Competitors tackle a section of the 2022 track in the New Zealand Farm Bike Championships. Photo supplied
Riders are expected from around the North Island for the King Country’s Annual NZ Farm Bike Championships on Saturday.
The event, which has been running for the past five years, increases in popularity every year.
Gavin McAloon, a member of the organising team, said the level of interest was pleasing.
“This year the event is at a new venue and is a much larger and more open flowing track, which should suit the riders.
“We have had amazing support from many businesses to keep this event running.”
McAloon said they have some top-quality riders coming to compete from various parts of the North Island.
“Competitors are coming from as far away as Wellington and Dargaville.
“Former world motocross champion Shane King, who has competed for the past three years and is returning again this year, has said this would have to be the most fun event in the world on a two-wheeler.”
One hundred teams have signed up to take part, including 16 from Ōtorohanga, with several more on the waiting list.
“We are overwhelmed with the number of entries.
“This year we will have 100 teams (200 riders) battling it out as this is a team’s event, which runs over three hours and is a mix of motocross, cross country and enduro.”
One specific rule is riders must change every 20 minutes.
McAloon said there were four classes: 0-200 four stroke; 0-185 two stroke; a women’s class; and a hybrid class.
The event was held on the same weekend last year with Jayden McAloon from Ōtorohanga and Carter Hanes of Horotiu Hamilton emerging champions.
Due to an injury Jayden McAloon will be unable to defend the title with Carlin Hedley taking his spot.
McAloon said they were grateful to the landowners who were allowing them to hold the event on their property at 412 Kāwhia Rd, Ōtorohanga.
“We’re looking forward to the day. Hopefully the weather is okay and plays ball, but we’re excited to see the riders get out there and get into it.”
The event begins at 11am with free entry for spectators.
