President Randy Faul (863)244-3709 president@floridatrailriders.org
RIDER
Enduro
AA/A Don Chriss (407)694-5614
Specialty A/B Peter Magee (352)-472-6932 cr250@bellsouth.net
decorlando@gmail.com
Vice President Pete Rose (941)270-1189 vicepresident@floridatrailriders.org Secretary Kelsey Salter secretary@floridatrailriders.org Treasurer Allen Pearce (352)339-5644 treasurer@floridatrailriders.org
Hare Scrambles Randy Rash (954)931-5709 hschair@floridatrailriders.org Enduros George Tolson (863)698-3837 endurochair@floridatrailriders.org Enduros Glenn Hunt (678)-231-4100 ghunt350xc@gmail.com Hare Scrambles Dan Aitken (407)461-8595 hsref@floridatrailriders.org Associate HS Ref Pete Rose (941)270-1189 pwrracingktm@gmail.com
Magazine Editor Dave Dekmar (941) 356-7796 ftrmagazine@dekmar3d.com
B/C
REPS
WHO TO
CONTACT
www.floridatrailriders.org
Specialty C/Women Jimmy Pitts (321)632-3456
VACANT
Hare Scrambles B/C Ryan McCarthy (941)234-5086
AA/A
Timothy Campbell
(561)723-4370
thetimtime@gmail.com
ryanmccarthy90@gmail.com
Specialty A/B Danny Kittell (727)244-7299 cell (727)786-8922 home kittell@verizon.net
Specialty C/Women Kerri Chambers (863)956-9140 jekchambers@aol.com
Saturday Classes Kurt Lucas (786)385-7771 ktmx16@gmail.com
Quads Pete Rose (941)270-1189
pwrracingktm@gmail.com
Scorekeepers
Hare Scramble Brandon St. John (912)729-1089 hsscore@floridatrailriders. org
Enduro CBob House (770)778-9343 cbr46@yahoo.com
Electronic Scoring Maintenance Tim Nordle score.n.it.4.ftr@gmail.com
@floridatrailriders
facebook.com/ ftr-floridatrailridersmagazine
issuu.com/ floridatrailriders magazine
FLORIDA TRAIL RIDERS IN THIS ISSUE Page 4 Page 4 Page 6 Page 7 Page 12 Page 14
Executive Committee Contacts Riders Reps Area Reps and Club Contacts The Prez Says Caliper Tech Far Reach Hs and Enduro
SUPPORT THOSE THAT SUPPORT FTR!
On The Cover: AA Quad racer Brandon Frazier is flying his Yamaha into 2020 with a perfect season so far. PC: Jamey Purdue "Photoman 386"
ftrmagazine@dekmar3d.com
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Area #1: Don St.John Counties: Out-of-State, Escambia, Santa Rosa, Okaloosa, Walton, Holmes, Washington, Bay, Jackson, Calhoun, Gulf, Gadsden, Liberty, Franklin, Leon, Wakulla, Jefferson, Madison, Taylor, Lafayette, Dixie Area #2: Larry Roberts Counties: Hamilton, Suwannee, Columbia, Baker, Union, Bradford, Nassau, Duval, Clay, Putnam, St. Johns Area #3: William Toreki (352)372-1135 stillbill@cox.net Counties: Gilchrist, Alachua, Levy, Marion, Citrus, Sumter, Lake Area #4: Joe Carrasquillo (386)295-8428 fdjoec@aol.com Counties: Flagler, Volusia
CLUB Area #10: Luis M Rodriguez (772)871-6385 luisabx@hotmail.com Counties: Okeechobee, St. Lucie, Martin Area #11 Peter Rose (941)270-1189 pwrracingktm@gmail.com pete.rose@marinemax.com Counties: Charlotte, Glades, Lee, Hendry, Collier Area #12: Kyle McAfee Counties: Palm Beach Area #13: Paul Lucas Counties: Broward, Dade, Monroe
1 Apollo Motorcycle Club Mark Bordelon (321)794-0993 voice and text markbord115@gmail.com www.apollomotorcycleclub.com
14 Sarasota Area Dirt Riders Randy Faul (863)244-3709 president@floridatrailriders.org www.sarasotadirtriders.com
2 Azalea City Motorcycle Club Gary Wyatt-Interlachan,Fl (386)684-2698 wyattg1@windstream.net
15 Sarasota Area Quad Riders Amanda Fronckowiak-Venice,Fl (941) 223-6974 ajc7191@comcast.net
3 Big Scrub Trail Riders Allen Pearce-Tavares,Fl (352) 339-5644
16 Southeast Florida Trail Riders Fra n k Ca m p b e l l -We s t p a l m Beach,Fl (561) 951-3732 Seftr35@yahoo.com
www.bigscrub.com 4 Central Florida Trail Riders Elesa Berard (407) 376-7115 elesa@embarqmail.com 5 Columbia Enduro Riders Ricky Dennis-Columbia,SC (803)786-0051 mastercraft@bellsouth.net 6 Daytona Dirt Riders Shaun Foutch (386)214-4878 eastflorida234@yahoo.com zwww.daytonadirtriders.com
Area #5: Troy Stainbrook
7 Family Riders, Inc. Johnny Thomas-Hanahan,SC (843)553-1463 familyriderssc@bellsouth.net
Counties: Hernando, Pasco. Pinellas, West Hillsborough
8Greenville Enduro Riders Chris Poole-Laurens,SC info@greenvilleenduroriders.com
17 Sumter Enduro Riders Johnny McCoy-Sumter,SC (803) 481-5169 serma@ftc-i.net www.sermaclub.com 18 Suncoast Trail Blazers Troy Stainbrook-President (813) 892-0929 www.suncoasttrailblazers.com 19 Sunrunners M/C Dale Ellis-Auburndale,Fl (407)467-1196 dlellis@laneconstruction.com 20 Tallahassee Trail Riders Mikey Rainey (850)591-5386 www.tallahasseetrailriders.org
Area #6: Mike Belle Counties: East Hillsborough, Polk Area #7: Bill Jenkins, Jr. (407)282-6056 ford3233@aol.com Counties: Seminole, Orange, Osceola Area #8: Mark Bordelon (321)794-0993 mborde01@intersil.com Counties: Brevard, Indian River Area #9: Ron Thomas (941)232-9562 ronthomasftr211@gmail.com Counties: Manatee, Sarasota, Hardee, DeSoto, Highlands
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www.floridatrailriders.org
9 Old School Dirt Riders Ben Kelly-Sarasota,Fl (941)650-1473/(941)650-1474 ftr90racer@yahoo.com 10 Palm Beach Track & Trail Randy Rash (954)931-5709 11 Perry Mountain M/C Glenn Hollingshead-Selma.AL (334)872-0619 hhollingsh@msn.com 12 Nature Coast Trail Blazers Rob Swann (813)731-5552 rswann222@gmail.com www.naturecoasttrailblazers.com 13 River City Dirt Riders Barry Miller-President (904)613-6572 rcdrjax@gmail.com
21 Treasure Coast Trail Riders Luis Rodriguez (772)801-9777 luisabx@hotmail.com
CONTACTS
AREA
DIRECTORS
The Prez Say’s
FLORIDA TRAIL RIDERS I
can’t believe it is Christmas already and the New Year is right here, time is flying whether we realize it or not. We have several weeks off from the schedule but come the first of the year, it’s full on with a trip to Mondon Hill and then back down south for the Okeechobee events. Speaking of back down south, our good friends from the Big O club has secured brand new property near Indian town and from what I have seen pictures of; it’s going to be epic. The club is excited about the new opportunities and has already started cutting trail as I write this. As we look forward to the second half of the racing season, let’s not forget the reason for the season and be thankful we are all able to do what we do. I also want to touch base on a few things that seems to be raising some eyebrows during our weekends at the events. We are very fortunate to have clubs that continually devote months and months of preparation to assure we have a great weekend. As guests on a somebody else’s property that a club has spent countless months or even years in securing for US to come play on, we need to check our entitlements’, attitudes and “I paid my money” at the front gate. In the last few events I have personally witnessed some things that are going to put our privileges in jeopardy. Without calling out anyone’s names, it’s like as soon as the camper is stopped, out comes the golf carts, side x sides, minis and anything that has wheels and off we go on some kind of safari. Case in point, golf carts are out in the woods going places where they shouldn’t be and along with the big side x sides doing the same thing. One of the previous events on Friday night we had some kids (you know who you are) got their cart stuck out in the woods somewhere where they wasn’t supposed to be. Saturday while having a H/S meeting we had a person doing donuts on the shell road right in front of us! Keys were pulled and the cart sat there until a parent showed up. I’m not going to blame this totally on the kids, but where are you, the parent? What happened to parenting and knowing where and what your kids are doing?
FTR, the club and officials are not your baby sitters and we will not allow your actions and lack of being responsible to ruin any relationship with our land owners. Property is almost impossible to secure anymore and for us, for the FTR membership to not take this serious it will come back to bite us. So I am asking every parent to take this as a wakeup call and talk with your children, teach them responsibility and tell them why you have rules. Yes, I said YOU, the parent. We have a good thing going, don’t let someone ruin for you. Think about this; what is the property owner to think when he or she sees all these lights roaming around on their property at night out in their woods? As I said earlier, we have a club that has secured a new piece of property that we are invited to and we need to be on our best behavior. We are guests of the property and we are surely not entitled to anything when entering their property. Keep ourselves in check and make no waves as a lot of eyes will be watching us. Now that we got that out of the way, there’s good news. We see a lot of new faces volunteering at our events, sign up, starting line and even helping at tech. You know who you are and FTR appreciates every person that contributes and helps make our series better, without your help things would not be as good as they are. Thank You for volunteering Randy Faul
ARMBANDS MUST BE WORN AT ALL TIMES BY PARTICIPANTS AND SPECTATORS.
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FLORIDA TRAIL RIDERS Merry CHRISTmas!!!!! his month we celebrate the most wonderful gift ever given; the overwhelming, never-ending, reckless love of God! “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” (John 3:16) What does that mean? God, the creator of everything; God, who literally spoke it all into existence; loves us (his special creation) so much, he sacrificed Himself through His Son Jesus on a cross, paying the price for our sins once and for all forever. He lived a sinless life proving He is 100% God. He was born the usual way proving He is 100% human. The only One who could free us from our sin and shame by His death, burial and resurrection. “For God did not appoint us to suffer wrath but to receive salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ.” (1 Thessalonians 5:9). So while you are enjoying the company of your family and friends this season, please remember Who the season is really about. The greatest gift ever given… JESUS!
good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” 2 Timothy 4:7
The CHAPLAIN'S CORNER
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“The Good Race” joy service is every Saturday night from 7:30 to 7:45 pm. We meet at the CMA tent on vendor’s row. Bring a chair and come join us! Blessings on and off the road, Starting Line to Checkered Flag… “I have fought the Jim and Betty Edleston CMA
D I D N CA
O MOT PHO TOS
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Around The Pits Thank You to Everyone That Participated and Thank You to our newly elected officers for volunteering their time to make FTR the great organization that it is.
Congrats to FTR Racer Onell Lee and his new wife Olivia who got married in Lake Tahoe September 26th. Here's to a bright future full of dirt bikes.
The 2019-2020 FTR Rule Book is now available on the website www.floridatrailriders.org
Don't forget to update your transponder at the FTR Signup Trailer if you have changed classes and/or numbers.
We want to hear from you . send your letters and race reports to ftrmagazine@dekmar3d.com Its a great way to share your excitement and appreciation for the sport you love.
FLORIDA TRAIL RIDERS Symptoms of a Bad Caliper
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By Andrew T via Motosport.com
o ahead and take a look at the brake system on your dirt bike. Stopping your bike on demand rests solely upon the operation of a relatively small piece of metal that fully squeezes two brake pads against spinning rotors. The caliper, though one part of many that make a whole system, arguably represents the heart and soul of the brakes. The caliper houses the brake pads and contains one or two pistons along with a mess of pins and clips that function in conjunction when a rider presses the brake lever (front brakes) or presses on the brake pedal (rear). Most Motocross bikes use a single piston caliper for the rear brakes and a dual piston front caliper. (In many respects, you should look at the brake calipers as the brake caliper assembly since it contains a variety of parts that function as a whole.) A bad caliper therefore not only affects your ability to safely and effectively stop the bike but impacts the other parts that make up the whole brake system. So, the next time you think the brake pads need changing take a really good look at the calipers because the next set of pads might dissolve pretty quickly or perhaps you don't actually need new pads.
TECH
Bad Brake Caliper Symptoms
The symptoms of a bad brake caliper feel and sometimes sound much like bad brake pads. In fact, any past experience - if you can recall - of bad brake pads whether on your dirt bike or even a regular vehicle could have resulted from bad calipers. At any rate, irregular or reduced braking power, a warping or wobbling feeling when applying the brakes, uneven pad wear and high-pitched sounds when applying the brakes all point to bad calipers. One leaking piston on a dual piston caliber causes the brakes to feel soft and the brake lever feels normal at first when clutched but then fades and drops even further past the regular resistance point. Most riders sound the alarm after "feeling" uneven pad wear when the brakes drag or experiencing resistance in the lever. At this point, however, you likely have more damage than not. Therefore, a visual inspection of your dirt bike's brake system can reveal problematic calipers before extensive damage sets in. (A tire changing session offers a great opportunity.) Look for abnormal brake pad wear by comparing the front and rear of the pad (not the front and rear pads). Keep in mind, the side of the pad closest to the brake piston wears faster than the other side but you should still see even wear. Brake fluid leaking from the caliper or anywhere around the brake system also indicates an issue with the caliper. Check for any resistance or friction from the pads, which indicates uneven wear, by spinning the front and back wheel with the dirt bike on a stand.
What Causes Calipers to Go Bad?
Heat and dirt cause calipers to age prematurely and of course time eventually catches up with the best of parts. Excessive braking, riding regularly in dusty conditions and failure to appropriately
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clean your dirt bike after every ride all contribute to breaking down the calipers. Heat and dirt help erode the seals around the piston (that pushes the caliper holding the brake pad against the rotor) resulting in leaking brake fluid. The piston(s) could also stick preventing the calipers from either engaging or disengaging the pads from the rotor. In the two piston front brake system this can result in heavily uneven pad wear, a damaged or warped rotor or a broken caliper since one piston functions appropriately while the other remains in place. Finally, a number of pins, retaining springs and other hardware that keep the brake pad situated and positioned correctly can ruin calipers when pulling the pads to one side or the other or not allowing the pads to move at all. Clean and grease the caliper pistons during every brake pad replacement and change the brake fluid according to the bike manufacturer's recommended intervals since old brake fluid helps deteriorate seals and thus contributes to ruining the calipers. Most dirt bikes require DOT 4 brake fluid but double check with the owner's manual.
When It's Not the Caliper
Not to throw the breaks on the bad caliper culprit but sometimes the hanger, located in the caliper assembly which allows the caliper to move freely back and forth on a greased pin, goes bad. Again, wear and tear from dirt and heat deteriorate the hanger impacting the proper function of the caliper. The hangers need occasional greasing or replaced if the surrounding rubber housing, or rubber boot, has deteriorated and no longer protects the hanger from the elements. Regular cleaning and routine maintenance keep the brake system functioning properly and prevent premature wear and tear on the calipers and other parts. But, when brake pads no longer show uniform wear or have a quicker than usual turnaround time, check the calipers because riding without good working brakes is scary and foolish.
CONTACT RANDY FAUL
randt817@gmail.com (863)244-3709
FLORIDA TRAIL RIDERS
Hare Scramble #4
ALL PHOTOS BY JAMEY "Photoman 386" PURDUE
BIG SCRUB TRAIL RIDERS
FAR REACH RANCH HARE SCRAMBLE 14 www.floridatrailriders.org
ftrmagazine@dekmar3d.com 15
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ftrmagazine@dekmar3d.com 17
FLORIDA TRAIL RIDERS FAR REACH RANCH
ENDURO
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FLORIDA TRAIL RIDERS OFFICIAL BUSINESS 7PM call to order Roll call Present: Chairman, Referee, Quad rep, BSTR, NCTB, OSDR, PBTTR, RCDR, SADRA, Suncoast, Sunrunners, TCTTR, Big O Old Business: Second vote on A rider advancement rule Motion Randy Rash Second Pete Rose Rule change 2019 #02 Randy Rash presented a rule change to advance the top 10 overall A/AA riders to the AA class every year where as you must earn the right to race AA every year and allowing those that do not earn it to go back to the A class. Second Pete Rose Create an advancement process from A class to AA class and back to A class Current Rule (Copy and paste from rule book – cite chapter, paragraph, etc. of every section that is affected) 6. Any rider who Overall High Points a race prior to the first fifty percent (50%) of the proposed and approved season sanctions, will be promoted to the AA class immediately and will then take 90% of any points awarded in the A class to the AA class. If the rider Overall High Points a race after 50% or more of the scheduled events have been completed, the rider can remain in the lower class for the remainder of the season. The promotion will take effect at the start of the next competition season. However, riders voluntarily advancing themselves to the AA class after 50% of the scheduled events have been completed will carry no points to the AA class. Points earned in the lower division will remain in the lower division. Current Risk (Negative consequences should a change not be made) Low AA class participation Proposed Solution (Write rule in exact detail how it should be incorporate into the rule book. Include every section of the rule book the proposal will affect) AA Class: The top ten A/AA riders from the previous season (as long as they have met the Championship requirements of their respective class), any rider with an over-all win in the previous season, any FTR AA Enduro rider, AA riders from any other organization, any nationally ranked AA hare scramble or Enduro rider, or any current national or professional moto crosser. Any AA FTR Hare Scramble or Enduro past champion may, for his/her lifetime, ride as an AA Rider. Any AA FTR Hare Scramble or Enduro rider that has earned AA status up to 3 years prior to the current season may ride AA class The Competiton Chairman and/or referee may approve riders requesting AA the day of the event. And once a person rides AA, he must ride AA class for the remainder of the season. Steps Involved (What must be done to implement the proposal – other rule changes, capital, manpower, etc.) Benefits (For making the change) Rotate riders out of the A class and enhance the AA class Potential Obstacles (What would cause the change not to be implemented – cost, manpower, etc.) None Vote 13 for 2 against motion passes. Second vote 12/7/19 13 for 0 against motion passes second vote New Business: Proposal #3 Motion Ryan second Ron Thomas FTR Hare Scramble Rule Change Proposal #_______ “Pre-Modern Definition” December 7, 2019, presented by William Toreki Purpose: Change the bike requirement for Pre-Modern class from “20 years old” to “Bikes made in year 2000 or earlier”.
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Reason: This season, current rules will allow bikes made in 2000 to be raced. A “moving” bike age limit is starting to result in “modern” bikes being able to race in this class. There is not as much between difference current bikes and early 2000’s bikes. For example, around 2001, the 450’s starting to be produced. Electric start is also an issue. Changing the definition of Pre-Modern to bike made in year 2000 or earlier would keep things fair. This could be changed back in a few years if needed. Current Evo range is 1975 to 1987 (12 years). Making PM 1988 to 2000 would also give that class a 12-year span. Rule book Changes: Currently, the only reference to PM definition is Chapter III (General Rules), Section D1 (Hare Scrambles). Omit striked-out words and add underlined words: Pre-Modern (A,B) 0-Open cc (Min. 20 years old Year 2000 and earlier) 13/Above Pre-Modern Super Senior 0-Open cc (Min. 20 years old Year 2000 and earlier) 45/above Also Suggested: Add this definition in: Chapter III (General Rules), Section N-3 (new subsection): PreModern technical requirements: “A motorcycle will be considered legal for Pre-Modern class only if it was manufactured in year 2000, or earlier.” Vote 3 for 9 against motion fails Proposal #4 Motion William Toreki SECOND Ryan McCarthy FTR Hare Scramble Rule Change Proposal #________ “Promotion Cutoff for Season” December 7, 2019, presented by William Toreki Purpose/Reason: To prevent/reduce “Sand-Bagging” by moving the current/next season cut-off from 50% of events completed to 60%. Existing rules allow riders to delay their promotion until next season by choosing to intentionally skip events or hold-back during the early part of the season. Extending the period for immediate promotion until after 60% of events will make it harder to Sand-Bag and stall win a championship. This basically amounts to adding one more event to the current-season promotion period. Rulebook Changes: Chapter VII (Hare Scramble Scoring), Section C (Rider Advancement)2. For all lowest division classes (Ex: Specialty and Displacement C Classes, etc), with the exception of the Golden Master, Silver Master, Pre-Modern, Women’s, Evo and Youth Classes, when 25 advancement points are accrued, the rider is promoted to the next higher division. All youth B riders will advance when 30 advancement points are accrued. For all other classes, except youth-C riders, the advancement point is at 45 points. When advancement is earned or the points are accrued, at or prior to the first fifty sixty percent (50-60%) of the proposed and approved season sanctions, the rider is promoted immediately and will then take 90% of the points awarded in the lower class to the higher class. When the points are accrued after 50-60% or more of the scheduled events have been completed, the rider can remain in the lower class for the remainder of the season and the promotion will take effect at the start of the next competition season. However, riders voluntarily advancing themselves to a higher division after 50-60% of the scheduled events have been completed will carry no points to the higher division. 6. Any rider who Overall High Points a race prior to the first fifty sixty percent (560%) of the proposed and approved season sanctions, will be promoted to the AA class immediately and will then take 90% of any points awarded in the A class to the AA class. If the rider Overall High Points a race after 560% or more of the scheduled events have been completed, the rider can remain in the lower class for the remainder of the season. The promotion will take effect at the start of the next competition season. However, riders voluntarily advancing themselves to the AA class after 560% of the scheduled events have been completed will carry no points to the AA class. Points earned in the lower division will remain in the lower division. Vote 7 for 3 against motion passes Proposal # 5 Presented by Greg Davis Create a plus 75 class There was not enough detail in the proposal to bring it forward. No motion to accept Proposal # 6 Motion Ron Thomas second Ryan McCarthy Presented by David Johnson Change the class of 66 to Elite Master + 65 Keep number plate requirements the same. This will align our class with other series. Vote 14 for 0 against motion passes. Moton to adjourn Randy Rash Second Pete Rose Adjourned 7;50 PM
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FLORIDA TRAIL RIDERS S
Motocross Fitness Tips To Get You Bike-Fit
o you want to improve your motocross fitness? That can definitely be done with the right knowledge and health/fitness program, but with so many motocross fitness programs and products out there today where do you start? And which one is right for you? A good place to begin is with the basics. Motocross/dirt bike riding is one of the most physically demanding sports in the world. So how do you train for it? It's not rocket-science sort of stuff, so hopefully, this will steer you in the right direction. This is a guide only. You should seek professional advice before beginning any serious training. I've always been an active person and have been working out with weights since I was 18 years old, so I consider myself to be fitter than your average person and relatively strong. However, when it comes to doing a few laps on a motocross bike, if I haven't been riding for a while, it's tough - the body suffers big time! The reason is my muscles are being used in a way they are not used to. If you look at the professional riders like Ricky Carmichael - possibly the fittest rider motocross has ever seen - you'll see that they are well built and strong. So there is no doubt that muscle strengthening programs have a positive impact on your riding. But when you are out riding for many hours, whether it be enduro, bush trails or 30 laps on an MX track, you need stamina and endurance as well. This can be helped by cross-training. The G.O.A.T used cycling to increase his cardiovascular system. And his trainer - Aldon Baker - says they used to incorporate a lot of cycling into his motocross fitness program because it's not hard on the joints and areas that a lot of riders have had previous injuries with. Swimming is another fantastic form of exercising that is low impact but achieves great results that can be used on your bike. I have been a surfer for 16 years now which has given me a strong upper body, esp. the shoulders and back which helps me a lot when on the bike. Like anything you wish to improve on, you need to figure out how much time and energy you are willing to put aside to achieve your goal. There's no one specific program that all motocross riders or athletes use, so don't waste your time looking for it! Professional MX trainers customize their programs to each individual they train depending on their body type, injuries, mental strength, goals e.t.c. Whether you race motocross, enduro, compete in hare scrambles for fun or just free ride with your mates, if you don't already have some sort of motocross fitness program in place and you really do want to improve your riding, then I suggest you consider putting the following ideas into action...
Regular Riding: This one's a gimme. This is the best form of training by far, and it will have the greatest impact on your motocross fitness. The problem with this is not everyone has the time or money to ride 7 days a week. Plus, injuries will often prevent you from kicking the old girl over, which leads me onto... Cross Training: When you're not on your bike try swimming (or in my case surfing), cycling, skipping or running in soft sand. These types of exercises are great for the cardiovascular system and your strength - and they're low impact exercises which mean less damage to your joints and ligaments. Oh, and did I mention they don't cost much :) Stretching: I learned this invaluable piece of advice through karate and gym training. Trust me, this will definitely improve your riding. Plus it will lower the risk of injury and save you a lot of aches and pains as you get older. Be sure to stretch out your forearms / arms to help prevent ARM PUMP. Stretch not only before, but after riding to improve your recovery and flexibility.
By Jim Harmer www.dirtbikeplanet.com
Breathing Correctly: Surprised? Again, I learned this through karate. Breathing is THE most fundamental function of the human body but very few of us pay any attention to it. I won't bore you with specifics but basically most people take short, shallow breaths which deprive your body of vital oxygen resulting in inferior muscle use, lower energy levels and less ability to concentrate. Pretty important things huh? Even worse than shallow breathing is the fact that many people temporarily cease breathing in intense situations. Practice taking deeper breaths, really filling your lungs up (without hyper-ventilating) and see how much more relaxed and clearer you become. Strength Training: It's hard work riding at pace on dirt bikes these days and it definitely requires a lot of muscular strength to ride at your best! The sheer power of these modern bikes are constantly trying to tear your hands and body away from them. Ask anyone who doesn't ride and they will tell you "the bike does all the work"... bollicks! Lifting weights at the gym is an obvious way to increase your strength. Have a gym instructor write you up a program that you will stick to - higher reps and lighter weights are better for MX than lower reps and heavier weights. If you prefer to train at home, you can perform exercises such as sit-ups, push-ups and chin-ups to improve your muscle strength. Make sure you keep it balanced and train your back muscles equally - too many people disregard this and it results in an unbalanced upper body lacking real strength. By building a stronger body you also decrease the likelihood of injuring yourself through accidents. More muscle equals more protection. Nutrition: Watch what you consume! If you're serious about improving your overall fitness you have to eat good, healthy, energyrich foods and avoid tooth-destroying fizzy drinks like coke. The stuff you put into your gob provides the fuel for your body - crap in... crap out. Simple. Rest: If you're going to make the effort to do all of the above don't forget to rest your body and mind! Sleeping is like plugging a rechargeable battery into the power socket. This is the time that the body needs to repair itself. Tip: Refrain from working out the day before you ride. You want your body to be fully recovered and working at its best. So, short of having your own motocross fitness trainer these are probably some of the best things you can do to begin improving your fitness levels on your bike. Be smart about it, be consistent, keep your program balanced and you will get results with less injuries. I spent lot of time with my good friend and personal trainer putting a training program together that is focused on improving riding fitness for motocrossers. The result is a beginner, intermediate and advanced program - complete with video instructions - that will dramatically improve your riding if followed properly. You can find these programs and much more in The Garage Manual. My hope for you is this.. if you can pump out more laps and feel less fatigued, you'll have more fun and ride for longer and thereby improve your skills.
ATTENTION ALL FTR MEMBERS
Add your unique perspective to our content mix! FTR Magazine is your magazine. We're looking for off-road racers, riders and enthusiast to share their expertise, knowledge and stories. If you love dirt bikes and/or quads and love showing off what you have send us your photos with a little bit about them. For all the mechanics out there, tell us your secrets! Tech tips are great and everyone has a better way. Let's hear yours. Let's see some content FTR members. I know you guys have adventures, riding trips, vacations and even mishaps. For all the pit moms and dads out there, we all know the preparation is the hardest part. Share your tips on packing, prepping, motivating and feeding your racers. Tell us all about it. The bottom line is we need your help to keep the FTR Magazine fresh. You won't get paid but you will get bragging rights and a lifetime of memories!
SAMPLE ARTICLE TOPICS
]Race reports! Give us the rundown on how your race went. ]Gear and bike reviews. Do you have the latest gear or the
newest hottest bike or an old bike that's new to you? Tell us all about it.
]A Day In Your Life: What's it like for you to race off-road. ]What's in your toolbox? Tell's al about your favorite tool kit. ]What's cookin'? Do you have the perfect track side recipe? Tell us how to do it.
]Show us where the magic happens. Do you have the perfect or not so perfect, but you still love it, workspace? Send us the pics and tell us all about it.
]Have you always wanted to be a writer? Send us your stories. ]And kids lets see your artwork! When you're ready submit here: ftrmagazine@dekmar3d.com
DO YOU WANT TO ADVERTISE WITH FLORIDA TRAIL RIDERS MAGAZINE? Request a rate card at FTRMAGAZINE@DEKMAR3D.com or call 941-356-7796. Or go to floridatrailriders.org Deadline for new ads is the 15th of each month.
Go to www.floridatrailriders.org to download and print your Rider Information Sheet. ftrmagazine@dekmar3d.com 25
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FLORIDA TRAIL RIDERS UPCOMING EVENTS Check the FTR Website for Full Flyers
2019 2020
8/31
Enduro # 1 GERA Little Brown Jug
9/28
Hare Scramble Committee Meeting -7:00 pm
09/28-09/29
HS #1
Central Florida Trail Riders
Garrett Edmisten OA
10/06
Enduro #2
Croom
Garrett Edmisten HP
10/19-10/20
HS #2
Azalea City Motorcycle Club
Garrett Edmisten OA
10/26-10/27
HS #3
Sarasota Area Dirt Riders
Garrett Edmisten OA
11/03
Enduro #3 Perry Mountain
Ron Commo HP
11/10
Enduro #4
Big Scrub Trail Riders
Alex Lugar HP
11/16-11/17
HS #4
Big Scrub Trail Riders
Garrett Edmisten OA
12/07
Hare Scramble Committee Meeting -7:00 pm
Punta Gorda, Fl
12/07-12/08
HS #5
Old School Dirt Riders
Garrett Edmisten OA
12/14-12/15
HS #6
Daytona Dirt Riders
Garrett Edmisten OA
01/04
Board of Directors Meeting
Brooksville, Fl
1/04-01/05
HS #7
Brooksville, Fl
1/19
Enduro #5 River City Dirt Riders
Seville, Fl
01/25-01/26
HS #8
Palm Beach Tracks and Trails
TBD
02/08-02/09
HS #9
Treasure Coast Trail Riders
Indiantown, Fl
2/08
Hare Scramble Committee Meeting -7:00 pm
Indiantown ,Fl
02/23
Enduro #6
Central Florida Trail Riders
Richloam, Fl
02/29-03/01
HS #10
Big O
Okeechobee, Fl
3/01
Enduro #7
CERA Sandlapper
Salley, SC
03/15
Enduro #8 Apollo Motorcycle Club
TBD
03/21-03/22
HS #11
Dade City, Fl
03/29
Enduro #9 Daytona Dirt Riders
Ormond Beach, Fl
04/04
Apollo Sanction Meeting -7:00pm
TBD
04/04-04/05
HS #12
Apollo
TBD
04/18-04/19
HS #13
Sunrunners
Bartow, Fl
05/02-05/03
HS #14
River City Dirt Riders
Gatorback
28 www.floridatrailriders.org
Suncoast Trail Riders
Nature Coast Trail Blazers
Grant Baylor HP