May 2013
Eyes on the Prize “Wild” Wally Palmer preps for x games PG 18
Hands on:
Setting up your new whip $3.95
GeTtin’ Schooled
Ft. Dan Callahan
holeshots // battle to the first turn 1
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Wally Palmer Prepares for X Games 2013
CONTENTS
MAY 2013
Eyes on the Prize PG 18
PG 6 Rider Profile Racin’ Mason
PG 10 Prodcut Spotlight Check out our products of the month
Contents Page PG 12 Get Schooled
Holeshot your next race
PG 24 Hands On
Set up your new whip
CONTACT US /EpidemicMotoMag @ EpidemicMoto @ EpidemicMoto
(856) 294 - 7307 emily@renegademx.com 5
Rider Profile
Mason Steve
“Just have fun. if you’re not having fun sell your bike. Hammer down!”
‘Racin’
Name //
Steve Mason Jr.
Age // 23
Where are you from // Clayton, New Jersey
Your bike //
2012 Yamaha YZ 250 2-Stroke
Class you race // AA
Some general background info about yourself hobbies other than moto //
I recently just graduated from Camden County Vocational & Technical school. I was lucky enough to land a full time job right after graduating. I work at Accurate Plumbing in Mantua, NJ. I enjoy going fishing; playing golf when I get a chance and working on big block modifieds at Bridgeport Speedway.
How did you get into racing //
My dad raced enduros back in the 80’s and 90’s, so I followed his footsteps.
Goals for the future //
I would like to finish the season on the box. It’s always been a goal to reach AA, so finishing top 3 would definitely be a goal of mine.
Rider Profile Who are you sponsored by //
Who do you look up to //
Career highlights/achievements //
How to you train and prep for a race //
Renegade MX, Moose Racing, Vee Rubber Tires, All Balls Racing, Solid Performance, Acerbis, FMF Racing, RK Excel and my girlfriend, Laura. 2012 ECEA enduro A-250 champion, 10th overall for the year, 4th overall at the Scrub Pine enduro
Do you ride for/on a team //
I belong to South Jersey Enduro Riders, which is an ECEA club; we put on an enduro race once a year in late March.
Favorite part about racing //
I would have to say the competition; I’ve always been a competitive person. Also the adrenaline rush I get at the starting line.
Least favorite part //
All the money spent on traveling and bike repairs. Also the possibility of getting an injury.
Do you have any riding rituals you do before you ride or race //
I always have some sort of pasta the night before a race. Also I’m always in bed by 8:30 or so.
Your favorite place to race/ride //
I would say anything that has to do with SAND.
Why do you race //
I grew up being at the races when my dad was in it, and when I was finally old enough (16) I went to my first race which was the Shotgun enduro.
I don’t really look up to anyone, I set my own goals and try to reach them, and I know what I can do and what I can’t do. In the off season I try and get out as much as possible, during the racing week is tough because I work 5 days a week, so getting out isn’t really an option. I go to the gym and do some cardio workouts, and ride my mountain bike. I mostly do all my bike work Saturday before the race.
What are your plans for the 2013 season //
I plan to do as many ECEA enduros as I can. I will probably do a few local ECEA hare scrambles and maybe some NEOC hare scrambles.
Going to any nationals //
Unfortunately, I will miss Rattlesnake this year because I will be on vacation, but I will definitely be a foggy mountain.
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Horseman Megan
Age // 19 Harescrambles // NEOC B-Light & ECEA B-4 Stroke Bike - 2012 KTM 250 XC-F
M
egan Horseman has been racing for eight full seasons and proves that girls can keep up with the boys. Megan’s dad bought her first bike when she was eight, but it wasn’t until she was 12, that she decided to start racing. “My dad is the person who introduced me to racing and he is the reason why I continue to race. I also like that racing is an independent sport. If I succeed the credit goes to me and if I fail, there is no one else to blame but myself.” Megan is also enrolled in the radiology program at her local community college. When Megan is not in school, she is either working one of her two jobs, working out at the gym or enjoying a ride on her road bike. She doesn’t have as much time to ride as she would like, but her busy schedule makes her enjoy riding even more when she does get the time to get on her bike. “Boys have a completely different mentality and physical ability that often allows them to be faster and stronger, but that should only be a reason for girls to work and train harder. My first year racing against the boys was definitely a learning curve, but it also made me realize that I could be just as fast as the boys if not faster if I put in the work.” Megan’s plans for the 2013 season is to race the entire NEOC series, race as many ECEA races that she can, as well as attend the Foggy Mountain and Brandywine National Enduros which are held in Pennsylvania.
R H EHistory “If you’re a girl looking to get into the sport, just remember it has to be for you and only you. Racing may not be for everyone, but as long as you are having fun, that’s all that matters.”
PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT FMF Factory 4.1 Exhaust System Made for a variety of bikes Price - $747.97 www.fmfracing.com WHAT IS IT?
The FMF 4.1 Factory Exhaust System is perfect if you want to go fast. All FMF products offer stellar performance. The 4.1 is the lightest system available and is made of titanium. It is also used by some of the professional race teams such as Yamaha and KTM.
aImproves horsepower – making you go faster.
aImproves the performance of your bike.
aBrings sound down to 94 decibles. aComes with a choice of megabomb (available in titanium) or powerbomb (available in stainless or titanium) headers.
CONS
aCould rape your wallet, but a
product that is well worth the money.
OVERALL
FMF makes a nice exhaust system as well as other performance products. The 4.1 system holds up well and is durable as well as enhancing the performance of your bike.
aMuffler is available a in
natural or blue anodized finish.
PROS
aImproves bottom end gain for
better holeshots, climbing hills, and cornering.
Fox V1 Helmet Colors – Comes in a variety of colors and designs as well as matte black Sizes – SM - XXL Price - $159.99 www.foxhead.com
WHAT IS IT?
The Fox V1 is very similar to the V3 helmet, but is not at technical. It is your standard every day helmet suitable for beginners to those looking to ride around their back yard or local track.
PROS
aThe V1 comes with Fox’s special chin guard and has a special grip for goggles.
aIt has a polycarbonate making it durable and light.
aThe V1 has 10 intake and 4 exhaust vents for better airflow.
aThis helmet has more of an oval shape versus a circular shape.
aThis Fox V1 is
comfortable and lightweight, making it a better choice to wear for a longer amount of time. 10
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CONS
aThe V1 has a looser more relaxed fit compared to the V3 and most other race helmets. So if you plan on doing a lot of racing, then you might want to consider getting a more suitable, more fitted helmet.
OVERALL
The Fox V1 is a decent helmet for the price. It has a more relaxed fit making it a more comfortable beater helmet. Plus the matte black color looks sick.
PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT Pivot Pegz Mark 3
aThese pegs move with the motion of your feet and do
Made for just abut every bike out there Price - $169.99 www.pivotpez.net
CONS
WHAT IS IT?
jumping or hitting whoops or any time when you are not on a flat surface.
The Pivot Pegz Mark 3 is made with a unique made spring loaded pivoting action that moves with the motion of the rider’s feet. The pegs are made with a special grip pattern that helps to improve grip, is more comfortable and helps to improve proper riding techniques.
come in handy in some situations.
a The pegs are a bit pricey compared to your standard pegs.
aThey tend to rattle and clank like jingle bells when OVERALL
The Pivot Pegz Mark 3 aren’t really worth the money. We have found that many of our riders prepfer standard footpegs over these ones.
PROS
aThe Pivot Pegz are adjustable unlike standard pegs.
aThey have a different grip pattern making it easier to adjust your feet.
Fox Pawtector Glove
Colors – Black, White, Blue, Orange, Red Sizes – SM – 4XL Price – $36.99 www.foxhead.com
aThere is also a double layer of
WHAT IS IT?
aThere is also a reinforced wrist
The Fox Pawtector is an upgraded glove from the Dirtpaw. While it is considered a summer weight glove, we have used it throughout these past few months left of winter. The glove has a weave style mesh on the back, making it a comfortable glove to wear for some time.
PROS
aThe Pawtector glove has
rubberized panels on the fingers for protection.
aAround the thumb, there is a
clanino on the palms for holding up to wear and tear.
aThe glove has silicone lever grips on the index and middle fingers. strap for durability.
CONS
aWe haven’t really had to many
complaints about the glove, other than the grips wearing away due to use.
OVERALL
It fits like a glove. Comfortable and affordable and comes in a variety of colors to go with your gear. The Fox Pawtector glove seems to hold up…so far, so good.
clanino reinforcement patch.
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GetDanSchooled Callahan with our Pro Rider
How to get the
HOLESHOT
If you get a good start to your race, it can give you a major advantage for heading into that first turn, make your race easier and help to keep you out of trouble. On the other hand, a bad start can really mess up your race. It can put you at a major disadvantage and could cost you the race. Starts can be one of the most difficult things for riders who are struggling, but it’s one of the most important things in racing. A holeshot is as simple as waiting for the gate to drop and giving it a whole handful of throttle, right? WRONG! Races are won and lost at the start of the race, so perfecting your holeshot technique is well worth putting in the time and effort into perfecting it.
Body Position
Your hand should be on the throttle ready to go with your middle finger on the front brake. You should have one to two fingers on the clutch. You upper body should be leaning as close to the bar pads as you can get to it to give yourself some lead way when taking off. Both of your feet should be down on the ground when starting. Your feet should be in front of the foot pegs to keep your legs from swinging back when taking off. Starting with your feet on the ground helps to keep the bike balanced perfectly.
Elbows
Keep your elbows in the normal riding position. Do not put your elbows down at your sides. Dropping your elbows will cause you to shift to one side and your bike is going to drift to that direction. Don’t be drastic with your body positions, be as still as possible. Keeping your elbows out will help to keep you and the bike in better balance. Be sure to have s straight time from your elbows through your forearms to your hands on the handlebars.
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Eyes
You should be looking ahead at the gate right ahead of your front tire. Most riders concentrate on the gate whereas some concentrate on the pin. When the gate starts to move, you can take off like a bat out of hell. When the gate drops everything should happen simultaneously; drop the clutch, get on the throttle and lean forward. Lean into the bike when taking off to keep the front end down.
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Learn all About ... • Proper Body Positioning • Starting/Holeshots • Technique • Jumping • Braking • Turning • How to Adapt to all Situations • And More!
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Dan Callahan (856) 373.2843
Get Schooled
Squeezing Tight
Just like its important to squeeze tight when going up to a jump, its just as important to squeeze tight during the holeshot. Squeezing tight when coming out of the gate keeps the bike straighter. It’s helpful to get your calves in between the foot peg and the shifter and brake levers which helps you to squeeze your legs tighter.
Switching Gears
Some riders when starting either shift with their heel or normally with the top of their boots. It’s all a personal preference. Sometimes shifting with your heel isn’t as consistent as shifting normally. A lot of riders start their bikes out of the gate in second gear because you can ride this gear longer without shifting. First has lower gearing and revs out much quicker, which is why most riders start in second. Most bikes, even new bikes right off the lot are good enough to start out in second gear. Depending on where you live and race, elevation can sometimes play a part in what gear you start out in. But in most rider’s cases, second gear is the way to go.
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EYES ON THE PRIZE “When in doubt gas it... dont hesitate accelerate.” - Unknown
T
here is no doubt in anyone’s mind that Wally Palmer is one of the craziest and sickest EnduroCross riders to watch. Unlike how most riders start out their riding career on a dirt bike, Wally got his start riding three wheelers and it wasn’t until he was 14 that he rode a dirt bike for the first time. Wally’s friend Jim initially got Wally riding his bike own personal bike and it wasn’t long before Wally had his way with it. “I rode my friend Jim’s bike and blew it up so he made me help take it apart. He also helped me to get my first bike and took me to my first Harescramble and I ended up third to Jayson Lawrence and I continued racing from there.” Within two year of racing Wally turned pro and was racing on the International Six Days Enduro (ISDE) trophy team and was
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building his rep up more and more. Wally also received two gold medals from racing the ISDE. Wally has since then turned from riding other brands of bikes to ripping around on the Christini All Wheel Drive bike. “The Christini bikes work good for EnduroCross and hill climbing. I feel quicker going over obstacles because the front wheel is driving right through everything.” Wally has been racing the Geico AMA EnduroCross series since it started in 2005, but it wasn’t until 2011 that he recieved his first invite to X Games after competing and winning during the 2010 season. He was one of the riders ESPN chose to compete at the new X Games class of EnduroCross. Wally has yet to be on the podium at X Games. He had
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an unfortunate event during the one of hi s races in 2011 when he was ran over by another rider after falling over the first log right after the holeshot of the race. “I got the holeshot and was bucked off going over the first log. My head actually got ran over and I was knocked out. I woke up as they were putting me on the stretcher, got up and walked away. They were trying to hold me down and I was trying to take my helmet off because my face hurt. I ended up breaking my septum in my nose and had a huge gauge in my arm.” During X Games of 2012, Wally had yet another crash. “The throttle cable got stuck on my GoPro chest mount and I went fourth gear into a log which blew me off the bike.”
EYES ON THE PRIZE “Have fun and never give up because I never thought I’d be racing X Games.” - Wally Palmer Since these mishaps, Wally has been training and preparing for this season and the 2013 X Games. If Wally attends all four games this year it will make him a six-time X Games rider. Wally built his own EnduroCross track to train on, which has been helping him prep for what’s to be expected at X Games. As well as practicing on his EnduroCross track, Wally also competed at a local ECEA opening race placing fourth. “I was in the lead when my bike ran out of gas. I had to push my bike for 10 minutes back to the pits. Got back on and placed fourth overall.” Wally believes that Harescrambles can help EnduroCross riders because of the terrain with fallen down trees and rocks that can prepare riders for the EnduroCross races. Along with riding four days a week to get fit for X Games and other races this season, Wally works out doing crossfit, playing ice hockey, mountain and road biking. Other
than being a pro rider, Wally also owns his own heating and air business. “I’m not really sure what I would be doing if I wasn’t involved in riding, maybe playing hockey.” Wally isn’t the only one in his family who rides. His brother Danny used to race, but since then had two boys who now compete. Wally’s younger brother, Noah, 13, seems to be following in Wally’s footsteps. Noah will soon have a nickname like ‘Wild’ Wally Palmer. Wally earned his nickname from always attempting some crazy stunt at a race, like throwing whips off of tires or taking crazy lines that most normal riders wouldn’t take over an obstacle. With a signature nickname that describes his riding style, and as the cover of the magazine clearly shows, Wally described his riding style to us in five words: looking back over tire jumps. Along with this crazy style of riding comes accidents and broken
bones. Wally has broken plenty of parts including his heel, ACL, neck and back, fingers, ribs and a some others just to name a few. Even after having all of those injuries, Wally Palmer is not afraid to throw anything down. Much like the pro riders at a Supercross or Motocross race, the cameras seem to follow all of the other riders around. Riders are flown to the location of the event where their bikes are waiting for them. Once they arrive they have some time to work on the bikes then riders have some time to sign autographs, walk the track and have two five minute practices before it’s race time at night. “There are a lot of cameras everywhere. There isn’t really enough time to do anything. You are all on a TV timed schedule. It’s very busy and hectic. Everywhere you turn there are cameras, but the fans are cool and they are very loud, which is awesome.”loud which is awesome.” Photos from far left to right: Wally going down the rock wall at X Games; Training at his home track; Wally at X Games 2011.
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EYES ON THE PRIZE “Four wheels move the body. Two Wheels move the soul.” - Unknown
Since there was a huge success of the first two EnduroCross classes at the 2011 and 2012 X Games in Los Angeles, ESPN has decided that there will be three new international locations this year: Brazil, Spain and Germany. All events will feature both men and women’s EnduroCross classes. EnduroCross is known as one of the toughest racing on two wheels and watching this indoor off-road racing will definitely keep you on the edge of your seat. With Wally Palmer’s focused speed and exciting riding style, you can assure yourself that you will see him live up to his nickname and have a ‘wild’ ride. **
Photos from top to bottom: Wally crashes at the 2011 X Games; Wally getting ran over during one of the EnduroCross races in 2011; Wally training at his home track.
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BEHIND THE LENSE
Noah Palmer
Nick McLaughlin
Evan Iuzzolino
Harescramble at Blue Diamond
Dan Callahan and student Lane Culley
Josh Headley
Jason McAnulty
The Real Justin Harris...
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Mike Beeler Jr
Brandon Liberkowski
BEHIND THE LENSE Brought to You by
Justin Harris
Seth Thompson
JT Moore
Megan Horseman
Dean Bush Mitch Powers
Scott Thalwitzer
Kyle Dease
Dylan Frey
HANDS ON
Setting up Your New Bike Whether your bike is brand new or just new to you, there are some adjustments that you need to make to make sure your new whip is set up just for you.
1
When you first get your new bike you want to make sure all fluid levels are where they should be. The easiest way to do this is to start on the transmission side of the bike. Most brands of bikes have a hole on the right side of the case cover where you can check the levels of the transmission fluid. There should be a unit measurement to let you know exactly how much fluid to put in. If your bike has a shared oil in between the transmission and the engine crank case, then this wont be a problem for you. If oil leaks out of the plug, then there is plenty of oil. On the engine/oil side, there should be a dipstick. You should check with the owner’s manual about properly checking the oil levels and what the proper amount is. Also check under the radiator cap to be sure there is coolant so the bike doesn’t over heat.
2
Once you have checked the fluid levels, remove the seat and make sure the air filter is clean and screwed on properly. Make sure the filter has a good amount of oil too.
3
For no matter what kind of bike you get, you will want to make sure you grease every nut and bolt as well as lube the chain and make sure it isn’t too tight or loose. To check to see if your chain is just right you can try the three finger rule. If you can fit three fingers from the top of your swing arm to the chain, then there is the correct amount of sag in your chain. If you can fit more than three fingers then you want to tighten the chain or vice versa if the chain is too tight.
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4
6
Check and look over all of the lines and harnesses. Make sure all fluid lines are where they are supposed to be without any blockages or leaks. Make sure all lines are all enact and aren’t starting to wear. You should also double check that all the connectors on the wiring harness aren’t loose or missing.
HANDS ON
5
A big adjustment you will want to make on your bike is the suspension. You should change the suspension to fit your weight and style of riding. Adjusting the suspension can help to shave seconds off your lap times as well as giving you a smoother ride.
The forks might need to be adjusted. They can either be softer or harder. The forks have a flat head screw or “clicker” at the top. They will also have an S or H meaning soft or hard. This is for the compression adjuster. On some bikes this can be found on the bottom of the forks. If you turn the clicker clockwise to the H it will make it harder. Turning the clicker counterclockwise will make it softer. Adjust the bike in both directions and take your bike for a short ride to see what adjustment you prefer best. Make sure you compare the different to see what setting will be best for your style of riding.
7
The next thing to adjust on the suspension will be the rear suspension which should be adjusted to your weight and riding style. You can do this by changing the spring pre-load. To increase the spring pre-load, loosen the lock nut and turn the adjusting nut to shorten the spring length. To decrease the spring pre-load, repeat the same steps but turn the adjusting nut in the opposite direction. Play around with this to find the desired spring length. Check with the owner’s manual to check for the specific heights for adjustments.
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IN THE SHOP
8
Once you adjusted the spring height, you should adjust the race sag (ride height). This is very important for competition use. The race sag refers to the amount of rear wheel travel used by the bike at rest, ready to ride with you on the seat wearing your riding gear. To get the proper adjustment, you will need to measure from the center of the rear fender mounting bolt to the chain adjuster lock nut in three different situations. Unloaded - the bike on a work stand with the rear suspension fully extended without a rider. Loaded with rider - the bike on the ground with the rider seated. Loaded without rider - bike on the ground with no rider. To get the dimensions for the peopler sag, you want to subtract the loaded with the rider dimensions from the unloaded dimensions. The standard race sag is 3.3 inches. If you are lighter or heavier than the average rider and can’t get the proper ride height even with altering the spring pre-load, then you might want to consider purchasing and aftermarket spring.
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Be sure to check every nut and bolt for looseness before you take your bike out for a real ride.
Check the Following: • Cylinder Head Nuts • Engine Mounting Nuts/Bolts • Axle Nuts • Handlebar Holder Bolts • Fork Bridge Pinch Bolts • Drive Chain Adjuster and Guide • Kick Starter Mounting Bolt
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Overall Pre-Ride Inspection Checklist
• • • • • • • • • • • • •
Oil Levels - Engine and Transmission Coolant Levels Cooling System and Hoses Spark Plugs Air Filter Clutch Lever Hot Starter Steering Carburetor Tires and Air Pressure Spokes for Looseness Front and Back Brakes Drive Chain for Correct Slack and Lubrication • All Bolts/Nuts • Throttle • Cables/Wires
PHONE (856) 251-1207 • FAX (856) 251-1215
CERTIFIED DEALER
• 675 S EVERGREEN AVE • • WOODBURY HEIGHTS, NJ 08097 •
AUTOMEDICS@VERIZON.NET
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