www.floridatrailriders.org
Tamnika Hurley photo
President Randy Faul (863)244-3709 president@floridatrailriders.org Vice President James Hill (941) 812-1247 vicepresident@floridatrailriders.org Secretary Shaun Foutch
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
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 15 Page 16 Page 18 Page 22
Executive Committee Contacts Riders Reps Area Reps and Club Contacts The Prez Says Letters/Pit Bits Getting to Know Reef Dawg Coaches Corner Remembering Matt MOTO Dads
ON THE COVER: Matt Batchie finally gets his cover. I wish you were here to see it Matt. Photo by Family First MX
SUPPORT THOSE THAT SUPPORT FTR!
The Florida Trail Riders lost a family member and a part of it's future with the passing of #52 Matt Batchie. FTR Magazine would like to send it's sincere condolences to Dennis, Lee and Andrew. Matt was a great competitor and a great friend to so many in our organization. He will never be forgotten.
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 Mark Bordelon (321)794-0993 voice and text markbord115@gmail.com 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 Shaun Foutch (386)214-4878 eastflorida234@yahoo.com zwww.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 Luis Rodriguez (772)801-9777 luisabx@hotmail.com
CONTACTS
DIRECTORS
The Prez Say’s
FLORIDA TRAIL RIDERS H
ere we are in June already and it seems that our series just started, time sure does fly by when you are having fun or should I say getting older. As I look back just a few years ago, some of our youth are now riding full size bikes and most are sporting A’s on their number plates or being promoted to the A class this coming season. Have you ever asked yourself how do these riders achieve this status or how do they get so fast? Many reasons can part of the answer to this question and it’s not necessarily one thing. Obviously having some talent will make things much easier but just having talent is not enough. Getting the basics down and learning the right way to do things when they are young will become automatic as they get older as they will not have to think about it. I’ve been mentioning in some of my articles about getting our young riders some instruction and teaching them the correct way to learn how to ride their dirt bike and have fun doing it. This finally became a reality as our first basic training class took place at the Gatorback event followed by a second
opportunity at the Big O event at L-cross. Both events had over a dozen riders as we worked right up until dark with allowing them to experience many drills and some quality one on one time while keeping it fun. We look to continue this next season at selected events to continue the hands on experience. Many thanks to Donny, Tom, Mike, Jesse and Shaw. They took time out of their afternoon to share their knowledge and expertise to help our up and coming riders. Our 2017-18 season will have 15 H/S events this coming year with a new club coming together to offer another venue to race at. Big O Trail Riders took on the final event this year with a very well organized event which produced one of the best events this season. Good Job Big O! Thank you to all that has been a big part of FTR by volunteering your time , providing product, support and being a part of a great organization. Thanks for listening, Randy Faul
Go to www.floridatrailriders.org to download and print your Rider Information Sheet.
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G2 PHOTO
FLORIDA TRAIL RIDERS
T
Attention racers, family and friends‌ it's that time of year again!
he 2016-2017 Awards Expo is right around the corner. FTR merchandise will be sold at the Hare Scrambles in order to help out the funding and keep ticket prices low. The Awards Expo will take place on July 15, 2017 in the arena at the Daytona Beach Ocean Center. Armbands will be available for pickup starting at 9AM in the lobby to the arena; Doors will open at 10AM. Opening Ceremonies will start around 11AM and hopefully wrap things up by 5PM.
Also,PLEASE make sure you do the following: Fill out the survey for your trophy, Nominations for Pit Mom/ Sportsman of the year, and the Scholarship Application. One last thing, be prepared to have a great time as we wrap up another awesome season of the Florida Trail Riders racing series.
2016-2017 AWARDS EXPO INFORMATION The food at the Expo will be concession style and is NOT included in your ticket price. You will have access to concessions throughout the day. Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for children ages 5 to 12. Kids under 5 years old age will be free. Please check the front page of the FTR website for the link to purchase your tickets. (If the link is not available check again soon) It's also that time of the year for you to nominate the SPORTSMAN and PIT MOM of the year award. If you have anybody in mind that you would like to nominate for either one or both of these awards use the link on the FTR homepage. You have until June 30th to get your nominations in. After June 30th the forms will not be available until next season so don't delay. UPDATE: We will be raffling off a PIT BIKE at the Awards Expo courtesy of CFPS. Tickets will be $20 each, or 3 tickets for $50+a CFPS hat($20 value)! There will be many other raffles so, Please bring CASH for all raffles. We will also have a bean bag game for the kids, and we are working on getting a bounce house obstacle course!!! There will be armbands for unlimited times on the obstacle course available for purchase. **If the noise level become to much we will have to close it down** As most of you know, these types of events do not go off without the support of MANY, MANY volunteers. If you are willing to help the day of the event or prior to the event with planning please contact Lacey Nordle via phone/email/Facebook/ or in person at the races!. Email: laceynordle@gmail.com Phone: 352-457-5030 See you there!
SUPPORT THOSE THAT SUPPORT FLORIDA TRAIL RIDERS MAGAZINE
Around The Pits
Unless you've been stuck in a knee deep rut somewhere buried in the mud you've undoubtedly heard of the big news for Florida race fans. First on the schedule, September 2nd-3rd, 2017 the WORLD'S best motocross racers are invading Florida's very own Gatorback Cycle Park. The Monster Energy MXGP of USA is coming to town. What an awesome sight it will be to see the likes of Tony Cairoli, Clement Desalle, Arnaud Tonus and the rest of the best tear up some Florida dirt. Go to www.eventbrite.com and search mxgp to get your tickets now. The other, even more exciting news for Florida off road enthusiast is that after a long 19 years the Monster Energy Supercross series is coming back to Tampa on Feb 24, 2018 at Raymond James Stadium. Dungey retired so this will be the season where there will be a brand new 450 champion crowned. After eight years of Villapoto and Dungey winning you can bet there will be some bar banging going on. Who remembers the last Tampa Supercross winner? Here's a hint: He wasn't on a 450.
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.
M
Letters to FTR
y name is Cailyn Ruff. I recently turned 18 years old, graduated Magna Cum Laude from Sunlake High School with a 4.2 GPA, was accepted to USF and received my CNA certificate from the State of Florida. Currently I am employed at Walesby Vision as a vision therapist Monday through Friday but on the weekends I love to tear up the woods on my Honda TRX 250 at Croom with my family. Although I come off as a girly girl, riding and competing lets me show my wild side and makes me feel free. In late October of 2016, I was diagnosed with a rare melanoma. Talk about scary.....so many thoughts running through your mind like has the cancer spread, how long have I had this, will I be okay, will I be able to finish school, and will I ride again? My dad asked me if I was up to racing before surgery and I jumped at the offer. I raced Punta Gorta two weekends before my surgery. My faith in God, along with prayers and support from my church and family got me through this uncertain time. I was seen by the best doctors at Moffitt Cancer Center and a surgery date of December 13, 2016 was set as the risk of the cancer traveling to my lymph nodes and spreading through my body was a reality. My surgery lasted 2 hours, longer than expected and they were forced to remove 5 lymph nodes and a
3cm section of tissue on top of my head leaving a 5 inch long scar. Two days after surgery I was scheduled to take mid term exams which meant not taking any pain medication so I could think normally which was hard because I was still in pain. On Friday December 23rd my family got the phone call we were all waiting for. The surgeon was able to remove all of the melanoma and I am now cancer free! I raced my next race in Brooksville January 7, 2017 and felt like I was on top of the world. I no longer take anything for granted because i now know we are not in control, but it is our job to live life and live it God's way.......the right way.
These are words of a true champion Cailyn. You fought cancer head on and won. So glad to hear that and we all look forward to seeing you ripping it up in the 2017-2018 season.
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. 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.
FLORIDA TRAIL RIDERS E
GETTING TO KNOW: Reef Dawg !
veryone has to start somewhere. With Reef it started with his Dad, Sean Daughtery, who watched his first national in 1991 at Gatorback. Sean started racing in 1995. From there he became a race mechanic after Graduating MMI in 2004, doing east and west Supercross and Canadian Nationals, then it was onto the GNCC with factory KTM Red Bull. Sean's Favorite time as a mechanic was at his first gig in Cali when he worked for the owners of Lake Elsinore Mx. He lived with The Hiners and traveled back and forth doing every national race they could. The boys were 12, 14, 16, 18. It was great time in his life (before Marriage and kids). In 2008 Sean left the mechanic scene. Soon after, he started back racing with the Florida Trail Riders. Adding more to the adventure, Sean got his Captain's License in 2010 and opened his own business called Mellow Mangrove Charters in 2016. To this day he still races as much as he can. You can find him in +30 or on the PW track chasing his son Reef. And so it begins... Reef got a pw 50 in July of 2016, but got his first four wheeler at age 2. Reef has a nice sponsorship going, possibly the youngest rider to be sponsored in FTR history by someone not related to them. Some very awesome people recommended "Reef Dawg" for a contest online where H&R Powersports was giving a sweet sponsorship to a young kid just getting into riding/ racing. Reef won!! We asked Sean a couple of questions. FTR Mag: Being so young does he get that he has such a great opportunity with having H&R sports as a sponsor? Sean: He has no idea the responsibility he has been given, nor does he care. He just likes to ride and we are cool with that. We have no expectations other then he try's his best, but he understands he has got a sweet bike and gear thanks to H&R...... those guys are awesome! FTR Mag: He has a pretty great team behind him. Has he practiced his podium speeches? Sean: Anytime there is a mirror around. He loves to watch himself We were able to slow down Reef long enough for a quick interview. How old are you? I'm 4 Who is your favorite racer? Cousin Erwin and Eric and cousin Julian.....oh yeah Dungey too.
Before your race do you eat a special breakfast or go to bed early the night before? I like cheeseburgers. Tell us all what is your favorite part of the track? Riding up all the big hills. Do you like the starts the best or the finish? The start, cause I know I get to ride dirt bikes. What part do you not like and want to go around if you could? I don't like going to bed early the night before, I just wanna ride now! Do you like racing better or watching Daddy race? I like riding. Have you ever crashed? Was it scary? Yes, my throttle stuck and I crashed, but it didn't hurt cause I'm tough. What do you like to do at the races when you are not on the track? Play hide and seek with kids and play with my Cousins Julian and Jocylnn. What would you like to have more of when you are at the races? Ride more dirt bikes. Why do you have the number 118? It is my birthday November 8th. Who would you like to thank? Shane, Patrick and PJ of H&R Powersports (www.hrpowersports.com) , Mommy and Daddy, Grandma , Papa & Gigi, HBD MotoGrafix (www. hbdmotografx.com) , Mellow Mangrove Charters (www. mellowmangrovechartersllc.com) and Wild Sassa Seafood on Facebook. Keep an eye for this young rising star and when you see Reef Dawg #118 say "Hi"... if you can catch him!!
FLORIDA TRAIL RIDERS Coach Tyler Coody
F
inding a qualified and effective personal trainer can appear to be a daunting task if you don’t know what to look for. There are many different aspects to consider when determining who to work with or even if you need to work a trainer at all. I would like to offer up some tips that I’ve come up with through the years that I think will help navigate how the personal training industry works. How does someone become a personal trainer in the first place? This can be a very arduous task, or a very simple task. Personal trainers do not have to have a certain credential to practice their craft. There are a lot of certifying agencies that offer personal training certifications and some are recognized nationally while others are not. A simple internet based exam will “certify” anyone to be a personal trainer. As of yet, Florida does not require a personal trainer to obtain a professional state license to practice. So how do you determine if your trainer is adequately qualified? There are many large organizations that offer personal training certifications that have strict testing standards and continuing education requirements. The National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA) for example offers a multitude or certification programs, academic research journals, and extensive continuing education requirements. I have a certification from the NSCA as a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS). The NSCA also requires a bachelor’s degree to sit for a certification exam. There are other nationally recognized organizations such the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM), American Council on Exercise (ACE), and the National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM). While there are others, these are the cream of the crop and all accredited by the National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA). If you are interested in getting a certification, I recommend you look for the NCCA stamp of approval because it is highly likely that if and when Florida requires a state license to practice, these organizations will helping create the testing guidelines. But are they required? Well not really. Imagine you get your neighbor to help you build an addition on to your house. He or she may not be a licensed contractor, or a professional carpenter. The work might be done, but there could be some issues. If you were to hire a licensed contractor, they might warrantee the work they’ve done and they may also carry a hefty insurance policy in the event something is damaged. Hiring a qualified personal trainer is a similar process. Exercise science is more than just getting sweaty and burning calories. There are many ways a personal trainer can help provide a more personalized exercise experience and also work around any previous injuries or movement limitations you may have. There are also many ways that a trainer can get you seriously injured. Some personal trainers have a gift for coaching and teaching fitness. Some trainers have had some level of success as a former or current athlete. Some trainers have a lot of academic knowledge. You might not find one with the whole package, but you can find a great personal trainer who will work well with you and have your best interest in mind, regardless of the alphabet soup credentials they will throw at you during the sales process. Here are a few questions you can ask them to make sure you get off to a good start: Q: How long have you been working as a personal trainer or coach? A: This is not always relevant but good to know up front.
COACHE'S CORNER 16
What is a Personal Trainer Everyone has to start somewhere, but if they are a newbie, they might be ultra conservative or push a little too hard until they find that sweet spot. If they are new, make sure you know your limitations. Q: Where did you get your certification(s)? A: Do a little background and education yourself first. They will rely on the fact that you have no idea what the acronyms for each organization are. Notice any hesitation or where their eyes land while telling you. Trainers will be proud of a quality certification if they have one. Q: How do you develop your programs? A: They should be able to explain this process to you, but what you are looking for in an answer is some form of movement screen or assessment. They should take some time to learn a little bit about how you move before applying any exercise prescriptions. Early on, they will ask you a lot of questions, but it’s always good to have a few of your own to make sure they know there is two way communication. Some clients love to know the how and why and some clients just want to be told what to do. Regardless of how you like to receive your training information, it will be important to make sure your trainer knows your preferred style and can adjust to it. This can take a little getting used to, but if you get the information out there in the beginning, it will make the process much simpler for both of you. I know by now you’re starting to wonder about the price tag. It’s hard to get specific numbers but it depends on the location of the facility, type of facility, and credentials of the trainer. For example, I have a very modest training rate when working with our students and members at the college where I work. It’s only $25 an hour, but I don’t have to carry my own insurance, and I’m also earning my normal salary. Off campus, if I were to take on clients, I would charge $80-$100 per hour depending on location, equipment etc. If you have a little fitness background and just need a little guidance and accountability for your program, virtual coaching might also be an option. At Grenade Fitness, we offer virtual coaching on all of the programs we have for $20 per week. This includes a free initial phone conversation to determine the program that best suits your needs, and a combination of email correspondence and voice calls. You can read more about the virtual coaching and life coaching options at www.grenadefitness. com. I hope this helps you to navigate through the abundance of fitness information that can be found online and in your local gym or health club. The bottom line is that you need to do a little soul searching before your meet with anyone about personal training options. Know what you want, what you don’t want, your limitations, and who you want to work with. If something doesn’t feel right or you want something different, you need to address it. Personal trainers work for you, so make sure you get what you are paying for. Their long term business strategy depends largely on making lasting relationships with their clients and creating results for their clients. If you work hard for them, they will do the same for you! Make sure you contact me with any questions your might have or if I can help you with finding a good professional trainer to help you get better! Get better, Coach
Left to Right: Jackson Porter, Rian Anderson, Austin Bartlett, Gunner Williams, Logan Shannon, Logan Crawford, Tyler Scheels, Ray Coburn, Ben Lemanski, and Riley Anderson. Track friends are the best friends!!
CANDID
Avery and Aubrie showing what sportsmanship is all about.
O PHOT OS MOT
Danica, Ryder and Candace getting pumped for thier race.
#BATCHIE STRONG
FLORIDA TRAIL RIDERS W
Remembering Matt
ell this is a tough story to write. Never thought it would ever happen. Not that anyone deserves to be taken so soon, but why? Why such an amazing person who lit the world with his presence? The first time I met Matt. I remember it so clearly. I was standing there behind the TF trailer watching everyone ride by. A small young bright eyed boy rode up and was sitting there while his Dad went to talk to my brother. I couldn't miss him if I wanted to because his smile drew you to him. I said, "Hey!! Let me get a picture of you" and that was how our friendship started. So every year after that we took the yearly pose. Each year he was slowly turning into a young man, and in each picture that gleam in his eyes and the beam from his smile was always there. Matt was the very first person that I knew to put my logo into their custom graphics. It surprised me beyond words and something I will always be honored by. I was lucky to know Matt not just at the track but at home because we live in the same town. On May 13th Matt and a friend were involved in a terrible accident doing a very normal thing, walking across a street.Due to the on going investigation, no details are needed. All things happen for a reason. The day before Matt went home to the lord, the ICU let friends in to see Matt one last time. On his bulletin board there was a cross, a card and a large print of the last photo I took of him as part of our yearly series. A large poster with notes from his friends sat on one of the chairs. The flowers and other gifts were all out in the waiting room. #Batchiestrong stickers were popping up all over town. The ICU room overflowed into the hall and had to be coordinated to keep the flow moving so everyone could say goodbye. There were still close to 100 people still outside the building. As the last of the friends left, there was one on one time for Matt's closest friends. A grieving Best friend from FTR, Kayla Cone said her goodbyes to Matt through the phone up to his ear. In my heart I know he heard her, he heard all of us. Matt looked so peaceful, nothing like I expected. We all wanted him to wake up and be back. But it was not meant to be. FTR Chaplain Andy Dickson drove down and was there, like always,when someone in the FTR family needs him. He was a strong part of the pieces that would hold the Batchie family together in the upcoming days. On May 17th, surrounded by love with his family at his side, Matt peacefully went to Heaven. That night burnouts were done in his honor at the local park. Smoke was sent up as the wheels turned. On Friday night at Riverview, Matt's high school was the Spring Football game. Several of his friends wore 52 to play for Matt. Also on Friday night, In Honor of Matt, A Truck Rally at Twin Lakes Park. 100's of trucks and cars and two TV Stations were there. Orange shirts were everywhere. FTR friends from all over Florida were there as well. More burnouts took place and Billy Cassidy blew his motor. Cops were called because someone thought there was a white power rally. However the cops were incredibly supportive of all the "things" that were taking place. The sheriffs officer even held the traffic off so we could all leave in a long line. The procession was lead with Matt's truck, with his bike in the back and his family inside. Picture over a 100 trucks and cars with #BATCHIESTRONG on the windows and American and 52 Orange Flags being flown from the trucks. Matt placed his
by Dorothy Dekmar
touch on the event and let the rain pour on us all as it got started. Matt loved the mud and actually won his only race at Hogwaller in the mud!! The group headed down Clark Road, where lanes of trucks were doing burn outs at the lights. Strangers did not know what to think. The sheriffs officer caught up with us and helped at a light, as we went towards the school two separate trucks blocked two intersections for everyone to be able to pull into the school parking lot. Still pouring everyone pulled in and around Matts truck where his family was standing surrounded by all the LOVE that was being presented to them. One by one everyone drove passed the bike, the truck and the Batchie family. One by one Matts Dad thanked everyone. It was the first time in a week that I saw a glimmer back on Dennis and a smile on Matts moms face. They truly were filled with healing emotions for that one moment. For that one moment of happiness of being surrounded by so many people showing their support to such an amazing family. From there the Trucks rolled out to Siesta Key, still in the pouring rain, and stopped where the accident took place. There was a cross and some flowers and an Angel. The neighbor next to the accident brought over one of his solar lights for us to place towards the memorial that was made. From there everyone headed their own separate ways. Saturday Morning was a small quiet service led by Andy Dickson. Again Matt's truck and bike were in attendance. It was a very touching service with two bouquets of Orange Roses that his Grandmother made. The church's youth minister sang two songs on his guitar. Everyone left the church and stood outside and watch the truck and bike leave. It was very meaningful. Later that night a memorial at Siesta Key was organized by a few of Matt's friends and his Brother Andrew. We were to meet at the yellow lifeguard stand except, there was pro volleyball tournament going on, so we had to move to the red stand, which was OK, because red and yellow make Orange (KTM). Tents were placed for the family to sit under, a small stage was set up with flowers, photos, a memory box, Matt's bike stand and helmet and a big Orange flower wreath made by one of Matt's family members. Andy spoke and said a prayer. I had written a note that Andy read on behalf of his FTR family. Matt's three school friends all spoke, FTR kids Kayla Cone, Austin Dickson, Cameron McNeill, Justin Short all spoke and Matt's big brother Andrew spoke from his heart and behalf of his family. Choked up through all of it, Andrew was able to get everyone to laugh by adding, "I had no idea my brother was so popular". Chinese lanterns were sent off, the sunset was peeking through the clouds as Matt's mom was looking at them. The rain held off until approximately 300 people, 90% of them wearing Orange in Matt's honor, left the beach. The Batchie family would like to Thank each and everyone from the FTR family who reached out to them and gave them strength through out that week and also everyone who traveled to be with them, as they celebrated Matt's life. They are forever grateful for all the friendship, prayers and love that has been given to their family. Matt we miss you. We love you. We know you are happy riding the clouds and doing perfect wheelies because we all know what you said, #YourGirlfriendLikesIt.
The price to pay for having someone special touch your life is the sadness you feel when they're gone. I have many wonderful memories of Matt, many of which bring a smile to my face. Matt and I rode practice together each and every Saturday, knowing I wasn't a very experienced rider he would follow behind me. During the Saturday race I wrecked into a tree. Just when I wanted to give up, I saw someone ride up behind me. To no surprise it was Matt, he had stopped in the middle of his race to ask if I was okay, he helped me pick up my bike and told me I could finish. Matt had a huge heart. He was kind, respectful and honest. Over the years Matt became more than someone we camped and rode with regularly, he became a best friend who I went on bicycle rides with, someone I went fishing with and a little brother who I could tell anything to. I am so thankful Matt and I got to grow up together and I am thankful for the friendship I gained over the years. These memories are something I will take away and cherish forever. - Monica Blahackova
FLORIDA TRAIL RIDERS
Just like a Normal Dad But better!
My Daddy is number one! Love Brently
I love my daddy! Happy Father's Day. - Michael
Our dad is the best because he supports us in our racing and is the best mechanic ever and we wish him a Great Father's Day. - Jessica and Jimmy
I want to thank my dad Matthew Flanigan for everything he does for me. You wake up every morning and work 10 or 12 hours a day and come home, work on the bike together. If it wasn't for you i would not be where i am today. Thanks you. From, Gavin Flanigan
Happy father's day to my dad and all the great dad's out there. Thank you dad for bringing me into this sport that has changed my life completely. From Mikayla Hayes.
Dad, It's never a dull moment when you're around. You keep a smile on my face even when I don't want to. I'm blessed with such a great dad who looks out for me, keeps me in line, and loves me like no other. I love you so much, thank you for being the coolest dad around!!!! Morgan Hill
Happy Father's Day dad! Thank you for everything that you do! Love, Monika & Lucie
Dad, thanks for all your hard work and helping us all follow our dreams. We love you! Love, Savannah, Nevaeh, Zoee, and Ashley"
Happy Father's Day Pop's. I really miss you and I hope I make you proud while you're watching over me.-Josh
I would like to wish my dad a happy Father's Day!! I wouldn't even be close to the man I am today if it wasn't for his guidance and can't thank him enough for what he does for me everyday. -Landon
Happy Father's Day Dad. I love you and I couldn't have the fun and memorable times I do on and off the track without you. Austin D I owe it all to my dad for all the great things he does for me every single day -Justin D My dad is nice and let's me race every other weekend. He gets me to the race and pays the money for me to race. He is always cheering for me and he is a great dad. I love him so much and I wish him a Happy Father's Day -Korbin D
FLORIDA TRAIL RIDERS
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 #10
Nature Coast Trail Riders
Dade City, FL
04/08-04/09
HS #11
BSTR
Gatorback
04/22/2017
Hare Scramble Sanction Meeting
Samsula, Fl
04/22-04/23
HS #12
Apollo Motorcycle Club
Samsula, Fl
05/06-05/07
HS # 13
Big Scrub Trail Riders
Gatorback
05/20-05/21
HS # 14
Big O Trail Riders
Okeechobee, Fl
Daytona Dirt Riders
Lochloosa, Fl
Seville, Fl
Palm Beach Track & Trail Riders Okeechobee, Fl