ROAD NEWS
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The Honda AdventureFEST is made up of two three-day adventure rides , hosted by Mr Daryl Beattie and Mr Aaron Slight , both keen adventure riders with talent to burn as well as plenty of tall tales to tell , all in the name of Trans Tasman relations , naturally . Both Beattie and Slightly are no strangers to Adventure riding . In fact , Beattie has been running them through some of the remotest parts of Australia for the past 10 years . “ It ’ s a 50 / 50 balance ,” Beattie says . “ Fifty percent the ride , taking in a good interesting route , and 50 percent social , enjoying the company , meeting new mates and talking bikes .” Beattie has been a pioneer of adventure riding in Australia , his tours – many covering up to 4000 km – taking in some of the country ’ s wildest and most challenging regions . “ My focus of late has been on the Simpson Desert , through the middle of Australia , and the Canning Stock Route , the world ' s remotest stock route . I ’ ve also done shorter tours , like up through crocodile country to Cape York . “ Aaron and some of his mates came on a recent Canning ride , so it was good to catch up with him and show him my backyard . “ Now , it ’ s his turn to show me and fellow riders around his special places . One thing ' s for sure , I know that 50 / 50 route-social balance will be to the fore in Aaron ' s thinking !” Beattie says .
“ No doubt , too , Aaron and I will get a bit of that ‘ TransTasman Challenge ’ vibe going , on and off the bikes !” The whole concept of the adventure rides is a classic 50 / 50 mix , so a blend of riding some great terrain and taking in the stunning scenery balanced against the social side of motorcycling . Offering participants a unique blend of adventure riding and travelling with a couple of genuine legends , AdventureFest is split into two exciting five-day North Island stages , incorporating rides to coastal Raglan , Coromandel , the Mt Ruapehu region and the Rotorua Lake District . Stage One runs from March 5-9 and Stage Two from March 12-16 . As part of the package , riders also get exclusive track sessions at Hampton Downs and Taupo Motorsport Parks , which will serve as the bases for each stage . AdventureFest riders will also get to experience the Star Insure Trans Tasman Superbike Challenge , in the very best hospitality suites at each round . For more info go to www . adventurefest . co . nz
26 KIWI RIDER