Paul Simmonds Paul Mountstevens
digits . Such concentration is unbelievable . Any complacency was soon shattered when we fronted up to Barry Schroder ’ s farm under Mt Fife where the Trials master set up some very challenging sections amongst a glorious rocky creek / river surrounded by tree roots , logs and banks . Barry and his sons ride the Kaikoura so we feel we may be able to use the property for some time to come . I even purchased some organic Gin from Barrys wife . A very nice drop too .
FINAL DAY No muddy sections on yet another glorious day , but some challenges tested the skills and confidence of almost everyone . After giving my ex-Peter Hoskings Montesa 200 too much punishment over the first two days , I took out the 325 Bultaco for the final day ’ s riding . An excellent choice in the rocky creek , but a handful on the tight tree roots . Thankfully , the brakes were sufficient for Section 1 ’ s initial descent . John Lawton was standout in our class , yet again showing he is worthy of the honours . He also won the Best Presented Twin Shock machine at the event . Side Chairs were the crazy component of the K3DT as they crashed and burned at every opportunity , often leaving their passenger part way through the section , mostly off banks and logs . Fun to watch , but I imagine it would be
harrowing holding on when someone like Jules is on the throttle . However , Paul Jackson and Glenn Smith did the business while Derek Scott and Ella Mountstevens held off the rest of the field . I caught up with Shirley McDonald who battled all weekend with Christine Thompson and it was they who headed the Blue grade in front of quite a few guys , girls , juniors and twin shock riders . I had the pleasure of riding the entire weekend with John Lawton , Tony Smith and Chris Presto along with a few others from time to time , such as the likeable Kahu Jones and Colin Downes , plus my old mate Shane Ace . 93 riders is amazing considering only half that amount turn up for a National event . Maybe the Pioneer Club has found the formula that suits the majority of riders . Few trophies , even fewer egos and the guarantee of a fun time certainly brings the riders back year after year , and with this being the 76th edition of the K3DT , they have sure got it right . The winners were : Junior – Finn Pearce ; Ladies – Gabrielle Gundy ; Twin Shock – John Lawton ; White Line – Peter Dunn ; Blue Line – Christine Thompson ; Green Line – Peter Hosking ; Yellow Line – Paul Simmonds and the Red Line and K3DT Champ – Jason Baker . Full results can be found on the Pioneer MCC website .
KIWI RIDER 47