2023 AFC KTM Adventure Rallye
Words: Liam Ellis Photos: Rob Kerber
The 2023 AFC KTM Adventure Rallye “Forest Journey” took place from November 29th – December 2nd. The Rallye took place over 4 days and covered over 1300kms. This is an annual event held by the AFC Motorcycles Dealership based out of Palmerston North, New Zealand . For AFC these events are a great way to connect with customers, as well as a chance to build on future relationships in a hands-on environment. This adventure rallye is known to push the boundaries and show the capabilities of the KTM Adventure range, and all of the Rallye Participants are fully aware of what they are signing up for.
Overnight rain made for tricky conditions in the first breakout on Day 1 to give all the riders a true test of man and machine. A breakout is designed for riders that want to push themselves, and they are ranked from 1 – 4 in level of difficulty. The mad Kiwis always get stuck into the trails and then realize they are in above their head and get into survival mode.
The rest of Day 1 consisted of stunning farmland and more forestry tracks. Day 2 was a loop from Ohakune back to Ohakune where the riders traversed over farms as big as 8000 acres.
A real treat on these rallyes is the hospitality of the lunch spots where we stop at local schools and some only have 15 kids at them, but they are more than happy to have 110 bike riders turn up. Its an amazing way to give back to local country communities.
Day 3 saw the Rallye travel from Ohakune to Taupo via native bush tracks and the infamous Blue Duck Station. The riders were treated to stunning views of the mountain for most of the morning before descending into the valley of where station lies.
An earliy finish for the day allowed riders to change tires for the day to come.
On the 4th and final day riders were treated to aa adventure through the Kinleith Forest. At over 100,000 acres the forest consists of mostly single track in an amongst the trees. Riders loved this day as it had a real enduro feel to it, and the guys got to see how good the KTM Adventure bikes were offroad. The riders finished back in Taupo and enjoyed a nice wrap up dinner.
The Event was another great success for the AFC dealership as they were able to strengthen relationships, show the amazing country to even more people including Australian and American riders, as well support local rural communities and had the opportunity to give back. The planning for the 2024 edition which will be once again in late November is already underway.
