Nut Buster Hard Enduro

The 2017 Nut Buster Hard Enduro down in Christchurch lived up to its usual hype and was yet again another awesome event.

After missing practice on the Wed/Thurs due to work commitments and a delayed ferry, I was super happy to get to grips with the enduro cross track quickly and qualify in 2nd place behind Hamish Macdonald.

I had a perfect starting position for the main hard enduro race on Saturday and left the line just 15 seconds behind Hamish. I took the lead early into the first lap with Hamish sitting close behind. Hamish grabbed the lead back and set a good pace and we pulled a good gap on the rest of the field. The track opened up for a few kms and Hamish was on the gas. About three quarters of the way around the first lap things turned sour for me … real quick! My bike stopped and my petrol tank had fully drained. I realised I had somehow snapped my fuel tap off. I didn’t crash, so can only assume something flicked up and smashed it in the perfect spot. As frustrating as it was there was nothing I could do. After sitting with my bike for approximately 40 mins, I was lucky enough to have the track marshals bring me a replacement tap and fuel. I was in dead last by now so it was a case of should I just ride back to the pits or carry on. The track was awesome and way too much fun to not get out there again and enjoy it, so I carried on. I pushed myself hard and made my way back up to 4th place by the end of the second lap. Again going out for my third lap, I pushed the limits on some of the tricky down hills trying to make up as much time on the front boys as possible. About halfway round this lap I caught 3rd and then 2nd place (Tony Parker and Dylan Yearbury). I managed to get past them and back into the position I was in before my bad luck struck. I knew Hamish would be out of reach by now, so rode smart for the rest of the race to hold onto 2nd place overall.

Unfortunately due to the outside assistance I received out on track to get back into action, I was given a hefty penalty placing me well out of a result. Despite the back luck, I had an awesome ride and felt like I had the pace! I’m gutted I couldn’t have been able to try my luck for the win, but these things happen. Well done to Hamish on such a great ride. Thanks to the Nut Buster team for putting on their best track yet! See you next year with a spare fuel tap in my fanny pack boooooys!

Thanks to Zoe from Ace Pics Photography for the awesome pic and to all my sponsors and supporters! #ktmnz #sidi #tssredbaron#ktmhusqvarnaoffroad #scott #interislandermemory #airoh #acerbis#kreiga #workshopgraphics