Vintage North, the opening round of the Vinduro NZ Series kicks off on Sunday November 5 at The Farm near Whangaruru. Expect a varied course with big grassy paddocks, rolling hills, and bush and clay tracks. To ensure everyone gets just the right balance of challenge and satisfaction there are two grades of track difficulty- Gold for the really keen and Silver for the more laid-back rider. Six categories of vintage enduro machines will be catered for at Vinduro North from the truly vintage four-speed class, right through to the pre-96 dual disc-braked‘ Modern’ class. If you are interested in Vinduro but do not have a qualifying bike you can also trail ride your late model machine around the course. As well as having all the riding a vintage enduro enthusiast could wish for The Farm has basic accommodation huts for rent as well as free camping for tents, motorhomes and caravans, with hot showers available. To socialise there will be a gathering place for pre / apres-ride hydration. Hearty meals will be available for pre-registered riders. Entries are $ 60 on the day.
Visit www. vinduronz. com for more info. And contact The Farm on 09 433 7894 or info @ thefarm. co. nz to pre-book meals and accommodation.
TAKEN FROM US WAY TOO SOON
Photo: Andy McGechan
It was a mark of the depth of affection and level of respect held for the man that almost 1000 people attended Richie Ebbett’ s funeral on Saturday, October 7. Ebbett’ s body was found a week earlier after he fell into Mt Ruapehu’ s crater lake and died during an expedition on Whakapapa skifield. The 39-year-old outdoor enthusiast and bike suspension tuner, known by all as“ Richie”, was farewelled at a ceremony at Palmerston North’ s Awapuni Racecourse. One of the people in attendance was 19-year-old Jessie King, whose life Ebbett had saved 16 years ago, in 2001. King attended the funeral with her siblings and partner to pay her respects to the man who saved her life. King said Ebbett had been there just at the right time, when she was involved in an accident in 2001. Ebbett had been travelling home to Palmerston