SPRING AWAKENING FEST - BARRY'S PT RD

Graeme Crosby book signing.

This weekend sees the inaugural 'Spring Awakening Festival' at Barry's Point road. A celebration of the change of season and the imminent onslaught of all things motorcycling. The Cycletreads team will be joined by former world champion Graeme Crosby, signing his book and sampling the BBQ and entertainment provided.

There is live racing right outside! Admittedly 'slow races' where fine balance sees the victor able to cover the course in the slowest possible time. Lamb on a spit, and an international collection of foods and drink including African Biltong and Droewors and perhaps even some Bulgarian Ambers and African refreshments on display.

Videos and stories of daring do will almost certainly waft from the groups within. Hyosung New Zealand will have a couple of their impossibly inexpensive road race machines on display. Road, Adventure, curious commuter riders and racers, one and all are invited to join in the fun. The trouble begins after 10:30 this Saturday.

For more info - click here

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ROSS WINS RACE AT AUSSIE NATS

Words: John Ross / Todd S

Kiwi John Ross took a race win and finished second overall at the fourth round of the Australian Pro Stock Championship in Queensland last weekend.

John has been competing in the Australian Pro Stock Championship on his BMW S1000RR. The class is for near standard 1000cc road machines.

John takes up the story for the latest round

The weather was great in Queensland the whole weekend. A crew of nine of us went over so I had plenty of help. We were pleased to find the bike when we turned up at the racetrack. The freighting company which had transported the bike had gone in liquidation while transporting it! Robbie Bugden may have forgot to pick up the bike but that didn't matter as he lent me a ute for the weekend.The bike had been sitting in the crate since last round. We went to uncrate the bike at the track and found all my tools had been stolen. A quick trip to Supercheap soon fixed this.

Restorace supplied a new set of KTech suspension for the weekend. We only had three practice sessions before qualifying. I slowly worked up the grid each session and qualified second row in fifth. Race One: with my BMW handling the best it ever has I put my head down and went hard from the start. From sixth place into the first corner I worked my way through to the front leading for the last few laps of the race. Cru Halliday tailed me the entire time putting a pass on three corners from the checkered flag....I was able to cut back and pass him straight back coming out of turn five. Cru lost a place and dropped back to third with Pat Metcalf finishing second.

Race 2 I finished fourth, it was a bit of a boring race. Race 3 I worked myself from fourth place to second place only to drop two places back to fourth battling with Cru for third till the very last corner. He managed to hold me out and I finished fourth. I finished second in the round to Pat Metcalf. Cru Halliday was third. I know am in fourth in the series overall. 13 points away from second and only a couple of points off third.

My next race in Australia will be riding in the MotoGP support class in October at Phillip Island followed by the forth and final round of the Australian Prostock Championship at Phillip Island in November.

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SHERWOOD HAS ACCIDENT

Kiwi FMX hero Levi Sherwood has hurt himself while competing in Las Vegas.
Sherwood is reported to have fractured his wrist, a few vertebra and sustained internal injuries after he hit a false neutral on an up ramp.
Sherwood will miss the upcoming X Games where he has finished second to Travis Pastrana in the past.

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METTAM HOLDS THIRD IN WSBK SUPPORT

Words: Todd Sutherland

Daniel Mettam continues to do well in the World Superbike support series for 14 to 17 year olds.
Mettam was second at the first round and now sits third after the latest rond in Monza.
Follow Mettam here

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DIRT GUIDE SERIES HALFWAY

Callan May

Words and photo by Andy McGechan, www.BikesportNZ.com

One of New Zealand’s most popular off-road motorcycle series warms up to full excitement mode this weekend.

The second round of three in the Dirt Guide Cross-country and Trail Ride series is set for both days this weekend, with the cross-country race on Saturday and a more social trail ride to follow at the same venue the next day.

The venue for this weekend’s round is at The Pylons, just off State Highway 1, about 30 kilometres south of Tokoroa. The venue will be well signposted.

With racing on Saturday marking the halfway stage of the competition, there is plenty at stake and a good ride here should set up the series for a thrilling conclusion in June.

Sponsored by Kiwi Rider magazine, the series kicked off last month with Auckland riders Karl Power and Callan May emerging as the most likely title contenders.

Napier’s John O'Dea and the overall winner of the series in 2009, Tauranga’s Reece Burgess, are also expected to be to the fore this weekend.

Hokianga’s Mitchell Nield should also be a contender. He was leading the race at round one until a crash saw him drop back to finish sixth.

Putaruru’s Phil Skinner won the Intermediate grade overall at round one, with Tokoroa’s Mark Newton not far behind in second and 17-year-old Brendon Imlig, of Reporoa, rounding out the top three. These riders are favoured to again lead this class.

The top rider in the junior ranks, Huntly’s Ryan Hoskins, is expected to return this weekend with Taupo’s Greg De Lautour and Tokoroa’s O’Neill Sinclair expected to give him a run for his Money.
The 90-minute junior race kicks off at 9.30am and the senior race begins at 12.30pm. Sunday’s trail ride starts at 9.30am.

CALENDAR (trail ride on day two in each case):

  Round one, Tar Hill, Tokoroa, April 30, May 1.
  Round two, The Pylons, Atiamuri, May 28-29.
  Round three, Whakamaru, June 25-26.
For any other information, call Sean Clarke on 0275 996 045

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MOTO NZ ON THE COROMANDEL

Here's a note just in from Moto NZ.
--------------------------
Hey guys,

By now you will have recieved our press release announcing MOTO NZ, and hopefully you have had a chance to check out our website www.motonz.org.nz.

And now we are moving really quickly onto our first initiative and we would like to give you a bit of a heads up, and invite you to come along to be part of it all.   MOTO NZ is working with the New Zealand Transport Agency (NZTA) on an initiative to improve safety for motorcyclists on New Zealand roadways.

MOTO NZ’s involvement starts with a large-scale ‘rider assessment’ of the roads in question, scheduled for 9th-15th May. It will take various forms, including a series of ‘passes’ by an expert rider hooked up to video and audio. This will be supplemented by a ‘ride the Coromandel loop’ event on 15th of May, expected to involve over 100 riders.

We are asking riders to ride the loop at their leisure, and give us their feedback either on the day 15 May 2011, at the Thames Racecourse, or via our websitewww.motonz.org.nz.  The Council members will be at the Thames Racecourse from 11.00 am to 3.30 pm.

We are expecting to see at least 100 riders ride the loop, and it would be great to see you there.

Cheers,
Paul Searancke
Deputy Chairperson
Motorcycle Safety Advisory Council

Click here to download a .pdf of the flyer

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MOTO NZ BRAND UNVEILED

Motorcycle Safety Body Unveils Website Plans & ‘Moto NZ’ Brand

The Motorcycle Safety Advisory Council, under the Chairmanship of Dr Gareth Morgan, is moving quickly to establish communication channels with New Zealand riders.

A website is under development and a brand is being established that better reflects the status of the organisation.

“We didn’t want to proceed with a name like The Motorcycle Safety Advisory Council,” says Morgan. “It doesn’t reflect what we are really all about, which is motorcyclists being in control of the options we take. It sounds like a government department, which we are not. We are an organisation that represents motorcyclists, which the government has given opportunity and support to.”

The new brand is an acronym: “Motorcyclists Own The Options” or, MOTO_ NZ. “It’s simple, short and the sort of name riders are familiar with,” says Morgan. “It also tells it like it is. We want riders to understand that MOTO NZ is all about us - bikers, scooter and moped riders - owning the decisions. We have a fund of money that we have all put into, and we have government help to organise it. Now it’s up to us to own the options and make them happen.” The brand name is accompanied by a positioning statement along similar lines: “Our money, our priorities”

The new MOTO NZ brand will make its appearance on the website, currently under construction. The site has two broad purposes, according to Morgan. “First, it’s where riders can go to know what actions are being taken and their status. Second, it’s where motorcyclists - or anyone else with sound, well-considered plans - can contribute.”

In the initial stages, visitors to the site can register to be kept informed on developments. Once the first set of plans are under way, it will then act as a conduit for ideas and tenders going to the council.

“The intention is two-way traffic,” affirms Morgan. “We’re not short of ideas right now. In fact, we’re brimming with them - the sort of ideas many of us get frustrated about because they seem common-sense but they’re not happening. Our main areas of focus are roading improvements, like black spots, and ways to up rider skills and knowledge. Improved awareness of the riders perspective by the general driving public is also a relevant area for us.”

MOTO’s website now live at www.motonz.org.nz

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DIRT GUIDE SERIES THIS WEEKEND

Karl Power will be racing this weekend

Words and Photo by Andy McGechan, BikesportNZ.com

Motorcycle riders are being spoiled for choice these days it’s not getting any easier.

This weekend will feature two separate outings in the South Waikato region to cater for all tastes and abilities and the choice is actually quite easy, go and ride both days.

In almost any corner of the country you'll see floods of vans, utes and cars with trailers, carting dirt bikes away for another weekend of off-road fun, typically an enjoyable challenge.

And the words "enjoyable" and "challenge" can certainly be used in the same breath when discussing the three-round Dirt Guide Cross-country Series and parallel Dirt Guide Trail Ride Series, now in their fourth season.

Sponsored by Kiwi Rider magazine, the series kicks off this Saturday at a venue called "Tar Hill", about 15 kilometres south of Tokoroa. The following day, a trail ride will be run at the same venue.

“This series is set in the pine forests south of Tokoroa and it has now built a reputation as being a really fun competition,” said organiser Sean Clarke, of Tokoroa.

“There is a class or category that caters for everyone. The tracks for all the events this year have been prepared with a bulldozer, so they should hold up really well, even with this bit of rain we have had lately,” he said.

Previous overall winner Damon Nield, of Hokianga, has entered and national enduro championship contender Karl Power, from Auckland, is also expected to make the journey.

The 90-minute junior race starts at 9.30am, with the two-hour senior race to follow, starting at 12.30pm.

Racing will be on similar terrain to that used for part of the big International Six Days Enduro in November 2006.

Sunday’s trail ride features a 30-kilometre loop and 10-kilometre short loop option for riders too. There is also a one-kilometre course for children. The ride starts at 9.30am.

CALENDAR (trail ride on day two in each case):
Round one, Tar Hill, Tokoroa, April 30, May 1.
Round two, Pylons, Atiamuri, May 28-29.
Round three, Whakamaru, June 25-26.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT
Sean Clarke
Phone 07-886-5918
Email: foresttrailevent@xtra.co.nz

More about → DIRT GUIDE SERIES THIS WEEKEND

RACING ACROSS THE COUNTRY

Mark Penny

Words and Pic by Andy McGechan,
www.BikesportNZ.com

Ready to endure, withstand and brave the elements as you race for many kilometres across the country ... and all at eye-watering speeds?

The 2011 Suzuki New Zealand Cross Country Championship season is all set to kick off with the first of four rounds near Blenheim on Saturday.

Pahiatua’s Adam Reeves (Yamaha) will feel the pressure as he attempts to defend his national crown, with last season’s third-ranked rider Adrian Smith (Yamaha), of Mokau, and fourth-ranked Michael Vining (KTM), of Huntly, also expected to be on fire again this year.

Eyes will also be on other top contenders such as Aucklander Sam Greenslade (Husqvarna), Te Awamutu’s Mark Penny (Suzuki), Napier’s John O’Dea (Suzuki), Marton’s Cam Smith (Suzuki), Gore’s Richard White (Husaberg), Milton’s Liam Taal (Kawasaki) and Dunedin’s Shaun Blackie (Yamaha).

Round two is near Waipukurau a week later (on April 16), followed by round three near Cheviot (April 30) and the fourth and final round is set for rough terrain at Urenui, near New Plymouth, on May 14.

In the junior ranks, expect to see a fierce battle between riders such as Raglan’s Jason Dickey (Kawasaki), Dannevirke’s Stacy Smyth (Kawasaki), Cambridge’s Christopher Foster (Yamaha), Timaru’s Brodie Wilton (Honda), Richmond’s Dylan Waghorn (Honda) and Ashburton’s Tim Williams (Honda).

Only three of the four rounds count, allowing riders to discard their worst result, and this will ensure the series goes right down to the wire.

In addition to Suzuki New Zealand, the series is also sponsored by DRD magazine and Hydraulink Fluid Connectors.

More about → RACING ACROSS THE COUNTRY

BEST AND WORST FOR STROUD

Stroud on his way to seven wins from nine starts

Words and photo by Andy McGechan, BikesportNZ.com

It was the worst of days and the best of days for Hamilton’s Andrew Stroud in the Manawatu on Sunday.

The 43-year-old father-of-eight had already wrapped up the 2011 Castrol Power 1 New Zealand Superbike Championship, his ninth national superbike crown, at the previous round a week earlier, so the pressure was off for him to perform at the fifth and final round at Manfeild, near Palmerston North, at the weekend.

But that didn’t stop him from trying to wrap up his campaign in the best possible way, the Suzuki star determined to win both superbike races at the sun-baked Manawatu circuit on Sunday.

However, he couldn’t quite manage to clean-sweep the event, local hero Craig Shirriffs (Suzuki) denying him by winning the day’s first of two superbike races, while Stroud recorded his worst finish of the series, coming home an unaccustomed third, behind Shirriffs and Australian rival Robbie Bugden (Suzuki).

Stroud had been leading the race but Shirriffs left him nowhere to go in one of the sweeping corners, running him off the track.

But, if a third place finish was Stroud’s worst result of the series, how good was his best result? The answer to that question came swiftly afterwards.

Stroud bounced back to win the second superbike race in thrilling style, snatching the lead from Bugden halfway through the 20th and final lap of the race.

And this was a race that promised more than just bragging rights too, with the host Manawatu-Orion Motorcycle Club offering a special one-off ‘King of Manfeild’ trophy to the winner of that second race – and it was perhaps appropriate that Stroud won it because he has long been New Zealand’s superbike king, the softly-spoken and popular rider tucking away a record ninth title this season.

“It was a good way to finish the championship,” beamed Stroud afterwards.

As for the championship itself, Brisbane’s three-time former New Zealand champion Bugden settled for runner-up spot overall, a massive 67 points behind Stroud, with Tauranga’s Sloan Frost (BMW) taking third place, another 34 points behind Bugden.

Other national champions conformed at the weekend were Christchurch’s Dennis Charlett (Suzuki, 600cc supersport class); Inglewood’s Midge Smart (Yamaha, 600cc superstock class); Timaru’s Johnny Small (Suzuki, 650 Pro Twins); Foxton’s Jason Easton (Aprilia, Superlites); Christchurch’s Seth Devereux (Kawasaki, Prolite 250) and Rangiora’s Jake Lewis (Honda, 125GP).

Wellington’s Glen Skachill (Suzuki) took the Gumboot Grand Prix trophy, the one-off special prize for the winner of the day’s second 600cc class race.

More about → BEST AND WORST FOR STROUD

PLENTY OF HOT RACING STILL TO COME

Jason Easton chasing Superlite honours

Words and photo by Andy McGechan, BikesportNZ.com

There is plenty to ride for as the country’s elite motorcycle road-racers head to the Manawatu for the national championships’ grand finale, the fifth and final round, this weekend.

This season’s Castrol Power 1 New Zealand Superbike Championships wind up at Manfeild, just outside Palmerston North, on Sunday and, even though three of the championship titles have already been decided, this weekend’s racing will lack nothing in terms of pace, potency and potential.

Hamilton’s Andrew Stroud, Timaru’s Johnny Small and Tapanui’s Seth Deveraux wrapped up the superbikes, 650 Pro Twins and Prolite 250 titles respectively at Hampton Downs, near Meremere, last weekend.

But the fight continues for the remaining podium spots in those classes and, of course, champions still need to be found in the other bike categories.

Just to add a bit of spice to the event, and as part of the host Manawatu Orion Motorcycle Club’s 100 year anniversary celebrations, the overall winner of the superbike class at Manfeild will be awarded a special one-off King of Manfeild trophy.

This will only ever be presented once, so the winner will keep the trophy.

This gives added incentive for Suzuki’s Stroud to perform well on Sunday, not that he ever needs any prompting to do that.

Stroud has been beaten only once in the series this year – Tauranga’s Sloan Frost (BMW) edging him out for the win at a rain-drenched Teretonga, near Invercargill, in February – although there have been plenty of top riders nipping at his heels throughout the contest.

Bay of Plenty’s Frost, Australian pair Robbie Bugden (Suzuki) and Dan Stauffer (Yamaha), Taranaki’s Hayden Fitzgerald (Honda), Hamilton’s Nick Cole (Kawasaki) and Christchurch’s James Smith (Suzuki) have all been close enough to pounce in the superbikes class.

Look for fiery battles among the 600cc bike riders as Christchurch pair Dennis Charlett (Suzuki) and John Ross (Yamaha) and Wellington’s Glen Skachill (Suzuki) dispute honours in the supersport category, while a trio of Yamaha men – Auckland’s Jaden Hassan, Inglewood’s Midge Smart and Christchurch’s Eric Oliver-Maxwell -- argue over superstock (unmodified) category honours.

A similar three-way fight is set to boil over in the Superlites class with Foxton’s Jason Easton (Aprilia) attempting to keep Suzuki pair Glen Williams, of Palmerston North, and Taranaki’s Terry Fitzgerald at bay.

Rangiora’s Jake Lewis (Honda) has been the dominant force in the 125GP class but he will need to be wary this weekend as Orewa’s Avalon Biddle (Honda) seeks to put herself top of the standings.

Also watch for Christchurch’s Matthew Hoogenboezem (Suzuki) to assert himself in the Streetstock 150 class.

More about → PLENTY OF HOT RACING STILL TO COME

STROUD WRAPS UP SUPERBIKE TITLE

Andrew Stroud Takes Number 9.

Words & Pic by Andy McGechan

Superbike title No.9 is in the bag.

Hamilton’s Andrew Stroud now has one round up his sleeve as he raced his Suzuki to title No.9 at the fourth round of five in this season’s Castrol Power 1 New Zealand Superbike Championships at Hampton Downs, near Meremere, on Sunday.

The fifth and final round is set for this weekend at Manfeild, just outside Palmerston North, but the Waikato man can have a weekend at home if he now feels like it.

Stroud won both races on a damp track at Hampton Downs, foiling any attempt by Australia’s three-time former Kiwi champion Robbie Bugden (Suzuki) to regain the title he lost to Stroud in 2010.

“I will still go to Manfeild and race to win there,” declared the 43-year-old Stroud.

“This is a job that’s hard to beat ... I enjoy it so much.”

Also crowned at the weekend was Timaru’s Johnny Small (Suzuki), scoring a hat-trick of wins to easily wrap up the 650 Pro Twins title, while Tapanui’s Seth Deveraux (Kawasaki) put himself out of reach in the Prolite 250 class with another hat-trick of wins at the weekend.

Taranaki’s Terry Fitzgerald (Suzuki) won the weekend in the Superlites division with a 2-1-1 score-line but he remains third in the championship standings, behind Foxton’s Jason Easton (Aprilia) and Palmerston North’s Glen Williams (Suzuki).

In the 600cc supersport class, Christchurch’s Dennis Charlett (Suzuki) finished 5-1 to extend his series lead over nearest rival John Ross (Yamaha), also of Christchurch.

Charlett now leads Ross by 29 points.

In the 600 superstock class, Auckland teenager Jaden Hassan (Yamaha) twice finished runner-up to back-from-injury Sam Love (Yamaha) and that was enough for him to take over the championship lead from Inglewood’s Midge Smart (Yamaha), who managed third in the first race but came off his bike in the second outing and scored no points.

Rangiora’s Jake Lewis (Honda) stretched his lead in the 125GP class, despite giving up the TT title to Orewa’s Avalon Biddle (Honda), who took that honour by winning the deciding third 125cc race of the weekend.

Other TT trophy winners on Sunday were Stroud (superbikes), Charlett (600 supersport), Love (600 superstock), Small, (Pro Twins), Deveraux (Prolite 250) and Fitzgerald (Superlites).

More about → STROUD WRAPS UP SUPERBIKE TITLE

LIKE THIS? READ THE MAY ISSUE OF KR

That's right, if you like the look of this little honey, you will be able to read all about it in the May issue of Kiwi Rider.

The basics are these. It's Yamaha's latest YZF-R1-inspired commuter/learner's bike powered by a 150cc engine.

Best of all it's available now for just $4,999.

You read that right, $ 4,999.

More about → LIKE THIS? READ THE MAY ISSUE OF KR

BRIGHT START FOR KIWI HERO IN AUSTRALIA

Words and photo by Andy McGechan, BikesportNZ.com

It was two Suzuki riders in the top three when the mud was finally cleared away at round one of the Australian Motocross Championships on Sunday, one of them a Kiwi hero.

And the momentum was surely with Mount Maunganui’s Cody Cooper as he took his Team Rockstar Motul Suzuki RM-Z450 to win the final two muddy open class races of the day at the rain-drenched Broadford circuit, just outside Melbourne.

If he had not struck problems in the earlier two races, it could well have been New Zealand’s Cooper on the top step of the podium across the Tasman.

Instead it was Scottish visitor Billy Mackenzie who won the day, ending up a flattering 18 points ahead of Cooper, with another Suzuki rider, Australian Lawson Bopping in third spot overall.

Cooper was thrilled with his day’s work.
“Yes, I finished up second today, which is a good result for me,” said Cooper.
“Last year I had a horrible start to the season, although a first overall would have been great today.
“One of my races today was terrible, with me having no visibility and running off the track into some PVC piping and then having trouble remounting the bike and getting it going. I am happy to still manage to finish the day in second place overall.
“Those good starts helped out a lot and I want to get a few more of them this season.”

Cooper now returns home to continue his New Zealand Motocross Championships campaign, a competition in which he is currently running a close second overall to fellow Kiwi international Josh Coppins after two of four rounds.

Cooper took his team Power Balance MotoGB Suzuki RM-Z450 to win round two of that series, at Patetonga, near Morrinsville, a fortnight ago and is looking forward to renewing his battle with Coppins at round three near Rotorua this Sunday.

With the form that Cooper is exhibiting, he could finish the year with two national titles in two separate countries.

More about → BRIGHT START FOR KIWI HERO IN AUSTRALIA

HONDA HELPS EARTHQUAKE APPEAL

Honda importer Blue Wing has got behind The National Bank Young Farmer Contest charity auction to help raise funds for the people of Christchurch.

The company has donated six XR125 Duster farm bikes to charity auctions held by The National Bank Young Farmer Contest at regional finals. The auctions will take place nationwide at the each evening prize giving of the remaining six regional finals.

The dates and venues are;
Sat 5th March Morrinsville College, Sat 12th March Civic Theatre Waipukurau, Fri 19th March Palmerston North Convention Centre, Thurs 31st March Lincoln University, Sat 9th April Winton Memorial Hall, Mon 25th April Mackenzie Community Centre Timaru.

The Honda XR125 Duster is a brand new model with a quiet, efficient 4-stroke 125cc OHV engine, that delivers excellent hill climbing torque. With electric start, ultra low gearing, 5 speed gearbox and full farm kit, it is the perfect motorbike for any farm.

With all proceeds from the auction going to the Christchurch Earthquake appeal, The National Bank Young Farmers Contest organizers are confident that the generosity of the local community, farmers and dinner guests will result in each of the bikes going for well above the RRP of $3,893.

The Duster will be auctioned off amongst many other items donated by local businesses, so get along, show your support and place a bid.

More about → HONDA HELPS EARTHQUAKE APPEAL

QUAKE CHARITY MX MEET AT PUKEKOHE

The Pukekohe Motorcycle club is holding a fund raising day for the victims of the Christchurch Earthquake.

The ride will be held on Sunday April 03 at Mr Motorcycles Raceway Harrisville. There will be an open practice from 10am to 3pm, then riders will be split into ability groups for racing in the afternoon.

Cost will be $30 for the big track, and $20 for the mini track and a gold coin donation for spectators with all funds going to the Earthqauke Appeal.

There will also be silent auctions for a lot of gear and accessories provided by different companies involved in motocross.

If you wish to help on the day, or donate to the auctions please contact scott@mrmotorcycles.co.nz

Current Sponsors

W White Wholesale
Eurotreds
Mr Motorcycles
Unit
Metal Mulisha NZ/Division X
Ilabb

More about → QUAKE CHARITY MX MEET AT PUKEKOHE

LADIES COACHING & RIDE DAYS

Ladies Coaching Day – Beginners to Intermediate
Date: Saturday 5th March
Venue: Riverhead Forest , Auckland
Time: 10am
Cost: $40.00 per person

Will cover the basics from riding positions, cornering, throttle control, bike set up, tips/tricks that I have learnt along the way etc that will help with building up your confidence.
We will go for a blast around the forest afterwards to show off our new skills too.

Ladies Ride Day – Intermediate to Experienced
Date: Sunday 27th March
Venue: Taungatara Forest , Whangamata
Time: 10am
Cost: $30.00 per person

A day showing you around some of the best trails in NZ. All trails will be rideable (if not we will show you how too). Many of us will be heading down from Auckland so if you need transport let me know.

I have limited numbers on both days so you can all benefit from a smaller group.
Email me at natasha.cairns@harveyworld.co.nz and for any questions or queries.

More about → LADIES COACHING & RIDE DAYS

STROUD FIRMS HIS GRIP ON TITLE

Words and photo by Andy McGechan, BikesportNZ.com

Waikato warrior Andrew Stroud may well be blazing his way to a record ninth national superbike championship title.

Stroud took his Suzuki GSX-R1000 to another pair of wins on Sunday -- at the third round of five in this season’s Castrol Power 1 New Zealand Superbike Championships in Christchurch -- strengthening his grip on the coveted superbike crown as the series edged past the halfway stage.

Stroud qualified in pole position on Saturday and then backed that up with a perfect day’s racing at the Ruapuna Raceway circuit on Sunday.

The defending champion from 2010 finished ahead of three-time former champion Robbie Bugden (Triple R Suzuki GSX-R1000) in race one and then edged out Taranaki’s Hayden Fitzgerald (Blue Wing Honda CBR1000) to win race two as well.

“It was a great day at the office,” Stroud confirmed afterwards.

Stroud's main rival for the superbike crown, Christchurch-based three-time former champion Robbie Bugden finished runner-up in race one but chose to use wet weather tyres for the day's second superbike race and that proved fateful as he slipped further back as the race progressed, eventually crossing the line in an unaccustomed 12th spot.

Bugden's Triple R team-mate James Smith (Suzuki), of Christchurch, finished fourth and sixth and moved up to third place in the championship standings.

“I just need to ride steadily at Hampton Downs (round four in March) and at Manfeild (the series final in April),” said Stroud.

In the 600cc class it was a similar story of double glory for Christchurch’s Dennis Charlett (Avon City Suzuki GSX-R600).

The 42-year-old Charlett won both 600cc races ahead of main championship rival John Ross (Pirelli Yamaha R6), also of Christchurch, with Taupo’s Scott Moir (Wolf Pack Racing Honda CBR 600) third both times, and with that Charlett stretched his series lead in the 600 supersport class to 22 points over Ross.

In the 600 superstock division – that class run at the same time but scored separately – Inglewood’s Midge Smart, Auckland’s Jaden Hassan and Christchurch’s Eric Oliver-Maxwell made it a Yamaha 1-2-3 when they finished in that order in both outings.

Smart now enjoys a 14-point lead over Hassan at the top of the 600 superstock standings.

Other class winners at Ruapuna on Sunday were Timaru’s Johnny Small (Pro Twins), Foxton’s Jason Easton (superlites), Tapanui’s Seth Deveraux (pro lite 250), Oamaru’s Leighton Selfe (super motard), Winton’s Phillip Mair (street stock 150), Australia’s Josh McGrath (125 GP), Wanganui’s Stephen Bron and Dennis Simonsen (sidecars).

The series now heads north for round four at Hampton Downs, near Meremere, on March 26-27, with the fifth and final round at Manfeild, near Palmerston North, on April 2-3.

More about → STROUD FIRMS HIS GRIP ON TITLE

MOTO MAYHEM @ NITRO CIRCUS

Hands up everyone who is going to a Nitro Circus Show somewhere around the country in the next couple of weeks.

That's right, a lot of you. OK, so here's a neat little comp you can enter while you're at a show. FMX man Luke Smith will have Moto Mayhem stands at each show and he has decided to run a competition to promote his expanding moto decal business.

If you are attending one of the shows all you have to do is find his stand, fill out an entry form with your details and go in the draw to win a Nitro Circus prize pack with caps, t-shirts, DVDs, and an exclusive Moto Mayhem front plate signed by the Nitro circus crew.

Luke owns and runs Moto Mayhem with his partner, TV presenter and fashionista Katy Thomas, and says that the moto decal side of things is going from strength to strength because,'being the best starts with getting noticed.' To find out more go to his website www.motomayhem.co.nz

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STROUD ON WAY TO RETAINING CROWN

Words and photo by Andy McGechan, BikesportNZ.com

The Suzuki men are at it again, scrapping at the front of the field for national superbike glory.

Defending champion Andrew Stroud and three-time former champion Robbie Bugden were difficult to separate as the New Zealand Superbike Championships kicked off at Levels Raceway, near Timaru, at the weekend.

Kiwi hero Stroud and Australian Bugden, who have between them dominated the class for at least the past five years, raced handlebar-to-handlebar on the twisty South Canterbury track on Sunday, joined at times by a second Australian rider, Dan Stauffer, as the tone was set for another thrilling summer of superbike race action.

Stroud (Documentary Channel Pirelli Suzuki GSX-R 1000) won both the superbike class races, but that only tells half the story with action on the track much closer than that, less than a second the difference in the lap times of the leading riders.

The double win gives Hamilton’s Stroud a solid 14-point early lead over the two Australian riders, Bugden and Stauffer sharing second and third place finishes at Levels.

Bugden may be injured and practically written-off by his rivals, but the Christchurch-based Triple R team rider showed he was not ready to lie down just yet.

The three-time former New Zealand Superbike Champion from Brisbane had his leg broken at Wanganui’s famous Cemetery Circuit on Boxing Day but, regardless of that, the popular Brisbane rider still lifted himself from the sick bed to be on the starting line on Sunday.

Bugden (Mack Truck Suzuki Superbike), and his Christchurch team-mate James Smith (Elf Oils Suzuki Superbike), travelled to Timaru at the weekend to both race in the prestigious superbike class and each of the riders emerged with their credentials enhanced.

Despite his build-up being hampered by injury, Bugden qualified his Suzuki GSX-R 1000 on pole position and then ran at the sharp end of the field all weekend.

“It wasn’t a bad result,” said Bugden, in classic understatement.

“I certainly had the speed. I’ll only get stronger and faster from here as my recovery (from injury) continues.”

Meanwhile, team-mate Smith twice finished fourth on Sunday and he had to settle for fourth overall after this opening round.

Round two of the series is set for Teretonga Park, Invercargill, on February 5-6, with round three at Ruapuna Raceway, Christchurch, on February 12-13. The series then heads north for round four at Hampton Downs, near Meremere, on March 26-27, with the fifth and final round at Manfeild, near Palmerston North, on April 2-3.

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