I was using my GasGas ES700 Enduro, so of the bikes gathering at the bottom of the hill, I think only the screaming Gixxer 1000 dirt drag bike beat mine in pure ponies. There were only a few of us with number plates fitted, including Editor Ben on his old BMW R80GS and Tom on his Honda CRF300L Rallye. Tom and myself had similar rear tyres, so when we both found ourselves at the start line next to each other it was obvious there was going to be a bit of a race on. Someone said go... and go we did! Out-andout power doesn’ t matter much on a slippery grass hill, it’ s all getting traction. I was trying to focus on my line up the hill, but it was almost impossible not to see Tom next to me out of the corner of my eye as we went up the hill neck-and-neck. Because backing off, obviously, wasn’ t an option, the race was on!! Up another gear and we were still wheel-
84 KIWI RIDER