Well, long time no read and very long time no post...

Here in the depths of South America, well Sao Paulo, Brazil to be precise it's been just over a year that I've been amongst the madness of the big bad city...

The Tenere is still in hiding in Portugal (must sort out a trip to liberate her soon).

Last April I started my enduro/cross country racing career at the ripe old age of 45, yes I am mad and have the scars/x-rays to prove it!! I started out sensibly with a Honda CRF230 made here in Manaus (middle of the Amazon), it's a good bike to learn on but the small size is a bit limiting after a while. But she managed to carry me on a 4 day 1000km rally that we did in the Northeast of Brazil recently ( http://www.cerapio.com.br/) However I was made an offer I couldn't refuse and she just got traded for a KTM 250 EXC-F.

Well, what a whole new ball game, the increase in power I don't really need (although it's great ;-) ) it's the ergonomics that make the difference. My riding (although still ****) has taken a leap forward. The gearbox is silky smooth (compared to the CRF) and I now have a rear brake that actually does something. What makes the biggest difference is the suspension... totally different, jumps that would bottom out the CRF pass without notice, sun baked ruts that rattled the CRF pass smoothly (you can tell I'm in love already right??)

Here's not the best but only photo I have from the cross country last weekend which took place here:

The crowd in the background are a group of friends trying to cheer me on (or take the piss...)

http://g.co/maps/2buxf



Next Sunday is the second round of the EFX Enduro FIM, this will be my 4th attempt at an enduro from this series, as yet I haven't managed to complete one... I've done a few other Enduros ok but this is the hardest series of enduros in Brazil, racers travel long distances to compete, I'm lucky, all the races are less then 80km from where I live. Maybe this time I can complete at least 2 of the 3 laps.....

http://adrenatrilha.com.br/site/?p=1130


Back to more site based talk..... the Tenere just got launched here, the Super Tenere has been here for a few months now. I think they are both imported, are they only making the Tenere in Italy these days or have they moved factories??



Nick.

You go nick.....

and yes, a liberation trip, and maybe some beers with old friends ?

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>-------<

Never underestimate the power of stupid people in large groups.

Always a pleasure to hear from you Nick, you know we have ships that go from Portugal to Sao Paulo that you can load your bike on, much cheaper than flying it.

Ola Nick, howya doing?

good to see you still offroading, where's you camelbac? and yes that tenere needs rescuing!.

we've got to go back to finish what we started

anyhow great to hear from you, keep in touch!

That is a nice change to the KTM and good looking bit of enduro.

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Plough on

Cheers Keith, The nutter in the white t-shirt is a right character, the jokes just keep rolling, no idea where he gets em' from.

Thanks Fran, but imports on used bikes/cars here, she has to go back to the UK.

Darren/Bernard, There's a chance I'll be in Portugal in May/June.... We do have unfinished business there... what you think?

Maxwell, ever been to Portugal??




Nick.

May is busy, and june heralds my daughters 18th and the costs that come with that. Could manag later, with the right authority.

If you are planning a return to the uk (with the bike) then maybe something UK based? The Lakes maybe?

__________________
>-------<

Never underestimate the power of stupid people in large groups.

Had planned to tour europe for 3 months which would have taken in portugal but that plan fell through. Still would love to go but doing too many things this year.... XT meet, IOM TT, Brands Hatch BSB, Mugello GP

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Plough on

Well the EFX Pacato enduro went well on Sunday... I actually managed to finish this one!!

Here's a clip of the event:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VFaJr...1&feature=plcp

Check out the **** (that'll be me then) at 2:55 getting his leg stuck under the bike, good job that cameraman was there 'cus on my own I'll still be there now....

The KTM rider getting the 1st place trophy is Felipe Zanol who came in 10th at his first Dakar this year, so the competition is tuff...


Nick.

nice one Nick,

oddly enough i would have thought the going would be drier

if it's any conciliation- no foot stuck or fall- no showing in the editing! good thinking

ciao