Motorcycling: Central's rocks provide test for trials riders

Nelson trials rider Nick Oliver (19), negotiates his way down a steep rocky face at Earnscleugh...
Nelson trials rider Nick Oliver (19), negotiates his way down a steep rocky face at Earnscleugh yesterday, on section six of the New Zealand Trials Championships. Photo by Rosie Manins.
Earnscleugh's hills were alive with the sound of engines yesterday, as about 70 motorcycle riders navigated obstacles in the New Zealand Trials Championships.

The three-day competition on privately-owned property between Alexandra and Clyde comprised several rocky obstacles which competitors had to ride their bikes across to gain points in 40 skill sections.

Jake Whitaker, of Lower Hutt, won the New Zealand expert grade.

The Oliver family, of Nelson, claimed two trophies.

Peter took out the A grade and his father Steve won the intermediate grade.

Blake Fox, of Dunedin, won the junior grade.

The trials required a challenging blend of strength, balance, agility, and motorcycle control, for riders to manoeuvre their 70kg bikes up steep hill faces, balance on sharp rocks, and make their way down again.

Favourable weather conditions on Sunday and yesterday improved the competition, after a cold, wet round of riding on Saturday.

Spectators equipped with cameras were out in force yesterday, to get a glimpse of some of New Zealand's best trials riders in action.

Most of the competitors travelled for the event from the North Island.

 

Add a Comment