It is already regarded as the ultimate test of dirt biking strength, skill and endurance in New Zealand but, unbelievably, the No Way In Hell extreme enduro has just got even tougher.
This year's No Way In Hell (NWIH) enduro is set for the long Waitangi Weekend and follows hard on the heels of the opening round of the New Zealand Enduro Championships and so, if riders' muscles were not already screaming for rest, they surely will be by the end of this third edition of the big, annual NWIH event.
Only four riders finished last year's NWIH enduro in the allowable four hours, Auckland's Mike Skinner celebrating victory ahead of fellow survivors Sean Clark, of Tokoroa, and Hokianga brothers Mitchell and Damon Nield.
Waitangi Weekend will be an exhausting time for the nation's elite endurance motorcycle riders, with round one of the Yamaha New Zealand Enduro Championships at Oparau, near Kawhia, set for Saturday February 4.
The following day is reserved for the Hauturu School fundraiser trail ride.