GPS) heading that is reset daily and uploaded to their handlebar-mounted GPS device.

It starts on Friday with the 150 registered riders – the largest number ever to register for the event – ​​signing up and then undergoing a bike and equipment check from 2pm.

Starting at the Digger McEwen Motorcycle Park facility on the outskirts of Taupō around 4pm will be the event’s “prologue”, with riders completing a man-made course to determine qualifying and starting positions for the following day.

Traditionally the prologue is held at the industrial estate in Tokoroa, but this year, in tribute to the Taupō Motorcycle Club celebrating its 50th anniversary as an entity and also to the 40th anniversary of the club’s popular MX Fest event over Labor Weekend, the Taupō location was offered and gratefully accepted by the HHAE organizers.

However, the races on Saturday and Sunday will take the enduro riders to a nearby forest area. Day one of the main event starts in Lichfield and the finish of day two is back in Oraunui, near Taupō.

“The riders can expect two days of hard riding on Saturday and Sunday that will push them to their limits,” said Clarke.

The Gold and Silver class riders will have a tough time with two big off-road days planned.

“We have some new and exciting circuits for both classes that will be challenging, but also some pretty cool places to ride,” said Clarke.

For the Bronze and Iron class riders, the emphasis is more on adventure than hard enduro.

Clarke said the Bronze class includes two days of enduro-style trails with the occasional log crossing and steep descents thrown in for good measure, but “nothing too crazy.”

“The Iron grade is designed for trail riders, individuals who want something more than just a normal trail ride.

“This event is the closest to the type of event that the riders can compare to the Romaniacs, but it only lasts two and a half days.

“One thing to remember about the Husqvarna Hard Adventure Enduro is that you just can’t get up in the day and plan to ride. To compete in this event, it takes some planning and training.”

The event is sponsored by Husqvarna NZ, Forestland Motorcycle Club, Forest Trail Events, Kiwi Rider magazine, Ogio, O’Neal clothing, Arai helmets, Blur, Muc-Off, Forma, Maxima oils, Maxi Grip, Forbes & Davies , SATCO registration inserts and Metzeler tapes.

-By Andy McGechan, www.BikesportNZ.com