Top riders line up for cross-country
They’re not called the Bush Riders for nothing. The renowned Bush Riders’ Motorcycle Club, based in Pah¯ıatua, hold an enviable reputation for staging cross-country dirt bike races and, with such diverse and interesting terrain so close to the town, it’s not hard to see why. Starting tomorrow, this year’s edition of the popular Central Crosscountry Series begins near Waipukurau, with many of New Zealand’s leading motocross, crosscountry and enduro racers expected. As well as senior-grade riders, the five-round competition caters for veterans, intermediates, social trailbikers, women and juniors, with the 90-minute junior race at 10am and the two-hour senior race at noon. There is a prize of $100 for the rider who holeshots (snatches the lead at the first corner) of the senior race and $50 for the junior holeshot. Leading riders expected to line up include former New Zealand and United States cross-country champion Paul Whibley, last season’s Central Cross-country Series XC1 class champion Adam Easton and fellow Masterton man Allan Gannon, who was outright winner of the series last season. Others likely to shine include Napier’s Bryn Codd, Stratford’s Karl Roberts, Eketa¯huna’s Daniel Christie, Feilding’s Hugh Lintott, Masterton’s Sam Callaghan, Marton’s Ethan Breuer, Whanganui’s Seth Reardon, Eltham’s Adam Loveridge, Masterton’s Jacob Hyslop and Hunterville’s Hannah Rushworth. Bush Riders’ Motorcycle Club president Grant Christie was keen to emphasise the ‘‘famous hospitality’’ offered. ‘‘It’s a real family atmosphere at these events. The social side of these races are as good as the racing, with our legendary free venison barbecue and free refreshments at the end of racing. This is not like a motocross, where everyone just packs up and leaves ,’’ he said. ‘‘We are again looking forward to providing a great series and a competition that offers both a challenge for serious racers and a great afternoon’s riding for the less serious riders, too. ‘‘I think we must be doing something right because the series has continued to grow . . . and attracts riders from near and far.’’ The series started in 1989, although there have been several name changes over the years and, in 2012, it became known as the Central Cross-country Series. Round two of the series is in Woodville on December 16.