July 2013 by Epidemic Moto Magazine

CERTIFIED DEALER

We spoke to two riders who spent most of their childhood on a dirtbike. After two different events in their lives, they decided to call it quits and now one is back in the race.

CONTENTS

JUly 2013

Out of the picture

Features

PG 16 PG 8 Rider Profile Ron Willis

PG 10 Product Spotlight

Check out our products of the month

PG 12 Get Schooled Seat Bouncinâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;

PG 18 Hands On Geared Up

(856) 294 -7307 epidemicmotomag@gmail.com

Editor’s Letter.

t’s been four months now and Epidemic Moto keeps getting better and better with each month. It’s Always been a dream of mine to start my own magazine and it has been a dream come true to be able to do this. In the past few months I have been able to meet so many new and awesome people involved in the industry and I have learned so much about the sport and have grown to love it even more. It has also been a pleasure to be able to do this and give everyone in the area a little something different than the other magazines that are out there. My hopes are to get this magazine going even further and reach a larger area to reach so many more people, whether it be people who ride for fun, who race or just love to watch others ride, can

enjoy and see the local people in the tri-state area doing what they do best. We have so many things in store for everyone for our future issues - bigger topics, race coverages and much more! Our goal is to include everyone in the sport and have the magazine more towards the local big name riders as opposed to the names you hear in every other motocross magazine out there. We want you to pick up the magazine and be able to say ‘hey, I know that kid’ or ‘that’s my friend’. We also want to help support all levels of riders and expose all of those who are looking to get their names out there in the motocross world. I can only hope that things will go up and get bigger from here. We can

do that by you guys letting us know what you want to see more of in the upcoming issues of the magazine. Most readers will probably just flip through this and look at the pictures and maybe read something that catches their eye or sections that seems useful to them, while others will skim through and browse the articles in the pages that follow, but whatever the case may be, we want to bring you the best magazine we can with informative topics and some badass pictures of you guys doing what you love. So here goes another issue of Epidemic Moto... Enjoy!

- Emily

What I learned so far... • There is so much to grow from and improve. • Dry tracks are very slippery.

• Some people are really critical and don’t have an open mind. • Always double, triple, quadruple check everything.

Buddâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Creek Pro Nationals.

Rider Profile Ron

Willis

“Never let the competitive nature of the sport take away from the fun”

DOB //

December 31, 1984

Live //

South Jersey

Bike //

2013 Yamaha YZ250F

Class you ride // A 4stroke & A Lite

What do you race //

MX and Harescrambles. I race harescrambles for the ECEA series as well as the NEOC series, but I do like to get out there and mix it up on mx track for fun.

How did you get into riding //

I started riding at the age of 3. My dad and uncles grew up riding and racing and it just continued on with me, I guess you can say its just in my blood.

Hobbies other than bikes //

Anything athletic and competitive.

Sponsors //

I’d like to thank Renegade Design, SJ Car Art, Deptford Honda Yamaha, Scott Goggles, Cycra Racing, FMF, All Balls Racing, and Silkolene. As well as my my family for supporting me, especially my fiancé and brother who come with me to every race.

Biggest achievement in your career //

My biggest achievement of my career came last year when I won the championship for A 4stroke in the ECEA series. A close second was my first place finish at a National Harescramble event.

Plans for the future //

I plan to continue racing and hopefully rack up some more championships.

Rider Profile Who do you look up to //

I look up to my parents as well as my uncle. For a racer, I look up to Ryan Dungey just because of the way he carries himself on and off the track and his consistency.

Any rituals or things you do before a race //

I always make sure to give my girlfriend a hug and and my brother and I have a little shake we do at the line before every race.

Fave & least fave thing about racing //

I really enjoy the competition aspect of racing as well just getting out on a track and mixing it up with some friends.

Plans/goals for the season //

I plan on racing every ECEA race this year to hopefully repeat as champion.

Going to any nationals //

This year I’m just concentrating on the ECEA and NEOC series. For the next year I would love to hit some GNCCs.

How do you train/prep for a race //

I try to do a lot of cardio. Playing basketball is a fun way to workout cause it’s not as boring as just running on a treadmill, but still does the trick. I try to stay away from heavy weights so I don’t increase arm pump.

How is racing A class //

A class is a whole new ball game. B class your top 3 were really fast and it’s kind of decreased down the line from there. With A class every single rider is fast with one mistake you can drop several positions.

Describe your riding style in 3 words // On The Edge! Haha

Why do you race //

I race because I like the competition and also because race weekend is good to just get away from everything and do something I love.

How is the 2013 season going so far //

2013 for me so far has had its ups and downs. I feel like I definitely have the speed to compete for another title just have to get my endurance where it should be and keep it on two wheels.

Favorite quote about racing/riding or one that’s inspirational to you //

My favorite quote would have to be ‘Full Throttle, Wide Open’.

PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT Colored kit comes with all Acerbis Plastic a pieces in that color. Kit

aPlastic kits can me mixed

Made for all brands and newer models Colors // Red, Yellow, Blue, Orange, Green, White, Black, Blue Price // $79.99 - #143.99 www.acerbis.com

WHAT IS IT?

Freshening up your ride can be easier than you think. The Acerbis plastic kit is almost everything you need to get your bike looking like new again. Whether you are going to keep the stock color or spice it up a bit with a color change, Acerbis has the options available for you.

and matched.

CONS

aFork guards are usually sold separate.

aNot all color options are available in each brand.

OVERALL

Acerbis is the brand we choose for our bikes. Durable and hold up well. Fits good to the bikes we have installed them on. Definitely a good buy to spice up your ride.

PROS

aGood quality plastics and are durable.

Leatt Adventure Lite Chest Protector Size // S/M - L/XL Color // $95.00 Colors // White or Black Price // $95.00 www.leatt-brace.com

WHAT IS IT?

The Leatt Adventure Lite chest protector is the same as the standard Adventure chest protector, but does not have the shoulder and arm guards. This chest protector was specifically designed to fit with any Leatt neck brace.

PROS

aHas an elastic strap system that attaches to the protector for the brace, but your body, brace and chest protector can move independently.

aSnug fit for use under jerseys. aMade of a very durable HDPE plastic and the foam padding is washable.

CONS

aSome riders prefer to have the upper arm and shoulder guards.

aOnly made to fit riders between 120 and 190 lbs.

OVERALL

Overall this is a good chest protector from one of the top brands. But having the same brand neck brace is a must if you want it to be a good fit.

PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT Cycra Stealth MX Hand Guards

CONS

Fits most brands and models Colors // Black, White, Green, Blue, Red, Orange, Yellow Price //$44.99 www.cycraracing.com

OVERALL

aMight not be as durable as some brands, but they do their job to protect your hands and fingers during a crash and from roost.

Good product for the price. These hand guards are adjustable and fit almost every bike. We were happy with this product.

WHAT IS IT?

The Cycra Stealth MX hand guards are designed for the MX track with a slimmer and sleeker look than regular hand guards. The complete kit includes shields, brackets and hardware.

PROS

aSimple and easy to install. aComes with a rotating bolt plate so brackets can be moved to a desired position.

aFits good with aftermarket clutch levers and brake perches.

Rekluse EXP 2.0 Clutch Kit Made for all brands and models Price // $399 - $599 www.rekluse.com

WHAT IS IT?

The Rekluse EXP is designed off of the Core EXp, but it now will fit into your stock clutch components. This kit comes with just the friction disc and springs. There is a full kit available which includes the EXP disc, plates, hub a clutch cover, springs and etc. for $899. The EXP uses a pressure plate and springs similar to a stock style clutch.

PROS

aVery good return policy - if you donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t like it after 30 days you get a refund.

aCan be used to engage at low RPMs for woods riders. aUsed for better starts and less stalling. aFully adjustable with light and heavy-ball wedges and EXP springs.

CONS

aCould take some time to find the perfect set up for your liking.

OVERALL

We found that the Rekluse clutch allows you to concentrate more on other things while riding instead of being on the clutch and wondering what gear you are in. The clutch is a bit pricey, but you may find nit was worth the extra dollars.

Get Schooled Keep Bouncin’ Learn how to Seat Bounce

There are so many types of jumps - big, small, flat, short or far, fast and slow, jumps right out of corners and some that could require a little extra oomph to get over. Seat bouncing can be used to get a little more lift off of the face of the jump. Sometimes getting to the landing requires more throttle and pressure on the shock. Seat bouncing can help you get over a tricky jump and can also help to improve you lap time, give you extra height and distance, as well as allowing you to clear a jump with a shorter “run to it” than usual. With the motocross season in full swing, and seat bouncing coming in handy for some of those tighter turns and tracks, Dan Callahan demonstrates how to properly seat bounce a jump.

1. Sit Back The further back you sit, the easier it can be to get over the jump. Shifting your weight back gives the back tire more traction. If you sit more in the middle, the back end of the bike is more than likely to kick you over the handle bars, resulting in a nice endo.

2. Pull Back As your sitting back on the seat, you should be pulling back on the handle bars to keep the front end of the bike from coming up and the back end from kicking you off. Sitting back and pulling on the handlebars simultaneously will keep your bike going straight.

3. Compress the Suspension Sitting back on the bike will get your suspension to compress more so when you are at the top of the face of the jump it will rebound you more and get you higher. For some reason, sitting down and putting more pressure on the spring allows for more oomph to get over the jump.

4. Smooth Throttle You want to come to the jump with the throttle wide open until you get off the face of the jump. If you don’t come in with enough speed and power (having a smooth throttle) most likely the bike will kick you over the handle bars when you leave the face of the jump, you could case the jump, or crash.

5. Start Small Don’t go out thinking you can seat bounce the biggest jump on the track. Start small and practice your technique. See how seat bouncing works for you on something smaller. Seat bouncing works best on certain jumps rather than others, especially jumps right out of corners.

2 4

Out of the Picture A

lot of riders spend a majority of their childhood on a dirt bike. Injuries will occur along with other setbacks, but what is it that drives riders to the point to give it all up? Is it the injuries, the expenses or the drive just isn’t there any more? No matter what the reason may be, there are some that pick up the towel after its been thrown in. They get back on a bike with an even bigger drive to get further then where they were before. Whatever the reasons may be, it is hard for some to just give it all up. Does that feeling of riding eventually go away or is it always in their heads? We spoke to two riders who have raced for years, gave it up and one is back with a vengeance.

Bobby Jimenez Bobby Jimenez of Pemberton Township , New Jersey, has been riding since he was five years old. Racing has been a huge part of his life, but it wasn’t until he was 20 when he quit riding. There are plenty of reasons why riders quit, but what is that made Bobby give it all up?

How did you get involved riding? I got into riding from my dad. He rode his whole life so he got me a z50 when I was 5. I got off to a rocky start figuring out the whole throttle deal, but after hitting a few trees an my grand pops bushes, I got it dialed in.

Tell me about your riding and racing career. I used to race a lot. I started when I was about 8 and it was almost an every weekend thing up until a few years ago. I raced all over. During my last couple years of racing, I spent most of the summers up in Canada to race the CMRC pro nationals.

Why did you stop racing? I stopped racing because I was just over the whole deal. I wasn’t having fun riding and racing anymore and it showed in my results. It was time for a break.

What are you doing now that you stopped riding and racing? Now that I’m done racing I work full time as an electrician at a solar company. Besides that, I mostly have been riding BMX cause I need some kind of adrenaline in my life. I go fishing a lot too, so nothing has changed. I just traded the dirt bike in for a full time job (laughs).

What are your goals for the future? My goal for the next few years is to keep doing my thing. I wanna travel a lot more and eventually move out west

Do you plan on getting back into riding and racing? I’ve been talking about getting a bike again. Not to start racing again or anything serious, but just because I love motocross and it’s fun to go out and ride again.

Is there ever a day that you regret when you stopped riding? I think about it all the time. I don’t regret stopping, I just regret stepping away so young.

When you get another bike do you plan on racing again? I don’t want to race all the much but I think next year is gonna be sick being able to race 25 plus.

Joey Ford Joey Ford of Cedarville, New Jersey, has been riding and racing for several years and has worked his way up in the ranks. Now working as mechanic at Winchester & Western Railroad, it has given him the opportunity to be able to get back into the sport he loves so much.

Open B class. I did the whole series that year and took 3rd in the championship. I was also racing national harescrambles that year and finished 1st in the championship in the open B class. I also ran the NEOC and finished 5th in the championship while only competing in half the races.

Any comebacks from an injury? October 19, 2008, when I was racing a Atlantic Grand Prix race, I clipped a tree and broke my femur. I recovered over the winter and went back to racing just ECEA and NEOC that year. I battled with Jed Hanes all year long in the Open A class. He ended up taking the championship and I finished second to him. He also is now a pro GNCC racer.

Why did you stop? After that year my parents quit paying for racing and I couldn’t afford to keep my bike running so I was forced to sit on the sidelines. I was really out of the sport for about two years.

How did you get into riding? I started riding and racing in 2005 when I got my first dirt bike for Christmas. It was a 2004 CRF100F. I got into riding because growing up my friends all rode so it made me want too. Unfortunately my parents couldn’t afford to get me a bike until my 8th grade year.

What class were you racing? When I first started racing I ran the 13-15 150cc class in the ECEA harescramble series.

Tell me about your racing and riding career? Any highlights/ achievements that stand out to you? I finished second place in the championship my first year ever riding and racing and even managed to win a race. The following year I raced the same class but on a CRF150F and won the championship. The year after that I moved up to B200 on a 2003 CR125. I took the championship that year against Shane Hufford, who is now a pro GNCC and National Enduro rider. In that same year, I was racing national harescrambles and also took the championship in B200 that year. After that season, my parents bought me a 2008 KX450 and I competed in the GNCC series in the

What did you do on your time off from riding/racing? On my time off I did a lot of nothing. I started getting into weight lifting that’s about it.

What and why did you decide to get back into it? What made me get back in the sport was my new job that I have now, it allows me to have extra money to spend on racing.

Whats your training like for riding? Training wise I just ride a lot and road bike about 12 miles a day. Just recently I started doing crossfit. I’m pretty pumped to see how much better it makes me on the bike at the next race.

How is the season going so far? This year is going ok and its only getting better. I finished 25th at round one due to bike issues, round two I finished in 18th, and round 3

I finished in 15th. Round four I placed 8th and the last race at blue mountain I got 3rd, which is a big improvement! I would love to finish this season out with some more top 3 finishes.

Any plans for the future? Goals? My plans for the future are to just take my time and become a AA rider eventually and maybe become a pro off-road racer later down the road. I’m in no rush though, because I don’t want to get hurt.

Anything you’d like to ad or anyone you want to thank? Recently I have put my faith into God and have joined the group Ride Free Ministries. It’s awesome being part of something like this and having them back me in my every move. They are a great group of individuals. So I had to give them a shout out for that. I would like to thank Scott Thalwitzer and Fred from Renegade Design for hooking me up with my Cohansey Landscaping graphics that look so dope. Also I would like to thank CarArt, RacersEdge, B & B cycle, Troy lee designs, and Jerod Stoner from JS designs. Above all I would like to thank God for giving us this air to breathe and this earth to live on so we can enjoy the sport that we love.

Hands On Geared up to Ride Gear is a necessity when it comes to riding or racing dirt bikes, unless you want to look like a joe riding around in your jeans and flannel T-shirt. Riding gear can be pricey, but it is only a small price to pay when it comes to protecting you from injuries. Before you head off to the starting line, it is best to know what gear you will need to ride comfortably and safely.

Clothing You first should have all of the essential riding gear: helmet, goggles, jersey, pants, gloves and boots. A helmet is one of the most important pieces of gear you will be wearing. Serious injuries could occur during a crash or fall and if you aren’t wearing the proper head gear, you don’t want to be losing your marbles. Goggles are another important piece of head gear and protect your eyes from dirt and other debris that can be kicked up by other riders. Goggles also help you see the track better on dry and dusty days. Your ankles are under a lot of pressure when you are riding. Having proper footwear gives added support and protection for your shins, ankles and feet. Riding clothing, such as a jersey and pants, aren’t as important as a helmet and boots, but you will definitely want to be wearing the right attire on the track so you won’t get made fun of. Look for gear that is durable and also comfortable. Most pants come with a grippy material on the inner knees, making it easier top grip the bike with your legs.

Hands On Chest Protector You might think that a chest protector isn’t necessary when riding or racing, but you might think otherwise when you get some rocks thrown at your chest or arms from someone else’s roost. Not only do they protect you from rocks, but they also add a little extra cushion and protect you from hard impacts during a crash. You might not see some of the pros wearing them, but take a closer look. Some of the pros wear them under their jerseys, either for styling or to show off their sponsors on their jerseys.

Neck Braces Neck braces come in two forms; a neck roll and a neck brace. A neck roll can attach to your helmet or strap around your neck. Neck rolls are basically a round pad that isn’t used by many riders nowadays. Neck braces, on the other hand, aren’t just a foam pad, but fit to your shoulders and neck. The high end braces are more adjustable, making for a better fit. They are also made out of more durable and lightweight materials.

Knee Braces In the rough and dirty motocross industry, knee braces or pads are very common. Knee braces are used to prevent new injuries, protect old ones and give support to your knees. Braces also limit the movement of the knee while riding or during a crash. It is best to always wear knee braces because even just a simple twisting of the knee or an unnatural movement can cause an injury.

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History Carli

DONAGHY 787

“My favorite thing about racing would be racing against my sister; it is so fun. We both push each other to do better and always encourage each other.”

DOB // July 27, 1993 Hometown // Millville, NJ Bike // Honda CRF150F Class // ELW Youth (NEOC) Most riders get their start at a young age and are brought up in the sport by thier parents. Carli Donaghy, on the other hand, is fairly new to the sport, but actually got her start at racing from her younger sister, Lexi. Her family and boyfriend also races, and after seeing a lot of girls getting into the sport, she decided to give it a try too. It wasn’t that long ago that Carli really started riding and racing. Carli not only enjoys the racing scene, she is currently enrolled at Cumberland County College and enjoys hunting, trap shooting and shopping. She doesn’t have her sights set on any big races at the moment, but instead is just hoping to finish out the season better than it started. Her achievements include finishing top 20 and she received top 10 this past season. Carli also really encourages other girls to get into the sport. “Get out there! It’s a great sport and it teaches you strength and courage. The most important thing is to have fun.” Even though Carli is the older of the two, she looks up to her younger sister, who she races against. “I look up to my little sister, Lexi. She has come along way with her racing and shows me that anything can happen. She always makes sure that I have everything and I’m OK. She is so supportive and helps me out all the time.” Carli says her favorite thing about riding is be able to race with her sister, but doesn’t like when Lexi laps her. One of her most embarrassing racing moments comes from racing against her sister. She ran into Lexi on the start of the first race back this year. No matter what happens on the line or during the race, Carli always has her sister there to support her. “When I see her, I follow the lines she takes and it makes me want to catch up to more girls.” Though there is no sibling rivalry with these two sisters, it is good to see that family comes first even on the line or during a race.

R History E H

L exi

DONAGHY 717

“When I hear 10 seconds and finally see the green flag fly, the adrenaline rush I get until I see the checkered flag is absolutely my favorite thing about racing.”

DOB // Nov. 1, 1996 Hometown // Millville, NJ Bike // CRF150F Class // ELW Youth (NEOC) Like most 16 year old girls high school, Lexi Donaghy is involved in school sports playing soccer, lacrosse and cheerleading; but what sets her apart from most high school girls is her love for dirt bikes and racing. Lexi got a different start to racing than most. She was going through photos of her father one day, who was once a professional flat track racer. Shortly after Lexi told her dad she wanted to begin racing, she was on a bike. Some of Lexi’s accomplishments are 5th overall for the ELW class in 2012 along with having a few holeshots under her belt. Lexi won her first race in 2012, which was the last race of the season. She had improved in a very short time and shows that girls can win in a sport that is mainly dominated by males. As for other girls looking to get into the sport, Lexi suggests you go for it. “A girl on a bike is awesome. I give more credit for trying and getting out there, but the most important thing is to have fun.” Lexi looks up to a few other girls in the sport such as Kelsey Hartem, Megan Horseman and Sam Hill, all who cheer her on during the races and give her tips. “They show me that girls can do anything we put our minds too.” For the 2013 season, Lexi has competed in the first five races of the NEOC series all with top three finishes, three of those five races have been wins. With only four races left of the series, she is currently in first over all for the championship. With the season being very competitive and tight, Lexi will have to ride and work hard to keep that top spot. As for next year, she plans on competing in a couple national enduros. Like most riders, we all have some embarrassing story from the beginning of our riding careers as well as rituals before we race. Lexi’s most embarrassing moment stems from crashing her friend’s bike into a tree and shattered the front number plate into pieces. Lexi also races the same class against her sister Carli.“Competing with my sister definitely pushes me even more. We’re both each others biggest fans. It’s kind of cool though because we can always ride together and I love being able to teach her things. She improves every race and watching that is a good feeling.”

BEHIND THE LENSE

Ashlee Woskob

Matt Hammer

Early morning on race day at Budd’s

Levi Presson & Robert Kraft

A view of the finish line.

The 450 LCQ at Budd’s Creek

Justin Barcia

BEHIND THE LENSE

Dan Bogden

Dan Callahan preps his bike for the fist timed practice at Buddâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s

Daniel Rucker, Ashlee Woskob & Tyler Gantt

Michael Byrne

Mike DeRosa

Photo Credit // Epidemic Moto & J.D. Parsio

Last Lap

“Motocross isn’t a lifestyle, it’s a life. Style is optional.” - Graham Noyce.

motocross is life.

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