So who's keen to give this ago?
Looks like it could be a good event.
There is a brand new race event on the motorcycle calendar and it is aiming to go big in year one. Epic Events has been running heaps of top quality trail rides since 2000 and is now changing up a gear to run Taupo's first 4 hour motorcycle endurance race.
Taupo is the home of the biggest endurance sport races in NZ including the Lake Taupo Cycle Challenge (over 10,000 cyclists), the Mizuno Half Marathon (over 3,000 runners/walkers) and one of the toughest races - the Bonita Ironman. So it is fitting that there will now be a motorcycle endurance race added to the busy calendar.
Scheduled for Saturday 22 August this 4 hour will be open to individuals or teams of 2.
Comments from Nick Reader: "I am really excited to be putting on our first ever Endurance race. Back in the old days when I raced, these are the sort of events I enjoyed. The nervous wait at the start line, the boom of a shot gun start, 400 riders funneling into one holeshot turn, picking your path on the first lap, staying mentally focused and pushing your body to the limit past the 3 hour mark to stay on the gas, then a massive feeling of accomplishment when you cross the finish line".
The track will be around 30km long and will be created on some of the best pumice terrain that Taupo has to offer. So this means no mud and a fun track that will hold up for the entire race. The exact venue will be confirmed at a later date, but it will be within 15 minutes of Taupo. The course will be constructed to the same high level as Epic trail rides and will include berms, jumps, drops and climbs all with great flow.
The goal is to include a grass MX style section in the lap to provide fun for the riders and entertainment for the spectators.
This event aims to sit alongside the classic NZ motorcycle endurance races including the Tarawera 100 and Suzuki 6 Hour.
$1000 cash will be paid to the winning rider or team across the line so there will be good motivation to push that little bit harder for the win. There will also be over $2000 of product prizes awarded to place getters and as spot prizes drawn at random.
The plan is to start the race at 11am with sign on at 8am.
The event will be competitive with accurate timing and results, but will also suit more social riders. Riders that are not aiming for a top overall finish can start on the 2nd row. Prize giving will be held at the Shed bar in Taupo with videos of the event on show, meals and heaps of spot prizes from MotoSR, DRD, Camelbak and Spectro.
The Taupo 4 hour takes place in August which is the off season' for most motorcycle codes. Riders are expected from the National Enduro, Cross Country and Motocross scene with trail riders stepping up too. History shows that Motocross riders tend to win this style of event, however there are some very fast Enduro and Cross Country riders around at the moment so it will be a good battle of the disciplines.
It will be very interesting to see whether an individual or team of 2 take out the overall. 4 hours is achievable for a very fit rider to be on the hammer' the whole distance. However a team of 2 gun riders should have a fitness advantage.
Full information will be at http://www.epicevents.co.nz/ Entries will be taken on line.
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Originally Posted by theblacksmith
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