The two-day navigation ride kicked off with dinner at the Merrijig hotel on Friday 3 Nov followed by a briefing from tour organiser RideADV.
Day one consisted of a 440km route starting off at Merrijig heading south to Macs Cove, with a fuel stop at Jamieson. Conditions were close to perfect as the day started off brisk but warmed up by the lunch stop at Walhalla. The route flowed across a mix of fire trails with some choice single track to keep riders on their toes.
Saturday dinner was back at the Merrijig hotel where four times Mister Motocross Stephen Gall shared stories about his varied racing career spanning over 40 years with Yamaha.
Sunday’s shorter 330km loop featured more technical riding heading up to Swanpool, looping down to Toombullup, then south to Red Hill, and back again across Macs Cove.
The Rally once again ran trouble-free and was enjoyed by all – including Matt Baker and Calum McAlpine – two mates who got interested in Ténérés after watching the inspiring 2020 Ténéré Tragics Gold Rush Run movie. The MAD TV production featured a number of Yamaha celebrities including Craig Dack and Stephen Gall. Matt and Calum bleed blue and Matt in particular loves the early 1990s Aussie MX scene – back when cigarette firm Peter Jackson sponsored Yamaha’s road race and MX teams. Back home Matt has a matching YZ450F and WR450F to go with his Peter Jackson liveried Ténéré 700.
Ténéré 700 owners are advised to get in quick for next year’s five-day Ténéré 700 Rally which starts and finishes at Coffs Harbour from 5-10 May 2024. Check out the details here https://www.rideadv.com.au/event/8982/
Fantastic well organised trip , great motel accommodation. Having the routes all loaded and not requiring a lead rider or the cornerman system was a game changer for me as you could go at your own pace. Highly recommended!
I can’t thank the RideADV team for putting together such a great event. While catering for all levels, I had my own choice of how extreme I wanted my ride and had a smile on my face all weekend. First ride on the Ténéré 700 World Raid. What a machine!
What an awesome event. Well managed and excellent riders made for a superb weekend.