WWW.EPICEVENTS.CO.NZ | SUZUKI TRAIL BLAZER


Suzuki Trail Blazer is the North Island's most popular trail ride series and has been run since 2002 at varying venues within 20 minutes of Taupo. The Taupo based ride attracts around 500 riders who enjoy excellent flowing graded trails, great parking, free draining soil and awesome kids tracks.

SUZUKI TRAIL BLAZER GENERAL INFORMATION


DATES REMAINING: 8-9 SEPTEMBER 2007
VENUE: Tahorakuri Forest located on the Taupo to Rotorua State Highway 5.
FEATURING: fast flowing trails over pumice terrain. Awesome berms and mega traction! 100% graded by bulldozer every month. All weather rideable.
TRACKS: include kids grass, kids forest, 3km novice only, 10km and 40km main trails.
SUITABLE: for all abilities 2 and 4 wheelers.
SIGN ON: from 9am. Tracks open 9:30am to 3pm
ENTER: on the day. Adults $40. Kids 15 years or under $20. 2nd or more kids in family $15. Special family price $70 for families made up of Parents with Kids aged 15 years or under.
FIRE EXTINGUISHERS: are compulsory and can be bought on the day for $30.
FREE:tea and coffee
ACCOMMODATION: The Golden Springs Holiday Park is located just 10 minutes away. The Park has camping, cabins, motels, hot springs and take aways. Phone 07 3338280.


MEDIA



SUZUKI TRAIL BLAZER MEDIA 9
13 AUGUST 2007
BUT WAIT, THERES MORE!

Huge wind gusts and squalls of rain were not enough to deter almost 500 riders from making it to the 4th Suzuki Trail Blazer trail ride held near Taupo on Sunday.

It seems that a whole bunch of people are determined to take part in the Trail Blazer series rain, hail or shine and there was plenty of rain and wind at this latest event. One of the major attractions of Suzuki Trail Blazer is the fact that it is still good fun to ride even in the rain due to the Taupo pumice soil.

Despite the weather, everyone had a great time and enjoyed the trail extensions put in by the Epic Events track crew. One hill called the Duke Road hill climb proved a bit tough for some riders, but a diversion was quickly put in by the Epic Events Sweep crew to keep the ride flowing. Nothing like a bit of a challenge.

The separate track for Novice kids proved really successful. The new middle trail was also well received and gave Adult riders 3 options of trail to choose from.

It got pretty exciting mid afternoon when a huge gust of wind picked up and toppled over the marquee. It was all hands on deck to remove the marquee lying on the ground like a huge spinnaker and to retrieve all the items that were now lying exposed to the wind and rain.

The 12th of August ride was to be the final ride in the series, but the great news for Suzuki Trail Blazer fans is there will be one more 2 day ride set for 8-9 September.

The September event will be very similar to the hugely popular 2 day Blazer run in July this year. Riders will be hoping for the same perfect sunny weekend. The tracks will be completely bulldozed and graded to bring them back to premium condition, but the berms will remain intact.

The Saturday of the ride will take place in the forest South of State Highway 5 off Te Toke Road and the Sunday will take place on the North side of SH.5.

There will be over 115 km of trail so that should keep everybody entertained and challenged over the 2 days and provide a great finish to the Suzuki Trail Blazer series.


SUZUKI TRAIL BLAZER MEDIA 8
6 AUGUST 2007
SUZUKI TRAIL BLAZER TURNS 60

After the huge turn out of 700 riders at the July 2 day Suzuki Trail Blazer, we knew we had to offer more trail for the ride taking place 12 August. At Epic Events, we strive to run the best trail rides in NZ and the core part of the ride is the trail.

So after 3 days of searching and 5 days of track construction by bulldozer, we have increased the total trail length from 48km to 63km.

And it is all high quality trail too, with many more flowing twists, turns, ups and downs.

We now have the following tracks; Novice Kids, Kids, Novice 3km, Small 10km, Middle 15km and Long 35km.

We made a new novice kids track so there are now two separate kids tracks, one for fast kids and one for the kids just learning. The separate tracks will mean the kids can ride with other kids of similar speed. We have also doubled the width of the main kids track to allow for easier passing.

We have made a brand new novice track closer to the base which will be lots of fun, with a few small up and down hills and flowing trail sections.

This weekend sees the introduction of the ‘middle trail’ 15km long. Up until now, we have just had a long and a short trail. We have made this third ‘Middle’ trail to provide more variety and split the traffic heading out in the morning during ‘rush hour’. The Short and Middle track contain elements of the old short track, the old novice track, trails from 5 years ago and new trails. Sounds confusing but the two shorter length trails will be fun!

The long track has been shown some serious attention with around 5km more trail added all of which is rolling hills. Don’t panic, they are not too steep, but will provide more elevation and challenge especially on the first 15km of the main trail.

So if want to enjoy a great ride and take on the new trails, then make your way to State Highway 5 between Taupo and Rotorua this Sunday 12 August.


23 July 2007
SUZUKI TRAIL BLAZER MEDIA 7
TRAIL BLAZER PHENOMENON

At Epic Events, we now have a serious problem…. Where to park all the people that come to our Suzuki Trail Blazer rides. Numbers are growing this season and have now topped 700!
The Suzuki Trail Blazer 2 day ride held 14-15 July 07 near Taupo promised and delivered twice the fun for the 700 riders that attended each day. The multi tracks worked their magic and split the crowd so the trails were not too busy.
Each day was held at a slightly different venue with new trails opened for Sunday. The sun came out after a week of rain, but the temperature gauge on the van still showed a chilly minus 2 degrees each morning. The tracks bermed up really well allowing the riders to flow and get on the gas early in the corners.
Suzuki had their bright shiny demonstrators available for test rides focusing mainly on the kids’ bikes. I saw some ridiculously wide grins on the faces of the kids who took a small bike for a quick ride. And there were heaps of kids on both days getting into the fun. The $70 family deal we introduced has proved a hit, and now we need to build more kids tracks to cater for the small sized trail blazers!
With the large numbers attending we are going to introduce a third adult track called the ‘Medium length track’. We will score 1/10 for name creativity, but we think that we need to offer more trail for the riders. We will aim for 65km of trail per day for any upcoming rides probably made up of a 30km, 20km, 10km and 5km.
The final Suzuki Trail Blazer ride will be held Sunday 12th of August on the North side of State Highway One, where the Sunday of the 2 day ride was held. The bulldozer has already been out and graded the whole track, added 10km more plus 5 more drops and hills to the main trail.
Stay tuned for announcements from Epic Events regarding the September 8-9 Trail Ride.


29 JUNE 2007
SUZUKI TRAIL BLAZER MEDIA 6
SUZUKI TRAIL BLAZER PROMISES TWICE THE FUN…

Trail ride junkies from around the North Island will be getting excited about the Suzuki Trail Blazer 2 day trail ride looming on the radar for 14-15 July.

Momentum has been built by the opening one day rides held May and June that attracted over 500 riders and lots of great feedback.

So just what is special about the 2 day.

Firstly a new trail system is introduced on the North side of State Highway 5 featuring a 32km main trail, 14km short trail, 4km Novice track and 500 metre kid’s track. These tracks were very popular in 2006 with many riders enjoying the fast pace, hills and trails like the “track to terror, gumboot trail, swamp track, pig track and fast blast”. Around 15km of trail has been changed from the 2006 event held at this venue including the addition of 3 major new sections which should be heaps of fun to ride.

The Saturday of the event takes place on the South side of the Highway which has been completely graded ready for the final action of 2007. Yes this will be the final ride for 07 on the South side of the road, because the August 12 event will be held on the North side.

All these tracks add up to over 100km of groomed trail with around 50km of fresh track prepared for action on Sunday only.

The good people at Suzuki will be taking a fine range of Suzuki off roaders to Trail Blazer for people who are thinking of buying a new bike. There will be both 2 and 4 wheelers available in kids and adults sizes.

The full range of Trail Blazer apparel will be for sale including T shirts, caps, hoodies and beanies, just the thing to both look the part and stay warm.

Unfortunately there is no camping at the event. Entries are taken on the day by cash or cheque. There are no discounts for entering both days.

So for riders that live far away from Taupo in places like the Far North and Wellington, this is the Suzuki Trail Blazer to do. For families, it is a great way to end the school holidays and for others, it is just a good 2 day action packed break in the middle of winter. Remember those key features… lots of traction, a berm in every corner, well marked trails, espresso coffee and good parking.

Stay tuned for announcements from Epic Events regarding the September 8-9 Trail Ride.

11 JUNE 2007
SUZUKI TRAIL BLAZER MEDIA 5.
'PUMICE, TOPSOIL AND RAIN MAKE A GOOD BREW'.

550 riders attended the first Suzuki Trail Blazer held 13 May in perfect weather, but looking at the forecast on Saturday night, I thought the rain might put a few people off.

But I was wrong because Suzuki Trail Blazer number 2 that took place on the 10th of June had another full car park of over 550 riders.

The riders took off into the bush keen to see what changes had been made and came back very happy (but muddy).

One section in particular caused comment and that was the ‘Old School’ section, the only new trail that we did not bulldoze. Just classic single track up, over and down a pine needle covered ridge. We will try to add more optional non bulldozed sections to future rides.

The kids flagged the cold and slippery kids Motocross track and also headed straight for the bush to get under cover.

Cold, did I mention cold! Taupo might have some of the best soil for tail riding in the rain, but it also has some of the coldest temperatures. There were quite a few cold, but happy riders leaving the base a little bit earlier than normal.
Next event on the Epic Events radar is the Suzuki Trail Blazer 2 day ride taking place 14-15 July. With 50km of freshly groomed trail made available each day, the 2 day ride is not to be missed. Look at www.epicevents.co.nz for full details.

6 JUNE 2007
SUZUKI TRAIL BLAZER MEDIA 4.
'ALWAYS MORE TRAIL AT SUZUKI TRAIL BLAZER'

I always say to my staff that I know every inch of the forests I hold rides in, but time and time again I am proven wrong, because I always seem to find more trail. I stare at the map, then crawl through the bush checking out likely areas, before guiding in the Dozer to clear a path.
New trail is definitely the case for Suzuki Trail Blazer event #2 of the year taking place this Sunday 10 June near Taupo. Between me and the Bulldozer, we have come up with 5km of new trail and have reversed the direction on a further 10km so that means riders are going to get a fresh look at 15km of trail.
Another change is the lean and mean family deal we have going for '07. Just $70 gets the family out on the trails. For larger families this is a huge saving. But I need to make it clear that this is for familes consisting of Parents and their children who must be 15 years or under.
550 riders attended the opening Blazer and had wide smiles so make sure you get along this Sunday!
You might also like to put the 2 day trail ride14-15 July in your diary. I recently pre rode the tracks on the North side that we introduce for the Sunday of the 2 day event and I had an awesome ride.

22 May 2007
SUZUKI TRAIL BLAZER MEDIA 3.
‘RAVE REVIEWS FOR SUZUKI TRAIL BLAZER’

I could tell you about the opening event of the Suzuki Trail Blazer series, but it is probably better coming from the people who actually rode the event...

SUZUKI TRAIL BLAZER 13 MAY 2007 – RIDER FEEDBACK

Went to the trail blazer last Sunday and made use of the family rate. Including us we were with 4 families.

The ride was excellent and I have to commend you on the track and the organisation. It was nice to see the sweepers riding the track at such regular intervals.

I have told everyone that it was an excellent ride and there are quite a few keen starters for the next one.

Great day had by all,

Hi Nick,

I just want to congratulate you and your team for a superb Trail Blazer on the 13th May. This was the first time I had ventured out to one of these, and had heard from others that they were a good time out. They were right. The tracks were well laid out and well marked, and a great variety of riding.

You are right, the track bermed up nice, so railing around the corners was great, some tricky root sections, and that rock garden!! The variation around both loops was great.

I haven't trail ridden for a number of years now, focused more on the MX, but I had forgot the amount of fun you can have in the bush, and also the time in the saddle. MX 3 x 15min motos then home, battered and bruised. On Sunday 80K's of total exhilaration, and no pains to speak of, except the muscles in my mouth from telling everyone how great the day was and encouraging them to come out next month. I had a couple of mates come over from Tauranga also who have nothing but praise for the ride, and will also be back.

Thanks again for your time in arranging the permits and the guys to make the tracks etc. Mark Haimes has told me about these rides, and I know he helps you out. So thanks to these guys to for helping make the day an awesome experience.
I will be there again, and thanks for the experience.

Hi Team

Just a note to say me and my mate travelled all the way up from Palmy for the day for the trail blazer and we both left with smiles on our faces it ROCKED!

Without a doubt it was the best ride we have ever been on, the tracks were awesome, we loved the MX track type feel to it, berm alley was the out of this world and we hope the tracks are similar for next time.

We are now planning to do the whole series now so good job team.

Hi Nick,
Just emailing to let you know I thoroughly enjoyed the trail ride on the 13th . Bulldozed tracks, well marked, and great weather made for one of my most enjoyable rides ever. I do mainly MX but won’t be missing any trail blazer events. Thanks again and keep it up.

The next Suzuki Trail Blazer takes place 10 June. We will bulldoze and level bar the whole track again plus will sniff out some more trails to make sure of another top event.

19 MARCH 07
SUZUKI TRAIL BLAZER MEDIA 1.
SUZUKI TRAIL BLAZER DATES NOW SET FOR 07.

Looking for some winter berm blasting action on trails with plenty of traction? Then the Suzuki Trail Blazer series is just the ride for you. Kicking off in May, the Trail Blazer series will involve 4 rides with the July ride being a 2 day affair.

The 5 round series held in 06 was a hit with central North Island trail riders with an average of 400 riders blasting around the pumice trails located off State Highway 5 between Taupo and Rotorua.

The rides will take place either side of SH5 to keep things interesting. The 2 day ride will use different tracks each day.

The rides will be held May to August. The price has had to be increased by $5 this year to pay for increased land access and secrity costs. However the good news for families is that the kids price has decreased.

There will be another Epic trail ride held 8-9 September with the venue yet to be announced so don't plan to hang up your boots in August.