A total of 75 Yamaha Ténéré riders took part in the recent Tasmanian Devil Run which covered a lap of the apple isle on dirt roads and byways.
Around 1830km was covered by the Tragics during the course of the fiveday run on a range of machines from the first 1983 XT600ZL Ténéré to the latest 1200 twins.
The Tasmanian Devil Run was unanimously received as the best Tragics Run in the event's seven year history. The combination of fabulous riding on both tar and gravel roads, eye-popping scenery, superb hospitality and Tasmania's enthusiasm for the tourism industry made this Tragics Run a ride to remember.
"I stated at the welcome dinner that this year's Tragics Run would be hard to top, and that's just the way it played out," enthused event organiser Andrew 'Captain Tragic' Clubb. "Conditions were perfect, there were no major incidents – just one bruised wrist and some none too serious panel damage, while every Tragic that started the Run, finished the Run."
MX legend Stephen Gall made his now annual Run with the Tragics and kicked off event proceedings with an ADV Skills Training Session for the Tragics before the evening's official welcome dinner at Launceston's Country Club Casino resort.
Yamaha Yamalube Factory Racing team Dakar Rally racer Rodney Faggotter took time out from managing his Centretune MCs Yamaha dealership at Longreach in central Queensland for a surprise visit to the event on the afternoon of day three. Rod arrived at Lake Pedder Wilderness Resort in south-west Tasmania to take part in a special Q&A session with MX legend Stephen Gall. The Dakar Factory team member then rode with the Tragics for the final two days of the Run aboard an XT660Z Ténéré.
"YMA has supported the Ténéré Tragics from the first ride seven years ago and the event has become a pillar of our bLU cRU acitivities and a must-do event for anyone who owns a Dakar-inspired Yamaha. The camaraderie shown by this group of riders has to be experienced to really appreciate the fun to be Ténéré Tragic and Yamaha Factory Dakar rider Rodney Faggotter (left) and MX legend Stephen Gall enjoy the Tassie scenery had on these rides. Add in spectacular Tassie scenery and five days of sunshine and you have a recipe for motorcycling nirvana," adds YMA Brand Manager and Tragic rider Peter Payne.