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Eighty motorcyclists traveling over 700 kilometres in one of the most rugged regions of NZ add up to what will be an epic experience for all those involved in the Suzuki East Cape Motorcycle Adventure Ride taking place this weekend.
According to one of the Event Organisers, Nick Reader, the East Cape provides the best possible venue in the North Island for motorcyclists to escape to and explore. Isolated farm stations, wind swept coastlines and rugged back country forestry make for some challenging riding and spectacular views. Entries have flowed in from all over the North Island as well as one entry from Perth, Australia.
The ride is strictly non competitive and is fun and adventure based. Most riders opt for dual purpose four stroke motorcycles, such as Suzuki DR 250’s, 350’s, 400’s and 650’s that go well both on and off road and have good fuel economy.
Over fifteen support crew help run the event including 6 staff on motorcycles and three 4WD lead and back up vehicles.
The ride gets under way from the \'Why Not\' Café at 8:00am Saturday morning heading towards Taneatua. Just 8km from Whakatane the riders dive into the Asset Forestry Block, then over a farm station, on to Burma Road before exiting onto the Ohiwa Road. This off road section sets the tone of the trip before the riders head towards Opotiki, on to the Motu Road to have lunch in TeKaraka (close to Gisborne). After lunch the riders make their way inland, stopping at Ruatoria for fuel, then on to Te Araroa for the overnight.
Day two starts bright and early with an 8:00 am departure. The riders will use steep farm and forestry land to travel to Waihau Bay for lunch. There follows a quick ride down the State Highway before disappearing into the Torere Forest. The Torere section exits on the Motu road which the riders take back to Opotiki, then on to the finish back at Whakatane.
You may be getting tired just reading the directions. The riders arriving at approximately 5:00 pm will be worn out and will have well and truly earned their finishers badge.
Co event Organiser and sponsor Phil Goldsmith of Underwood and Wilkins Motorcycles is very pleased to see the ride double in numbers from the first event held in the year 2000. Phil is also thankful for the community support from land owners, such as Harold Sisam of Asset Forestry Ltd, have been very helpful, as have organisations like the Apanui School and the Why Not Café.
