STORY BY PICTURES: 2019 PORT WAIKATO TRAIL RIDE
The annual Port Waikato Trail ride, run by the team at Power Adventures Ltd took place on Waitangi day, with attendance numbers again ticking over the 400 mark
The stunning views from the coast, the beach riding access and massive sunny weather bomb all culminated into a ‘perfect storm’ for Greg and his merry band of men and woman. The Dirt went along to check out the action, trails, views and punters who spent New Zealand’s day the right way - in the saddle and on the dirt!
The treacherous first section of the Port Waikato Trail ride has a good way of separating the men from the boys with the 2-3 inch deep creek crossing challenging even the best of riders
The trick to getting through in one piece was easy - look forward, stand up, smooth on the power and don’t stall your bike.
As demonstrated by this XR400, approach is key and getting it all on GoPro is even better for bragging rights when you get back to the pits.
However - not all were able to conquer the dangerous crossing - providing a bit of a bottle neck for some riders to navigate through, while others rested at the top after dragging their bikes to the summit.
He may have owned the tricky creek crossing but having brakes, working ones for that matter on this mountainous ride is one of the more important aspects of riding today.
More carnage at the creek with marshals on the scene to assist.
The top of the first hill showcases the view that you are about to embark on around this great venue. As well as the bottle neck at the first creek crossing.
The reason everyone turned up to the ride. ‘To The Coast’ is where you want to go!
Under the canopy of the the native bush is where you can find great trails and luscious greenery that is getting a little sparse during this heat way.
The reason for the season. The incredible views on the Port Waikato trail ride are unbeatable. You can see all the way up to the Manakau Heads and down south as far as your vision allows.
Being able to venture off down the hill towards the beach is something that is not easily accessed these days. So you better believe that everyone takes the opportunity.
A picture of a great view, with a guy taking a picture of a great view - inception anyone?
This guy just sat here for hours - taking in the view and shedding a quiet tear for all those riders who missed out. He was really moved. Quite the sensitive fellow as it turns out.
But then he found the beach and his tears of sadness turned to tears of joy……
…..then sadness again. Torn ACL by the looks?
More tom-foolery on the black sands of the west coast.
Oh the serenity….
Looking where you are going is key to getting back to the pits safely. This fella did the opposite and went clear off the bank on a tight corner, luckily missing all the trees in the process.
Luckily for this KTM rider he had a few friendly riders to help him drag the bike back to the trail and he could continue on his way as if nothing had happened. Spoiler alert - here is the proof.
Pretty self explanatory really - though it would appear that a significant percentage of the New Zealand motorcycling community suffer from literary issues.
This steep downhill was not for the fainthearted as demonstrated by this Honda rider as he approaches with caution and minimal speed.
Correct body position and gradual brake use allowed Mr Honda to successfully anti-summit the drop in one piece.
Happiness is a day on the bikes away from the boys for these Queens of Dirt.
He is either pretty happy with us, with the trails or with himself. He didn’t hang around long enough for us to find out.
The kids loop was in full force all day with this particular Suzuki grom putting in a huge number of laps.
This kid was straight rippin!
Princess of Dirt.
Mid-day lunch break with the team under the tent. Smiles all round and refueling the body before another loop.
The pits were buzzing with action and event sponsor Honda Motorcycles were well presented.
Free sausages flew out the tent in the hundreds with riders looking to refill for either another lap or the drive home.
Some of the Power Adventures team taking solace under the tent, post sausage sizzle frenzy.
The Port Waikato Trail ride is an annual event and runs on Waitangi day. If you can, book it in for next year as it is one of the best rides in the North Island with unparalleled views and a great mixture of open trails and bush tracks.
We will be back next year for sure.