A weekend not to be missed

 This ride is one you cannot afford to miss.  It is vastly different to almost any other trail ride you might attend.  The difference is evident right from the moment you arrive in Waiouru.  The venue is well marked, you drive right to the venue on tarseal and there are friendly staff who show you where to go and answer your questions. It’s like pulling into a McDonalds drive-in – all so easy!

And then there’s the parking, camping and other facilities – it’s like heaven!  Parking is on and around the Waiouru rugby grounds.  Its all flat and nicely mowed – no getting stuck.  There are plenty of portaloos dotted around plus proper flush toilets and heaps of showers in the rugby club facilities which are open all weekend long.  And then there is the rugby club bar – this will be open each night.  Lots of low priced drinks, big screen TV and an ideal opportunity for everyone to ‘talk up’ their riding exploits for that day.  Add to all of this a nice sheltered location, friendly staff, on-site coffee and low priced meals, and this place becomes the best campsite imaginable for a two-day trail ride.

To pre-order meals go to www.offlimits.co.nz/tussock-buster

Prices for the weekend riding are really reasonable.

There are great family packages and discounts for pre-entry.Check out www.offlimits.co.nz/tussock-buster

However, it’s not just about the camping and friendly family atmosphere. Naturally, you are coming for the riding and what an extravaganza that will be. The riding starts at 1300hr (thats 1 pm for us normal people) on the Friday and will go all the way through until Sunday afternoon. If you sign up for Saturday and Sunday then Friday afternoon is free. There is none of the usual “tracks open at 10am and close at 3pm” each day. You are in Army and OFFLIMITS territory now. These are long days for those who love to ride all day. Saturday and Sunday see the tracks opening at 0900 hr and closing at 1600hr. There are rolling briefings going all morning each day enabling you to start riding when you want. These briefings are done with true military efficiency. Nothing is left to chance. The Marshals want you to understand that you are riding on Army land and they have some pretty unique hazards. They will tell you about tanks and big guns moving on the roads, live firing in certain zones and unexploded ordnance. Naturally, you are not allowed anywhere near the dangerous stuff but they are insistant you know where it is so you don’t stray.

The riding and tracks are possibly the best in New Zealand. There will be over 250km of marked tracks. There will be two kids only tracks, some 10, 20 and 30 km fast tracks then a 50 km track and to crown it all off, a 90km and 105 km track. These longer tracks will be serviced by two fuel tankers so bring some cash to buy gas on these loops. There are a few good river crossings to test out the unwary but as always, the team at OFFLIMITS will have bypasses for the difficult bits or one of their 50 plus team of experienced helpers will be positioned strategically to assist just when you most need him.

Honda will be out in force supplying recovery quads, onsite repair/farm service trucks and the ability to buy heaps of spares. Broxy rider coaching will be onsite so book early for his fantastic riding lessons. To book contact Broxy via info@broxy.co.nz

The tracks and scenery is out of this world.  The tracks are predominantly smooth tank trails across undulating tussock country, all well to the east of the desert road.  This is country other trail riders only get to dream about – yet the Army has it on its own back door step.  The tracks are nice and smooth with virtually no whoops at all.  It makes for fantastic high speed but safe riding. You ride with Mt Ruapehu as a majestic backdrop and from ridgelines, you can see for miles and dream about all the rest of the Waiouru land that you only get to ride as part of an OFFLIMITS guided ride.   One of the highlights of each day will be seeing herds of wild horses roaming the Waiouru tussock lands.

 This ride is a must for any family or individual who wants a fantastic weekend away.  It is safe, fun and extremely well organised.  The money raised goes to the OFFLIMITS Trust which is a non commercial charitable entity.

Get yourself, your family and all your mates together and place 23-25 March in your riding calendar. It is truly a great family weekend away. Even if you don’t ride, there will be plenty of things to do and people to talk to. Find out more by visiting www.offlimits.co.nz/tussock-buster