Taupo 4 hour
DESCRIPTION
The Taupo 4 hour is a motorcycle endurance race located on the Taupo - Napier Highway just 10 minutes from Taupo. The pine forest/pumice soil track will be around 30km long and will feature the berms, hills and fantastic 'flow' that Epic Events is known for. Riders can enter as individuals or two person teams. There is $1000 up for grabs to win plus heaps of product prizes.
2009 EVENT
Well the Suzuki 4 Hour has made a great start. The overall winners were Nick Sanunders and Rhys Carter who just beat an incredible effort by Sam Greenslade who was Iron manning the event and winning until the last lap. Congratulations everyone on a huge effort on a demanding track. Nick Reader - Event Director.
2009 RESULTS
The results are loaded on to www.mylaps.com This is probably the best place to view the results beause the report includes total times. Or you can click on the links below to view overall and class results. The 'ALL LAP TIMES' is interesting to read.WWW.MYLAPS.COM
INDIVIDUALS
TEAMS
2009 PHOTOS AND VIDEO
SUZUKI 4 HOUR 2009 VIDEO BY NZ HELMET CAMZ CLICK HERE
SUZUKI 4 HOUR 2009 PHOTOS CLICK HERE
ENTRIES
Entries are now closed. On Wednesday at 10pm there were 325 entrants including 110 Ironmen.
We strongly reccomend all participants upload and read the EVENT INFORMATION and the PRINT VERSION of the entry form. The Event Informaiton is also listed below.
EVENT INFORMATION
Suzuki Taupo Four Hour
22 August 2009
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When |
Saturday 22 August 2009 |
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Where |
Waimahia Forest, SH.5 Taupo – Napier Road. 10 minutes drive from the Taupo Lake Front. Follow orange arrows. This is the same venue as the Suzuki Pumice Blast trail ride held September 2008. |
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Bikes |
One bike per individual or team. Woman may use 2 different bikes, but they will have to swap the transponder over at each rider change over. |
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Entry fee |
$80 Individual $150 for a team. Late fees apply from 17 August. |
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Race pack |
All riders will receive a race pack including a DRD magazine, 20% discount on Suspension tune or service through MotoSR, 2 drinks including one at the Shed Bar. |
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How do I enter |
2 options. Paper entry form with cheque or on line entry with credit card and direct credit payment. Entries close Wednesday 19 August. |
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Age limit |
The minimum age to enter the event will be 16 years. There is no maximum age. Riders aged 16-17 years need Adult Guardian consent to enter. Guardian must co sign the entry form and be present at sign on and briefing. |
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Prizes |
1st overall $1000 cash 2nd to 10th $1500 worth of prizes Spot prizes $1500 given as spot prizes at the Shed bar. Riders must be present to collect. There are no class prizes. There are 3 trophies. For the first Team of 2 and the first Ironman. |
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The course |
The event is run in a pine forest with pumice soil. The track includes a 2 minute TT style grass section. The track length will be approximately 25km. |
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The start |
It will be a Le Mans start signaled by a shot gun. There will probably be 2-3 rows of bikes. |
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MNZ licence |
An MNZ licence is not required. |
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Motorcycle and riding gear requirement |
There is no scrutineering, however all riders must have a well prepared motorcycle and appropriate protective gear. Compulsory riding gear to include: full face helmet, body armour, goggles, gloves, long sleeve shirt, knee pads or braces & motorcycle boots. |
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Food |
There will be a food caravan selling burgers, hot chips, nachos etc plus espresso coffee and cold drinks. |
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Prize giving |
7pm at the Shed bar. Features great spot prizes, photos and video footage of the event. |
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Fire Extinguishers |
Every bike must have a fire extinguisher attached of 0.3 litre or larger. |
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Information |
Entries: Contact Jodie Davis: 021 1873074. admin "at" epicevents.co.nz General enquiries: Contact Nick Reader 021 983 766 nick "at" epicevents.co.nz www.epicevents.co.nz (make lower case) |
Schedule
Friday 21 August 2009
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5:30-9pm |
Registration and pick up transponder at Daryl August motorcycles, 78-80 Tuwharetoa St, Taupo. |
Saturday 22 August 2009
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8:00am |
Gates open to event |
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8:00am |
Registration at event |
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10:30am |
Registration ends |
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11:00am |
RACE START |
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3:00pm |
Race finish |
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6:00pm |
Dinner and drinks at the Shed Bar, Tuwharetoa St, Taupo |
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7:00pm |
Prize giving at the Shed Bar. |
In association with www.eventscapital.co.nz
NEWS
Suzuki 4 hour 22 August 09
Media 6 by Nick Reader 24 August 09
Well the Suzuki 4 Hour Taupo has made a great start held in perfect weather in Taupo on Saturday 22 August.
Talk about tension on the start line with 250 motorbikes and 350 riders set to unleash themselves on the course. The boom of a shotgun signaled the start and the bikes roared off the line.
Sam Greenslade had his Husqvarna pinned and lead the way around the first turn followed closely by Epic Events staff member Mike Gibbons.
What an amazing site as the bikes flowed around the 2.5km grass track before disappearing in to the bush.
About 26 minutes later Greenslade arrived back into the grass track having kept his lead.
A top contender Brad Groombridge ran out of an essential item early in the race – fuel. This put his Suzuki team including Rennie Johnston out of contention.
With one lap to go, it was Greenslade leading, the Kawasaki team of Nick Saunders and Rhys Carter followed by the KTM team of Karl Power and Jason Davis. These 3 riders set off almost together on the final lap that was to extend the race to about 4:20.
Nick Saunders was first to emerge in to the final grass track and took the win over Greenslade. Saunders and Carter are 2 local Taupo Motocross hot shots and they used their MX ability and fitness when it counted most – the last lap. The blisters on Sam's hands were evidence of the huge effort made by this young 19 year old racer who so nearly gained top honours, but still can be proud of his effort. The final podium spot was claimed by the KTM team of Karl Power and Jason Davis.
Ironman Rory Mead took 4th spot with Adrian Smith claiming 5th. Long team Epic Events staff members Mike Gibbons and Paul McDowell made the most of a great start and took 6th place. Another great effort was from Suzuki Husband and Wife team of Mark and Ilana Penny who finished 10th overall.
Congratulations everyone for the big effort on a demanding track.
This event is here to stay and in 2010, we will add some more 3rd gear stuff and less top gear. Nick
2009 RESULTS
The results are loaded on to www.mylaps.com
Or you can look at the results on www.epicevents.co.nz
Pictures to follow
Suzuki Four Hour Tips for Novices
Media 5
By Nick Reader - 14 August 2009
A four hour race can be a bit daunting if it is your first competition so here are some tips to help make your race day go well.
Training
There are only 7 days to go so it will be tough to get any decent fitness gains from now.
If possible you should try to ride or race this weekend and give your body a good workout.
If you are doing the Suzuki 4 hour as an individual then ride for 4.5 hours this weekend at 90% max pace with only very short breaks in between refueling. This will help your fitness, bike skills, mental concentration, confidence and mental toughness.
If riding as a team, then ride the duration that you will ride on the day. Ie Ride for 1 hour then have 1 hour off. Or 30 minutes on and 30 off. But make sure you do 2 hours of riding total.
The week leading up to the race should only involve a small amount of training. Ie 1-2 30 minutes sessions - either running, swimming or mountain biking etc at about 90% effort. The reality is that you will be busy at nights preparing your bike and packing your gear so you won't have much spare time.
What ever you do, you must have 2 complete days of rest before the event so you have heaps of energy on the day.
Bike preparation
It has to last the distance so you need to show your bike some love. Check over everything basic like nuts and bolts, oil, coolant levels etc. Use loctite on the important bolts including seat bolts.
Use an O Ring chain and steel sprockets otherwise your chain will stretch and maybe come off.
Fit some decent hand guards preferably with an alloy insert. A rock or tree might hurt your hand or bend your bars and hand guards might prevent this. Acerbis are the market leader for hand guards.
If you ride a MX bike, maybe gear it up a little to mellow out the power delivery and increase the top speed. Often one tooth on the front is the cheapest and best option.
Your suspension will take a hammering over this race as the bumps develop. As a minimum, make sure your bikes static and rider sag are correct and that your fork clamps are mounted on the forks at the right height to balance the suspension. You don't want 30mm of the fork sticking out the top of the clamps because this gives the bike head shake and could spit you over the bars at speed! Your suspension should have had a service no more than 5-10 hours ago so that it can do its job. There is still time to call Richie at Moto SR. 07 3080310.
Tools
Just take the very basics with you (2-3 Allan keys, 10mm, 8mm etc) and not a full tool belt. You should be able to limp back to the pits with a flat tyre and change it there. You don't want the weight of a full tool belt.
Fuel
The lap is exactly 25km. Can you do 2 laps or just 1 before refueling? Know how many minutes your bike can do at race pace. Then get your pit crew to time your first lap then you will know if 2 laps are possible. If in doubt, fuel every lap.
Goggles
I rate roll off systems as they give multi clear views. Ironman riders should have 1-2 spare sets if you can afford it.
Starts
It will be a start with a dead engine and hands on the rear mudguard. Practice until you get 10 in a row perfect. Does your bike start well with ¼ or full throttle? Does your bike start in gear EVERY TIME? Do you select 2nd or 1st off the start line? Stay calm, be methodical and get your weight forward when you accelerate.
Novices can start on the back row for a low stress start.
If you get a bad start, look well ahead and try to pick a way though any possible crashes. The first 4km is pretty open so there will be chances to pass.
Mind power
Concentration is critical to riding fast and safe. Develop some key words and talk to yourself during the race. My words used to be, stand up, look ahead, early gas, attack.
If you get a rubbish start, stay calm and positive. It is a long race and you do have time to make up positions.
Body fuel
You need energy and hydration on the day. Get some good carbohydrate foods into you the week before and especially the day before the event. You know the good stuff, pasta, potatoes etc. Plus get some fluid in you. You know you are hydrated if your urine is clear. On the day use a sports drink that has sugars, some electrolytes etc. Don't worry if you are a bit nervous and don't feel like eating the day of the event. Just have a banana or muslea bar, but still drink.
Wear a CamelBak. Individuals will need 2-3 litres. Even if you are riding as a team, wear a CamelBak all day because you need to rehydrate in between stints on the bike. Put a diluted energy drink in the reservoir because you will need some sugar.
Stay calm
Be 100% organized for the event so you are not rushing on the morning.
Focus
If you are a team rider, keep track of time so you are not surprised by your team mate flying into the pits to find you with no helmet on or not read to refuel. Remember this is a team sport.
Team riders and laps
Most average riders will ride 2 laps each for their first stint then drop to 1 lap each after the 2 hour mark due to fatigue.
Riding tips
The Suzuki 4 hour track has a mix of fast pumice roads old logging tracks and tighter bush sections.
On the faster pumice roads you should be able to sit down and get on the gas, but it often pays to be standing so you can react to upcoming obstacles (water ruts etc)
The old logging tracks might get rough so you will need to stand up over the bumps, keeping your weight slightly to the rear of the bike and grip the seat with your knees.
The tighter bush sections can be ridden seated or standing. There will be heaps of berms I reckon and not many ruts. For berm turns, choose a line that gets you onto the berm early, lean with the bike into the inside of the turn then get on the gas early and smooth. Look to the exit and stay with the berm (don't turn to the inside and fall off the berm)
The track will get rough towards the 2nd half of the race so a strong standing riding position will be required. You can lean back and try and skim across the whoops, but this does take quite a bit of energy. Look for smooth lines on the extreme left and right of the track, but take care that you don't strike a stick or rock.
Try to ride smooth to save energy. Sit down where you can get away with it to conserve energy.
Look well ahead always to pick lines and keep up the speed.
Enjoy it
Enjoy being part of this brand new event cranking around the track, scorching on the pumice roads and blitzing the bush sections.
Best of luck
Nick Reader
Epic Events
About Nick Reader as a former racer/coach
2 x National Cross Country Champion
3 x Tarawera 100 winner
Motorcycling NZ Coaching Director 5 years
Bachelor of Leisure Studies
Suzuki Four Hour
News item 4 - 12 August 2009
By Nick Reader
The Suzuki 4 hour track is looking fantastic. The tracks have been bulldozed very carefully and have had a level bar dragged over them 3 times to make a great riding surface. Plus we got a 4WD to compact the whole track! It is going to take some punishment so we have given it the full treatment!
Here is how a lap will go. Shot gun start, 300m straight, left turn, down into the first MX section, back past pit lane, into the 2nd MX section and then into the forest. 3km of pumice roads are next with chances to pass. Then enter the first real bush section which goes for 5km in and out of small gulleys, heaps of flow, across the road to the 8km mark, into the 'fridge door' section which has some nice 4th gear forestry tracks mixed with 3rd gear flowing trail, drop into 'sandy gulley' and get on the gas (this will get bermed and whooped I reckon), up beside the native bush and don't overshoot into the water reservoir!!!, over Roto a kui road to drop into the 'Jumps' track (don't over jump), wind down to the douglas fir track at about the 16km mark for some roller coaster action, across Kiri Kiri road, then up the other side onto more roller coaster style tracks (3rd to 4th gear), the farm edge appear on your left and you are almost home. Through the fence and into the 2km MX grass track where you make like Townley and strut your MX skills. Across the finish line and now should you pit or not?? Would be a bummer to run out of gas.
The track is around 25km with some minor changes in length possible. We think this will take a fast rider about 30 minutes.
We have 150 entries so far which is great. I am sure we will get pretty close to 250 riders lining up 22 August.
We made a mistake with the paper entry form. We listed the age ranges for Vets and Masters teams incorrectly. The actual class ages are: Vets 35-44 years and Masters 45 years and over. Any errors will be sorted by Epic Events.
Competitors can register and pick up transponders either Friday night from 5:30pm to 9pm at Daryl August Motorcycles, Tuwharetoa St, Taupo or Saturday 8am to 10:30am at the event base.
Polo shirt orders close today so please let us know if you want one. These are great looking dry fit polos with the event logo on and will be good to wear to prize giving at the Shed bar.
Speaking of prizes we have some really good prizes lined up to give out as spot prizes at the Shed bar on Saturday night.
These include a 4 play voucher which combines all the best of the adrenalin sports in Taupo. The activities include a helicopter flight, bungee jump, sky dive and jet boat ride.
A slightly more relaxed prize is a boat/fishing trip for 4 people with a Chris Jolly boat trip on Lake Taupo. Chris Jolly provides fishing, boating and hunting opportunities in and around lake Taupo. Check out their website and next time you are in Taupo, book some fun time with them. www.chrisjolly.co.nz
Motor SR are the suspension gurus in NZ. Richie Ebbett is a passionate motorcycle rider who knows his stuff. Moto SR has done suspension for Paul Whibley in the past and currently dials in the suspension for the very fast Jason Davis. Moto SR is offering a 20% discount on any suspensions servicing or tuning for the Suzuki 4 hour. And trust me, the 4 hour will provide a great test of both rider and suspension especially after the 2 hour mark. So call Richie today to get it sorted. Ph 07 3080310. Take advantage of this great offer and make the change to a plush yet firm ride for Serious Ground Control.
NZ's leading dirt bike magazine (DRD) are providing 5 annual subscriptions as spot prizes so 5 lucky riders will be totally informed on dirt bike ins and outs for the next 12 months. www.drd.co.nz
Plus there are camel baks (www.camelbak.co.nz) and some very nice EZ up shelters (www.ezup.co.nz ) and of course $1000 of cold cash for the fastest dude/dudes.
Entries close Wednesday 19 August and there is no entry on the day.
There are some very strong team entries form all of the big brands in NZ. The next media item will talk about about the teams and possible winners.
- ends
Suzuki Four Hour Taupo 2009
Media 3
Entries out now!
After much suspense I am happy to announce that the venue, price and entry form are all confirmed for the Suzuki Four Hour taking place for the first time Saturday 22 August in Taupo.
You can enter on line now at http://www.epicevents.co.nz/ Either by printing off a form or entering on line using our flash new system.
We have set the entry fees at $80 for individuals and $150 for teams of 2. Our goal is to keep the event as affordable as possible to encourage everyone to give it a go. Please note that late fees apply from 17 August onward so you are better off to enter early.
The reason for the long delay in getting the entry form out has been the selection of a venue. We are pleased to announce that we have gained the perfect venue for the race. It is the same farm and forest as used by the Suzuki Pumice Blast trail ride held last September. Being just 10 minutes out of Taupo on the Napier highway makes it easy to find and quick to travel to. The venue is perfect because it is not used often, has great white pumice soil, has a good parking area on grass and we have the use of an awesome hill paddock to make a 2 minute TT style track. This TT paddock is truly exceptional. I have already spent 2 hours walking it to design a fun, but safe track. Riders will do the Le Mans start, then complete half the TT track, disappear into the bush for 25 minutes then reappear close to the pits, complete the entire TT track before going past or through the pits.
Teams are to use only one bike, because a big part of endurance racing is the preparation of a bike to go the distance. The exception to this is female teams who can use 2 bikes, but must change the transponder over when changing riders and bikes. We have allowed this because we want to keep the ladies involved and happy!
The prize list is growing each day and at least half of the prizes will be given out as spot prizes so it is well worth attending the prize giving at the Shed bar Saturday night. The way to get the most from this event is to get committed to the whole day and night. Please note that we are no longer able to offer the complimentary Spectro chain lube as promoted in the event poster. We apologise for this. However the free drink at the event and the one at the Shed bar are still on!!! (non alcoholic options are available)
We will be adding tips to the website on how to train and how to set up your bike to make sure you are prepared for the big race. A four hour is not that hard if you team up with a buddy and alternate riding one lap each. And the four hour Ironman class, well that is a little tougher, but with there is still a month available to train!!!
So whether you are a Trail rider, Motocrosser, Cross Country or Enduro rider, I am sure that this event will be a whole lot of fun...
Information 27 July 2009 by Nick Reader - 021983766
Suzuki Four hour
Media 2 - sent 6 July 2009
We have had heaps of enquiry about the brand new 4 hour motorcycle endurance race taking place in Taupo on the 22nd of August. Information is limited at the moment, but there will be complete information and an entry form on http://www.epicevents.co.nz/ by mid July. What everybody wants to know is; one bike or two, where it is and how much will it cost. Here are the answers to those top 3 questions and more...
All teams and individuals are to use only one bike for the entire race. Moto SR will be providing tips for beginners on how to prepare your bikes to last the distance.
The venue will be named mid July, but it will definitely be within 20 minutes of Taupo. The venue will be the same as one of the following trail rides; Suzuki Pumice Blast (Taupo/Napier Rd 10 mins from Taupo), Suzuki Berm Buster (Taupo/Napier Road 20 mins from Taupo) or Suzuki Trail Blazer (Taupo/Rotorua Road 20 mins from Taupo). The reason the venue is not named right now is because one of the venues we are targeting has a new owner with whom we are negotiating. We apologise for this delay, but be assured the track will be pumice soil based and heaps of fun to ride, rain, hail or shine.
Classes will include Juniors (16 years minimum), Open, Veterans, Masters, Woman, plus more. The minimum age to enter the event will be 16 years. There is no maximum age.
And yes $1000 cash will be paid to the winner or winning team. There will also be some fantastic prizes for the top ten riders plus at least 50% of the prizes will be awarded as spot prizes.
The course will take around 30-35 minutes for the average rider. The goal is for team riders to complete 3-4 laps each. We intend to include a flowing grass track as part of the course that will be in view of the pits. This will provide fun for the riders and entertainment for the onlookers.
There will be food and drinks for sale at the event. All Epic Events safety rules will be in force. Fire extinguishers will be compulsory.
So the key move now is choose to do the lot on your own or choose a ride partner. If you choose the team option, play paper, scissors, rock over whose bike will be used then think about some form of training... We will be putting a suggested training schedule on the website for those looking for some training guidance.
Our goal is to make the event competitive, but social. We are excited about organizing our first ever endurance race and look forward to a great event in year one...
Suzuki4 hour
Media 1 - sent 9 June 2009
Brand New Taupo 4 Hour
There is a brand new race event on the motorcycle calendar and it is aiming to go big in year one. Epic Events has been running heaps of top quality trail rides since 2000 and is now changing up a gear to run Taupo's first 4 hour motorcycle endurance race.
Taupo is the home of the biggest endurance sport races in NZ including the Lake Taupo Cycle Challenge (over 10,000 cyclists), the Mizuno Half Marathon (over 3,000 runners/walkers) and one of the toughest races - the Bonita Ironman. So it is fitting that there will now be a motorcycle endurance race added to the busy calendar.
Scheduled for Saturday 22 August this 4 hour will be open to individuals or teams of 2.
Comments from Nick Reader: "I am really excited to be putting on our first ever Endurance race. Back in the old days when I raced, these are the sort of events I enjoyed. The nervous wait at the start line, the boom of a shot gun start, 400 riders funneling into one holeshot turn, picking your path on the first lap, staying mentally focused and pushing your body to the limit past the 3 hour mark to stay on the gas, then a massive feeling of accomplishment when you cross the finish line".
The track will be around 30km long and will be created on some of the best pumice terrain that Taupo has to offer. So this means no mud and a fun track that will hold up for the entire race. The exact venue will be confirmed at a later date, but it will be within 15 minutes of Taupo. The course will be constructed to the same high level as Epic trail rides and will include berms, jumps, drops and climbs all with great flow.
The goal is to include a grass MX style section in the lap to provide fun for the riders and entertainment for the spectators.
This event aims to sit alongside the classic NZ motorcycle endurance races including the Tarawera 100 and Suzuki 6 Hour.
$1000 cash will be paid to the winning rider or team across the line so there will be good motivation to push that little bit harder for the win. There will also be over $2000 of product prizes awarded to place getters and as spot prizes drawn at random.
The plan is to start the race at 11am with sign on at 8am.
The event will be competitive with accurate timing and results, but will also suit more social riders. Riders that are not aiming for a top overall finish can start on the 2nd row. Prize giving will be held at the Shed bar in Taupo with videos of the event on show, meals and heaps of spot prizes from MotoSR, DRD, Camelbak and Spectro.
The Taupo 4 hour takes place in August which is the ‘off season' for most motorcycle codes. Riders are expected from the National Enduro, Cross Country and Motocross scene with trail riders stepping up too. History shows that Motocross riders tend to win this style of event, however there are some very fast Enduro and Cross Country riders around at the moment so it will be a good battle of the disciplines.
It will be very interesting to see whether an individual or team of 2 take out the overall. 4 hours is achievable for a very fit rider to be ‘on the hammer' the whole distance. However a team of 2 gun riders should have a fitness advantage.
Full information will be at http://www.epicevents.co.nz/ Entries will be taken on line.
