Trail Blazer
DESCRIPTION
Suzuki Trail Blazer is the North Island's most popular trail ride series. The events are run in the Tahorakuri pine forest on the banks of the Waikato River. The Taupo based ride attracts around 700 riders who enjoy the big berms on the flowing graded trails, free draining soil (can ride when wet), mega traction, great parking, awesome kids tracks, great hot food and espresso coffee.
2010 DATES
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18 April |
- Te Toke Road - South of SH5 Taupo to Rotorua Rd. |
|
13 June |
- North of SH5 Taupo to Rotorua Rd. |
|
17-18 July |
- Trail Blazer 2 day ride. Saturday South side, Sunday North side. |
|
8 August |
- Te Toke Road - South of SH5 Taupo to Rotorua Rd. |
| 9 October | - Suzuki ATV FreeRide - limited to 200 riders - click here to enter |
|
10 October |
- North of SH5 Taupo to Rotorua Rd. |
MAP
Click here to view location map - This is a PDF document 1.3 meg in size.
POSTER
EVENT INFORMATION
Featuring: fast flowing trails over pumice terrain. Awesome berms and mega traction! 90% graded by bulldozer every month. All weather rideable. Also includes single track and EXPERT ONLY sections.
Directions: The forest is located on State Highway 5 (The Taupo to Rotorua Road), around 20 minutes drive from Taupo or 40 minutes from Rotorua. Look for Epic Events signs.
Tracks South Side (Te Toke Road): include kids grass, novice kids grass, kids forest, Novice (3km), Family (9km), Medium (15km) and Long (35km).
Tracks North Side: include kids grass, novice kids grass, kids forest, Novice (1km), Family (8km), Middle (14km) and Long (40km).
Suitable for all abilities 2 and 4 wheelers.
Sign on from 9am. Tracks open 9:30am to 3pm.
Enter on the day by cash or cheque.
Entry Fees: School Kids 18 years or under with Student ID $20. Adults $40. Families $80. All riders must attend sign on including kids.
Fire extinguishers are compulsory for riders using the red arrowed tracks and can be bought on the day for $30. Riders on kid's and novice tracks do not need fire extinguishers.
Food: Complimentary tea and coffee available. Hot food caravan on site selling Espresso Coffee, cold drinks, bacon and egg rolls, hot chips, hot dogs, hamburgers.
Accommodation: There is no camping on site. See http://www.laketauponz.com for accommodation.
NEWS
3 August 2010
REHASH
Yep that's the thought that has been in my head when thinking about how to describe all the changes and improvements we have made to the Suzuki Trail Blazer taking place this Sunday 8th August at Te Toke Rd. It is the same forest, but we have rehashed 2 trails into 3 and made some new stuff.
First up as mentioned in an earlier e mail, in response to all the families that come to the epic rides, we have a new FAMILY TRAIL. This weekend it measures 8.5km long so will provide a decent length trail for families to enjoy without fast riders buzzing by. Look for the new FAMILY TRAIL sign at the track entrances.
But this trail does not come at the expense of our main trail network. We have put in a new MIDDLE TRAIL measuring in at 15km. This trail takes riders on new tracks and part of old tracks and ends up on top of VIEW HILL. The climb to view hill should be fairly challenging, but the view is well worth it. This trail has one EXPERT SECTION.
The LONG TRAIL is now around 37km (we are yet to trip it) and still includes those fantastic new EXPERT ONLY sections including ROOTS EXPERT AND RIDGE EXTREME.
We have a new role at our trail rides called the INCIDENT MANAGER. His main 2 roles are to change the course if needed and to help find injured riders. When finding an injured rider, we call him a SNIFFER because he sniffs out the injury site a lot quicker than a quad with a medic on board. This gets the help where it is needed pronto.
The guys and girls from Suzuki will be in full force this Sunday with a Suzuki RMX 450 available to demonstrate for serious customers. I tell you this is one seriously fun bike to ride. Based on the mighty RMZ450 Motocrosser, but refined for use in the trees, it puts all the power to the ground and the suspension provides a really comfortable, yet capable ride. To ensure you get a test ride, please email me to book a trial. nick "at" epicevents.co.nz
And once you have test ridden and ordered your new RMX 450 from your local dealer, then swing your eyes over to the brand new vehicle from Suzuki called the KIZASHI We will have one of those on show too (but sorry, we do not have a test track for this one!)
Our man Paris from Leatt braces will also be on site demonstrating Leatt braces so make sure you catch up with him for a chat about 'the helmet for your neck'.
And further to our last news item, we have employed a security guard to monitor speed in the pits and ensure that only slow riders use the Kids, Novice and Family tracks. Riders caught speeding in the pits will have their event stickers removed. Riders can still ride, but will have to purchase another ride sticker for $20 or $40. Riders caught riding with major speed or doing a wheelie in the pits or anything else that poses a danger to other riders will be escorted out of the event. Please note that this applies to kids as well so Parents please brief your children. I personally will be working with the security guard to monitor bad behaviour.
Epic Events Trail Ride News 7
8 June 2010
From Nick Reader
Changing sides
This Sunday 13 June sees the 2nd Suzuki Trail Blazer of 2010 run in the Tahorakuri forest near Taupo.
This event takes place on the North side of SH5 (turn left if traveling from Taupo or right if traveling from Rotorua).
The track set up includes Long 40km, Middle 12km, Short 8km, Novice 3km, Kids forest 500m, Kids grass and Novice kids grass. Yep something for everyone.
At Suzuki Berm Buster one Father asked me to extend the kids forest track so we have added a few hundred metres of trail and I because I was having a small drive on our dozer, I added a small tabletop jump amongst the trees to add some excitement for the youngsters.
The tracks were bulldozed a long time ago so they are really settled. Even with what seems like 2 weeks of solid rain, the tracks are still free draining with hardly any puddles. The mighty Waikato River located on the forest border is taking most of the rain out to sea.
We have a new base paddock lined up which means 2 new kids grass tracks will be marked out for fast and novice kids.
One of our new sponsors 'Leatt Braces' is coming along to be part of the day so make sure you check out the Leatt stand at the event. Leatt Braces are known as the 'helmet for your neck'.
I hear a lot of good comments about the North side so I look forward to a good ride on Sunday. As with most of the Epic trail rides, I will be gearing up at midday to go have some fun myself!
An old pic in a really nice part of the Trail Blazer fores
Epic Events trail ride news 2
6 April 2010
By Nick Reader
You mean you do this for work? This is the best mid week ride I have ever had! Are there any job vacancies on your staff??
These were the comments from the group of 5 riders I took out on a Trail Blazer pre ride last week. These Taupo Motorcycle club members were scouting the venue for a round of the national enduro championships coming up in June. I was getting things sorted for the first Suzuki Trail Blazer coming up Sunday 18 April.
I can tell you that the trails are near perfect due to the fact that we bulldozed them in July 2009. The track surface is firm and smooth with heaps of traction. You certainly don't wear out your gear box, because the trails are mainly 3rd gear on my DRZ 400, except for the odd 4th gear forestry road. Just endless 3rd gear berms with elevation changes all over the place. Often you are only rising and falling 10-20 feet, but is enough to get that ‘roller coaster' sensation. Yep there was heaps of fun and big grins from everyone on our test ride.
The April Trail Blazer has been quite soft and dusty over the last 2 years because it has only had one month of settling time and takes place after a hot summer, but 9 months of track settling has really done the trick to provide a firm track with very little dust.
Another improvement for 2010 is the construction of a pumice road into the base paddock. Last July when we ran the event in torrential rain, there were a few traction issues with cars getting into the pits, so this new pumice road will sort that.
Also new for 2010 is a raised age for riders to qualify for the Student fee. Riders up to 18 years can ride for just $20, but only if they present Student ID. We have done this to help out the families with older kids who still ride within the family. (ie Mum or Dad pay).
Trail Blazer will feature all the great event add ons that come to symbolize an Epic Event including kids grass, novice kids grass, kids forest, novice forest, 12km and 40 km main trails with a short cut, Expert sections plus the hot food caravan, espresso coffee and good parking.
Sign on is a 9:00am, tracks open from 9:30am to 3:00pm.
Enter on the day, cash only. Adults $40. Students 18 or under with Student ID $20.
Bring plenty of gas, cause you are going to want to ride all day!
ends
Epic Event Motorcycle News
4 March 2010
Bumper trail ride season just around the corner
Epic Events is set to bring you a winter trail riding season jam packed with old favourites and new events.
We aim to continue to provide the best trail rides around and to push the bar even higher with better services at the base, new expert tracks, a better track surface and more single track.
So here is the plan for the first 3 rides of 2010;
18 April Trail Blazer Te Toke Rd, SH5, Taupo Rotorua Rd.
8-9 May Berm Buster SH5, Napier Road 25 minutes from Taupo
13 June Trail Blazer North of SH5, Taupo to Rotorua Rd.
Once we confirm 2 more land access permits we will confirm all events from July on.
The first Suzuki Trail Blazer takes place on Te Toke Road, off SH5 (Taupo to Rotorua Road). This will be a great ride because we bulldozed the tracks in the middle of June 2009. That was the last time we used this venue. So almost 10 months of settling time will mean firm, grassy, pine needle tracks and very little dust. We have our track crew going in to cut more single track this month to add to the variety.
Next up is one of my favourite rides - Suzuki Berm Buster located on SH5, the Taupo to Napier road next to the Kaimanawa Forest park. Our first 2 day event of the year has historically had the misfortune of being plagued by rain each time we have held it hence numbers have been a bit low (about 400 per day). However the people who take part reckon it is one of their favourite venues. Berm Buster includes the traditional epic events mix of flowing bush tracks, fast open firebreaks and some challenging Expert sections.
Those of you who rode Suzuki Desert Storm will know that we are increasing the difficulty level of the Expert Sections these days. But as a guide the top 30-40% of riders at our events will be able to ride the Expert sections in the dry and if wet, maybe just the top 20%.
June sees the 2nd one day Trail Blazer held on the North side of SH5. This is the venue with the base close to a cow shed. This venue proved very popular and was used for the later half of last year for the Trail Blazers and Suzuki Free Rides.
After June we will alternate between a 1 and 2 day trail ride right through to November. Events will include more one day Trail Blazers, Pumice Blast, Trail Blazer 2 day plus a new 2 day trail ride with over 200km of trail!
The Taupo four hour exploded onto the race calendar in 2009. I finally gave in to the harassment from all my sweep riders asking me when I was going to hold a real race event. The first event exceeded my expectations and we look forward to more excitement when we run this event again in August.
Remember to make your trail riding experience as affordable as possible, check out the Epic Trail Passes either triple dip $99 or season pass $299.
Just for interest here are some Suzuki Desert Storm clips on youtube that you might like to view;
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jzwSMjQ_HTU
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dScnrN-KJjo
And here is Suzuki ace Mark Penny log hopping at the Enduro X comp at Suzuki Desert Storm.
www.epicevents.co.nz will have all dates as they are confirmed.
PHOTOS
FEEDBACK
Just wanted to send you a big thank you for the awesome event on the weekend. My Daughter and I only stayed for the Saturday, but must say we really enjoyed the entire day.
The trails were perfect, the bacon and egg sandwiches were delicious and the atmosphere was just awesome. Thanks again for a wonderful day out.
Two of us come up from Lower Hutt for this ride. I thought the rides were well laid out, your staff were helpful. Well run and organised.
Just wanted to say THANKS for a totally awesome 2 days of riding. This was magic. One of the best trail rides I've ever done. Can't wait for the next ride.
Thanks for an awesome weekend.
Greetings Nick
Just got home from Taupo Trail Blazer and just wanted to say Thanks for a great ride
I am 56 years young and had a blast on my quad along with some younger 2 wheeler buddies we really enjoyed the flowing trails
straight flat out sections and the picturesque forest location.
looking forward to the next event I can get to
Thanks for a great trail on Sunday. Thanks for well marked trails and full safety considered.
Look forward to the next one
What another good day back at the forest. Tracks were fast and flowing as normal. Good to have some new
Bits included. Top effort all round.
To Nick & all at Epic Events, Just a note to say thanks for another awesome ride and fab start to the 2008 season, I look forward to the rest of the Trail blazer rides and cant wait for Berm buster again. The 3 & 1/2 hour drive to get there is worth every minute.