Hard Enduro Set to Begin
Roof of Africa 2013
www.motorcycle-usa.com Courtesy of Monster Energy
The Mother of Hard Enduro hits the streets of Maseru tomorrow morning for the customary "Round the Houses" stage before the riders head up to the top of Bushman's Pass for what will be the first real test of this years race. Word has been spreading that this years race is set to be one of the toughest ever, as the race directors have reduced the daily mileage but increased the intensity with some previously unraced passes.
After last years surprise victory by 16 year-old South African sensation, Wade Young (KTM), previous winners, Graham Jarvis (Husqvarna) and 3 time winner Chris Birch (KTM) have arrived in Lesotho with their sights set firmly on reclaiming their titles. The South Africans now know that the big International stars are fallible and riders like Altus De Wet (Husqvarna), Kenny Gilbert (Yamaha), Scott Bouverie and young Blake Gudzeit (Sherco/Monster Energy) are hoping to be the next South Africans to claim the coveted title.
With Marc Torlage (Yamaha/Monster Energy) out due to injury, Monster Energy's hopes now lie with former champ Jade Gudzeit (Sherco/Monster Energy) and his 18 year-old brother, Blake.
B oth the Lesotho Sun and Maseru Sun Hotels were a hive of activity today as the paddock swelled with a massive influx of riders, services crews and spectators. After registration it was off to download the GPS tracks with Lesotho regular Charan Moore opting for 4 GPS units to keep himself in the hunt.
Recently crowned South African National Drift Champion, Jason Webb also arrived in the Mountain Kingdom and was eager to meet up with some of the two-wheeled mad men ahead of his drift demos in between the 6 Round the Houses heats.
It was a day of rigging and building for the events crews today, but with this years race moving to a central Start/Finish point after the "Round the Houses", the hard work is mostly done and the summit of Bushman's Pass will play host to the Start and Finish of all 3 racing stages, from 10am tomorrow morning.