Vintage North , the opening round of the Vinduro NZ Series kicks off on Sunday November 5 at The Farm near Whangaruru . Expect a varied course with big grassy paddocks , rolling hills , and bush and clay tracks . To ensure everyone gets just the right balance of challenge and satisfaction there are two grades of track difficulty - Gold for the really keen and Silver for the more laid-back rider . Six categories of vintage enduro machines will be catered for at Vinduro North from the truly vintage four-speed class , right through to the pre-96 dual disc-braked ‘ Modern ’ class . If you are interested in Vinduro but do not have a qualifying bike you can also trail ride your late model machine around the course . As well as having all the riding a vintage enduro enthusiast could wish for The Farm has basic accommodation huts for rent as well as free camping for tents , motorhomes and caravans , with hot showers available . To socialise there will be a gathering place for pre / apres-ride hydration . Hearty meals will be available for pre-registered riders . Entries are $ 60 on the day .
Visit www . vinduronz . com for more info . And contact The Farm on 09 433 7894 or info @ thefarm . co . nz to pre-book meals and accommodation .
TAKEN FROM US WAY TOO SOON
Photo : Andy McGechan
It was a mark of the depth of affection and level of respect held for the man that almost 1000 people attended Richie Ebbett ’ s funeral on Saturday , October 7 . Ebbett ’ s body was found a week earlier after he fell into Mt Ruapehu ’ s crater lake and died during an expedition on Whakapapa skifield . The 39-year-old outdoor enthusiast and bike suspension tuner , known by all as “ Richie ”, was farewelled at a ceremony at Palmerston North ’ s Awapuni Racecourse . One of the people in attendance was 19-year-old Jessie King , whose life Ebbett had saved 16 years ago , in 2001 . King attended the funeral with her siblings and partner to pay her respects to the man who saved her life . King said Ebbett had been there just at the right time , when she was involved in an accident in 2001 . Ebbett had been travelling home to Palmerston