DIRT NEWS
inaugural HHAE in 2016 , and then ruled again in 2019 and 2020 , before the COVID-19 pandemic shut things down for 2021 , making him a clear favourite should he choose to enter again this time around . As a former winner also of the iconic international Romaniacs event ( in 2010 ) and then Silver class champion at that same event in Romania last year , it perhaps rubber stamps Birch ’ s status as a favourite to succeed at home again in 2023 . Entries for the 2023 edition opened on September 1 , but competitors should be aware that rider entry numbers will quickly reach the prescribed 120 , so the advice is to get signed on quickly . There are about 300 kilometres of trail and tracks awaiting the riders at the HHAE , with section labels hinting at what lies ahead – names such as “ Parachute Drop Up ”, “ Log Jam ”, “ Keep your Lunch Down ”, “ Last Climb ”, “ Rock Garden ”, “ The Big Down ” and “ Romaniacs Ridge ”, while riders will also have to take their bikes on a Flying Fox across a river . An indication of just how challenging the racing might be is in a note to riders that they must
also carry “ survival equipment ”, including a cell phone , first aid kit and survival blanket . ANDY MCGECHAN / BIKESPORTNZ . COM
The event is sponsored by Husqvarna NZ , Forbes and Davies , O ’ Neal , Ogio , Arai Helmets , Maxima Racing Oils , Forma boots , Maxi Grip , Blur , Forest Trail Events , Kiwi Rider magazine , SATCO logging attachments and Michelin tyres .
NEW MITAS TERRA FORCE-EX
Mitas is making moves to dominate the enduro and dual-sport scene with the release of its Terra Force-EX line of tyres . The new tyres are set to be released in four different tread patterns and will come in various versions and sizes according to Mitas . “ Rolling out the Mitas TERRA FORCE-EX means reinforcing our position as a key player and partner in the Enduro and dual-sports arena ’ s , says Gustavo Pinto Teixeira , Vice President of Two Wheels and Specialty Tires at Yokohama TWS . “ We ’ ve worked intensely on upgrading our existing range to provide more strength and versatility that riders need . And we look forward to delivering TERRA FORCE-EX tyres to customers this fall and beyond .” Specifically designed for Enduro and dualsports motorcycles , the new line is classified as ‘ street legal ’. It comes in four different patterns available in different versions and covering the most popular sizes , including Junior .
16 KIWI RIDER