WORDS: Brendan Abel PHOTOS: Supplied Ryan Hayward

WHAT’ S YOUR CURRENT RIDE? I am currently riding a GASGAS MC250F in both New Zealand and Australia, and have Karl from CML sorting out all of my suspension. I use Scar handlebars, levers and footpegs, and run a taller seat equipped with a JW seat cover. Full Boar sorts me out with metal radiator guards and a billet throttle housing. I have UFO hanguards and Pirelli tyres front and rear fitted with Rise Mousses. WHO TAUGHT YOU TO RIDE? My stepdad, Bryce, taught me to ride when I was six. I started on a Yamaha PW80 and then moved up to a Yamaha TT-R125 after that. GOT ANY FAVOURITE MEMORIES? Yes, spending every holiday and long weekend at The Farm up north, riding with family and friends. GREATEST ACHIEVEMENTS? Definitely finishing the Redbull Romaniacs twice and my first win in Australia a few weeks ago. My biggest achievement off-bike so far

would be having travelled the world. WHAT’ S YOUR FAVOURITE DISCIPLINE? My favourite would have to be enduro and cross country jointly, but I still really enjoy racing both motocross and hard enduro. ANYTHING YOU’ D LIKE TO DO ON THE BIKE? I would like to win the AusEnduro E1 championship, and then either go to Europe to race in the enduro GP, or America for the GNCC. RACE DAY FOOD? Eggs on toast, or omelette, for breakfast. Then fruit and yogurt before the race. WHAT DOES MOTORCYCLING IN THIS COUNTRY NEED? I think we need to try and get more people going along to the races, and maybe having some two-day events like they do in Australia. FAVOURITE PLACE TO RIDE? My favourite place ever to ride has to be the Romanian mountains, which I rode before racing Red Bull Romaniacs.

KIWI RIDER 19