Ténéré Tragics take Longreach
The annual Ténéré Tragics rally descended on outback Queensland recently for two days of superb riding and celebrating Yamaha's lauded dualsportThe 2013 Ténéré Tragics rally was staged in Longreach, western Queensland, in mid April and it attracted dozens of eager participants on a number of Ténéré models both old and new.
Now in its third year, the event is going from strength to strength as like-minded Ténéré fans gather to enjoy their machines over significant distances and some testing terrain, just as the model’s maker intended.
This year’s event featured a couple of decent ride-outs from Longreach, a town whose history is intertwined with the early history of Qantas (which explains the backdrop of the accompanying main photo). Local Yamaha dealer Rod Faggotter was on hand as ‘trail boss’ for the event, which – given his Dakar experience and local knowledge – made him ideally placed to carry out his duties.
Seven original 1983 XT600ZL Ténérés made the trek this year, in a fitting testament to the model’s 30th anniversary.
Getting there is half the fun, they say, but some of the Tragics had a little more ‘fun’ than they bargained for on the ‘Getting There’ run to Longreach. South African Marc Ashford came off and broke his ankle while en route, two jillaroos coming to his aid and driving him to the nearest medical centre, while five other riders were caught in a sudden storm 100km south of Longreach, which turned a simple 25km run into a slippery, two-and-a-half-hour epic. They pitched an impromptu camp when darkness fell and continued on to Longreach the following morning.
The two days of the rally proper saw Faggotter lead the Tragics over a selection of roads and trails, including past his family farm on day two – a region that serves as his Dakar training ground. Given he placed a superb 14th in the 2013 Dakar, his training is obviously having the desired effect! Stephen ‘Mr Motocross’ Gall was also in attendance at this year’s event, so there was no shortage of riding skill and technical expertise.
Next year’s event will head to the Victorian High Country – the Bikesales Network will bring you more details as they come to hand.
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