Wow, doesn’t time fly … a week has already passed since the inaugural Forestland Eight-Hour Cross-country race at Oparau, near Kawhia.
Today we thought we’d take a quick pictorial look back at this marvellous event, a gruelling race which was perhaps the ultimate test of man and machine, with more than 260 of New Zealand’s elite off-road motorcycle riders doing battle.
And they weren’t just wrestling against one another, but they fought through brutal terrain, difficult weather and also battled against the clock in a bid to become the first champion in this new marathon contest.
Feilding’s Courtney Clapham (Kawasaki), who teamed up with Wainuiomata’s Jane Whitaker to finish 88th overall and win the women’s teams section of the inaugural Forestland Cross-country race near Kawhia. Photo by Andy McGechan, BikesportNZ.com
To cut a long story short, it was the two-man pairing of Taupo’s Brad Groombridge (pictured above) and Papamoa’s Cody Cooper who reigned supreme at this Maxima Racing Oils-sponsored event, the two Kawasaki riders alternating to complete 15 arduous laps between them in the eight hours – one of only two teams to do so.
But we know all this already, so today we decided to offer up a few more images, just a random selection of riders who are now no doubt already making plans to have another go at winning, or at least finishing, this arduous marathon next time around too.
In addition to Maxima Racing Oils, the event was sponsored by Forbes & Davies, O’Neal apparel, Ogio, Arai helmets, Blur, Muc-Off, Metzeler, Maxi Grip, Husqvarna Motorcycles, Satco Logging Attachments, Forest Trail Events and Kiwi Rider magazine.
© Words and photos by Andy McGechan, www.BikesportNZ.com
Check out full results HERE
Find BikesportNZ.com on FACEBOOK here
