N.Z.’s Top Motor-Cyclists Seek Island Places

Press, Volume CV, Issue 31052, 6 May 1966, Page 15

N.Z.’s Top Motor-Cyclists Seek Island Places

Seventeen Canterbury riders, includinff the New Zealand champion, E. Norris, will travel to Moonshine Valley, 15 miles north of Wellington, this week-end to compete in the first North-South motor-cycle sporting trial.

The contest, which will consist of about 50 observed sections, spread over Saturday and Sunday, promises to be a particularly stimulating one with virtually every prominent rider in the country competing. Spice will no doubt be added by the entry of two international riders—on opposite sides. The former Ariel works rider, A. T. Gibbes, who has been particularly

active in moto-cross since he ! settled in New Zealand a t ew years ago, will be an entry! from the North Island, while! R. Forbes, a recent arrival from Scotland, is a leading South Island entry. While competing in Europe, : Gibbes was one of the leading trials riders on the circuit, winning a number of gold medals in international sixday events. Forbes has also competed

in Scottish and international six-day trials. His imported 250 c.c. Starmaker-powered Butler is probably the best trials machine in the country at present. However, both riders have to prove themselves in the competition before being

given island representative honours. The teams will be i'hosen from the lowest points liters in the trial. i.cehS? ndin S on entries reeonte’ these will probably I for thl 10 riders each. Entries stricter test are not reItion win «? sland representaI the perfon^ nd entirely on , vidual rider 7? each ind *' i Apart from T e , day[land Forbes, other*? 18 " Gibbes "Ming rid-

ers competing include R. Rush (Christchurch), the present South Island champion, and V. Rush (Christchurch), a former national title-holder. The well-known riders, W. Moffat P. Brightwell, R. Hamilton and M. Harris—all former New Zealand cham-pions—-will lead the North Island contingent. The type of terrain in Moonshine Valley allows for wide set marker flags, placing the emphasis on initiative in path picking. The marking system used will be the English 1-3-5. One point is lost for one foot three for two or more feet and five points for all other faults, including riding outside the natural boundaries of the sections.