As you are most likely aware the 2019 edition of the Santa Cruz NZ Enduro is done and dusted, with many riders sharing war stories long into the week, others jetting off to Crankworx and some still out riding searching for more. Every year the NZ Enduro rolls into town, and year on year it is the talking point of that summer. It is THAT race, that no matter what goes on, everyone comes away smiling and vowing to come back next year. The driving force behind the stoke and what makes the NZ Enduro so unique is the relentless duo of Sven & Anka Martin, who along with their rallied Volunteers, tirelessly pour over every detail weeks before the event and give so much of themselves to the event. Every where you see them day or night, you are greeted with endless smiles; an infectious morale booster when the body is hanging.
This year did not disappoint; with a serious drought affecting the upper South Island the race was looking sketchy at best, but hey we are holding a mountain bike race and that means guaranteed rain. And rain it did, however the rain did little to hamper the spirits of the Enduro crowd. More often that not elevating the experience, bringing everyone together to share in the misery that was their stage run, reminiscing on which bank they slid down and all in all smiles plastered across every mud splattered face. Dive on in to see how the weekend panned out for those lucky enough to take part in the experience that is the NZ Enduro.
DAY 1
Whites Bay
The infamous NZ Enduro goodie bag was a hit with everyone. DYED BRO sticker kits, yes please.
Welcome to Day 1
Tents and rain are notoriously sketchy.
Sven runnning everyone through the days proceedings.
Marsh guards in everyone’s bags were a welcome sight.
Stage 1 was cancelled due to its clay base / rain combo. The push to stage 2 commences.
Stage 1 start gate with ACDC blaring to kick of the day.
Rain it did.
Stage 1 was fast, narrow and remarkably grippy once you found the flow.
Stage 2: Steep, rooty, off-camber and a whole different ball game to stage 1.
Did we say rooty?
DAY 2
Nydia Bay
Day 2 – Stage 1. Welcome to Nydia Bay.
Connor Macfarlane consistently up there.
Steep pinches in the stages to keep you on your toes
Narrow sections meant everyone toyed with off the bank moments once or twice, or more if your lucky.
Straight after lunch, across a paddock and into another arduous climb
Enjoying the rewards after the enjoyable slog of day 2.
DAY 3
Jentree
The incredibly steep route to Stage 1 on Day 3 that was unbelievably ridden by Charlie Murray.
Max Hides rode consistently all weekend to take out Amatuer Men in style.
The man behind Jentree, Justin Leov, did well to put together an exciting day as a wet weather cancellation day.
The infamous creek crossing caught a few riders off guard.
But was actually super mellow if tackled properly
Completion Badge
Saw off between Richie Goldsbury & the Gehrig twins.
