Hacking wins class in Mongolia

From Bullseye Media

ST. CATHARINES, ON -- Enduro rider Lawrence Hacking, the first Canadian to finish the Paris-Dakar Rally, won the 250cc class in the Beijing to Ulanbataar Rally, finishing 17th overall in the motorcycle division.

“It was the ride of a lifetime,” said Hacking. “The rally was something very special. I had a great time and I would have to consider it a success.”

The rally, which started Aug. 7 in Beijing, led competitors on a gruelling six-day journey across the Gobi desert to Ulanbataar in Mongolia. Hacking rode a basically stock Honda CRF250X shod with Pirelli tires and fitted with heavy duty tubes. The only alterations to the bike were the addition of aftermarket fuel tanks and an emergency water tank to the skid plate. The CRF’s gearing had also been changed and the suspension stiffened.

“I was truly impressed by the Mongolian people and their country. The SSER organization took very good care of me, and my fellow competitors were friendly and helpful. The rally had a great atmosphere. The riding was unparalleled,” said the 51-year-old Hacking.