Sponsored by McIver and Veitch Motorcycles of Dunedin, KTM and Suzuki, the day-long ride offers a wide variety of off-road riding experiences suitable for all ages and abilities.
Brian Griffin (Griff) advises all off-road motorcyclists and enduro riders coming along for a great day in the saddle to start assembling at 7am on October 27, at the Calder Stewart paddock behind the Milburn prison.
Don’t worry, it will be signposted from SH1.
There the organisers will conduct safety checks on every machine and rider to see if you have all the right gear, can carry enough fuel for 60km and are mechanically sound to undertake an off-road adventure trip such as this.
The first bikes will motor away at 9am into a mix of single track forest trails, sweeping forestry roads and challenging farm paddocks, eventually ending up 60km later at the scenic Chrystalls Beach for a refuel and meal break.
After lunch throw a leg over again and be prepared for a bit of thrilling beach riding along unbelievably scenic beaches to the Toko Mouth before you once again head into the bush, traversing a wide variety of forest and farm tracks before ending up back at Milburn.
Griff advises participants that they will be challenged as the organisers have created three distinctive trail rides to allow riders of all abilities to be able to negotiate and enjoy the day’s ride.
The White track is the main 60km long trail for senior riders, those who know what they are doing and can get on with it.
The shorter Blue trails that hook in and out of the main white trail over the course of the 60km journey are for those who crave a bit more excitement in their rides and whose skill levels have prepared them well for the challenges ahead – it won’t be pretty if you over-state your abilities on these lines.
The Red trial is for juniors and those new to the sport.
It’s a little bit shorter – just 40km (we’re not going to make it too easy) and aptly suited to those seeking a fun ride without too many heart-stopping moments.
Pre-booking costs $5 less than the enter on-the-day fee across both classes and also guarantees you lunch and a good BBQ meal when you get back to Milburn.
At a pre-booking price of just $50 per senior and $30 per junior (under 15), the ride will go ahead wet or dry.
“Last year we had the worst weather possible and yet 500 still turned out for the ride.”
“In recent years we have seen up to 960 riders of all ages and abilities taking part and having a great day out,” Griff said.
“The trail ride crosses three forest companies’ lands and 15 farmers have allowed access to their properties, so there is plenty on offer for riders of all abilities,” he said.
Organisers WILL have 33 marshals to guide you along, pick you up and get you going again.
Entry on the day is possible, it just costs you $55 (senior) and $35 (junior) and meals are not guaranteed.
Griff said he got the idea for hosting a fund-raising trail ride from an event he attended 16 years ago in Southland and thought that it would be a good way to combine his two passions, off-road riding and helping out in the community.
All the money raised goes to the Tokomairiro High School PTA to help fund school activities in the region.
Entries need to be in by October 24.
For more information and to register please check out www.tokohigh.school.nz/2018-trail-bike-ride or www.myrides.co.nz.
