First enduro motoX on the Ward River

THE usual serenity of the banks of the Ward River was shattered last Sunday by the screams of four- and two-stroke engines and throttles screwed all the way out for the inaugural 2012 Ward River Enduro.

Riders attacked the field, a 16km loop of various terrains, trying to complete as many laps as possible in the set three-hour event, with riders clocking up to 150kmh on the off-road straights.

Charleville Moto ATV Club president and event organiser Jamie Maiden said he couldn't have hoped for a more intense weekend.

"It was absolutely awesome," he said.

"We had a good turnout and there were no serious incidents, so the paramedics had a nice, easy day.

"It's a really dangerous sport, and when everyone can come out the other side of an event like this without any injuries, that's a success for the event and everyone who competed."

In total, 18 competitors raced against the clock in five classes.

Cameron Mackie in Senior Open won the day, taking top honours with his time of 3hr 3min 0sec to complete 12 laps, followed closely by Cameron Gordon in the Senior Lights three minutes later.

Special mentions went to Ryan Hand and "Flip" O'Neil, whose commitment to the turns were hampered by bike issues, and to Ashley Seiler, who blew up his bike. Jake Sullivan was also given honourable recognition for completing the event, despite the fact that it was his first time riding in the dirt, finishing seven laps in 3:14:00.

Results

Senior Open

1. Cameron Mackie

2. Jonathon Newcom

3. Joseph Mayo

Senior Lights

1. Cameron Gordon

Senior Quads

1. David Griffin

2. Craig Trudgett

3. Jamie Maiden

All Powers

1. Jay Lindsay

2. Neil MacLachlan

3. Kyle MacLachlan

Masters Class

1. Michael Schneider