AKATARAWA VINDURO 2018
Run in conjunction with the Kapi Mana MCC Moonshine Enduro - round of the Central Enduro Series
22 SEPTEMBER 2018 (near Upper Hutt)
• Varied hilly terrain • Native bush trails
• Clay tracks • Pine forests
• Varied hilly terrain • Native bush trails
• Clay tracks • Pine forests
Not much time now before the opening round of the 2018-19 Vinduro NZ Series on Saturday September 22 at Moonshine near Upper Hutt. The Akatarawa Ranges were the site of many of New Zealand's earliest enduros, the first being run here in 1975. A round in the southern most part of the North Island is a welcome shift of geographical focus for Vinduro and will give fresh impetus to the sport. Andrew Robertson has facilitated this Vinduro as part of a Central Series modern enduro round. The Vinduro bikes will start after the modern bikes and will be running on an easier and shortened version of the course.
This enduro held in the Akatarawa Ranges is likely to be steep in places and with the early spring timing, likely to be wet. The course will consist of rocky and clay tracks through native bush and pine plantations, with some creek crossings. There are two grade options for the Vinduro bikes - the longer Gold course for the really keen and Silver for the less ambitious.
Six categories of vintage enduro machines will be catered for in the Vinduro section of this event, from the truly vintage 4 speed class, right through to the pre 1996 dual disc braked ‘Modern’ class.
A week out from the ride Andrew has sent up this update....
TRACK
The main track is made up of two loops - one short (approx. 10 km) and one long (approx. 34 km). Off the main track are numerous deviations for the Expert and AA riders. We will be riding the main track which is rideable by quad except for one part which is a short single track - the quad wont fit. The long loop is as per already shown on the VNZ Facebook page using that very clever app.
TERRAIN
The terrain is hilly in places comprising clay and rock surfaces and a few very minor stream crossings. Yes it can be tricky in places, but I have found that my TM 185 can be ridden up and down most things no problem - in fact it seemed to go better than the Sherco 300 I was riding alongside. Naturally it is wet in places with slippery clay (where the sun don't shine) and a few bogs for the unweary but as usual if you skirt these you will be fine.
STRONG HINT
A steady throttle, good tyres and lowish tyre pressures would be in the riders best interest.
PROPOSED COURSE LENGTH - depending on weather conditions.
Gold Riders - 1 short plus two long loops = 78Km. This will include 4TTs
Silver riders - 1 Short plus one Long Loop = 44 km (2TTs)
AVERAGE SPEEDS
Average speed for the day will be around the 24km mark. The track is being timed to the expert track/length so should be pretty relaxed for the mortals and allow time to overcome difficulties.
ORDER OF BATTLE
Basically the course will be cleaned of debri (mainly the loose rocks/shale) by the time vinduro riders hit the trail.
NI Experts first
NI AA second
NI B riders third
Vinduro NZ Series fourth
Trailriders fifth.
SCHEDULE
Sign on at 0800 to 0930 hrs
Riders briefing 0930 hrs
Experts away at 1000hrs
Entry Fees
As per notified last time ($60 plus $30 for the MNZ on the day licence)
Forecast for the Day
At this stage looks to cloudy preceded by okish weather earlier in the week :)
This enduro held in the Akatarawa Ranges is likely to be steep in places and with the early spring timing, likely to be wet. The course will consist of rocky and clay tracks through native bush and pine plantations, with some creek crossings. There are two grade options for the Vinduro bikes - the longer Gold course for the really keen and Silver for the less ambitious.
Six categories of vintage enduro machines will be catered for in the Vinduro section of this event, from the truly vintage 4 speed class, right through to the pre 1996 dual disc braked ‘Modern’ class.
A week out from the ride Andrew has sent up this update....
TRACK
The main track is made up of two loops - one short (approx. 10 km) and one long (approx. 34 km). Off the main track are numerous deviations for the Expert and AA riders. We will be riding the main track which is rideable by quad except for one part which is a short single track - the quad wont fit. The long loop is as per already shown on the VNZ Facebook page using that very clever app.
TERRAIN
The terrain is hilly in places comprising clay and rock surfaces and a few very minor stream crossings. Yes it can be tricky in places, but I have found that my TM 185 can be ridden up and down most things no problem - in fact it seemed to go better than the Sherco 300 I was riding alongside. Naturally it is wet in places with slippery clay (where the sun don't shine) and a few bogs for the unweary but as usual if you skirt these you will be fine.
STRONG HINT
A steady throttle, good tyres and lowish tyre pressures would be in the riders best interest.
PROPOSED COURSE LENGTH - depending on weather conditions.
Gold Riders - 1 short plus two long loops = 78Km. This will include 4TTs
Silver riders - 1 Short plus one Long Loop = 44 km (2TTs)
AVERAGE SPEEDS
Average speed for the day will be around the 24km mark. The track is being timed to the expert track/length so should be pretty relaxed for the mortals and allow time to overcome difficulties.
ORDER OF BATTLE
Basically the course will be cleaned of debri (mainly the loose rocks/shale) by the time vinduro riders hit the trail.
NI Experts first
NI AA second
NI B riders third
Vinduro NZ Series fourth
Trailriders fifth.
SCHEDULE
Sign on at 0800 to 0930 hrs
Riders briefing 0930 hrs
Experts away at 1000hrs
Entry Fees
As per notified last time ($60 plus $30 for the MNZ on the day licence)
Forecast for the Day
At this stage looks to cloudy preceded by okish weather earlier in the week :)
Here are some photos from enduros in the Akatarawas from the mid 70s to the early 90s.
VITAL INFORMATION
Directions:
From State Highway 58 (Paramata Haywards Road), turn into Moonshine Road, then into Bulls Run Road. Follow Bulls Run Road until the road reaches the Kapi Mana MX Track venue.
Please note vehicle are to keep their speeds very low on Bulls Run Road, maxi 30kph - this is a condition of use granted to Kapi Mana by the residents of the area.
Timings:
Sign In at 0800.
Event Start 1000 am.
Entry Fee:
$60 plus $30 for on the day MNZ licence (if required)
Order of Battle
Central Series will depart first followed by the Vinduro Series.
For more information contact Andrew Robertson 0210 223 8896
or email Andrew at vmx.co.nz@gmail.com
Directions:
From State Highway 58 (Paramata Haywards Road), turn into Moonshine Road, then into Bulls Run Road. Follow Bulls Run Road until the road reaches the Kapi Mana MX Track venue.
Please note vehicle are to keep their speeds very low on Bulls Run Road, maxi 30kph - this is a condition of use granted to Kapi Mana by the residents of the area.
Timings:
Sign In at 0800.
Event Start 1000 am.
Entry Fee:
$60 plus $30 for on the day MNZ licence (if required)
Order of Battle
Central Series will depart first followed by the Vinduro Series.
For more information contact Andrew Robertson 0210 223 8896
or email Andrew at vmx.co.nz@gmail.com