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The third round of the Suzuki Central Enduro Series was held at Ruakokoputuna,. This rural area, just south of Martinborough, is typical of the beautiful country we have and, while many people might have been disappointed with the cold wet morning, no-one could deny that it looks like ideal enduro country. True to form, local farmer Wayne Findlayson had organised a great track, one that would have done any organizer proud, but had been slightly undone by over two inches of rain in the preceding 24 hours.
Not unsurprisingly, people were a little slow to show themselves on such a miserable morning. However, when they did finally show they showed up in numbers, with 55 people signing on for the enduro and another 55 for the trail ride. The rain had eased by the time the first riders got away on the first of the two 65 km laps but, despite several dry periods, the day never really cleared. The first riders away probably had as easy a time as anyone, with several of the steep clay-based tracks quickly becoming treacherous and energy-sapping. Opinion differed as to whether it was worse trying to encourage the screaming slithering bikes to the top or whether it was harder trying to control them on the way down but most people agreed that it was hard work.
A whopping one minute twelve seconds separated the first 5 riders on the first terrain test. Palmerston North rider Steven Bird (Suzuki RM250) was the quickest, completing it in 14:36. Paul Whibley (Pahiatua, Honda CR250) was three seconds back and then it was 41 seconds back to Adam Youren (Green Meadows, DRZ400), and another 25 seconds back to Ross Bird (Eketahuna, Suzuki DRZ400). A young Martinborough motocross rider, Richmond Beetham (Honda XR250) managed a very creditable 5th place, just 3 seconds adrift of Ross.
The same five riders were also the fastest through the second terrain test although this time there was only 24 seconds spanning them. Steven Bird was again fastest in 14:04, Paul was 9 seconds adrift, and Ross Bird managed to pip Adam Youren by 3 seconds for the third fastest time.
Both terrain tests were in the first loop and while 52 riders finished the first terrain test and 45 finished the second, only 25 riders finished the event. A number of riders retired at the end of the first lap out of respect to mug-clogged motors and weary bodies, although many claimed that they could have managed another lap if they had to. It was just that they didn’t want to. Despite this, there were no complaints about the track. Most acknowledged that the rain had made a perfectly good course just a little more interesting and, had their rigorous physical fitness regime been adhered to, they could have happily dragged their bikes out for another lap.
Probably some of the trail riders wondered what they had hit but, hopefully, they won’t judge all enduros on the basis of a few greasy Wairarapa hills. Few if any managed a second lap although they all seemed happy with their days riding.
However, the icing on this event was the barbecue and prize giving held in the wool shed at the end of the day. At the beginning of the day Wayne had promised venison steaks and that’s exactly what there was. These were augmented with juicy mutton chops and sausages along with enough fresh bread, coleslaw, boiled potatoes, and fried onions for everyone. Washing it all down was a complimentary keg of beer and, given that the rain had returned by this time, there obviously seemed little reason to leave a warm wool shed.
Despite recording 30 DNF’s from a field of 55, the day can only be described as a success. While the weather could have been kinder it could hardly have been better organised. The Martinborough MCC deserve full credit for a great event.
RESULTS:
Expert:
Steven Bird (Palmerston North, RM250)
Paul Whibly (Pahiatua , CR250)
Adam Youren (Taradale, DRZ400)
Ross Bird (Eketahuna , DRZ400)
Richmond Beetham (Martinborough, XR250)
Intermediate 2 Stroke:
Kyle Daysh (Wellington, KX250)
Glen Hanson (Martinborough , CR125)
Russell Keenan (Lower Hutt, 380 SX)
Michael Budden (Woodville, CR250)
Intermediate 4 Stroke:
Andrew Clark (Feilding, YZ400F)
Peter Galpin (Palmerston North, WR400)
Veteran:
Tony Smith (Woodville, XR400)
Malcolm Poletti (XR400)
Murray Searle (Ashhurst, YZ426F)
Andrew Crane (RMX250)
