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The top five experts from the opening round of the Yamaha NZ National Enduro Championship at Waimiha on Jan 20th were Chris Birch, Adam Reeves, Cam Smith, Steven Bird, & Sean Clarke but it would do no good to ask their opinion of the first round of the three round Yamaha North Island Championship because, for one reason or another, they didn't ride it. If we add in the absence of Adrian Smith and Chris Power we can literally say that the field was left wide open and that a new look top ten was guaranteed.
Australian Geoff Braico (KTM 450) was only too happy to fill the void, just pipping Mitchell Nield (Husqvarna WR250) by 5 seconds, with Rory Mead (Wellington, KTM 250) in third, a mere 2 seconds behind Mitchell.
But the real winner over the weekend was the awesome riding courtesy of farmers Tim Gilbert, Keith Burgess, Murray & Philip Brandon, & John Scott. Their combined properties make over 7000 acres of stunning views and flowing tracks, including native bush sections and open farmland, rising from approximately 100 meters to over 500 meters above sea level.
In the hot and dry conditions the bikes leave hardly a mark - they might even smooth the tracks a bit. And the tracks, with magnificent views over Kawhia harbour, are perfect for the average rider. This is the sort of riding that NZ is very lucky to have access to.
Despite the heat dust wasn't really a problem and everyone was keen to describe their favorite sections of track, like the awesome switched-back climb up to a freshly bull-dozed track, soft and fast. Or the wicked right handed berm where Mark Newton (Yamaha WRF250) did a half pirouette soil test.
And if the flowing tracks weren't enough the locals make you feel extra welcome. The community really gets behind the this fund-raising effort for the two teacher Hauturu school and gives this event something special, which is excellent for the sport.
It is also worth mentioning the Top Enz team of 21 riders, with the Bennett clan of Whangarei responsible for 11 of these. All up this was approx 15% of the 130 riders.
Top Enz rider Allister Whatmough (KTM 250) was the fastest Intermediate Vet 40-49. This is his fourth year back after an 18 year layoff – in fact his first event back was the Oparau Enduro three years ago. He changed jobs at the end of 2007 and now doesn't spend all day sitting on a tractor seat. He has since lost weight and gained enthusiasm and the confidence to just ride his own race. The best thing is that he is obviously enjoying it and looking forward to making a return to Expert next year. He was always fast in patches but is now more consistent, and smoother on the trail.
Your last chance to ride Oparau this year is next weekend (Feb 9th & 10th). You'll need your MNZ licence for the final two rounds of the North Island Championships because, unfortunately, there will be no day licences available. Get your skates on and make a plan because it's the same excellent riding but with some new tracks thrown in. You won't want to miss it.
Random thoughts...
