www.floridatrailriders.org
ftrmagazine@dekmar3d.com
President Randy Faul (863)244-3709 president@floridatrailriders.org Vice President James Hill (941) 812-1247 vicepresident@floridatrailriders.org Secretary Shaun Fautch
AA/A
Enduro
VACANT B/C
VACANT
Treasurer Kevin Vaughan (941)426-5122 treasurer@floridatrailriders.org
Hare Scrambles Randy Rash (954)931-5709 hschair@floridatrailriders.org Enduros Allen Pearce (352)339-5644 endurochair@floridatrailriders.org Enduros George Tolson (863)698-3837 enduroref@floridatrailriders.org Hare Scrambles Dan Aitken (407)461-8595 hsref@floridatrailriders.org Associate HS Ref Bill Drymon (941)351-4887 wdrymon@verizon.net
4 www.floridatrailriders.org
Specialty A/B Peter Magee (352)-472-6932 cr250@bellsouth.net Specialty C/Women Jimmy Pitts (321)632-3456
Hare Scrambles B/C
AA/A
Timothy Campbell
secretary@floridatrailriders.org
RIDER REPS
WHO TO
CONTACT
www.floridatrailriders.org
(561)723-4370
VACANT
thetimtime@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 Calvin M Smith (941)228-4140 enduroscore@ floridatrailriders.org
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 8-9 Page 14 Page 19 Page 20 Page 26-27
Executive Committee Contacts Riders Reps Area Reps and Club Contacts Prez Says The Really Big Picture with Donny The Ocean to Ocean Enduro GNNC Roundup Getting to know Tom Fleming Salute to Veterans Photo Blast
ON THE COVER: TF Racing's Ellen and Tom Fleming are a fixture at every FTR race and Tom has been there from the beginning. Get to know Tom a little better on Page 20.
SUPPORT THOSE THAT SUPPORT FTR!
AREA
Area #1: Spencer St. John (912)674-8871 killerktm21@yahoo.com 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 Area #5: Mike Belle (813)963-0657 mikebelle@tampabay.rr.com Counties: Hernando, Pasco. Pinellas, West Hillsborough Area #6: Dale Ellis (863)551-1598 dlellis@lanecounstruct.com 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: Steve Nutter (941)915-5547 snutter@live.com Counties: Manatee, Sarasota, DeSoto, Highlands
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ftrmagazine@dekmar3d.com 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: Alyssa Mieszczenski Counties: Palm Beach Area #13: James Agate (954)562-2500 agatej@bellsouth.net Counties: Broward, Dade, Monroe
1 Apollo Motorcycle Club Jim Rollyson-Cocoa,Fl (321)917-6845 oldjimdandy@bellsouth.net www.apollomotorcycleclub.com 2 Azalea City Motorcycle Club Gary Wyatt-Interlachan,Fl (386)684-2698 wyattg1@windstream.net 3 Big Scrub Trail Riders John Hawkins-Tavares,Fl (352) 516-6903 jamohawkins@embarqmail.com www.bigscrub.com 4 Central Florida Trail Riders Dave Nagle (407) 222-0050 centaurconstruction@yahoo.com 5 Columbia Enduro Riders Ricky Dennis-Columbia,SC (803)786-0051 mastercraft@bellsouth.net 6 Daytona Dirt Riders RandyGriffin-NewSymrna Beach,Fl (386)423-4302 harescram755x@aol.com www.daytonadirtriders.com 7 Family Riders, Inc. Johnny Thomas-Hanahan,SC (843)553-1463 familyriderssc@bellsouth.net 8Greenville Enduro Riders Chris Poole-Laurens,SC info@greenvilleenduroriders.com
CLUB Glenn Hunt- PR Chair (678)231-4100 rcdrjax@gmail.com www.rcdr.org 14 Sarasota Area Dirt Riders Randy Faul-Sarasota,Fl (863)244-3709 randt817@gmail.com www.sarasotadirtriders.com 15 Sarasota Area Quad Riders Amanda Fronckowiak-Venice,Fl (941) 223-6974 ajc7191@comcast.net 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) 689-8578 Seftr35@yahoo.com www.seftr.org 17 Sumter Enduro Riders Johnny McCoy-Sumter,SC (803) 481-5169 serma@ftc-i.net www.sermaclub.com 18 Suncoast Trail Blazers Brian CoughlinTampa,Fl (813)841-2160 bcoughl2@tampabay.rr.com www.suncoasttrailblazers.com 19 Sunrunners M/C Jack Terrell-Auburndale,Fl (863)984-9294 jackt@nohvcc.org 20 Tallahassee Trail Riders Steve Tomicich-Tallahassee,Fl (850)556-6784 www.tallahasseetrailriders.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-Ft.Lauderdale,Fl (954)931-5709 Motodadfla19@aol.com 11 Perry Mountain M/C Glenn Hollingshead-Selma.AL (334)872-0619 hhollingsh@msn.com 12 Nature Coast Trail Blazers Paul Ladouceur (352)279-4911 Paul@spectrumvoice-data.com www.naturecoasttrailblazers.com
Hardee,
13 River City Dirt Riders Barry Miller-President (904)613-6572
www.floridatrailriders.org
21 Treasure Coast Trail Riders Scott Klucinec-Vero Beach,Fl (772) 473-3801 bronc3@comcast.net
CONTACTS
DIRECTORS
The Prez Say’s
FLORIDA TRAIL RIDERS I
hope everyone had a pleasant and wonderful Thanksgiving. As I missed last month’s article, I was very fortunate to have the opportunity to join my buddies and take a men’s trip to Panama for a one of a kind event called Ocean to Ocean. This event started from one side of Panama and went to the other side and took two days to complete. No arrows, no markers or ribbon just a GPS was the order of the day. I won’t spoil any of the excitement as there will be a few stories coming that will have you sitting on the edge of your seat. I will say we met a lot of great people that went beyond the call of duty to take care of us. Being the gringos’ that we were, we were way out of our element and if it hadn’t been for our tour guide we would still be over there wondering around. So a big Thank You to Michele Curtis for taking care of all of us and keeping us safe. You would think that a week long trip would have been satisfying but two of us didn’t get enough and the word “No” is not in our vocabulary, so off to the Baja 1000 we went. Yes another country where we couldn’t communicate well and a chance to learn about other events. Being part of the pit crew for both of these events, I would say the race in Baja was the most demanding. From driving hours to each pit location and from freezing at 35 degrees at night it was a little more intense, especially when your rider comes in with the bike all twisted up from a yard sale which included a bent front wheel, bars, hand guards and levers. Stories about this event will also be coming soon but both of these events had many things in common but the main thing was the friendship, camaraderie and teamwork that all of the players displayed. Whether it was in Panama or Mexico, the off-road community showed us that this sport has no boundaries as everyone worked as a team toward the same goal.
On another note FTR just finished up with our elections and I would like to recognize a few folks that stepped up and helped with the process. Under the guidance of our election chairman Uncle Bill Drymon, we had several young guns volunteer their time to process the ballets this year. Thank you to Dylan Rash, Cody Thomas, Bryce Koster and Teresa for helping out. Also to all those that accepted the nomination that placed them on the ballot, it’s great to see more members like yourself that is willing to volunteer their time by being involved in the election process as a candidate. Thank you to all the area directors that has stayed on as part of the BOD and to the several new directors that just came on board. A Big Thank You to Shaun Foutch who stepped up to do probably the hardest job of all and Thank you Jack Terrell for all the years you have given in keeping the minutes and your involvement with FTR. I hope everyone remembers the reason for the season as the holidays arrive. This year has passed us quicker than anything and with that comes another year of opportunity. Remember that we all are Americans and we live in the greatest county ever and we can do whatever we want to do, we just have to have a dream. So dream big, shoot for the stars and think positive. Thank you for all the support you have given me and Thank You for helping keep FTR a great organization. Merry Christmas Randy Faul
New Hare Scrambles Pre-Entry Website FTR has contracted with a new company for Hare Scramble pre-entries. The website is: www.imathlete.com. •You can sign in to this website and build your profile. •You only have to do this once. •You will use the Username and Password you set up to access your account for the pre-entry. •Pre-entry will open approximately 10 days before the race weekend.
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.
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FLORIDA TRAIL RIDERS G
The Really Big Picture
ood afternoon all. So, there have been several posts recently on both our FTR forum and the Facebook FTR site that have been interesting reading for sure. I am not here to debate these issues as to right, wrong or indifferent but maybe shed some light on the how’s and why’s. As an FTR family we all want the same basic things, a place to camp and race with our friends and family, feel safe and have fun. However as individuals sometimes what one sees as perfect another one of us does not. Remember that is part of what makes us individuals. It is not black and white but rather many shades of gray. What is most important is that we come together, compile ideas and make compromises so that together we can do what is best for our organization. Most, OK all, of this has been discussed time and time again over the years but it is never a bad idea to provide a review for long standing members and provide information and education to our newest additions to the FTR family. First it is important for everyone to remember that when posting on the forums your choice of words and the manner in which they are written can be interpreted in many ways. If we keep this in mind when making a post or replying to a post it could really help with misinterpretations. I agree that sometimes it can be fun to jab at our fellow racers but we need to keep in mind that not everyone will find it funny or appropriate (this includes current or potential land owners, yes they do read our forums). Which brings me to the next topic; the land owners, the property we race on and spectating. Clubs face huge challenges in procuring land for us to race on. Land owners do not show up at club meetings yelling from the back of the room pick me, pick me. Clubs must build relationships with land owners in order to get them to allow us out there. Remember most
of the land we race on is part of the owners business whether it be cows, hay, or crops. These land owners are always concerned with litigation as again this is their livelihood. Thus land owners impose stipulations that must be followed. Most of these stipulations are non-negotiable, period. Want to use his land follow his rules. Then there are the geographical challenges the clubs face. These are things like where do we park everyone, do we have a big enough area for an appropriate starting grid, lakes, swamps, fence lines (that cannot be manipulated), parts of the property that the landowner just doesn’t want us to use, the what if mother nature doesn’t cooperate, can we successfully reroute without jeopardizing the integrity of the race course significantly. The how do we make the best possible trail for the riders, keeping in mind that you have riders of all ages and skill levels, 9 year olds on 65 cc machines that are just learning to adults that are double A riders, on 2 and 4 wheeled machines? All deserve the same treatment with regards to mileage, quality of trail, etc. We all pay the same money to race. These factors all give trail bosses migraines. Not to mention the simple (yeah right) aspect of insurance. Then there is the spectating issue. Yes everyone wants to see their loved one as many times as possible during a race, to take pictures and cheer them on. I am 100% sure that no club has ever said hey let’s make a race course so that no one can see it. Clubs have to work with the land they are given. Clubs must keep in mind SAFETY, not just safety of the riders but safety of the spectators and even sometimes the random cow. As much as it would be great to wander all over the property, that is just not safe and some land owners do not allow it. There are way too many factors that could contribute to injury, not just the obvious of being hit by a racer, but things like unmarked holes to hit with your 4 wheeler, unseen fence lines, critters such as snakes and gators not to mention just plain and simply getting lost (this obviously pertains
more to the children than adults) just to name a few. I would like to incorporate into this a quick note related to our 4 legged friends. As much as some of us love our dogs not everyone is a dog person and not all dogs are people or other dog friendly. We have had 2 past incidents that I know of where an adult member was bitten requiring treatment. Let’s do the right thing to keep our pets and families safe. Lastly since it continues to come up every season there is the topic of pit riding. Yes I went there. Why, you ask, because it continues to be our Achilles Heel. Before I discuss this with you I would like for you to read a post from Ryan Sipes. “I was just warming up the bike like we normally do before a GNCC and I came around a pickup and there was a rider coming right at me,” said Sipes. “I laid the bike down to try and avoid him but he ran over my arm, there was nothing else I could do.” Ryan was last year’s ISDE overall winner and member of the 2016 US World Trophy Team. Ryan suffered a fractured arm that will cause him to miss this year’s ISDE. This should be a HUGE wake up call for us. If it can happen to a very talented rider like Ryan, it can happen to any one of us at our hare scrambles and it has in the past. Pit riding can and does cause injuries. Over the last two seasons I have sent several to the hospital with injuries sustained from pit riding. Big kid, big bike versus little kid little bike and it’s off to the hospital with broken bones. Adolescent on a pit bike with no gear playing around on the pee wee track and next we have a foot peg impaled in the leg…..off to the ER we go. Not to mention the young one who was on a large 4 wheeler that ran into the front of an RV. No injuries that required an ER visit, just needed dad and his wallet to pay for the damages caused to the RV. Just this last event I watched an adult after a race ride thru the pits assuming going to his camper in at least second or third gear like it was the start of a race. Unfortunately I was not able to catch him or find him after the fact to discuss his need
for speed but I ask you this; could he have stopped and not critically injured or killed a small child that ran out from behind a truck or RV? It is not if it will happen but when it will happen and how devastating will it be unless we fix it. Please review the pit riding rules found in the rule book on page 11, chapter 3 “General Rules” section C. Pit Riding. FTR has rules in place to minimize these potential scenarios. Whether we agree with them or not they are the rules(there is a method in place to advocate for changes to them should we feel we disagree with them). We must follow our rules. Failure to do so could compromise our future. Land owners do not want liability, let us all do our part to minimize it. Lastly, the best way to understand all the intimate workings of FTR and what clubs have to do to put on an event is to be involved, help at an event or join a club. Help with all the aspects of a hare scramble from course layout, cutting the trail, putting up arrows, club sign up, selling t shirts, right thru clean up after the event is over. I promise it will give you a whole new perspective to what clubs go thru It takes a small village to host an event, be part of that village, it will provide you with great insight to how amazing clubs and FTR really is. Want to be even more a part of that village? Become one of the volunteers that make up our leadership (president, vice president, secretary, treasurer or an area director). Bottom line is we are a racing family, yes we will have our differences from time to time but at the end of the day we are a racing family. No matter what we do for a living, where come from or what we ride we shall come together as a family, protect each other and fight for our right to ride/race as a family. Together we can accomplish great things to take FTR into the future. Thanks for reading. Donny Richardson Rider Safety Coordinator
SUPPORT THOSE THAT SUPPORT FLORIDA TRAIL RIDERS MAGAZINE
Letters to FTR Dear FTR, The amount of help and assistance my husband got putting those on Friday night was so cool to see. Race day rolls around and Mattias is racing great and leading his 65B class when we did a rookie mistake and didn’t vent the gas can for his pit stop. He was doused in gasoline. Within seconds there were so many people there pouring water all over him getting him cleaned off. The kid in hot pursuit passed him during this stop and since Mattias goggles we soaked with gasoline his dad brought him a pair of goggles and told Mattias to go catch his son đ&#x;˜‰ Mattias made it half a lap before the burning was too much and he took himself off the course. He took it all in stride (as you can see from the picture) and hopefully one of these races we’ll get it all together on the sidelines đ&#x;˜‰ Regardless I was blown away by the kindness and helpfulness we experienced this weekend and see now why Glenn calls it his FTR family. -Ulrika Peroni
Big Thanks to Jason Croley # 913X for spotting Erick Miller #277b laying in the tall grass after a bad fall & a broken collar bone and for stopping to help him up & checking him out before the safety crew arrived and then finding our camp after the race in the maze of campers to see how he was doing. Thanks very much buddy. Great Guy!! -Rick Miller Nathan Johnson. You helped my son Neil Destefano last race. You stopped and lifted his 4 wheeler off of him. You're in his class and you stopped to help him. As a mom, God bless you and thank you. One of these races please introduce yourself so I can hug you. -Cathy DeStefano
We want to hear from you . send your letters Shout Outs and race reports to ftrmagazine@dekmar3d.com Its a great way to share your excitement and appreciation for the sport you love.
PIT BITS SCHEDULE CHANGE The SADRA Hare Scramble has been added to the schedule for January 14-15, 2017. It’s back to the Bermont Ranch in Punta Gorda and if you were there last year you know how much fun that course was. Don’t miss it! Congratulations to our new executive committee members, Vice President James Hill, Secretary Shaun Foutch and our re elected President Randy Faul. Also, Welcome to our newest Area Reps, Steve Nutter for Area 9, Larry Roberts for Area 2, and Alyssa Mieszczenski for Area 12.
CONTACT RANDY FAUL
randt817@gmail.com (863)244-3709
FLORIDA TRAIL RIDERS
Story by Tom Fleming
B
All Photos Courtesy of 507extremo.com
Photos by Ramón Vélez Strocchia
y now everyone knows where we have been; Panama Central America. In case you have not heard or seen the photos up loaded on Facebook from the American riders, Jerry Curtis, Mike Hall, and Jesse Ansley, please check their posts. Our trip was awesome. Nothing could have been done to make it any better. FTR’s Randy Faul was with us to help provide support; each of us in our own way will talk about our trip as we saw it. As a non rider I can only share what the riders missed out on when they were in the jungle riding/ surviving the mud, rain, steep rocky up and down hills. Yes, please understand this is not a race where you receive an award for finishing top of your class. This is an extreme ride that will strengthen your very soul, strengthen your character and put lead in your pencil. We were in a real rain forest, the jungle of Panama in Central America and I will do this event again. It’s well worth the effort. This is the Ocean to Ocean Extreme Enduro, known among the riders as O2O, or locally known in Panama as 507 Extreme Enduro. I will repeat what I said above, this is NOT a race that you would receive a trophy for finishing or cash. It is not a race that you will see or find arrows stapled to trees, it is not a race that has double greens; when in fact it does not have any of the creature comforts of a FTR sanction race whatsoever, including DANGER arrows that we are all use to seeing; none of this exists at all in Panama. This event requires riding skills, navigation skills, planning and most important understanding team work if you choose to stay with a group. The O2O requires a very good GPS and navigational skills (you better know how to use a GPS) along with a spare battery pack; you have to have a GPS and know how to use it or you will need to stick with a rider that has one. Sticking with a group that has a GPS and speaks Spanish will work for you if you do not have a GPS unit. The riders that stay with their buddies and have no problem letting
a stranger ride with them, to help each other through and over hazards on the trail. Another interesting tip we learned was to keep your touch screen GPS unit in a safe environment; in a box with a clear hard impact cover. We discovered roost, rain drops and branches will change your route without you knowing it. While you are hard at work riding and watching/checking your GPS arrow you could be on another route that you do not want to be following. This happened several times to riders who believed they were on the right course; after finding out the route had been changed by mud clods. The O2O has a direct version of our safety team. A well trained group of Medics just like Donny’s crew, including a helicopter to extract any badly injured riders from the jungle if needed. They do not sweep like Donny’s crew, (there are no sweepers) however the safety crew members get around. We did not have one single hurt rider, amazing considering what they rode over, rode up and down. The Promoter, Abdiel Ramon Morales AKA El-Body, has a deep passion for off-road that turned into promoting a special Enduro for the public; no not just any Enduro but an Amazing Extreme Enduro. The route that our crew rode on November 4th and 5th is the normal riding area for the Central America Trail Riders (CATR), its El-body’s normal riding area. Yes, it’s where they go riding. You are in the real jungle with ocelots, monkeys, black scorpions, big snakes, really big snakes, beautiful birds and butterflies; a lush thick deep green jungle with lots of rain. Not to worry however, hearing the sound of the motorcycles the animals all head for cover. Not one of the riders had seen any of these animals, except for Jerry Curtis who seen the only black scorpion while he was doing soil samples when he was sliding face first down slippery steep downhill using the jaw piece of his helmet to dig up the mud. Whatever the reason, Jerry seemed to like making contact with the ground in Panama. But, with luck, the support crew was able to catch a peak of the animals in their wild home now and again, including listening to an ocelot’s roar (very impressive to hear) early in the morning. Weather plays a very important part in this adventure too. If the rain does not come in during the morning hours, or starts to rain later in the day the course is very passable. The course will have muddy sections, as seen in the Facebook photos. Some short very muddy spots that, with team work, everyone moves right a long after a bit of hard labor. Some riders pick better lines and move right along without getting stuck. Some of the hill climbs were long and slick; a rope is a good tool to have in your back pack for wet sections. You will need a partner, unless you are Graham Jarvis, Chris Birch, David Knight, or any one of the many super heroes in the world of Extreme Enduro riders; yes it would be best for you to have a partner or partners to complete the total 124.5 mile ride (200km). Day one was 74.5 miles, with day two being 49.7 miles. It took normal riders (example folks that ride the FTR 10am race on Sunday as an example) 19.5 hrs to complete the first day. They were not riding all of that time; let me explain… it rained Friday afternoon, well into 11:30PM that night. It’s very important to know and to understand your surroundings, When it does rain,
it rains a lot (a normal thing in Panama) and the water has to go somewhere, so it goes downhill and spills into the rivers. A river that is 75 to 80 feet wide and 6 inches deep normally now becomes a river that is 5 to 6 feet deep in a matter of hours. You have to wait and let the river go down so you can safely cross, because you are not going to turn around and go back, you cannot go back, you have to go forward. That’s where you need friends, 4 strong friends. The local trick is to cut two 2 inch trees down about 6 feet long (Amazing, one of the Panamanian riders pulled a hatchet out of his back pack). One pole goes under the steering stem with one of your new friends on each side. Then the other goes under the swing arm and through the rear wheel, again one of your new friends on each side. Oh, what are you going to do? You are going to get in the middle of the motorcycle, walking on the Leeward side and balance the motorcycle as they carry it across the rocky river bottom. The water is flowing at a
pretty good rate, white water style and you had better be ready to steady the bike. Jesse did just that with his new friends; once the bike was on the other side; all 5 riders crossed over and started the process over again until all were across the river. This group was lucky they were able to cross while the river was rising, not reaching the peak height. If you are reading this I can bank you know English and can read English. Lets drop the 80/20 rule here; 80% of you cannot speak Spanish, 80% of your new friends carrying YOUR only mode of transportation across a 4 foot deep river, at white water speeds, wearing full off-road riding gear, navigating a rocky river bottom, do not speak English. Yes, they do not speak English, even though they know 6 to 12 English words. Ok, we do not speak Spanish, and we know 3 or 4 Spanish words, (Ha! how fast we can learn) so we are even. It’s absolutely amazing how off-road riders can overcome language, Mother Nature, a real rain forest, including a very angry farmer. To us they are ranchers, they are cowboys; nothing like John Wayne however! One of the Pro international guest (Thank the Good Lord, it was not an American rider) cut a fence to bypass a muddy section leaving a tense conversation with the Ranch manager and the unsuspecting approaching riders. There is one thing in common with cowboys and it’s not the big buckles, spurs or big hats; never ever cut the man’s fence, it’s something you just do not do in any country. Believe it or not, they will cut it for you; all you have to do is ask! Panama does have mud fleas and they will help you; however you need to tip them a dollar or two for their labor. They sure are short on English, but they know how to help you up a muddy steep mountain. These skinny little guys work hard, and will get you up on top if you need any help, but remember to pay them, they do not work for free.
Randy Faul, who needs no introduction was sharing the American details on promoting an off road event. The Central American promoters do a great job, and have such a huge passion for the sport of off road. Their entire family members are all involved, no different than what we see here in the USA. We expect the course lay out to be perfect, arrows ever 30 feet, danger arrows, wrong way arrows and course marshals everywhere. If you want to put this event on your bucket list, remember this… This event is The 507 Extreme Enduro; note the word extreme means “Going FAR BEYOND what is reasonable, moderate, or normal”. It’s important to understand its meaning. This is not an understatement; do you want to measure your inner self? Do you want to know when the going gets tough; are you able to rise to the occasion? Will you work as a team member to endure every obstacle? Can you wear your gear wet and muddy for 10 hours or more? Are you ready to ride your motorcycle up a muddy, rocky, slick steep hill only to walk back down and help pull a total stranger’s bike out of the mud? Mike Hall did. Mike pulled 3 bikes out of the mud hole at the bottom of a steep hill climb, rode each of the 3 bikes up the mountain; while waiting for his 280 bpm heart rate to fall to 105. Mike watched two Panamanian riders ride double, (yes on the same motorcycle) back down a steep hill side to help 4 more of the guys that were stuck in the mud at the bottom of the mountain. Unbelievable, two riders riding double down a hill that many could not get up! Jerry and Mike caught the group that left ahead of them, catching the group lead to good pace, so they stuck with the group. Mike did not have a GPS and Jerry’s was not functioning correctly, so they rode with them for sometime, and they decided not to leave any rider behind and stayed together as a group. Jerry has ridden this event 3 times. He has never finished it; with the weather not cooperating in the previous years, he returns to complete the distance. This year was different; everyone made it except for three riders. One bike lost its ignition, no spark. Second bike to drop out was from the water pump seal failing and the third bike the rider was simple not experienced in mud riding (as seen in the face book photos, he picked the “wrongest” line ever, yes I know there is no such word… But if there should be, that cat buried the bike up to the handle bar clamps, line selection is paramount, still water runs deep. I have not ridden my off road bike in 5 or more years. Admittedly, I work too much and have lost interest in riding myself. I now ask myself, “can you do this”, and could I complete the 200 kilometer O2O ride? I now have the urge to ride, will it fade, and will I get over the feeling? I have personally seen the
bond that formed between these international riders; people that have never seen one another before, never knew they existed, and had no idea that they would be teaching Spanish to a bunch of Gringos’, and a bunch of Gringos’ teaching Panamanian’s English. The only things we have in common are running out of fresh water to drink, standing in knee deep mud, running out of gas, sharing the only dry towel to clean goggles, standing in the pouring down rain, and being hungry. One of the Panamanian riders pulled a tin of chicken legs from his back pack, opened it up, passed it around to cold and wet riders in the group before he took one for himself. Yes, I did say a tin of chicken legs? Think of a tin of sardines, well you have it, same thing except its cold chicken legs. Its stories like this that make the O2O a real adventure, with memories’ that will last a life time. We arrived on Wednesday evening and went straight to the press conference from the airport which lasted for 2 hours. It was a small gathering of the riders, news reporters along with a television media group Motoa’ Motor-Sport crew. This was a typical gathering with riders, dad’s, son’s, girlfriends and wives. The younger riders were all smiles to be in the same room with Homero Diaz, Red Bull Rider of Mexico, Daniel Polni the Columbian National Pro off-road Champion, Mike Hall past FTR Moto Champion, Jesse Ansley RPM/KTM Racing Team, (GNCC and FTR Champion). The next international star introduced is known to some of you, as our very own FTR multi time Champion Jerry Curtis. Jerry is a legend in the Country of Panama; he was greeted with the up most respect at the highest level from the local newspaper, magazine, TV, motorcycle dealers, and fans old and new. His racing accomplishments’ and fan base is known nationally in Panama and he received a hero’s welcome, very impressive home coming for Jerry and his wife Michele. Riders meeting followed after the meet and greet. Thursday; up at 4AM…grab coffee tool bag and headed to a local off road/ moto track for a full day of ride setups, some repair work and ride camp. Randy Faul started with handle bar and lever adjustments, shifter and brake pedal adjustments. This kept him busy for 5 hours nonstop. During this time Mike and Tf started in on ride setups…40 big bikes and 3 mini bikes lined up. This is a Thursday morning. One mini dad drove 3 hrs one way to bring his son to get a ride set up and join in on the ride camp with Jesse Ansley and Jerry. Later, after ride camp, Jerry and Jesse jumped on the bikes that our guys were going to ride. Jerry needed a set of front brake pads for Jesse’s 2016 KTM 250 XCW. We are all so spoiled!!!! Rear pads and front pads together are $148.00 US Dollars in Panama. Yikes no brake pads for us!!! Mike Hall needed a rear rim lock for the
Husky he was riding, only $38.00 for a Emgo 1.60 rim lock. Replacement parts are very high in Panama. Jesse and Jerry laid out a practice track and got the ride camp up and running while Mike and I kept the setup line moving. As we got toward the end of the line, Mike started changing our riders tires installing the bibs, we had to use the Midas Eco tires. Oh boy, no traction compared to our Maxxis tires we are use to and our bibs had to be shimmed up with old tubes because the tire is much larger than our bibs were. By the way they use nothing but the tubeless system in Panama so we did not have any tubes that could be used to shim up the smaller bibs. The Spanish riders had a bunch of fun picking on us for running bibs. “Too much work”, laughing and kidding with us. We just smiled, for sure we did not have a clue what they were saying. We saw cut and sliced tubeless tire set ups, with a little bit of stacking the tubeless plugs into the cut only to have them leak back down, we still did not get the last laugh in either; they run the tires flat to navigate the rocky uphill trails. Ride camp went well, as always we just needed a little more time and the sun was dropping fast and the rain was heavy. We worked with riders in the pouring rain, not missing one rider that asked for help, toes in, elbows up, a click here and a twist there. As fast as the day came, it was over. We loaded up in the dark and squeezed in 3 more last minute ride set ups; riders are still coming out to see us. The CATR (Central American Trail Riders) are awesome! They are warm hearted and passionate for any chance to learn. The language was a concern at first, particularly with the youth riders, but that went away very fast and the smiles flowed. I myself cannot begin to thank EL-Body (Abdiel R. Morales the promoter), his lovely wife Angelina, their two sons for opening their hearts and home to us. Our circle of family has grown even larger; Rogelio Ortiz and his lovely wife Jenny and their son opened their beautiful home to us on Friday night, end of the first day. The grill was blazing, the
music was fantastic and hospitality was just like being home and comfortable. So many people, so many new faces, so many smiles that we cannot name them all. Michelle Curtis, especially to you, many Thank You’s for the “2016 507 Eating our way across Panama and back tour!” Thank you for driving us, chasing us, feeding us, saving us from getting arrested, well… long story. Let’s just say Panamanians’ take their holiday parades very seriously and you should not be in the middle of a very large, well prepared holiday parade when you do not belong there. Michelle drove our 4 wheel drive rental from gas stop to gas stop. Up steep narrow mountain horse trails, across rivers, navigated through deep rain rutted jeep trails and finishing up on a slimy red slick clay road, with deep mud holes, and with no dings, no scratches and no dents all in one piece, awesome driving Lady! Not to mention our very own private Rosetta Stone, an awesome interpreter. You want a real adventure, you want to be measured for your true worth, you want to meet and share your off road experiences with other riders, you want memories, you want to cry, you want to have the happiest greatest feeling of accomplishment you can experience? You have to ride the O2O. It’s hard, it’s tough, it’s wet, it’s cold, you’re thirsty, you’re hungry… And if you finish it…You have completed a real modern day adventure. There is only a hand full of real adventurers left. The O2O is an adventure, an experience you will never forget. -TF
Go to www.507extremo.com and check out all of the photos from this years Ocean 2 Ocean Challenge
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FLORIDA TRAIL RIDERS A Moment with Tre Seiffert WHO IS TRE? Im a teenage boy who loves ex quad racing. I've been racing for a total of 2 years. What got you into racing? FTR- We met up with TBRD crew at croom and they spoke very highly of FTR racing series so we decided to give it a try. GNCC - As we were doing the FTR racing everyone was talking about the GNCC racing, so we tired a few in 2015. When did you start racing? I started FTR and GNCC both in 2015. How old were you? Thirteen Which series do you prefer and why? GNCC because of the different varieties of track terrain and the possibility of going Pro. Favorite track? FTR- Mondon Hill and GNCC- Snowshoe What is the major difference between the two series? For me GNCC is a little more quad friendly and we race for 2 1/2 hours compared to 1 1/2 in FTR. Best part of each series? FTR- our local racing family. GNCC- getting to be Pit Crew for Jay Shadron and Adam McGill Favorite Memory? FTR- First time we got our RV and got to camp at GatorBack and run the MX section. GNCC- Pit Crew for Jay Shadron Best friends at the track? Cole , Sebastian , Mikayla How do you prepare for each race? Eat healthy drink plenty of water and ride, ride, ride.
finishes in both. Next year I'm shooting for championship in both of my classes. Anything you would like to add? I would like to thank my sponsors. Sinn Racing, JT Racing, Uni Filter, Scott Goggles, Fanelli Racing, Moto Woz, IMS, Spider Graphics, Tire Spines, Fasst Flexx, Odi Grips, Moto Trims, Motul Oil, RJR, Atlas Braces, Williams Performance, and GoPro. If you could change one thing in FTR what would it be? A little bit more recognition for the quads. Think you will ever run for an FTR office? Probably not. I spend to much time training and getting ready for racing. People you would like to thank? My dad and mom for everything they do. Jeff Sinn and Adam McGill for their training and the rest of TBRD group for all the riding we do together and their support.
Championships and top finishes in your racing career? I finished 5th overall with my first year of FTR. I also finished 5th overall with my first year in GNCC. With a few top
F
or those of you that think the FTR hare scramble series is grueling, whether it's on a bike or a quad, well... you're right. But there is this thing called GNCC which is FTR kicked up a few notches, to say the least. Try doing both series at the same time. That's what several of FTR's family did and they showed the rest of the country east of the Mississippi that Florida Boy's and Girls have what it takes to win. A huge congratulations to Jesse Ansley, GNCC 200A Champion, Dylan Rash, GNCC Open A Champion, Cash Jacobs, 2nd overall in the Open B class, Ramsey Henderson, 5th overall in the Women's Amateur class, Tre Seiffert, 5th overall ATV Schoolboy Jr, Cole Tucker 4th overall ATV Youth(8-12), Jackson Parks 19th overall Youth Bikes (10-11) and 7th overall ATV Youth (10-11), Bryanne Parks 16th overall ATV Woman's Amateur, Luke Parsons 18th overall XC2 Pro Lites (after an injury), Jerry Curtis 7th overall Master A (50+) and Mike Hall, 10th overall in OpenB. Well done! You've made us all proud.
FLORIDA TRAIL RIDERS Getting to know...Tom Fleming
I
do not know of anyone with Tom's work ethic. His passion for helping others grow in the sport and obtain their goals is off the charts. TF gives back way more to the sport than he receives that is for sure. The one thing that amazes me the most would be how humble my brother is. Often times when I deliver him messages from others, he has this flicker in his smile along with a puzzled look on his face. Maybe because he is always so busy that he doesn't take time to step back and take it in, just how respected and appreciated he is or how so many look up to him, or the lasting impact he has on the youth. Great leaders are not about the praise or the spotlight, but the legacy they leave behind. I am Blessed to have Tommy Jr. as my big Brother. -Dorothy PS. To those who enjoy my DEKDEF Photos you can Thank TF and Ellen for my Camera I got for Graduation that started it all!!
Where are you from?
Sarasota, Florida, born and bred. I moved north to Bradenton seventeen years ago.
What was your first job?
When the sun was shinning I cut grass. I would drag the lawn mower behind my bicycle from house to house. The typical lawn was $1.50 and the big lawns paid $3.00. I went to work with my Dad after dinner to sweep, take out the trash, clean the rest rooms and when that was completed I would take apart water pumps and electric motors for him to repair. Eventually repairing them from start to finish myself.
Give us some history of your racing career.
My Dad and I pretty much started doing something that we had no Idea of what we were doing… Much like all dads and sons or daughters. Tim Amsler, who owned the Kawasaki Dealership, asked me to assemble new bikes at night for him. In turn he started showing me what racers were all about. Then Larry Martini the manager of The Yamaha Shop made me an offer to work full time at the Yamaha Shop. Ten years under his watchful eye along with Steve Reynolds, the service manager. The whole time working on and building race bikes and customers street bikes. I started working for Paul Murphy whose son rode for Yamaha in the height of his professional career. That was during my time as a race mechanic on the road for the AMA 250 National MX and SuperCross. This is the short version…
What was your biggest accomplishment and fondest memory of racing.
My Bultaco days in the early 70’s. Winning was very easy and
the bikes were fragile. So in a 3 moto format you worked on the bike as much as you rode it. I liked riding, don’t get me wrong… What I really liked was building bikes, helping the rider win.
Who were your racing idols growing up?
Roger DeCoster, Garrett Wolsink, Joel Robear, Brad Lackey, Jim Pomeroy, Jerry West, Ron Tichenor
Tell us about your titles, championships etc.
It's been really cool to look back and see what we have accomplished. Personally, I have had my share of glory from the seat of a motorcycle. More important is what we have accomplished by building racing motorcycles and helping riders reach their glory days. We have 20 national tittles, hundreds of state championship titles, and 18 24 hr wins. There are too many heart breaking moments when we should have won and did not; you have to have a never give up mind set. Racing brings a lot of responsibility with it, there is a lot of preparation. You better have a family that understands the commitment that's involved. Its a way of life, a life style, it's not a job, it's not a game. You meet people that are just awesome to see and be with; our extended racing family makes for the best championship I could have ever asked for.
How hard was it that to keep two full time jobs and all the travel for both? Anything you want to do is hard, and it comes with a price; if you want it bad enough you find away.
I have always had two jobs. Always built race bikes since 1970... Always paid my bills... Always at a race track somewhere...
You worked for Pro-Action Suspension for a while? What was up with that?
Well, George Quay was the founder of Key Stone Suspension before he started Pro-Action Suspension. TF was a Florida based two stroke engine and sand suspension company. In the 70's and 80's the Florida Winter AM Series was huge; we had a popular National at GatorBack and we had the Inter-Am at the sports stadium in Orlando. Florida was a HOT BED of MX racing. There were only two suspension guys East Of the Mississippi. We were popular with the out of state riders during the Winter Am's; I was a thorn in ProAction's side. One day the phone rang; it was George. He laid out a proposal that was interesting, a chance to grow, a chance to learn more. I took it; we did well and we were growing, it was heading the way you would want a business to go. I would most likely still could be a Pro-Action tech today. A devastating tragedy happened to our family. Over night I pulled the plug on all Motorcycle related activities. George was very kind and understanding and reluctantly let me leave Pro-Action. To this day, Pro-Action is not a competitor for us... They are family.
How did TF Racing come about?
Customers wanted what I was riding, they wanted a replica of my bike. Dads wanted me to work with their sons. Riders wanted me to help him get better.
Did you ever think when you started TF Racing you'd be where you're at right now?
Actually I am late… I am not where I want to be… We are winning a lot of important races, we are working with riders to develop their skills. The shop is not big enough… We have solid connections with manufacturers and suppliers. We do jump in and help entry level families, we do support the sport and do our best to build the sport so it can grow. We need to keep getting better.
What are the future plans for TF?
We have to continue to grow the sport. We are looking for property to expand out ride camp and suspension development. I would like to see the Ride Camp come to a formal program for the off road scene. There are plenty of motocross schools, but nothing for off road like we see in MX.
When did you get involved with FTR and how has it changed?
Oh boy… In the 70s, I rode with the founders of FTR. I had no idea what was really happening at that time… I think the only thing that’s really changed is the level of technology. It sure is much easier to attend a race today than it was in the 80's.
Speaking of the level of technology, what do you think of the evolution of the dirt bike from when you started racing until now?
Today’s production dirt bikes are what use to be the “works bike” in the 70's. Today’s dirt bike is a work of art.
I've noticed a trend of pro riders and even some manufacturers going back to spring forks from the air
forks. Why is that?
In a nut shell, the fork heats up, PSI expands inside the fork, so the fork gets stiffer the longer you ride it. We know if and when the air fork has a seal or quad ring failure, your done… day over. Wire spring, you can keep going with blown internals, you will not be happy, but you are still going.
Where do you see the future of FTR going and what would you like to see in FTR?
There are not enough mini’s to support our sport. If you fired all the riders over 45 years of age, we may not have a Hare Scrambles series. When you go to other states, they are happy to have a single day rider count of 185. FTR is huge, and can stand on its own two feet. Well organized… I would like to see a bill or a law that would NOT hold a land owner responsible if something was to occur on his property. We will not get prime sweet property to ride on when our laws allow for people to take their grief out on a land owner. Of course this will never happen, but who knows we have to keep asking the question and maybe one day the right person just might be listening. Land issues are a huge problem and until we can keep a land owner safe, it’s going to continue to be a problem.
You definitely have a great support team, especially Ellen. Did she know what she was getting into when she met you? How did that happen?
Ha! You probably did not know this… I met Ellen at a race track and our first date was a FTR Hare Scrambles at GatorBack. She is a driving force in our racing program. She is very involved, very dedicated to our life style. Which means we miss a lot of the normal family functions and in the end Ellen makes it all work. Without her, we would not be where we are now.
You once said the best advice was from your Dad when he told you to marry Ellen. Would you like to elaborate on that? Yes, that is very true. My Dad was a very quiet man, he spoke in a quiet tone, never raised his voice or his hand. He never tried to dictate my life. He helped me understand my mistakes, so I would not repeat them. It was a defining moment for him to suggest that I would make a big mistake if I let her get away. The man new a good thing when he saw it.
If you could have changed anything along the way and still have the family you have today still, what would have been?
Life has a way of teaching you "life's little lessons" when bad things happen to good people, particularly when they do not deserve them. You have to accept the things you cannot change. You can only change the things you are able to change. As much as I want too, I have to live with what the Good Lord gave me and he has done a pretty darn good job so far. You retired last year, have you
got to slow down at all and enjoy anything just for you?
Ha! LOL! Longer hours, never home, can't take time out to ride my own dirt bike, can't ride my road pedal bike, I don't go to movies, we catch a dinner on the way back or on the way... The 1/2 day off I get is Thanksgiving and that's after working 1/2 a day in the shop. Christmas I take a whole day off... New Years, we try to ride and play, the rest is all work.
Ever think about having Dorothy help you plan a week somewhere you can sweep Ellen off her feet for a weeks vacation with no cell phones or internet?
Never happen...Ellen is addicted to work. I am nothing compared to her. You will never get her to take time off and you darn sure are not going to get her away from the internet! Ain't going to happen...
You have had a busy last few months. Different countries, styles of riding.
Ha! OMG... I have stories, do I have stories! The Panama Extreme Enduro was an adventure that will not be forgotten any time soon. We learned a lot while there and really can't wait to see our new family members again. The Baja 1000? Unbelievable, indescribable... Just CRAZY, OMG, words just do not scratch the surface of that event!
You got back from Panama and then take a trip to Mexico. What all did you do there and what was the experience like?
Seat Concepts Baja Pro Plus 40 Team is the reining Plus 40 Pro-Champions (# 400X). The team was in a three way tie for the overall Championship. They decided to stack their gas stop with experienced personnel. Randy Faul and I flew out to cover the Baja 1000 gas stops. Randy went south (5 hour drive) to cover those stops
and I went with the chase trucks to cover the Eastern Highway 3 stops. Amazing, that's all I can say, amazing... Mexico is a hard place to be, you just do not take things for granted there. It's extremely fast, and has many unseen hazards.
You get home from Mexico and then go to the GNCC banquet where your grandson Jesse picks up his 4th GNCC Tittle, the A-200 Championship (12 wins). Also at your table your TF riders... Dylan Rash who came back from an injury and still won the A-Open and Ramsey Henderson the Florida girl, who was on her own much of the time in her first year making it happen and getting 4th over all. A few were missing from the table. One of your newer riders Cash Jacobs, Luke and Ben Parsons, Michael Hall and Jerry Curtis. Is there even a measurable way to describe how proud you are of the kids you have worked with and watched grow up?
Dylan Rash? Yes sir, Dylan rode a very completive Open A class; A stacked class. Tremendous amount of talent, you really had to wait to see who was coming out of the woods first. The top 4 riders were so equal in ability it came down to who made the least amount of mistakes. Dylan's year is what you dream of... Ramsey never rode this kind of stuff at all, ever. To finish top 5 in her first year is screaming with determination to learn and not to give up. Her bad rides that were hard on her, she was pretty beat up, but she would come back for more. That's what GNCC racing is about. Cash, 2nd place, should have won his class. Yes that's true. Cash is on his own. He supports himself and his racing budget could only go so far. Cash missed GNCC races due to budget restraints. Cash chose to be responsible and pay his bills. He is a winner. How can you not be proud to know him. This was Jesse's first year on a big bike, in the 3 hour tour. This is a building year for him. Many people overlook the fact that he turned 16 June 28th; he is still a young man growing into an experienced rider.
He was born in the sand and palmettos. His transition to rocks, ruts, mountains, and freezing weather is coming along great. He was measured from the top down. Kailub Russell earned the #1 again. Jesse earned #28, Dylan earned #26. 1st year on a big bike even though it's a 125cc. Darn good stuff. I'm More proud of the individual and person he has come to be.
Next year Team TF will be such a strong force. Are the goals set yet?
Yes, We have a lot of goals to complete before Feb. 1, 2017. We have big news, important news that is really big news. Due to the sensitivity with sponsors, and rider contract agreements, I cannot discuss until after January 1. We have a new high profile rider coming on board and that will be just an outstanding opportunity for us.
Speaking of Jesse Ansley, your mini me. You both put in long hours. dedication and sacrifices to get where you are. What does the next chapter look like. What is your most important wish, goal for Jesse?
Jesse is still growing up. Many adults think he is much older and is ready for the Pro-Ranks, it's rush, rush to go pro. NOT so... He is still growing up, he is experiencing life and the sacrifice of being able to be a kid, and do kid things. He lives in a world of "not good enough". Too many people get offended by a constant curteak of how to get better at what you do... Jesse does not get offended or his feelings hurt when we go through our post race results. There is no screaming, there is no beatings, there is no 200 push ups because you did not do good enough. Jesse has an opportunity to be a GREAT motorcycle rider. Is he there yet, nope. Do we rush him into the pro ranks, heck no. So many people have to rushed into being a pro because they are successful on a local level. Well, they do not make it and their tenure is shorted lived because they did not mature and develop into rider they could have been. It takes time to mature into a high quality rider, it will not happen over night. He is on track however, he misses birthday parties, hanging out with kids his own age. While they are having a good time hanging out, he prepares himself every day to become the rider, the person to take what's his. It's his choice, it's his decision to work harder, work longer and miss out on hanging out. He
knows the price that has to be paid.
You have a strong work ethic and a great handle on saving for a rainy day. Where does that come from? Jesse has also inherited those qualities. My Dad... I have always worked two jobs to maintain the ability to live in the world of racing. We do what it takes to race. It's our way of life, it's who we are... Yes, we live in a house and we do pay our bills and we go Racing!!!!
Any other advise and from who that has stuck with you?
"You borrow something, return it better than you got it" "Quality is the job you do when no one is watching" "It's better to be silent, it let's people think you may/could be stupid; shooting your mouth off tells people right away you are stupid" "If you keep on doing what you are doing; you're going to keep on getting what you are getting" "Treat people like you want to be treated" "Judge a man by his actions, not the color of his skin"
What is the single most important piece of advice you can give to anyone just getting into the off road scene, regardless of their age?
Patients, be physically fit, know the basic ABC’s of riding. Don’t try to be the fastest one out there overnight, they fail to get there. The book is full of over nighter's who thought they were fast. It does not work like that. Its takes time to be fast and efficient with a dirt bike. You cannot do it over night. Every one wants to be FAST!!!!! You have to work on bad habits, going riding with a group does not iron out bad habits. You have to recognize and admit your weaknesses. Repetition is the key. Repetition will get you where you want to be if you practice what you preach. You have to stay healthy, when you're hurt you cannot train or practice.
When people have the stickers on their forks what does that mean to you?
Trust, people are looking to us for help, so they can enjoy their weekends riding.
What should it mean to the customer? (besides they get their own photographer at the track as a perk) Quality, trust...
What got you into the sport? Something about a motorcycle, it's... something that I cannot let go of... Favorite part of the sport? HS- Not boring! It's exciting... the starts and waiting for the first rider to pop out of the woods is cool. FTR- Friends, Family, the getting together of our extended family. Meeting new friends and our Medical Team! GNCC- The big show, TV, the reporters, the level of racing, factory involvement...Professionally run.
Least favorite part of the sport?
HS- Crappie parking! Amazing how there is a lack of concern getting competitor's on and off property. FTR- Hate seeing riders getting hurt... GNCC- Hate seeing riders getting hurt... MX- Outdoor Motocross is fading away, soon there will no be an outdoor national to go see.
Your ideal get away weekend, the one you dream about but don't make the time for? ISDE, 6-Day... With Ellen and Jesse...
One goal you would love to accomplish on the track and off the track?
We have a tough season this year... J.A. will be riding 250 A in the GNCC; if we can be in the top 5 for top Amateur, and top 5 for 250 A and being inside top 30 overall each race, it will be an awesome year. That's a ton of work to pull off. Jesse is capable and ready and so are we. Chris Bach will be using TF Suspension next year. Chris chose us to be his suspension company, out of all of the companies out there he
chose us; Chris is a top 3 National rider... My goal is to see him on the box! I also have FTR AA riders that we need to support as well. They are important to us too and that also goes for our entry level riders. Without them we cannot grow our sport. We need to grow TF Racing, make it bigger, make it stronger. We must remember our family, who they are and that they are important too. We have friends, we have to make time for them too... Fans, where would we be without our trusty loyal fans who take time to come and see us and to wish us well. We thank you for all that you do...
Anybody you want to thank?
I cannot do what I do without the good grace of GOD. He has provided me with an awesome wife, daughter, Grand kids, sister, and my extended family‌ To every one of you, all of you; my friends alive and gone‌ Thank you each and all for your support, you make me what I am.
FLORIDA TRAIL RIDERS HS # 4 PHOTO REPORT
SALUTE TO VETERANS VII Hare Scramble
All Photos by Morgan Hill
08/27-08/28
Enduro #1
Big Scrub Trail Riders
09/03-09/04
Enduro #2 Little Brown Jug
Union, SC
09/10-09/11
HS #1
Ormond Beach, Fl
09/17-09/18
Enduro #3 Chipley
Chipley, Fl
09/24-09/25
HS #2
Central Florida Trail Riders
Bartow, Fl
10/01-10/02
Enduro #4
Suncoast Trailblazers
Brooksville, Fl
10/08 /2016
Hare Scramble Committee Meeting
10/22-10/23
HS #3
Azalea City Motorcycle Club
Palatka, Fl
11/05-11/06
HS #4
Sunrunners
Bartow, Fl
11/05-11/06
Enduro #5 Perry Mountain
Maplesville, Al
11/19-11/20
CANCELLED Treasure Coast Trail Riders
CANCELLED
12/03 2016
Hare Scramble Committee Meeting
Punta Gorda, Fl
12/03-12/04
HS #5
Old School Dirt Riders
Punta Gorda, Fl
12/17-12/18
Rain Date
01/07-01/08
HS #6
Suncoast
Brooksville, Fl
01/14-01/15
HS #7
Sarasota Area Dirt Riders
Punta Gorda, Fl
01/21-01/22
Enduro #6 River City Dirt Riders
01/28-01/29
HS #8
02/11 /2017
Hare Scramble Committee Meeting
Okeechobee, Fl
02/11-02/12
HS #9
South East Florida Trail Riders
Okeechobee, Fl
02/25-02/26
Enduro #7
Central Florida Trail Riders
Richloam, Fl
03/04-03/05
HS #10
Big Scrub Trail Riders
Gatorback
03/04-03/05
Enduro #8 Sandlapper
TBA
03/14/2017
Enduro #9 Alligator Enduro
Ormond Beach, Fl
03/25-03/26
HS #11
River City Dirt Riders
Maxville, Fl
04/08-04/09
HS #12
Nature Coast Trail Blazers
Dade City, Fl
04/22/2017
Hare Scramble Sanction Meeting
Samsula, Fl
04/22-04/23
HS #13
Samsula, Fl
05/06-05/07
Safety Team Rain Date
05/20-05/21
Safety Team Rain Date
Daytona Dirt Riders
Lochloosa, Fl
Seville, Fl
Palm Beach Track & Trail Riders Okeechobee, Fl
Apollo Motorcycle Club