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APRIL 22, 2008: Constantly teetering on the brink of disaster, the sport of motorcycle trials riding could be compared to riding a mechanical tight-rope.
The masters of this unique sport will flock to Hamilton this weekend to compete in rounds three and four of the 10-round Beta-sponsored North Island Trials Championships.
After his outstanding performance at the opening two rounds in Taranaki last month, seven-time former national champion Warren Laugesen, from Levin, was untouchable and the same scenario is likely to be in store for riders at Hamilton this weekend.
Adding to the expected one-sided nature of the Expert grade competition is the news that several of Laugesen's main rivals will not be able to ride this weekend.
Star Hastings rider Luke March is injured and Kiwi international Jake Whitaker (Wellington) is competing overseas, while Nelson's Nick Oliver and Taranaki's Wayne Thompson are surprise non entrants.
"It's always a challenge, regardless of who is there to ride and who is absent," said Laugesen. "It's a bit like playing golf; you're against the course and always trying to better your previous score.
"This club is really switched on and I'm expecting an enjoyable but tough course. I understand there will be streams and rocks, steep banks and hill-climbs," said Laugesen.
Aside from the depleted Expert class, the action is expected to be fierce in the A-grade, intermediate and presidents grades with full fields on the cards for the weekend's double-header, on rocky farmland at Te Pahu, between Hamilton and Raglan.
"It will be a strong line-up in the A-grade with Ashhurst's Kevin Pinfold back in the class, along with Wellington's Carl Robson, Taranaki's Paul Barnes, Tauranga's Phil Shilton and Manawatu's Warrick George," said organiser Peter Osborne, who will also ride.
In the intermediate ranks, Hamilton's Colin Downes and Opunake's Andrew Clement should feature, alongside Tauranga's Warrick Merriman, Auckland's Peter Boettcher and up-and-coming youngster Jim Lowe-Pattie, also from the Bay of Plenty.
The 15-year-old Lowe-Pattie has graduated from the junior ranks and showing good form following coaching stints with both Laugesen and Merriman.
"He's like a sponge and certainly takes it all in," said Osborne.
The series continues with rounds five and six in Hawke's Bay on June 21-22; rounds seven and eight in Wellington on August 9-10; and round nine and 10 in Tauranga on September 13-14.
