THOMAS SIMONSON
Photo by Tyler Miller
Photo by Tyler Miller
“Photoman386” Perdue
Jamey
Area Directors & Club Info
AREA #1 - Out-of-State, Panhandle
Brandon St. John (912) 674-6127 ktm21brandon@yahoo.com
AREA #2 - Hamilton, Suwannee, Columbia, Baker, Union, Bradford, Nassau, Duval, Clay, Putnam, St. Johns
James Benton (904) 589-0093 bentonracing116@yahoo.com
AREA #3 - Gilchrist, Alachua, Levy, Marion, Citrus, Sumter, Lake
Allen Pearce (352) 339-5644 Allen.Pearce17@gmail.com
AREA #4 - Flagler, Volusia
Mike McGuire (386) 871-0666 makmcguire@yahoo.com
AREA #5 - Hernando, Pasco, Pinellas, West Hillsborough
Dale Ellis (727) 213-4399 dellis117ktm@gmail.com
AREA #6 - East Hillsborough, Polk
West Anderson (863) 604-1868 jetster220@gmail.com
AREA #7 - Seminola, Osceola, Orange
Will Busick (317) 507-6636 willb763@gmail.com
AREA #8 - Brevard, Indian River
Shaun Foutch (321) 390-3786 eastflorida234@yahoo.com
AREA #9 - Manatee, Sarasota, Hardee, DeSoto, Highlands
Brian Dugre (941) 893-7898 brian@mycentec.com
AREA #10 - Okeechobee, St. Lucie, Martin
George Pollard (772) 349-6354 ktmgeorge811b@gmail.com
AREA #11 - Charlotte, Lee, Glades, Hendry, Collier
Ken Redford (239) 297-7170 redford_kenny@yahoo.com
AREA #12 - Palm Beach
Austin McAfee (561) 722-1318 rkyle914@aol.com
AREA #13 - Borward, Dade, Monroe
Mickel Pares (954) 980-7369 captmickel@gmail.com
Apollo M/C
Mark Bordelon (321) 794-0993 markbord115@gmail.com
Azalea City M/C
Gary Wyatt (386) 684-2698 wyattg1@windstream.net
Big O Trail Riders
Tommy Clay (863) 532-1952 tommy_clay@yahoo.com
Big Scrub Trail Riders
Curtis Bell (386) 679-8201 curtbell@rocketmail.com
Central Florida Trail Riders AJ Stagg ajstagg@gmail.com (407) 929-2114
Columbia Enduro Riders
Ricky Dennis (803) 786-0051 mastercraft@bellsoth.net
Daytona Dirt Riders
Joe Carrasquillo (386) 615-0722 secretary4ddr@gmail.com
Family Riders, Inc.
Johnny Thomas (843) 553-1463 familyriderssc@bellsouth. net
Greenville Enduro Riders
Chris Poole (864) 617-4342 info@greenvilleenduroriders.com
Nature Coast Trail Blazers
Rob Swann (813) 731-5552 naturecoasttrailriders@ gmail.com
Old School Dirt Riders
Ben Kelly (941) 650-1473 ftr90racer@yahoo.com
Palm Beach Track & Trail
Randy Rash (954) 931-5709 motodadfla19@aol.com
Perry Mountain M/C
Brad Belcher (205) 340-4298 perrymountainmotorcycleclub@gmail.com
River City Dirt Riders
James Benton (904) 589-0093 bentonracing116@yahoo.com
Sarasota Area Dirt Riders
Randy Faul (863) 244-3709 randt817@gmail.com
Southeast Florida Trail Riders
Frank Campbell (561) 951-3732 flawoods35@yahoo.com
Sumter Enduro Riders
Johnny McCoy (803) 481-5169 serma@ftc-i.net
Suncoast Trail Blazers
Cary Hunt 727-635-6228 suncoastbiz1@gmail.com
Sunrunners Dirt Riders
West Anderson (863) 604-1868 jetster220@gmail.com
Tallahassee Trail Riders
Mikey Rainey (350) 591-5386 trailriderstallahassee@ gmail.com
Treasure Coast Trail Riders
Ken Harris (772) 370-4434 khei9862@gmail.com
Who to Contact
OFFICERS RIDER REPS
PRESIDENT
Randy Faul (863) 244-3709 president@floridatrailriders.org
VICE PRESIDENT
Pete Rose (941) 270-1189 vicepresident@floridatrailriders.org
SECRETARY
Bill Toreki 352-372-1135 secretaryfloridatrailriders.org
TREASURER
Kayla Vawter (863) 381-2649 treasurer@foridatrailriders.org
HARE SCRAMBLE CHAIRMAN
Randy Rash (954) 931-5709 hschair@floridatrailriders.org
ENDURO CHAIRMAN
George Tolson (863) 698-3837 gjtolson63@gotmail.com
HARE SCRAMBLE REFEREE
Jeff Hazeltine 941-468-7204 hsreffloridatrailriders.org
ENDURO REFEREE
Glenn Hunt (678) 231-4100 enduroref@floeidatrailriders.org
BUSINESS MANAGER
Darlene Riggs (352) 538-6291 businessmanager@floridatrailriders.org
AA/A ENDURO
Mark Mannschreck (813) 310-2067 hondamm61@aol.com
B/C ENDURO
Sam Boydstun (407) 467-3951 woodsracercfl@rr.com
SPECIALTY A/B ENDURO
Peter Magee (352) 472-6932 cr250@bellsouth.net
SPECIALTY C/WOMEN ENDURO
Elesa Berard (407) 376-7115
AA/A HARE SCRAMBLE
Ryan McCarthy (941) 234-5086 ryanmccarthy90@gmail.com
B/C HARE SCRAMBLE VACANT
SPECIALTY A/B HARE SCRAMBLE
Paul Lucas (305) 244-7531 happytimesamuse@msn.com
SPECIALTY C/WOMEN HARE SCRAMBLE
Holly Langford (954) 504-2659 hollylangford10@gmail.com
SATURDAY CLASSES HARE SCRAMBLE
Kurt Lucas (786) 385-7771 kurtlucas101@gmail.com
QUADS
Pete Rose (941) 270-1189 pwrracingktm@gmail.com
PREZ SEZ
Words: Randy Faul
Around the Corner
As our season is within sight and the first event takes us to the Little Brown Jug in South Carolina, keep in mind that the first few events will be very busy and having your ducks in a row will make the sign-up process very easy. Having your FTR and AMA memberships secured now will eliminate those forms at both the enduro and hare scrambles. Being on top of your game with your rider number, backgrounds and your little racers minor release card in hand will make your time at the sign-up window minimal. Pre-entry is another way to have your window time down to 30 seconds or less to sign up. Our sign-up crew are the best in the nation and if you have your act together, your time will be pleasant and short. If you roll up there like you just rolled out of bed, you
probably will be asked to step aside and let someone that is prepared to sign up take your place.
As we gather with our friends and families, keep in mind that we all are guests on a property that has been graciously loaned to us for the weekend and that we show appreciation by conducting ourselves responsibly. Our members responded last season by getting on board with the pit riding request and it showed with having our children playing football, games and just hanging out riding bicycles and having fun. This year will be no different in asking you to monitor your young riders and set some ground rules so nobody gets dq'd before their race even starts.
I’ve seen a lot of you at Croom over the past summer as I thought I would sneak up there and get
some riding in and there you are, putting in the time also! As I try and decide what color background I want to use this season, yes that means I’m going to line up, it seems that some of us have followed each other all the way through the age classes with the last hoorah being the legends’ class. Yes, 70 is just a number and as long as we keep our minds young, we can still swing a leg over and have fun. But, once a racer, always a racer as we try and convince each other that it's just for fun and that we have won enough, well let me tell you that’s BS… as we try and keep the old man out!
See you at Round 1
Thanks for listening, Randy Faul
CHAPLAIN’s CORNER
Words: Jim Edleston
As many of you know, we live across the street from the beach. My personal prayer time is walking the almost two miles from my beach access to Ponce Inlet and watching the sunrise. It is literally the best way to start the day!
Two years ago, our area was devastated by hurricanes Ian and Nicole. While our home suffered minimal damage, neighbors one mile north of us had their houses fall into the sea. You probably saw the news videos of the homes with their back walls and yards completely missing.
After the storms were over, our neighbors across the street from us (oceanfront) invested in a state of the art seawall. The walls are thick fiberglass girders with two tons of concrete as headers. The full wall, when completed, will be over 10 feet tall and 4 feet thick; solid as a rock!
The seawall is protection from the storms. Following Jesus is protection for your life. Jesus was raised as a carpenter, so his words were reflective as well as directive.
“These words I speak to you are not incidental additions to your life, homeowner improvements to your standard of living. They are foundational words, words to build
a life on. If you work these words into your life, you are like a smart carpenter who built his house on solid rock. Rain poured down, the river flooded, a tornado hit—but nothing moved that house. It was fixed to the rock.
“But if you just use my words in Bible studies and don’t work them into your life, you are like a stupid carpenter who built his house on the sandy beach. When a storm rolled in and the waves came up, it collapsed like a house of cards.” (Matthew 7 24-2 ) Jesus wants to restore us to the full relationship with God, placing our feet on solid rock. Psalm 62 states “God, the one and only— I’ll wait as long as he says. Everything I need comes from him, so why not? He’s solid rock under my feet, breathing room for my soul, An impregnable castle: I’m set for life.”
Our sin has separated us from God. Without Jesus, we stand on shifting sand. Take the plunge, put your trust in Jesus. But God’s gift is real life, eternal life, delivered by Jesus, our Master. Romans 6:23. Jesus will guide you to safe harbor forever!
Blessings on and off the road,
Jim and Betty Edleston
Chaplain FTR
Como muchos de ustedes saben, vivimos frente a la playa. Mi tiempo de oración personal es caminar las casi dos millas desde el acceso a mi playa hasta Ponce Inlet y contemplar el amanecer. ¡Es literalmente la mejor manera de empezar el día!
Hace dos años, nuestra zona fue devastada por los huracanes Ian y Nicole. Si bien nuestra casa sufrió daños mínimos, las casas de los vecinos a una milla al norte de nosotros cayeron al mar. Probablemente hayas visto los vídeos de noticias de las casas a las que les faltaba por completo las paredes traseras y los patios.
Después de que terminaron las tormentas, los vecinos frente a nosotros (frente al mar) invirtieron en un malecón de última tecnología. Las paredes son gruesas vigas de fibra de vidrio con dos toneladas de hormigón como cabeceras. El muro completo, una vez terminado, tendrá más de 10 pies de alto y 4 pies de espesor; ¡sólido como una roca! El malecón es protección contra las tormentas. Seguir a Jesús es protección para tu vida. Jesús fue criado como carpintero, por lo que sus palabras fueron reflexivas además de directivas. “Estas palabras que les digo no son adiciones incidentales a su vida, ni mejoras de propietario a su nivel de vida. Son palabras fundamentales, palabras sobre las que se construye una vida. Si incorporas estas palabras
a tu vida, serás como un carpintero inteligente que construyó su casa sobre roca sólida. Llovía a cántaros, el río se desbordó, un tornado azotó, pero nada movió esa casa. Estaba fijado sobre la roca.
“Pero si simplemente usas mis palabras en los estudios bíblicos y no las incorporas a tu vida, eres como un carpintero estúpido que construyó su casa en la playa arenosa. Cuando llegó una tormenta y se levantaron las olas, se derrumbó como un castillo de naipes”. (Mateo 7: 24-2)
Jesús quiere restaurarnos a una relación plena con Dios, poniendo nuestros pies sobre roca sólida. El Salmo 62 dice: “Dios, el único, esperaré tanto como él diga. Todo lo que necesito proviene de él, y ¿por qué no? Él es roca sólida bajo mis pies, un aliento para mi alma, un castillo inexpugnable: estoy preparado para la vida.”
Nuestro pecado nos ha separado de Dios. Sin Jesús, estamos sobre arena movediza. Da el paso, pon tu confianza en Jesús. Pero el regalo de Dios es la vida real, la vida eterna, entregada por Jesús, nuestro Maestro. Romanos 6:23. ¡Jesús te guiará a puerto seguro por siempre!
Bendiciones desde la carretera y el monte,
Jim y Betty Edleston, CMA
Photos by Photoman386
WHAT’s NEW?
FTR BOD MEETING MINUTES JULY 20, 2024
Introduction of guests: Darlene Riggs, Tim Nordle, Jeff Hazeltine, Glen Hunt, Mike Hall, Donny Richardson.
Darlene Riggs (business Manager) gave Banquet update (including budget and financials), and presented FTR Balance Sheet (financial statement), and summary of available Scholarship funds (approximately $14,000), and arrow inventory. FTR had 2,446 members last season, and 936 currently (new season).
Tim Nordle reports that the new scoring trailer has been received and is being outfitted.
President’s report: Thanked our 3 contract employees for their service. FTR is planning to get a new “down-sized” tech inspection for Hare Scrambles – focusing mainly on number plates. Thanked Jason Ennis and Can-Am for supplying a new SxS vehicle for out safety /medic crew. We will tradein the old one
Vice President’s Report: Extensive discussion about possibly using Docu-Sign for FTR membership in order to ensure and leave documentation that all members acknowledge having received the rule book. This also mitigate liability for FTR in the event of injuries. FTR and clubs should take photos of the posted AMA and Safety signs at events to provide proof that participants have been informed of risks and rules, and have accepted personal responsibility. FTR will add a statement to the sign-up forms and gate waivers that says singer acknowledges receiving FTR rule book and agrees to follow rules.
Treasurer’s Report: Reviewed recent expenditures outside our normal operating expenses, and the banquet:
The EC & BOD have approved the following expenditures in our past season:
• Increase in Business Manager & HS Scoring compensation floor if needed for contractual proposes (HS up to $4000 per event / BM up to $4000 per month)
• New Generator to be used for the PAQ system ($2900)
• Donation to the Rodriguez family ($2500)
• Approval for expenditure for up to $25k for new HS Scoring trailer (8.5 x 20) finish line.
• Approval of top 3 finishers in each class to receive a free banquet ticket
• Purchase the website domain – floridatrailriders.com ($650)
• Antenna for scoring trailer $1582.60
• $1100 to switch to Starlink wifi system
** Look at banquet tickets next year vs. possible free membership to top finishers?
Secretary’s Report:.
FTR Scholarship: 8 applications received. 4 scholarships to be awarded. Reminder than if any clubs still want to make a donation, please see Jenni Lamb at this event.
Pit Mom and Sportsman of the Year were selected.
FTR website has been redesigned. Webmaster still working on restoring the full archive of meeting minutes
New Fire Lane markers.
RM Race Gas Program is going well, and will continue next season.
US Trademark Applications still pending at USPTO (backlog).
Still need to file for ISSN number for magazine.
I am in process of updating rulebook. Goerge working on the Enduro section. James wants to add a summary section.
New membership cards have QR scan code for rulebook.
FTR info business cards.
Since the last BOD meeting, the EC has taken the following actions:
• Approved $1,582.60 for the purchase and install of swing-out antenna for scoring chicane trailer.
• Held discussion of fire safety related to electric bikes.
• Approved expenditure of $1,100 to switch to StarLink for internet service at events.
• Agreed to put a certain member on “probation” due to inappropriate actions.
• Denied BSTR request to move date up for HS1.
• Approved purchase of 2,000 Fire Lane arrows for $1281.07
• Approved contracts for BM, Scoring, and Magazine.
Enduro Chairman’s Report: We completed 7 enduro events last season, of 8 scheduled. Attendance is up. We have 9 proposed events this coming season, including 2 National events.
Hare Scrambles Chairman’s Report: New Saturday schedule – we are starting earlier now. Clubs should make sure to notify ambulance to come earlier on Saturday. Ron Thomas has stepped-up to be Uncle Bills’ assistant. In order to be compatible with AMA rules, Pre-Modern B class should properly be called Premodern B/C. New classes this season (Women-C and Electric) will start on Row 8 (Sat PM), and Beginner will move to Row 9.
James Benton provided discussion about Pee-Wee
classes. He has prepared a document that summarizes the PW events (schedule, equipment, age, and identification requirements). This is needed because the information in the rulebook is scattered over many pages. This will make it easier for participants/parents to find the correct information. Instead of putting this into the rulebook, we will add it to the website and have a QR scan code linked to it. Signs and flyers with this code will be posted. Donny stated that PW course workers should clearly identify all communications as “PeeWee Track” in order to prevent confusion.
Old Business:
1. Approved BOD meeting minutes from 1/13/2024. Unanimous.
New Business:
1. Enduro Team Points Structure Discussion (Rule Change). New scoring points system for Team participation. Event points awarded based on class participation and not just finishing position within class. -- PASSED Unanimous
2. B & C Rider Division Verification prior to start of New FTR Season (Rule Change).
FTR Enduro Rankings are derived from AMA Off Road rankings. Due to the calendar timing of the FTR and AMA seasons, riders that are enroute to be promoted by the AMA in November, can start the FTR season in the division that they are currently participating. Prior to the FTR season start, the Referee and team will review B & C Riders and calculate their AMA ORPV (Off Road Performance Value) with data in AMA system. The advancement value of >15 qualifies for advancement to the next higher Division. 2023 AMA Competition rulebook defines this system and points starting on page 65-69 and how to calculate the ORPV used for promotions. -- Enduro Chairman asked that this proposal be withdrawn. Motion made to accept proposal. FAILED to pass, Unanimous
GENERAL MEMBERSHIP MEETING MINUTES
New Business:
FTR is accepting Volunteers or Nominations (you can nominate yourself) for Rider Representatives to the Hare Scramble and Enduro Competition Committees. Please send names to either the Hare Scramble Chair (Randy Rash), or Enduro Chair (George Tolson) for the following positions:
• Hare Scramble: A/AA, BC, Specialty A/B, Specialty C/Women, Saturday Classes, Quads.
Confirmed Rule Changes for next season:
Hare Scramble Rules
• New Schedule for Saturday event times (see attached).
• Proposal 1/24: Modify the top 10 AA advancement rule to exclude all age-specific classes.
• Proposal 2/24: Allow 85 cc 2-stroke bikes to compete in the junior A/B/C/G classes (currently 86-200cc).
• Proposal 3/24: Create Women-C class to run Saturday afternoon. Yellow plates w/ Black numbers, no points carried to Sunday classes. Row 8 with Electric bike class. Passed HSC 2x.
• Proposal 5/24: Create an electric M/C class to start row 8 on Saturday afternoon. Blue number plates with white numbers, no pedals, minimum 19” front wheel, row 8.
• Proposal 6/24: Move Elite Master A from row 10 and to
• Enduro: A/AA, BC, Specialty A/B, Specialty C/Women.
Carol Preston asked that everyone go to the CanAm website and provide feedback thanking them for their help with the safety/medical vehicle.
After extensive discussion regarding graphics for the FTR Sign-up trailer and the new scoring (finish line) trailer, it was decided that images of the current AA-Quad and AAEnduro Champions will replace
Row 7 (with Golden Master A). No rows being added.
• The specific number size requirement (3” / 5”) has been removed and replaced with a requirement that number plates “…must be readable from 40 feet away so that the scorekeepers can quickly identify the color, number and letter…”
Enduro Rules
• Enduro EVO class has been Removed due to low participation.
• New scoring points system for Team participation. Event points awarded based on class participation and not just finishing position within class.*
General Rules
Add requirement that Chest and Back Protection for all riders in Youth Classes.
the images of last-year’s champions. Secretary will ask HBD to provide a quote for this. Also, the EC will make final decision regarding graphics on the new Scoring trailer. This should include clear display of FTR’s web address, and it was also suggested that the rear panel should display and aerial image of our starting grid. Significant FTR sponsors should also be displayed (RM, CanAm, others). The Scoring trailer will also have a QR scancode that links to the Live Scoring website.
Approved Changes to Saturday’s HS Race Schedule
07:30am - 10:30am: Saturday Signup
08:30am - 09:00am: Quad Practice (Big Track). 08:30am - 08:35am: Peewee C/Beginner Practice. 08:40am - 08:45am: Peewee A/B Practice.
08:50am - 09:05am: Race #1
Row 1 – Peewee Beginner: 15 min moto
09:10am 09:25am Race: #2
Row 1 – Peewee C:15-min moto
09:30am 9:55am Race: #3
Row 1 -- Peewee A & B. 25-min moto
09:30am - 10:00am: Bike Practice (Big Track). 09:55am - 10:05am Peewee: Clear Bikes Before Starting Quads.
10:05am - 10:10am: Peewee Quad A/B Practice 10:15am - 10:20am: Super Peewee Quad A/B Practice
10:25am - 10:45am: Race #4
Row 1 – Quad Peewee B: 20-min moto
10:50am - 11:10am: Race #5
Row 1 – Quad Peewee A: 20-min moto
11:15am - 11:40am: Race #6
Row 1 – Super Quad Peewee B: 25-min moto 11:45am - 12:15pm: Race #7
Row 1 – Super Quad Peewee A: 30-min moto
11:30am: Riders Meeting (Big Track)
11:45am - 01:15pm: Race #8 (Mini/65) 01:45pm - 03:15pm: Race #9 (PM/Jr/Evo/Vin/ Beg/E/Wm-C)
03:45pm - 05:15pm: Race #10 (Quads)
03:30pm - 05:30pm: Sunday Race Signup
IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENTS
PARENTS OF PEEWEE, MINI AND YOUTH RACERS
FTR will be enforcing the AMA requirement for all youth riders to wear chest and back protection this season. Please get your kids a good chest protector before the first race.
The 2024 AMA rulebook states that “It is highly recommended that chest and back protection be worn by all competitors. It is required for all competitors in Youth Classes to wear chest and back protection. The protector may be worn under or over the jersey, and it should cover the sternum anterior ribs, posterior ribs, and spine from T1 to T12. For road racing a back protector must be worn under their leathers unless integrated into the design of the leathers.”
VOLUNTEERS/NOMINATIONS NEEDED FOR RIDER REPRESENTATIVES TO COMPETITION COMMITTEES
FTR is accepting Volunteers or Nominations (you can nominate yourself) for Rider Representatives to the Hare Scramble and Enduro Competition Committees. Please send names to either the Hare Scramble Chair (Randy Rash), or Enduro Chair (George Tolson) for the following positions:
Hare Scramble: A/AA, BC, Specialty A/B, Specialty C/Women, Saturday Classes, Quads.
Enduro: A/AA, BC, Specialty A/B, Specialty C/Women.
Staying sharp in the offseason is important and there is no better way to stay in race shape than to, well you guessed it, race. Luckily for us racers some fellow FTR members and the Waldo Motorsports Park teamed up to put together a three race GP series this summer. The GP’s are a mix of moto and woods with one 45-minute moto per class. These races are the perfect way to get any last minute changes dialed in before the FTR season kicks off. With two rounds in the books the third and final round of the Waldo GP series will take place on September 7th and 8th.
Photos: Angela Ward
RACE WEEK TIPS
Training can be a lot like drinking: to have a great time you need to know when to stop. In the week leading up to a race or event, athletes can do more to undermine their training than they can to enhance it. Yet, just like that “one more” drink, it’s the prospect of getting a little extra something that gets you in trouble. - Chris Carmichael (Carmichael Training Systems)
There are a lot of misconceptions when it comes to preparing for an event. Many people will try to cram in last minute workouts, hydration, and rest into the final few days before an event. In reality any high intensity workouts during race week will not benefit you at all on race day but may actually raise your fatigue levels.
Words: Adam Cohen
All of your fitness work such as running, cycling and swimming workouts need to be done in the weeks leading up to your race, race week should be spent doing lighter workouts such as easy spins on a bicycle or some light running. Some people like to do “openers” the day before the event which typically would consist of some moderate intervals to get the blood flowing.
Now let's talk a bit about hydration. No you can not chug a gallon of water the day of the race and claim to be hydrated. Hydration is extremely important for endurance sports. Racing two hours in the Florida sun with 20lbs of gear on is definitely hard on the body. Proper hydration should be maintained during training and racing but let's be real,
No one is perfect. I try to step up my hydration four to five days before the event. Everyone's a little different when it comes to water intake but I try to drink a minimum of 5-7 bottles of water per day. Many people like to train and race with different hydration substances added to their water but you're going to want to test them during your training days as some people find them hard on the stomach.
Last but not least is rest. Most of us work full time jobs and many work jobs that require physical labor which makes this last topic of rest very difficult to achieve. Rest on race week is extremely important, your body needs this time to recover from the weeks
of training and racing. August to May is a really long time to keep the body performing at a high level so it's important to take rest very seriously from the very first race of the season. There is really no tip or trick to this one other than turning the TV and phones off and forcing yourself to go to bed Adam Cohen
Former National & State Mountain Bike Champion
MOTO PT IMPROVE YOUR MOVE
WORDS: MATT DAUGHERTY
Get to Know MotoPT
Hello FTR Community,
Now that we are close to the start of the season, I thought it would be a good idea to reintroduce myself. The most frequent questions I get at the races are, “Who are you, and what do you do?” I decided to trim down my original introduction to let you know how I can help. I have been an FTR member since 2009, and at my first race, I knew I would be addicted to hare-scramble and enduro racing. Working my way up from 250C, I am now a Senior A-class rider. Seeing the number of participants and fans grow in recent years has been great. The competition progresses, but so do injuries and the need for a competitive edge as the margin for error shrinks. That is where I come in ��.I believeI can serve the FTR community concerning injury prevention, performance improvement, and rehabilitation of the human movement system.
Please indulge me while I tell you a little about my journey so you can gauge the value of my advice in this column. I completed my master’s degree in occupational therapy in 2006 and a doctorate in physical therapy in 2007. In 2010, I went back for fellowship training through the American Academy of Orthopaedic Manual Physical Therapists (AAOMPT-www.aaompt. org) with eight different mentors while I completed coursework and taught orthopedic physical therapy under their guidance. It was an intense undertaking,
and even though I had a manual therapy certification and a few years of experience, that fellowship training packed what felt like ten years of experience in 1 year of 50–60-hour work weeks. Since then, I have worked to become an Associate Professor in a Doctor of Physical Therapy program and secure an additional doctoral degree. I mentor and teach physical therapy students as well as practicing physical therapists. I have also worked on continuing my clinical expertise by securing further training in physical therapy as well as holding non-paid service positions for the profession. This additional training includes becoming a certified orthopedic specialist through the American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties, a fellow of AAOMPT, and intramuscular dry needling certified. I have been fortunate to serve as an expert witness for litigation, written textbook chapters, and collaborated on major orthopedic research projects and independent publications ranging from shoulder impingement syndrome to sensory deficits after ACL knee surgery. I have been fortunate to present on various orthopedic-related topics at national and international conferences. Despite this training and effort, there is always more to learn and more people to help.
I have been fortunate enough in my career to help Olympic triathletes, amateur and professional mountain bike racers, an American Ninja Warrior, and multiple AMA national champi-
on motorcycle racers. If I were allowed to name them, you would know who they are I have helped more FTR and GNCC racers over the years than any other type of athlete. I have also experienced firsthand the physical and mental toll that injuries from these sports inevitably bring. I know what it is like to ride with discomfort and having to sit on the sidelines to let your body heal, even after the surgeons did a fantastic job putting you back together.
Ultimately, I want to help people ride better and with less pain. Some of you in the FTR community also chose a career focused on helping people. Helping others is what profoundly connects us as community members. It is the reason I became a teacher. I felt I could help more people by training students to become Doctors of Physical Therapy, mentoring our residency and fellowship students, or teaching continuing education courses to PTs after graduation. But ultimately, I am here to serve you, the FTR racers and family members that make FTR such a successful organization.
My main objective is to help you ride better with less pain and compensation. That assistance may come from my column advice that unlocks your riding or from hands-on treatment. The sessions at the races will include discounted
PT services, including therapeutic exercises and manual therapy. Go to your suspension expert to tune your bike settings, then see me to tune up your body. Between races, we can connect via telehealth on your computer or phone, and I can even send you custom-made videos of information and exercises.
The MotoPT website has more details on the services I offer. Please come by to chat at the races, email me, or text me, especially if you have any suggestions or questions.
Thanks for taking the time to be with me on this journey. Let’s IMPROVE YOUR MOVE.
Dr. Matthew Daugherty PT, DPT, OTR/L, MOT, DBA Associate Professor
Board-Certified Orthopaedic Clinical Specialist
Fellow, American Academy of Orthopaedic Manual Physical Therapists Manual Therapy Certified
Registration & Packet Pickup
Saturday - 2:00 to 6:00 PM at Axis Powersports at entrance to the Croom Motorcycle Park
The Suncoast Trail Blazers Proudly Present:
The 48th Annual Orange State Enduro
September 29, 2024
Above Ground Campfires Only!!! GPS Coordinates – N28.52325 W82.23966
Sunday - 7:00 to 8:30 AM at the main pavilion within the Croom Motorcycle Park
Riders Meeting.............8:30 AM
Start ..............................9:00 AM
Inspection Requirements
Spark Arrestor – all bikes Forestry Permit
MotoTally transponder
Course Information
Complete course is approx. 50 miles
Restart Format - NO Timekeeping
Ample Resets
Rideable for Beginners
Challenging for A Riders
Start, Main Gas, & Finish are all inside the Croom Motorcycle Park
All Trail - NO Roads
Croom M/C Park, 6420 La Rose Rd, Brooksville, FL 34602 NW corner of I-75 and SR 50/US 98 (Exit 301) For more information contact Cary Hunt – 727-638-6228
All riders entering the event will be given a one-day forestry permit Non-event motorcycles cannot enter the Croom M/C Park without a valid OHV permit.
All Riders Must have a MotoTally helmet mounted transponder. Campsites with full facilities are available near the starting area. Campsite reservations through "Reserve America" online only
Scoring Information
Scoring will be done electronically. Riders MUST have a MotoTally helmet mounted transponder. FTR MotoTally Hare Scrambles transponders are acceptable. All riders must bring their helmets with transponders to signup. Transponders will be available for purchase at signup.
Single event membership will be available at the event signup for $25
riders are encouraged to pick up their rider packets on Saturday to avoid delays and confusion on race day.
THIS IS A RELEASE AND INDEMNITY AGREEMENT – READ IT BEFORE SIGNING I, for myself, my executor, administrator and assignees, do hereby release and agree to hold blameless, the Florida Suncoast Tr ail Blazers Motorcycle Club, Inc., the Florida Trail Riders, Inc. (FTR), the Southeastern Enduro and Trail Riders Association (SE&TRA), the American Motorcyclist Association (AMA), the Florida Forest Service and the officers, directors, officials, representatives, agents, and employees of all of the above from all liability, loss, claims and demands that may occur from any loss, damage or injury (including death) to my person or property in any way resulting from or arising in connection with this event, whether while engaged in the competition or preparation thereof, or while upon entering or departing from said event for any cause whatsoever. I have voluntarily entered an FTR/SE&TRA/AMA co-sanctioned event, the Orange State Enduro on September 29, 2024 An FTR/SE&TRA/AMA co-sanction indicates that this event is listed in the organization’s official calendar. The officials for this event have not been trained or accredited by the FTR, SE&TRA or the AMA. Motor sports are dangerous. You should take part in this event on your own assessment of your or your child’s abilities. The event will traverse public land and roads. The promoter is not responsible for their conditions or the actions of other individuals using these premises. You are responsible for the conditio n of your or your child’s motorcycle and protective apparel. We urge you not to compete in motor sports without adequate personal medical coverage as the promoter does not provide medical insurance coverage. The Suncoast Trail Blazers M/C, FTR, SE&TRA, AMA and the Florida Forest Service are not experts in laying out and sponsoring an Enduro and I know the risk and danger to myself, so I voluntarily and in reliance upon my own judgment and ability, assume all risk for loss, damage or injury (including death) to myself and my property for any cause whatsoever. The course is dangerous. Not all obstacles may be marked, so ride carefully.
A Thank You to Can-Am,
As we work our way through the 2023 – 2024 season, I want to take a minute and give a huge thanks to CanAm. For many of us racing/riding is not just a hobby, but it becomes a lifestyle. We pack our home on wheels, load our racing machines and make our way to a cow pasture to spend another weekend with our racing family. We all know that this sport can be dangerous but that never stops us. Unfortunately, we do have racers and even some spectators that get injured or ill during the race weekend. Central Florida Powersports – Jason Ennis reached out to me before the season started to let me know that Can-Am was interested in providing the safety team with a side by side. From the start, the dedication to improve racer/spectator safety from Can-Am was evident. We received a 2023 Can-Am Defender XT HD9 to add to the safety team’s arsenal of tools to provide care to Florida Trail Riders members. This unit comes to FTR at no cost to the organization which is a huge benefit, and it was delivered to the team at the first race of the season. So why is this a big deal? The addition of this side by side provides another means in the ability to provide rapid response of medical crew and equipment to an emergency. It furthermore provides a secondary means of transporting the injured/ill racer/spectator back to camp. As we all know when an injury or illness happens, seconds count. Being able to emergently get to that person can be the difference between bad and really bad. Our hope is that you never need to ride on it but know that we have you covered should you need it.
So again, a huge thank you to Can-Am for their dedication to membership safety. Also thank you to Jason for his work with this endeavor. Would also like to give a shout out to HBD Motografx – Ronnie for the EMS wrap.
See you all at the track. Braaap!!
Donny Richardson - FTR Rider Safety Coordinator
2024-2025
EVENT SCHEDULE
