2021 ‘HUSKY TREK’ HEADS NORTH

A couple of weeks back, at the first-ever Transmoto 8-Hour to be held at Queensland’s Cooby Dam, there was a lot of campfire talk about the recently run 2021 installment of the Husky Trek – this time around, dubbed the “Northern Explorer”. It seemed like every which way you turned, there was another Husky Trekker with an animated story about how memorable the terrain, riding, and beer-fuelled bench-racing was during their four-day foray through some of northern NSW’s best trails.

Here’s the Husqvarna Australia crew’s take on what is one of the only single-model adventure rides in Australia and was, by all accounts, a doozie…

Husqvarna Motorcycles customer experience events roared back into action with the second-ever Husky Trek, seeing 47 riders and 23 support staff explore Northern NSW over four days in early June. It was a tumultuous lead-up to the event, with bushfires devastating the region in early 2020, followed by the COVID-19 pandemic, before flooding threatened the re-scheduled Trek just one month prior.

Perseverance prevailed and riders were treated to an outstanding route set by the Wilkinson family (father Danny and sons Riley and Clay), starting at the idyllic seaside Discovery Park Emerald Beach (just north of Coffs Harbour) and taking in overnights at Glen Innes, Tenterfield and Evans Head before returning to Emerald Beach.

Featuring all types of terrain imaginable – from red clay just 5km out of Emerald Beach, to singletrack rainforest, beach sand, open flowing cattle-country dirt roads, challenging creeks, hills, and multiple-‘chilli’ hard-route sections – the Husqvarna 701 Enduro showcased why it is an ideal partner for adventure riding in Australia, with riders conquering the diverse track effortlessly.

The 701 Enduro Trek boasts a unique aspect of being one of the only single-model adventure rides in Australia, meaning riders experience the thrills of the trail and nightly atmosphere with like-minded comrades, offering a rare and distinctive camaraderie.

Even inclement weather with chilly mornings and rain on day two couldn’t dampen the spirit. The rain simply making conditions superb for days three and four!

Along with the outstanding route, riders were able to immerse themselves in the adventure experience with full support offered by the Husqvarna Motorcycles Australia crew – including luggage, technical and medical support, as well as lead riders clearing the track and sweep riders bringing up the rear to ensure all got to the nightly home base with a smile on their face.

Special guest rider Jemma Wilson – a five-time member of the winning ISDE Women’s World Trophy Team and multiple Australian Women’s Enduro Champion – came along on her first foray into the adventure scene and was completely hooked by the end of day one.

Husqvarna Motorcycles Australia would like to thank all riders for their support and for attending the event, as well as all staff and support crew who made it possible.

For more information on Husqvarna Motorcycles and joining the 701 Enduro community, visit www.husqvarna-motorcycles.com

And if that’s not enough to whet your appetite and put a Husky 701 Enduro on your Christmas shopping list, cast your eyes over the equally incredible images.