Motorsport: Dirt bike series draws more talent

The annual Dirt Guide motorcycle series is all set to go again with the 2013 series poised to blast off at Ohakuri, between Tokoroa and Taupo this weekend.

It is a three round series that offers something for everyone, according to organiser Sean Clarke, of Tokoroa, and, judging by the past turnouts, he's telling the truth.

"The series is in its sixth year and has proved to be popular with a whole range of riders and families," said Clarke.

"The weekend starts on Saturday with the cross-country races. Starting at 9.30am is the racing for the junior riders, aged between seven and 15 years.

"We have two courses set up for the juniors - one track is a 3km course for the seven to 11-year-olds and the other course is about 10km long, which the 11 to 15-year-olds race on.

"These two races run at the same time and last 90 minutes."

The senior racers get their day underway at midday.

"The main senior race starts at 12 noon and features a 20km loop in the forest and is suitable for anyone over the age of 15 ... as long as they have a reliable dirt bike and appropriate riding gear," said Clarke, a former International Six Days Enduro medal winner and multi-time former national enduro champion.

Activity continues the next day, too, with a trail ride planned for Sunday.

"This has a main course of about 35km and includes a short loop of about 10km. There is also a kids' track near the base and that is about 2km long."

Supported also by Kiwi Rider magazine, the series has been a real hit with the country's off-road bike riders, with competitor numbers growing with each outing.

In addition to attracting full fields, the talent runs deep with many current or former national champions - men such as Aucklanders Callan May and Chris Power, Te Awamutu's Kevin Archer, Tauranga's Reece Burgess, Palmerston North's Adam Reeves and Hamilton's Sam Brown - typically among those entered, although the course does cater for all ages and abilities and help is at hand for riders needing assistance.

"So, if you are looking for a bit of dirt biking this weekend, check out the Dirt Guide series."

The venue is signposted from State Highway 1, south of Tokoroa.

Round two is set for Tar Hill, just south of Tokoroa, on May 18, with the third and final round back at Ohakuri on June 15.