BEN PARSONS
AUGUST 2020
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FLORIDA TRAIL RIDERS
WHO TO CONTACT PRESIDENT Randy Faul (863) 244-3709 president@floridatrailriders.org VICE PRESIDENT Pete Rose (941) 270-1189 vicepresident@floridatrailriders.org SECRETARY Kelsey Salter 386-216-9619 secretary@floridatrailriders.org TREASURER Angel Mendez (407) 234-4987 treasurer@foridatrailriders.org HARE SCRAMBLE CHAIRMAN Randy Rash (954) 931-5709 hschair@floridatrailriders.org ENDURO CHAIRMAN George Tolson (863) 698-3837 endurochair@floridatrailriders.org HARE SCRAMBLE REFEREE Dan Aitken (407) 461-8595 hsref@floridatrailriders.org ENDURO REFEREE Glenn Hunt (678) 231-4100 ghunt350sx@gmail.com
BUSINESS MANAGER Darlene Riggs (352) 538-6291 businessmanager@floridatrailriders.org
AUGUST 2020
AA/A ENDURO Don Chriss (407) 694-5614 decorlando@gmail.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 Jimmy Pitts (321) 234-5086 AA/A HARE SCRAMBLE Timothy Campbell (561) 723-4370 thetimtime@gmail.com
B/C HARE SCRAMBLE Ryan McCarthy (941) 234-5086 ryanmccarthy90@gmail.com SPECIALTY A/B HARE SCRAMBLE Danny Kittell (727) 244-7299 kittell@verizon.net SPECIALTY C/WOMEN HARE SCRAMBLE Kerri Chambers (863) 956-9140 jekchambers@aol.com SATURDAY CLASSES HARE SCRAMBLE Kurt Lucas (786) 385-7771 kurtlucas101@gmail.com SATURDAY CLASSES HARE SCRAMBLE Pete Rose (941) 270-1189 pwrracingktm@gmail.com PAGE 3
ZION STEINDL AIRING IT OUT AT SPYDER MX FLORIDA TRAIL RIDERS
AUGUST 2020
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F T R
FLORIDA TRAIL RIDERS
F T R
TABLE OF CONTENTS WHO TO CONTACT
3
AREA DIRECTORS & CLUB INFO
8
PREZ SAYS
9
CHAPLAIN’S CORNER
11
THE ADVENTURES OF CAPTAIN SEAN DAUGHERTY
12
BLAST FROM THE PAST
14
THROUGH THE RANKS: BEN PARSONS
16
PIT DOG OF THE MONTH
21
CATCHING UP: TREVOR RILEY
22
OFFSEASON FUN
24
747 OFFROAD PRO TIP
27
EVENT SCHEDULE
30
Photos in this issue provided by:
AUGUST 2020
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AREA DIRECTORS & CLUB INFO AREA DIRECTORS AREA #1 - Out-of-State, Panhandle Don St. John (912) 674-9786 dirtyfaceracing@tds.net AREA #2 - Hamilton, Suwannee, Columbia, Baker, Union, Bradford, Nassau, Duval, Clay, Putnam, St. Johns Robert Butts (386) 937-5856 rbutts120@gmail.com AREA #3 - Gilchrist, Alachua, Levy, Marion, Citrus, Sumter, Lake Wiliam Toreki (352) 372-1135 stillbill@cox.net AREA #4 - Flagler, Volusia Joe Carrasquillo (386) 295-8428 fdjoec@aol.com AREA #5 - Hernando, Pasco, Pinellas, West Hillsborough Shane Hitz (747) 213-4399 shane.hitz@yahoo.com AREA #6 - East Hillsborough, Polk Jerry Curtis (813) 917-9885 jcurtis@4tbs.net
CLUB CONTACTS
AREA #7 - Seminola, Osceola, Orange Jason Ennis (321) 615-8227 jason.ennis@mypowersports. net AREA #8 - Brevard, Indian River
Apollo M/C Mark Bordelon (321) 794-0993 markbord115@gmail.com Azalea City M/C Gary Wyatt (386) 684-2698 wyattg1@windstream.net
Sam Boydstun (407) 467-3951 woodsracer@cfl.rr.com
Big O Trail RIders Derek Tremain (863) 634-8183 derektremain@gmail.com
AREA #9 - Manatee, Sarasota, Hardee, DeSoto, Highlands
Big Scrub Trail Riders John Hawkins (352) 516-6903
Ron Thomas (941) 232-9562 ronthomasftr211@gmail.com
Central Florida Trail Riders Elesa Berard (407) 376-7115 elesa@embarqmail.com
AREA #10 - Okeechobee, St. Lucie, Martin Ken Harris (772) 370-4434 khei9862@gmail.com AREA #11 - Charlotte, Lee, Glades, Hendry, Collier Rick Miller (239) 707-5504 groundsforce@gmail.com AREA #12 - Palm Beach Kyle McAfee (561) 772-5504 rkyle914@aol.com AREA #13 - Borward, Dade, Monroe Billy Cone (954) 347-4605 clar123@comcast.net
Columbia Enduro Riders Ricky Dennis (803) 786-0051 mastercraft@bellsoth.net Daytona Dirt Riders Jim Edelston (386) 235-1022 jimedelston@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) 731-0619 rswann222@gmail.com Old School Dirt Riders Ben Kelly (941) 650-1473 ftr90racer@yahoo.com
FLORIDA TRAIL RIDERS
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 rcdrjax@gmail.com Sarasota Area Dirt Riders Randy Faul (863) 244-3709 randt817@gmail.com Southeast Florida Trail Riders Frank Campbell (561) 689-8578 fltwoods35@yahoo.com Sumter Enduro Riders Johnny McCoy (803) 481-5169 serma@ftc-i.net Suncoast Trail Blazers Scott Doerr (352) 238-0337 doerr66@gmail.com Sunrunners M/C Jack Terrell (863) 984-9294 jackt@nohvcc.org Tallahassee Trail Riders Mikey Rainey (350) 591-5386 trailriderstallahassee@gmail. com Treasure Coast Trail Riders Luis M Rodriguez (772) 801-9777 luisabx@hotmail.com
PREZ SAYS
Staying focused
been working tirelessly on a plan to allow us to start the season. A “Safe to Race” plan will be presented very soon, if not already, to announce our recommendations so our members can safely enjoy our weekends at an event. I ask all of you to follow the plan and be aware of what you are doing and how you are doing it. There’s going to be a lot of changes on how we enter the property with signing the releases, sign up and even on the starting line.
home. If you chose to come and not comply then you will be told to leave and your membership will be in jeopardy, it is that serious. FTR will not allow anyone to jeopardize everyone else’s weekend or ruin our relationship and trust with the landowners. This is to allow us to start our season, ride our dirt bikes and to have a season. We were all dealt a terrible hand back in March with losing the last part of our season and then to cancel our banquet was the nail in the coffin. We are all ready to get back at it, see our FTR family, enjoy a stress-free weekend AND HAVE FUN. Everyone please do their part; educate your family members on what we have to do to make this work. All of us can make this happen, do your part that’s all we ask and we will race. Guidelines will be published very soon.
We all have to do our part Let me start out by saying that and be responsible during we all are in the same boat; the weekend. No matter what everyone is experiencing a your belief is, it’s for the betlot of uncertainty and anxiety terment of your fellow memin our daily lives. As we try bers to practice and promote to navigate through all the the guidelines given. All that changes that seem to happen has to happen is for someovernight, it is almost overone to drop a dime and the whelming at times. Getting county health department back to any kind of normalcy makes a surprise visit to our is like it’s out of reach at the event because someone saw moment, but have faith as all the campers heading into FTR is making every attempt one location. This can happen to get our season started with very easily and we would be Thank you for listening, our first event being the Little shut down instantly, as in go Randy Brown Jug Enduro in Union, home. We have to follow the S.C. and with the CFTR H/S guidelines as close as we can. also sharing the month of I am talking about this now so September. we can get in the right frame of mind to comply. FTR, along with our safety I will also say this, if for some coordinator and some key reason you feel you can’t members from CFTR have or won’t comply, then stay AUGUST 2020
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Want to advertise with us? Email ftreditor@floridatrailriders. org for more info
FLORIDA TRAIL RIDERS
CHAPLAIN’S CORNER
Starting Line to Checkered Flag… “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” 2 Timothy 4:7 Bartow is at the end of September and I can’t wait! It has been a very long summer with Covid 19, shelter in place and social distancing. With our lives so changed, some of us need a reminder to prepare for the upcoming season.
In Ezekiel 38:7 we are told to “Be prepared, and prepare yourself, you and all your companies that are assembled about you, and be a guard for them.” Not only do we need to prepare ourselves with exercise, hydration and mental focus, we need to support our friends and the other riders in the same way. Soon the time will come when the first classes are on the line to start the season. Will hear the “10 seconds” call. At that point, all the preparation comes to an end, from there it is God’s coverage and protection that will take us to the checkered flag. Proverbs 21:31puts it this way,
AUGUST 2020
“The horse is prepared for the day of battle, But victory belongs to the Lord.” Again in Proverbs 16:1, “The plans of the heart belong to man, But the answer of the tongue is from the Lord.” The ultimate act of preparation is our personal relationship with Jesus. Is He a casual name you mention on occasion or is He your best friend, your Savior, your Lord? In 1 Peter 1:13, we read, “Therefore, prepare your minds for action, keep sober in spirit, fix your hope completely on the grace to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ.” Is your heart prepared? See you in September! Blessings on and off the road, Jim and Betty Edleston CMA
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THE ADVENTURES OF CAPTAIN SEAN DAUGHERTY Captain Sean Daugherty lives his life on the water. He is the owner of Mellow Mangrove Charters based in Homosassa, Florida. Mellow Mangrove offers an array of services like chartered scalloping trips, offshore snorkeling trips, manatee tours, paddleboard and kayak rentals and sunset cruises. “We do a little bit of everything, we try and cater to the customer,” says Capt. Sean. Sean started his company in 2015, after working at a manatee tour company for a few years he decided to head out on his own. Capt. Sean Daugherty and Ronnie Hames
Scalloping is one of Mellow Mangrove’s main focuses. “It’s like an underwater Easter Egg Hunt,” says Sean. FLORIDA TRAIL RIDERS
For Citrus County scalloping season runs from July 1st to September 24th and is one of the main attractions during this time in Florida’s Nature Coast. Sean has customers from all walks of like, from native Floridians to out-of-towners. Even some motocross riders show up, “We usually have one or two families a week that race dirt bikes.” Even top riders like Ken Roczen and the late Brian Swink have taken adventures with Mellow Mangrove. When Sean is not out on the water you can find him on the Vet A line on his #161 KTM. Sean finished up third overall in the 2019-2020 Hare Scramble season.
FTR Members with Mellow Mangrove
AUGUST 2020
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BLAST FROM THE PAST...
FLORIDA TRAIL RIDERS
Keith Hedin jumps up a hill on his utility quad at the CFTR “Quagmire” Hare Scramble in 2010 2020 PhotoAUGUST by Glenn Gardner
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THROUGH THE RANKS: BEN PARSONS
“I was like a gorilla on a tricycle”
Photo by Darrin Chapman Racing runs strong in the Parsons’ family. David Parsons, Ben’s father, raced motocross at a high-level and it is fair to say his talents were passed on to his three boys; Kyle, Luke and Ben. The boys first got their start riding at an early age. Ben, the youngest, began riding just before his fourth birthday on a hand-me-down Yamaha PW50. Soon after, Ben entered his first race at Bithlo (now Orlando MX), he was hooked. After racing motocross, the Parsons’ family decided to try their hand at FTR Hare Scrambles. Ben immediately had success going from Peewee C to Peewee A in just two races. Ben attributed his success to having
two older brothers to compete with, “I was always chasing my older brothers around, my main goal was to beat Kyle and Luke,” says Ben. The competitive nature between the boys obviously helped, all three boys have raced in the AA class in FTR. Surprisingly, in all his years racing FTR, Ben was only able to grab one FTR Championship, Mini B, although he came close many times. Ben grew up racing some tough competition with the likes of Lewis Dellarco, Dylan Rash, Max Coughlin, Trevor McCabe, Zach Muchard and Cole Barrett. “When it came to Mini A I was like a gorilla on a tricycle, I would always finish behind Dylan (Rash) and Max FLORIDA TRAIL RIDERS
(Coughlin), says Ben. Once Ben got on a big bike he really started to shine as he moved through the A ranks on Sunday’s. After a few years of racing the local Florida GNCC Ben decided to give the entire series a shot.
In 2013, Ben would go on to win the B 250 GNCC title, “I got my first taste of winning at the national level, after that I thought I could make a run at an A title and then go up from there.” It took Ben a little while to get the hang of the different terrains up and down the east coast, stating throttle control as a huge factor in doing well in slick and rooty conditions. “It was a wake-up call, the year I won B 250 at the Powerline Park GNCC I had a guy in a t-shirt in jeans blow by me,” says Ben, “At that point I knew I had to get better in the slick stuff.” Unfortunately for Ben he would catch the injury bug quite often, he would miss the first round of every season from 2014 to 2016 and then again in 2018.
“I was always chasing my older brothers around, my main goal was to beat Kyle and Luke”
Left to right: Dave (father), Luke (brother), Jenny (mother), and Kyle Parsons (brother) Photo by: Morgan Parsons
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In 2017, Ben would win two GNCC A Open races and finished up third in points. He was looking great to take the A Open title in 2018 until an injury caused him to miss the first three rounds. Ben fought hard though and brought the championship down to the wire; he would finish second by two points to FTR’s own Bryce Koster. “It felt cool that both of us were getting top amateurs that year and that we both raced FTR, it was a blast,” says Ben.
Thad Duvall and Ben Parsons training together
“That winter we rode a couple of times together and just became good friends”
Throughout Ben’s GNCC journey he befriended Factory Husqvarna’s own Thad Duvall, who is one of the top XC1 riders. “We had a track at our house with big jumps and I guess Thad saw it on Instagram and sent us a message saying he’d like to come ride while he was in Florida,” says Ben, “That winter we rode a couple of times together and just became good friends.” Ben was lucky enough to learn from Duvall both on and off the track, “He has so much wisdom and race experience, he has been awesome to be around.” Ben now rides at Thad Duvall’s compound in West Virginia during the summer months, which has helped him get to the XC2 Pro level of racing. For 2019, Ben moved to XC2 and signed with the Coastal Racing Husqvarna team. Being on “Pro Row” and pitted out of a semi did come with some added pressure however, “My first round with the team was very stressful, Craig (Delong) got hurt so I was the only rider on the team racing and I was just nervous going in.”
FLORIDA TRAIL RIDERS
Ben would finish 11th place in his rookie season of XC2 with a season best of sixth place. So far through eight rounds in 2020 Ben sits 13th in XC2 but is coming off three straight top tens going into the summer break. “So far it’s been disappointing, seems like I’ve had a black cloud following me,” says Ben, “I’m healthy but seems like I’ve had to jump through every hurdle, hoping to get the bugs worked out and end the year strong.” When Ben isn’t racing his dirt bike he is still out in the woods either hunting or fishing, “I’m a bit of an outdoorsman” says Ben.
Although it has been a couple years since we have seen Ben race in FTR he is planning to make his return at some point this season. Ben would like to thank Coastal Racing Husqvar-
AUGUST 2020
na, Moose Racing, XC Gear, Maxxis Tires, HBD MotoGrafx, Renthal, Nitro Moose, X Brand Goggles, SeatConcepts and Hai Bike USA. Photos by Morgan Parsons
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ADS
FLORIDA TRAIL RIDERS
PIT DOG OF THE MONTH NAME: Mako OWNER: Kurt Lucas BREED: Mixed AGE: 6 FIRST RACE: CFTR Peace River 2014 FAVORITE SNACK: Steak FAVORITE ACTIVITY: Hanging out at the races and barking at everyone
AUGUST 2020
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CATCHING UP: TREVOR RILEY Trevor Riley’s progression over the last few seasons has been impressive. He has gone from a midpack Junior B rider to an A 250 champion in just a few short years. Now the 16-year-old plans on stepping up to the AA class for 2020. Hey Trevor, how has your offseason been? It has been great, I have done a ton of riding. Where have you been riding? I have been trying to ride the sandiest places I can find. I woud have liked to do more offseason races
but it was tough with everything going on. I am racing some Hare Scrambles in Georgia before the season starts though.
rider.
Who do you normally ride with?
Yeah, I will be racing AA this year. Last season I found myself up front leading by a decent margin so I decided I am ready for the front row. I know if I start up front with faster riders it will push me to go faster.
I usually ride with Dustin Morgan and Tydarius Jones but have been riding solo during the week. I try to go out at least three times a week. What is it like riding with an FTR Legend like Dustin Morgan? It’s awesome, he is a great coach and he is always pushing me to be a better FLORIDA TRAIL RIDERS
I’ve noticed some red plates on your bike. What is the deal with that?
Awesome stuff, who do you want to thank? My mom and dad, Dustin Morgan, Ronnie at HBD MotoGrafx Randy Faul and Kyle at Moto4Play
Martina Ferreyra grabs a handful at the Big O Big Buck Hare Scramble
AUGUST 2020
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OFFSEASON FUN Tyler Davis competing at the Southern Roots Race Tour in Georgia. Tyler took home the Quad B win and a 4th overall on the day.
Greg Melka rounding a corner at Summit Point Raceway in West Virginia. Tyler Stobierski with family and friends at the Hatfield-McCoy trail system in West Virginia.
FLORIDA TRAIL RIDERS
SOLVE OUR 20TH ANNIVERSARY CROSSWORD PUZZLE FOR A CHANCE TO WIN!
The winner will receive a case of Engine Ice, Plastic Shine, Helmet Renew, an Engine Ice Hat & Sticker Pack. ACROSS 1.) It’s a race team we sponsor. [16] 5.) The main active ingredient in Engine Ice. [15] 6.) It’s a newer product to the Engine Ice family that kills helmet funk. [11]
DOWN 2.) It’s a common hashtag we use. [14] 3.) Always use this to keep your plastic looking new and shiny. [12] 4.) It’s the number of years Engine Ice has been in business. [6]
No purchase necessary, see official rules for details.
AUGUST 2020 GO TO ENGINEICE.COM/CROSSWORD TO PLAY
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NICK DOERR
CRAIG MADDOX
These dudes are ready for the FTR season to start! THIS IS YOUR MAGAZINE, WE WANT TO HEAR YOUR STORIES! IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO SUBMIT CONTENT TO THE FTR MAGAZINE PLEASE EMAIL FTREDITOR@FLORIDATRAILRIDERS.ORG SOME IDEAS: - RACE REVIEWS - PRODUCT REVIEWS - FUNNY TRAVEL STORIES - RIDING VACATIONS - TECH TIPS FLORIDA TRAIL RIDERS
747 OFFROAD PRO TIP with Hunter Neuwirth THREADING THE NEEDLE: Getting through tight trees at speed can be tricky. Here we break down a technique that will make your single track days easier and faster!
step 1: Set up! Make sure you have your eyes up and are looking through the upcoming trees.
step 2: Get in your standing attack position with your hips back, knees bent and heels dropped. This will keep the front end of your bike light and allow you to begin turning your bars without going off track.
step 3: Keep your knees tight and let your front wheel come off the ground. Turn your bars in the direction of the closest tree. As you pass the first tree apply pressure on the opposite side of your handlebar to make your front end turn the other way.
step 4: Once you have gone through the gap let your front end come down and get ready for your next turn! AUGUST 2020
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SILVER MASTER A HARE SCRAMBLE CHAMPION GEORGE EDWARDS
FLORIDA TRAIL RIDERS
Little Brown Jug Enduro 67th Annual LBJ - Buffalo, SC 2833 Buffalo West Springs Hwy Buffalo, SC 29321
Enduro: Saturday, Sept. 5th, 2020 Race Information:
Course Information:
Key Time 9:00 AM Riders Meeting 8:30 AM
55+ miles, Ample Resets, New Trail Added Speeding, reckless driving etc. on public roads will result in citation and disqualification with no refund. Start Control/Restart format, no time keeping equipment needed!
Entry fee:
$65.00 Pre-entry $70.00 Post-entry No gate fee
Sign up/Rider pack pickup:
Friday 5:00 pm - 9:00 pm Saturday 7:00 am - 8:30 am No row changes. Unclaimed Rider packs may be sold. NO REFUNDS*
Start Location:
2833 Buffalo West Springs Hwy (215) Buffalo, SC 20321
Membership Requirements: AMA membership required
Camping:
Primitive Camping Available at Start Location
Hotels:
Quality Inn, Union & Clinton Rodeway Inn, Union Days Inn, Union & Clinton Comfort Suites, Clinton
http://www.moto-tally.com/FTR/ Enduro/PreEntry.aspx
SETRA $35* or FTR $50* membership required
1 Day SETRA membership $10.00* Available at Sign Up. **Remember to Bring Your Cards to Sign Up Take Pictures of them now!*
1st Annual DUAL SPORT ON SUNDAY Sept. 6th.
Information:
For More Info Go To:
www.greenvillenduroriders.com Phil Ellis: (864) 901-6337 Chris Poole (Row Info): info@greenvilleenduroriders.com
www.greenvilleenduroriders.com • For Entry form/info • Row Info • How-to tips for new Enduro riders * If State is Shut Down on event weekend, Refunds will be issued
AUGUST 2020
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September
2020 - 2021 EVENT SCHEDULE
9/5 Enduro #1 GERA Little Brown Jug Buffalo, SC 9/26-27 HS #1 CFTR Bartow, FL
October
10/4 Enduro #2 SCTB Croom Enduro Croom, FL 10/17-18 HS #2 Azalea City M/C Palatka, FL 10/31-11/1 HS #3 SADRA Homeland, FL
November
11/1 11/8 11/14-15 11/21-22
December
12/4-5
Enduro #3 Enduro #4 HS #4 HS #5
Perry Mountin Enduro Big Scrub Enduro Daytona Dirt Riders Big Scrub Trail Riders
Maplesville, AL Tavares, FL Ormond Beach, FL Tavares, FL
HS #6
Old School Dirt Riders
Punta Gorda, FL
January
1/2-3 HS#7 Sun Coast Trail Blazers Brooksville, FL 1/16-17 HS #8 PBT&TR Okeechobee, FL 1/24 Enduro #5 River City Enduro TBD
February
2/6-7 HS #9 TCTR Indiantown, FL 2/20/21 HS #10 Big O Trail Riders Indiantown, FL 2/28 Enduro #6 CFTR Richloam Enduro Richloam, FL
March
3/11 Enduro #7 DDR Alligator Enduro Ormond Beach, FL 3/20-21 HS #11 NCTB Dade City, FL
April
4/2-3 HS #12 Apollo M/C TBD 4/16-17 HS #13 River CIty Dirt Riders TBD
FLORIDA TRAIL RIDERS
AUGUST 2020
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FLORIDA TRAIL RIDERS
