The seventh edition of the annual WR250R Rally took place in stellar conditions on NSW’s mid-north coast area on the weekend of 25-27 Nov.

The trails had seen the right amount of rain to keep the dust away as 38 riders plus crew set out on the two-day loop rides from Wauchope, NSW.

Day one headed south for 400kms through Wingham, Mount George, Nowendoc Road, Comboyne and Bago Forest. The Sunday was a shorter 245km loop to the north taking in more legendary ADV riding spots such as Rolland Plains, Dongdingalong, Willawarren, Fredo Pie Shop and Kempsey.

The event is now in its seventh year and despite Yamaha ceasing to manufacture the WR250R, the Rally for the gutsy liquid-cooled single continues to thrive. “From its launch in 2008 until its demise in 2021, the WR250R continually surprised riders with its long-distance off-road ability. Much of that has to do with the crew at RideADV who helped develop the bike into what it is today – a lightweight adventure bike that punches above its weight to attract a cult following,” explains YMA Marketing Manager Sean Goldhawk.

This year’s Rally participants certainly enjoyed their weekend. Including Benjamin Edser: “I am a new owner of a WR250R having purchased one to help improve my skills so that I can get the most out of my Ténéré 700. It was an awesome ride with a great mix of people. Well organised and safe. Special call out to sweep rider Brett ‘Chicken’ Gattera for getting us home safe. The trip showed me where the WR excels and why it’s such a legendary machine. Bring on the WR300R mini Ténéré!,” he says.

Rally prize winners
Highest mileage – Gavin Marchio
Furthest travelled – Dean Macauley (California Gully in VIC)
Best ADV setup – Bruce Kesby
Crews choice – Lee Danswan