Last weekend saw riders heading to Kohuratahi Club for and for some it was the first time along the forgotten highway to Whangamomona.  It’s always a great ride (I am biased) very friendly relaxed atmosphere.

Saturday saw 13 riders in the 40km event, the weather was overcast and a little breezy on the hills, and some mud around the tracks thanks to the weather we have all been getting.  Everyone enjoyed their ride and the super countryside with some fantastic views.

After the ride on Saturday we all got together for a spit roasted lamb shared salads and good conversation amongst the endurance community and land owners.  It was great to see Pip Mutch’s grandmother out enjoying the weekend with us all with four generations of endurance competitors past and present from the family.

Sundays start was 5.30am for the 80km riders; the weather was warm for the 12 senior combinations and four juniors to leave for the first loop of 40km.  Jackets and jumpers were discarded as we came through base after 24km loop to do the next 16km.  The 24km loop had several climbs in the first 10k then it was down hill and flat going back to the base.  The 16km loop had a really good climb in it and some good tracks around the side with quite the view, once up on top there was a small lollipop loop with a short climb  back up, once we were on the ridge we went right around the top and then back down to base.

The second loop was 16km; the third loop 24km, the sun came out during the 2nd loop and shone for the rest of the day making riding conditions very hot.

The 40km ride on Sunday saw one senior rider riders and two junior riders. It was certainly great to see young Isla Mutch out doing her first 40km with her new pony Sahar Park Moondance.  Also on Sunday was a 24km ride a small field but a very happy bunch of riders and horses who had a great time.

By Susan Reid

Results – Saturday Intermediate Senior 40km
                 A Cole , RNZ Tungsten ME and S Trafford, Prince Eligani SPA  1sr =

                  Sunday   Intermediate Senior 40km
                  S Marshall, Jamilla Two  1st

                   Open Senior 80km
                    S Trafford, Rivergum Dark Knight 1st, R Dawber, Miro Lugh and D Owen, Miro Bay Plenty 2nd =
                    M Bragg, Miro Bonique 4th

                     Open JY 80km
                     J Loveridge, Makahiwi Cercie 1st