Race brief ... from Paul Whibley - Bush Riders Cross Country Round 2.The traditional "run to your bike” start was abandoned in favour of holding the back guard as the strength of the wind would have levelled the field before the shotgun could signal a start. Even the modified start couldn't hold the YZ back, grabbing a massive holeshot and control of the race. First lap I played it safe, learned the track and rode smart in the Katherine manned the IMS dumpcan and at the end of the second lap I was gassed up ready to tackle the last two laps. The conditions were mentally draining with high concentration levels needed to maintain a mistake free run as any idle mindedness along the ridgetops was punished by riders getting the front wheel blown out from under them. The last two laps were put in the books trouble free and my lead was even stretched further taking the checkers just after the two hour mark. After the race most riders were unanimous in that the wind spoilt an otherwise fun and flowing track. I did hear a report post race of one poor rider who we will just call, um, Woodchopper, actually getting blown over a fence !!! All made worse that it happened within sight of the scoring tent ! Paul Whibley is supported in NZ by: AmPro Yamaha, Monster Energy, Shoei, Sidi, Smith, G2, CTi, Moto SR, Vortex Ignitions, EC3D, Bush Riders MCC,Spectro, Acerbis, DID, JT sprokets, GHQ, Pirelli, Sargent Motorcycles, Yamaha NZ, Rosscos Start Up Services. The AmPro Yamaha Team is supported by: FMF Kenda Yamalube Asterisk CV4 Cycle Gear E-Batt EBC Brakes Factory Connection Fastway Gaerne GYTR IMS Jonny Signs Leatt Brace Matrix Racing Products Motion Pro MSR Pro-Clean Rekluse Scott Shoei Slavens TM Designworks Twin Air Wiseco ZipTy Racing |
gale force westerly. The 22 klm lap was long and took some remembering but by the second lap I had most of the dodgy bits memorised and stepped up the pace, opening up a gap on the chasing riders. 