They Take Bikes Where Donkeys Fear To Tread

The places where sporting trialists take their motorcycles have to be seen to be believed. Down rocky creek beds; through scrub, and along steep narrow tracks, obstructed in places by rotten logs. During the North v. South Island sporting trial, competitors negotiated some of the toughest sections seen in New Zealand, and the course would be on par with those used overseas. North won the two-day contest. Motueka's Bob Cooke was third overall, and led the South Islanders.

Bob Cooke (Motueka) races up a steep section in a creek bed on his 250cc Bultaco machine

With a splash, Paul Symonds (Hastings) takes his 250cc Bultaco down a tricky section

B. Reid, of Wellington, endeavours to guide his 250cc Bultaco up a smooth rock face

Two of the top riders in the country are father and son, Mike and Chris Harris, who have won numerous national titles between them

P. McKegney, of Wellington, and his 350cc Matchless receive some assistance up a creek bed section

Bob Cooke is all concentration as he skilfully guides his bike along the creek

Top rider at the meeting was Chris Harris, of Wellington, who has twice been national champion, at only 17. He showed excellent control of his 250cc Ossa in all sections of the trial

And another rider, P. Archer, of Christchurch, urges his bike up a rock, in one of the toughest parts of a tricky creek section

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The Nelson Photo News

No 145 : November 11, 1972

They Take Bikes Where Donkeys Fear To Tread