Extreme enduro racing comes to Oz There could be a new monument for busted bikes – and perhaps some bodies – in Australia: the Honda Wildwood Rock Extreme Motorcycle Challenge
Extreme enduro racing has surged in popularity over recent years, with European-based events like Erzberg and Romaniacs leading the way.
The interest has reached such a high level that the FIM has given the green light for the inaugural World Extreme Enduro Championship to be held in 2011 across five events.
Undoubtedly, some thrill-seeking Aussies will contest some or all of the world title rounds, but there is now a fledgling event closer to home that is attempting to replicate the gut-busting overseas servings – the Honda Wildwood Rock Extreme Motorcycle Challenge.
The event will be held on Sunday, November 21 on a property just 10 minutes’ drive from Tullamarine Airport in Melbourne, bringing together stars from the Aussie trials, motocross, enduro and desert racing scenes – not just for the challenge, but also the $10,000 on offer for first prize.
The 6.5km loop will dish up the full extreme feast, including merciless man-made tracks, logs, rocks, swamp, motocross-type terrain and single track.
The challenge will be held over three hours, so the attrition rate is expected to be high: this is not your average stroll in the park. And there are no classes, so anyone can take home the cash on offer.
Entries are filling fast, and those who have already committed to the Wildwood Challenge include enduro lions Stefan Merriman, AJ Roberts, Ben Grabham and Jehi Willis; trials guns Trevor Campbell, Neil Price and Tim Coleman; and former Australian motocross champion Cam Taylor.
Trials riders have traditionally performed well in events like Erzberg, where their superior slow-speed skills come to the fore, and they can also hold their own on the more open terrain.
On that score, the Bikesales Network has an early tip for the Wildwood event – Merriman. As well as his rich enduro pedigree, Merriman is also a two-time Australian trials champion.
Entry will be $15 for adults, and children under 16 will be admitted free.
Click on the following link for more information
Honda Wildwood Rock Extreme Motorcycle Challenge.
TB
