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 Pete Rose (941)270-1189 pwrracingktm@gmail.com
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 12 Page 16 Page 18 Page 20 Page 24
Executive Committee Contacts Riders Reps Area Reps and Club Contacts The Prez Says Letters/Pit Bits Coaches Corner Training Day With Jesse Ansley Mondon Hill SADRA Slam
ON THE COVER: Quad AA racer Gus Rickman leads the start of the SADRA Slam Hare Scramble. Photo by Ty Miller
Brian Green Photo
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 Give them some practice....
T
his month I would like to share my experience while riding sweep at the SADRA Slam event. Usually I am stuck at the sign up trailer with Teresa being the do boy, helping with practice and performing other duties as they arise. This year, for the first time in about a decade, I was able to break away from all the clerical work and actually get on my bike and help out on the trail. As the mini’s left the starting line, I fell in behind them as a support rider ready to pick them up and dust them off. Now that I have set the stage, I feel that I need to share with you what I got to see and experience firsthand. I will not mention any names or numbers as I bring up some observations. As I rode behind all the mini classes, it was obvious that the 85’s were pretty well in control of their race and not much happening with them except they were hauling the mail. So I switched and stayed with the 65’s as they started their first lap. I fully understand that they are little guys with small wheels just getting their feet wet on the Saturday course, but we have some serious issues with our up and coming riders. I was also able to ride with the 65’s during practice and race time at the Snake River event two weeks after my event and I saw the same thing. I really would like to see most of these 65 riders get some more seat time and experience before allowing them to try and negotiate the Saturday course. What I’m talking about is their riding skills and bike prep. Most of these riders have no clue what they’re doing, I don’t mean to sound harsh or negative as I know they want to ride and have fun just like anybody else, but some of these kids are way over their head. As I watched these riders blow through corners it was obvious that they wasn’t even using the rear brakes let along the front brakes. Feet were constantly dragging, never getting off the seat and sitting on the rear of the seat as they went around corners. When they did have their feet on the pegs their toes were pointed straight down just waiting for something to catch their foot. I bring these observations forward in hopes that some of the parents out there that has a 65 rider can find the time to spend a couple hours with their rider teaching them the right way to ride and why they should practice when they can.
Bringing them to the races to learn how to ride is not the way it should be done. Kids do their homework and study before taking a test at school, why shouldn’t they do their homework and hone their riding skills before we send them out on the track? I know everyone’s busy and it’s really hard to find the time or a place to practice riding skills, but we have to do a better job of teaching our youth riders the basics of riding a dirt bike. Any other sport like football, baseball and soccer requires practice before they compete, what makes us think that dirt bike racing is any different? I also want to encourage having a basic ride setup done so they don’t have to fight the bike as they are learning and gaining confidence in their ability. Just getting the correct springs under your rider is a major step in having a correctly set up bike. Doesn’t matter if it’s a 450 or a 65, rider sag is very important and it makes a world of difference. Giving your youth rider a fair chance to have fun and gain confidence in their riding ability has to start with the parent. From having their levers and rear brake adjusted correctly to having their visor in the correct position, all these little things we don’t think about can contribute to a much easier learning experience. I hope you consider some of these thoughts and apply what you can to your riders program. As always, don’t hesitate to ask for help. Thanks for listening, 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.
Go to www.floridatrailriders.org to download and print your Rider Information Sheet.
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FLORIDA TRAIL RIDERS F
FASTWAY AIR EXT ANKLE SAVER FOOTPEGS
Product Review
ootpegs are footpegs, right? Well, yes they are. They all serve a main purpose as a platform to hold your feet up while riding. They all provide leverage and stability while cornering. They all help you control your bike. There are so many footpegs on the market that it would be very hard to count them all and unless you're one of the big magazines you're not going to get the chance to test all the footpegs available. I met the guys at Fastway/Pro Moto Billet at the AIM Expo and they offered me a set of the Air EXT footpegs to test. Who could pass that up, right? I've ridden with these pegs for a while now and I'm hooked. Footpegs would be one of the first upgrades to any bike I'd get. Here's the technical stuff. The pegs are a piece of art. Sculpted out of 2024 Billet aluminium then hard anodized and laser etched, they look like a high quality set of footpegs. The Fastway Air EXT footpegs feature the Ankle saver technology. The extension is designed to give you the extra leverage and confidence going through whoops, rocks, roots and whatever else comes your way. The extension is not noticeable until you need it. Luckily I haven't had a chance to test the safety aspect of the ankle saver but they are designed to minimize the results of ankle
hyperflexion. The installation took about twenty minutes for me. This incudes installing the set screw style cleats. The pegs came with two options of cleat lengths, 10 and 12mm, giving you the choice of how you want your foot to rest and move on the peg. The grip is very god compared to the stock pegs on my YZ. Each kit comes with a collars to mount the pegs with (customized to the brand of bike). One of the coolest features is the ability to adjust the camber and height of the peg by just reversing the collars. Riding with the pegs has been great. The platform is noticeably wider at 2.25 inches (5 inches with the extension) compared to the stock YZ's 1.75 inch pegs. The wider peg is much more comfortable and confidant. The design of the peg allows for it to shed mud and debris so no worries of your feet slipping. The only negative, if I have to find one, would be the price. Compared to other pegs out there the Air EXT's come in the third most expensive at $245 a set, just under Fastway's own Impact pegs ( review next issue) and a set of Raptor Titanium pegs. In my opinion, these pegs are worth every penny.
H
appy Monday all, I hope everyone had safe travels home from this weekend’s event (Snake River Hare Scramble). Although Mother Nature on Sunday attempted to put a wrench in the racing plans the hosting club and the racers would not have it. Strong work to all the racers, support crews and the club. I want to take a minute to talk about our PEEWEE racers and my observations from this past weekend. Many of our clubs are able to provide a peewee track that is open all weekend long after Saturday am racing is completed. I know the peewee parents are grateful for this. This allows for our future big track racers to gain invaluable seat time. I do not want to sound like a negative Nancy as the majority of my observations were positive but there are a couple topics that we need to review so that we do not lose this privilege. The peewee track is for peewee riders only. This means you must be of the age and bike or quad requirements set forth by our FTR rule book (see below). You must have parental supervision. There is NO riding after dusk. Proper riding apparel must be worn. Peewee A 0-50 cc Auto clutch 10-12” wheel max. 4 thru 8* Peewee (B,C) 0-50 cc Auto clutch 10-12” wheel max. 4 thru 8* Quad Super Peewee (A,B) 51-90cc 2 stroke 51-125 cc 4 stroke 6 thru 12* Quad Peewee (A,B) 50cc 4 thru 8*
that although there was plenty of parental supervision at the track, what if there was an injury, who would they call and how? During the practice and race times there are multiple officials at the track, all equipped with radios, however once racing is completed everything moves to the big track. Some of our peewee tracks due to geographic challenges can be quite the walking distance from sign up and big track scoring areas. Also many clubs do not have the manpower to staff the peewee area all day. This is where the great idea our peewee dad has comes into play. Starting the next race, at all peewee tracks that are open for practice post racing Saturday, there will be a red painted 4x4 post with a sign “Emergency Radio” mounted to the top. Mounted to the post will be a weather proof case with an FTR radio in it. In the event of an emergency any parent can grab the radio, turn it on (will be preprogrammed to the correct channel) and request assistance at the peewee track. I want to thanks Eric Berard at Metal Masters Manufacturing for the metal sign work and Ronnie Hames at HBD Motografx for the emergency radio decals. Thank you both for helping us keep our racers as safe as possible. As always if you have any ideas, comments, concerns or questions feel free to find me at any of our hare scrambles, via email or cell phone. Thanks... Donny Rider Safety Coordinator
On to new exciting news. While I was out checking on the peewee track Saturday afternoon, I got to talking with a peewee dad about safety, specifically peewee rider safety post racing. He mentioned
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SUPPORT THOSE THAT SUPPORT FLORIDA TRAIL RIDERS MAGAZINE
Around The Pits GET TO KNOW A FUTURE PHOTOBRAPPER.. Kaitlyn Kopec Age 11 Dob: 11/01/2005 Likes : Animals , Photography , riding her dirt bike , Minecraft, hanging out with her family , A-B gifted program in school She is at the races with her father Brian Kopec he races in Senior B class . Kaitlyn likes to take the pictures because it makes her happy , also likes the fact that people can have memories to reflect on . Kaitlyn snapped this pic of A Open racer Landon Lynn with her iPhone. She likes this picture because of the placement of the rider, the shade and the way the tires show movement. Great job Kaitlyn !
Letters to FTR
A BEGINNERS STORY I started riding dirt bikes only five months ago. I had a 50cc Lem Cayman four wheeler when I was six years old, but for reasons that I cannot recall, my family lost interest in OHVs. Getting back into it, thirteen years later, on a dirt bike was interesting to say the least. Most of what I read on various forums described riding a dirt bike as “just like riding a bicycle.� The first time I got my bike rolling without stalling I realized that this is only partially true. There is a little more to riding a 200 pound motorcycle that can travel at speeds in excess of 50 miles per hour than putting around on a bicycle, and the initial learning curve is much steeper. I did not know when I bought my first bike, a 2008 CRF250R, that I would be racing in less than a year. This bike was through and through a motocross bike, with all of the mods that the original owner could afford. Unfortunately, this meant that it almost never started when I wanted it to. I sold this fickle bike to my dad, and it was on the trip to pick up my second bike, a 2005 WR250F, that we caught up with an old friend that just happened to be a member of the Suncoast Trail Blazers. It was through him that I learned about the Florida Trail Riders and the hare scramble race at Mondon Hill. My first race did not go too well. It rained all night on Friday and come Saturday, the course was swamped. Now, this would not have been a problem if I had more experience, but all of my riding so far had been in the sand. I completed my practice lap without too many issues; save for a muddy hill climb that was beyond my skill level. Come race time, the continued rain, the riders behind me in practice, and the mini race had churned the mud into a soup that was beyond my abilities. I spent more time on the ground than on the bike and had to return to the pits after I bent my handlebars and shattered one of my barkbusters. Despite the mud, the Mondon Hill course was the most beautiful I have seen thus far. It was laid out such that an interesting section was around every corner. I could see myself riding that property for weeks on end without getting bored. The Suncoast Trail Blazers did an excellent job marking the course; each part flowed well and the arrows, clearly visible from one to the next, were easy to follow. The course layout was not the only place where the club excelled. From the entrance to registration and the tech inspection, the club members were as helpful as can be. They were more than happy to assist beginners like me in signing up and registering for the race. The Mondon Hill race may not have gone as I expected, but it was a learning experience nonetheless. I look forward to the other Florida Trail Riders races in the future. -Ryan Bressette
Dear FTR Thank you to all the kids and adults who stopped to help Gunner 45B during the race (Mondon Hill). And thank you Donny for bringing him in. Although, I was probably in worse shape than Gunner.-Craig Williams
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.
CONTACT RANDY FAUL
randt817@gmail.com (863)244-3709
DO YOU WANT TO ADVERTISE WITH FLORIDA TRAIL RIDERS MAGAZINE? Request a rate card at FTRMAGAZINE@DEKMAR3D.com or call 941-356-7796. Deadline for new ads is the 15th of each month.
CANDID
OS MOT OPHOT
FLORIDA TRAIL RIDERS
COACHE'S CORNER
here are literally thousands of movements in exercise programs, and determining which ones will have the best carryover for you riding performance isn’t always easy. While simply moving and learning to move is better than nothing at all, some exercises have better applications to sport performance than others. When strength and conditioning coaches, or thoughtful personal trainers develop training programs for athletes, a lot of thought goes into choosing which exercises have the best application to the sport. The box squat is one of the exercises that off road racers just can’t ignore. It can create some amazing results and similar kinematic properties to the riding position on the bike. Think of how many times you transition from a seated position to a standing position throughout the course of a race. Learning to apply more force during that movement can effectively prolong your ability to go from sitting to standing. Have you ever thought about how you needed to stand up towards the end of an enduro, but you waited until you hit some whoops or a bump of some kind to help you stand up? Don’t be ashamed, we all have. I want to share with you the beauty of the box squat but first a quick disclaimer. I am not all saying that you do not need to be able to squat to full depth. The box squat is a variation of the full squat exercise. In addition, practice makes permanent. Only perfect practice makes perfect, so take your time and make sure you perform these correctly. If you are using weight, and most individuals can box squat more weight than they can with a regular squat, be careful that you are not sitting down too fast and dropping onto the box. There is a lot of force on the spine so make sure you are braced, ready, and able to perform this exercise correctly. So what’s so great about the box squat? Simply put, the box squat is a back squat performed to a box that is set at varying heights. It helps to teach the lifter to sit back into the squat and engage the hamstrings and control their descent to the box. The height of the box will largely be dependent on
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Tyler Coody
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the stimulus preferred and the height of the lifter. The carryover for motorcycle racing is outstanding for the back squat because the joint angles and torque applied to them are comparable and in a similar sequence to sitting and standing on the motorcycle. I did a full presentation and video of this during graduate school and I’ll post the science-ey stuff on www.fit-moto.com. Here is how it works. The lifter will use a standard barbell or any specialty bar of his or her choice. They will take the bar from the rack and take two steps backwards to get into position. A spotter is critical in making sure they are in the right position. Box squats are typically performed using the corner of the box like the picture illustrates because it lets the lifter have normal range of motion without the box interfering with foot placement. After bracing the spine, the lifter will slowly descend towards the box while sitting back and “reaching” for the box. The object is to move slowly to the box while keeping the back tight and straight. Once on the box the lifter sits fully and moves into a position where the back is perpendicular to the floor. This part is important, you aren’t just tapping the box and using it as a depth gauge. The lifter then contracts the glutes and hamstrings and stands up with the load. Some errors that are common in the box squat are: •Descending too quickly •Knees cave in/more first in the sequence •Relaxed spinal position on the box It is a good idea to make sure that you have a qualified coach or fitness professional take a look at your box squat if you have any concerns. However, you have countless amounts of practice throughout the day just by sitting and standing to a chair. In fact, the height of a standing dining room chair is 18”, which is the height as the box used in the picture shown here. Every time you sit and stand, practice engaging the hamstrings and staying tight and organized. Hopefully this will get you started at least considering using the box squat as a supplement to your normal squatting routine. As always, there will be an accompanying article with a more in depth look at the box squat at www.fit-moto.com. Feel free to email me with any questions, or topics for future articles. Get Better. Tyler Coody, MS, CSCS coodyt@grenadefitness.com
FLORIDA TRAIL RIDERS TIPS FROM THE TUXEDO MAN
I
’ve been around a long time and a lot of you know me but for different things. I may be the oldest competitor, (Fred Storm just looks old). Some of you know me as the best dressed racer. I am TUXEDO MAN. Some of you fast guys know me as the slowest guy on the track. I can not repeat what you call me. Some of you know me as the quickest guy on the starting line. I am HOLE SHOT KING. I get the hole shot more often than not. It’s not by accident and I am about to share my secret. Position: I line up with the shortest distance to the first turn and the least turn when I get there. Common sense. On the start line I lean my bike to the left so I can get my stubby leg over the tank. I turn my handle bars to the right. This gives me more room if the line is crowded, but the real reason is that I moved the starter switch to the left side and this puts it closest to me. My engine is running before I get on the bike. Mechanical: I replaced my lead acid battery with 2 lithium batteries. I save a few pounds and I get 5 times the cranking power so I can start in gear. It’s always 2nd gear. Breathing: I hyperventilate for about a minute before the start. Stutter Step: Do not. Know your bike: It doesn't do any good to jump out first if your bike dies because it’s not properly geared or warmed up or carbureted. I am not suggesting that you do like I do, but I am suggesting that if you think you can just run to your bike and get a hole shot, you are wrong. Watch the beginner class start some
time. I have a plan that works and I can beat you to the green arrows. Good luck out there (but a plan is better). Also a couple of helpful hints: 1. If you have an FTR sticker that I can see, I will stop and help you when you break down on the highway, otherwise - good luck. 2. The sun sets in the south west. If you park facing north west you will have enough shade in the afternoon you won’t even need your awning. Bill Garrett #5X Class 66
FLORIDA TRAIL RIDERS
TRAINING DAY WITH JESSE ANSLEY
S
o, recently I’ve had some thoughts. Now that can be scary at times, but I feel as if this is necessary to share. FTR Magazine is always looking for content from FTR members so I figured..why not? Let’s give this a shot. So I’m creating an annual appearance (hopefully) and giving this story time thing a shot. This segment will be different in a way, at least that’s the plan. I believe as a youth rider you can never put yourself out there enough. And don’t get me wrong, they're plenty of bad ways to put yourself out there. But that’s for a different time. I’ll make this summary quick. Just over a year ago I saw this kid. He rode with a lot of heart and I actually enjoyed his riding style. But, every time I would look at results and saw 1st and 2nd this kids name was no where to be found. Finally after a few rounds, I made a big jump in commitment and offered to take this kid under my wing to see where this would go. At the time I had no clue I was actually going to be working with Chris Bach later on that winter, which was weird but amazing at the same time. So skip past 1 year. That kid, Blake Yahraus, has come from 4th-5th Mini B rider, to winning the Mini B championship and now one of the top kids in Mini A.
Don’t think by any means I’m trying to explain how good of a riding coach or instructor I am. I’m still learning every day myself. You can never learn enough. You can never be good enough. That doesn’t happen to be the point of the article anyway. The real reason is I would like to shine the spotlight on some rising youth riders, who just so happen to train with me during the week. "Training with Jesse has been a whole new experience for me. So far it's been fun, helpful, and definitely difficult. His ways of teaching ranges from physical, like running if you dab a foot, to breaking down the process of taking a corner correctly. One thing is for sure, Jesse's training is not easy. If it was easy I wouldn't improve as a rider. I feel like I can do good and get a championship in Mini B."
Two out of the three riders that I claim to be mine happens to be a very new recruit. It also happens to "I've been riding with be the most planned out one also. I’m not kidding, I Jesse for about a year thought it through for a good 3 months. Korbin Dinkel and racing for seven. was my 2nd pick to come join me on our Wednesday Riding at Jesse's place night torturefest. I’ve known Korbin ever since he has helped me at many started talking. The Dinkel’s have been pretty much a tracks because it's all whooped out and it life friend, until around 2011 - 2014 when they took makes most tracks easy. a short break. Korbin also rides with a lot of heart, I have definitely seen an sometimes though. Other times, he is off thinking improvement in myself over the past year in speed about butterflies or what ever 11 year olds think of and fitness and when I these days. Kind of like he was stuck, and was in the started getting Jesse's help middle of a stage of racing. He’s been with me for about I started winning races." 2 months now, things are slowly progressing, and we are just now showing some improvement.
Now the last rider in my group, his story is a bit different. It’s actually pretty simple and short. Andrew (Foster)’s dad asked me about what I could do for training Andrew because he knew about the other 2 riders. It was almost the perfect timing because I needed one more rider to complete I have really enjoyed training with Jesse and having him watch me and tell me what I need to work on and how to correct bad riding habits. On the very first day of training he pointed out several things that I didn't even know I was doing wrong. Poor body alignment with the bike was one of my issues. At Snake River I continuously thought about my body alignment. When I corrected my alignment I felt smoother, more in control and confident at higher speeds. Jesse is a great mentor, I enjoy learning from him so I know what to work on and how to improve.
the puzzle. I didn’t know much about him at all. I did some research and some internet stalking to make sure Andrew would be a good fit. He definitely had no problem with that what so ever. His family is one of the most nicest and well put together looking bunch in FTR. I’ve had Andrew now for exactly one month and we seem to have improved extremely fast for the time being. Andrews input (I have really enjoyed training with Jesse and having him watch me and tell me what I need to work on and how to correct bad riding habits. On the very first day of training he pointed out several things that I didn't even know I was doing wrong. Poor body alignment with the bike was one of my issues. At Snake River I continuously thought about my body alignment. When I corrected my alignment I felt smoother, more in control and confident at higher speeds. Jesse is a great mentor, I enjoy learning from him so I know what to work on and how to improve.) I am super proud of my 3 trainees and hope to continue to grow and become better people as a whole. This was just the introduction, I hope you all enjoyed the read. I will be back with more progression stories, race report updates, and punishment articles. Keep those kids on a tight leash. -JA
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FLORIDA TRAIL RIDERS PHOTO REPORT
The Coyote 2017 Hare Scramble
FLORIDA TRAIL RIDERS PHOTO REPORT
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
CANCELLED Big Scrub Trail Riders
CANCELLED
03/19/2017
Enduro #9 Alligator Enduro
Ormond Beach, Fl
03/25-03/26
HS #11
River City Dirt Riders
Dade City, FL
04/08-04/09
HS #12
BSTR
Gatorback
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