WORDS: Brendan Abel PHOTOS: Andy McGechan, Sam Parker

WHAT’ S YOUR CURRENT RIDE? I currently riding a 202 5 Husqvarna FC350 for enduro and XC. I run a bigger tank, tall seat, 18-inch rear wheel, radiator fan, and the suspension has been set up by House of Dirt / Johnston’ s Moto.

WHO TAUGHT YOU TO RIDE? Dad taught me to ride when I was around 2 1 / 2 years old, on the classic PW50!

GOT ANY FAVOURITE MEMORIES? My two early memories of riding were doing speed runs down the Mokau beach on a Honda XR70, and also lining up for my first Minis motocross race at Barrett road on a KTM 50 … I was terrified!

GREATEST ACHIEVEMENTS? My greatest achievement on the bike would have to be winning the NCES enduro series this year. Off the bike it would be competing in surf life saving, and also adventure racing around New Zealand.

WHAT’ S YOUR FAVOURITE DISCIPLINE? Cross-country is my favourite discipline in off-road racing, and I really like the longer races- getting to pass and battle with the other competitors is fun and helps keep it interesting.

ANYTHING YOU’ D LIKE TO DO ON THE BIKE? Yes, there are a few! I would one day really like to race the RedBull Romaniacs, then there’ s the ISDE Six Days, and I’ d also like to ride the Baja 1000 desert race in the USA.

RACE DAY FOOD? Oats for breakfast then some buns, bananas, and lollies throughout the day

KIWI RIDER 27