The 32nd annual Yamaha Australian 4-Day Enduro (A4DE) is almost ready to take off for 2010, the event being held at Portland in New South Wales from 8-11 April.

One racer especially looking forward to the event is leading Championship E1 Class competitor, Ben Burrell (Ballard’s Wellard Yamaha).

“I live at Parkes, which is pretty close to where it’s being held – we travel a lot over the course of the year, so to have the four-day just down the road will be great,” Burrell said. “It’s also super exciting because it will be my first A4DE, I’ve been to a few to watch now, but haven’t been old enough to ride one.

“I’ve ridden near where the four-day is being ran and it’s gonna be some good riding. I’ve heard a lot about the tracks and it sounds like there’s gonna be heaps of good trail and special tests… I can’t wait to get out on the trails and rip up the tests at the four day.

“Apparently there’s gonna be heaps of fresh trail every day, too, so it will be an awesome event not just for serious racers but also for trail riders who want to be a part of it – the atmosphere at a four-day is awesome.”

A4DE Course Coordinator Rick Braico said riders would enjoy fresh trail every day and a total of eight special tests.

“I encourage everyone who’s been to a four-day or considered it to get your entry in – this will be a great event,” Braico said. “Four of the tests are grass tracks and four are enduro tests, each will only be ridden four times to ensure they don’t get too rough or worn.

“We’re making the course so riders have an honest day’s ride. When they get off the bike they’ll be tired, but it won’t be impossible. It’ll be the way an A4DE is supposed to be: a tough endurance race that most riders can finish and those who do finish will feel a real sense of accomplishment.”

The event boasts the following classes: E1 (100cc to 150cc 2-Stroke & 150cc to 250cc 4-stroke), E2 (175cc to 250cc 2-stroke & 275cc to 450cc 4-Stroke), E3 (290cc to 500cc 2-stroke & 475cc to 650cc 4-stroke), Veteran’s (Over 35-years), Master’s (Over 45-years) and Women All Powers.

There is also a state-versus-state, club-versus-club and manufacturer-versus-manufacturer element to the race, with senior, junior and club teams from each state and trade teams going head to head.

The race, being orgainsed by one of the country’s premier enduro clubs, Oyster Bay Motorcycle Club (OBMCC), will truly be “one for the riders”.

The OBMCC is made up of more than 300 enduro-passionate members and is arguably one of the most successful and longest-running enduro clubs in NSW.

The Central Tablelands Motorcycle Club, which is assisting in the running of the event, hosts the well-known Sunny Corner Rally, a yearly event which attracts nearly 800 riders.