Bel Ray Cross Country 20th year

Posted: Thu 24 Oct 2013

In 1993 the first 'Bel Ray' was held on a farm on the Awhitu Peninsular owned by Grant and Miles Dickey The event evolved from a 'Club of Origin' Tri series between the Rodney , Pukekohe and Huntly clubs run several years earlier.

Bel Ray oils through importer Northern Accessories came on board that year to help lift the series to the next level. Mike Ramsey (who was the MNZ Off Road Commissioner) and his team from Pukekohe M.C.C ran the first few events

The Taumaranui and Paeroa clubs also hosted rounds before the Huntly Club took the reins in 1997 using natural terrain tracks based around the North Waikato

This year will see the Cambridge Club co-hosting the third round expanding the series and bringing some new terrain

The main focus of the series has always been to provide free flowing natural terrain and well marked tracks that can be enjoyed by all levels of riders. A wide range of classes allow for competitors to make their way through the grades with a good chance of collecting a prize or two.

The Experts class has always attracted NZs top talent with many of our overseas based riders competing during their summer break back home.

The Juniors and Ladies classes were added later and these now account for a third of the riders. A separate Mini track is run at each event so the whole family can enjoy the day.

John Rushworth and Trish Smith among others providing reliable lap scoring and early results so a prize giving and social activities could follow the event.

To commentate 20 years the organizing committee have introduced some new initiatives:

  • - There will be free MNZ day licences for the first round to encourage those wanting to step up from trail riding or returning to the sport.
  • - This years series has expanded to four rounds with the best three results counting. Round three will be run together with the Cambridge club who have only been running MX events. This is a result of a suggestion by Motorcycling New Zealand for clubs to run high quality events together to attract more competitors
  • - A pre 1994 class with a entry fee of the day ($15) We're looking forward to the smell of Castor oil two stroke and the MX fashion of the 90's.

The first round is at Starks property just north of Huntly on Sunday 1st December