Florida Trail Riders - May 2023

PHOTO BY TYLER MILLER

AREA DIRECTORS & CLUB INFO

AREA DIRECTORS CLUB CONTACTS

AREA #1 - Out-of-State, Panhandle

Brandon St. John (912) 729-1089 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

Wiliam Toreki (352) 372-1135 stillbill@cox.net

AREA #4 - Flagler, Volusia

Mike McGuire (386) 871-0666 makmcguire@yahoo.com

AREA #5 - Hernando, Pasco, Pinellas, West Hillsborough

Shane Hitz (747) 213-4399 shane.hitz@yahoo.com

AREA #6 - East Hillsborough, Polk

Trey Heath (863) 326-3009 treyheath@hotmail.com

AREA #7 - Seminola, Osceola, Orange

Jason Ennis (321) 615-8227 jason.ennis@mypowersports. net

AREA #8 - Brevard, Indian River

Shaun Foutch (386) 214-4878 eastflorida234@yahoo.com

AREA #9 - Manatee, Sarasota, Hardee, DeSoto, Highlands

Bruan Dugre (941) 893-7898 brian@mycentec.com

AREA #10 - Okeechobee, St. Lucie, Martin

Ken Harris (772) 370-4434 khei9862@gmail.com

AREA #11 - Charlotte, Lee, Glades, Hendry, Collier

Ken Redford (239) 297-7170 redford_kenny@yahoo.com

AREA #12 - Palm Beach

Kyle McAfee (561) 722-1318 rkyle914@aol.com

AREA #13 - Borward, Dade, Monroe

Adam Cohen (954) 881-4211 adams.cohen.c@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

Elesa Berard (407) 376-7115 elesa@embarqmail.com

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

Luis M Rodriguez (772) 801-9777

luisabx@hotmail.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

endurochair@floridatrailriders.org

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

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

Ryan McCarthy (941) 234-5086

ryanmccarthy90@gmail.com

B/C HARE SCRAMBLE

Roy Culbertson (407) 446-7993

roy.culbertson337@gmail.com

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

THANK YOU ROCKY MOUNTAIN ATV M/C FOR YOUR CONTINUED SUPPORT OF FLORIDA TRAIL RIDERS

OVER $150,000 IN RACE GAS GIFT CARDS EACH YEAR!

PREZ SAYS

Words: Randy Faul

A Big Shout Out

As we wind down our season, I would like to take this time to acknowledge and thank everyone that has made this season one of the best I have seen. Our organization continues to achieve great accomplishments as we grow and move up to the next level. FTR has been on a lot of the industry’s radar as we continue to shine and display the reasons, we are one of the top-rated off-road series in the U.S.

With the personnel we have that continually give 110 percent that doesn’t even think about how much they are contributing to the entire program each and every race weekend, it is mind-boggling the impact they make. From helping the clubs with parking starting on Friday night, to spending your entire Saturday morning at the peewee course, the man hours involved are off the chart, and that’s just getting things started. From the club, FTR sign up and AMA sign up, FTR merchandise, setting up the grid with our P/A system, getting practice off on time, that is just Saturday morning.

Continuing that responsibility with the starts, sweep and staying on time again is something that not every organization can do. With the clubs on their game from Tuesday on until Sunday evening, everything is well orchestrated down to when the checkered flag comes out on Sunday evening. My point here is these weekends that we all enjoy

just don’t happen as we sometimes think. A lot of planning on the club’s part and a lot of help, volunteers and guidance makes our weekends one of the best race weekends you could ask for. Not to degrade any other organization, but I’m telling you that nobody has the consistency, organizational skills and results like FTR. Not saying we sometimes don’t have a snag , but when you run up to 1300 entries and average 1000 to 1200 riders and their families and friends, there’s a lot that could go wrong in a hurry.

FTR continues to look at ways to make things better, change the way we do things and sometimes make rules that may not agree with everyone at the time, but know that the leadership always has the best interest for FTR in anything that is done and that will always be the main objective.

We are a minority in today’s world and society is always looking for ways to discourage us and actually eliminate our sport and with that said, it is so important that we always show professionalism, responsibility and engage in doing the right thing. We are all in this together and I ask you to look at yourself and try to give back or contribute in a way that we preserve our sport for our children and grandchildren.

I have been part of FTR since the early 80’s as I came from the MX series and raced HS when I didn’t know what I was doing but continued to learn and become a real

competitor if you want to call it that with a few jackets along the way. From being a HS Referee, HS Chairman, Area Director and then to my present position, I have witnessed the one-day events with no minis, quads or the 75 classes that we have today. Manual scoring was the norm with at least twelve people with clipboards and two backup scorers just in case, I don’t want to go back to those days. Some of you can remember some of that and it took an army just to sign up and score the event. As

I reflect back on those times, it brings back some great memories that I will never forget and I hope with our events today we are making those memories for you and your family. Take lots of pictures, videos and become friends with your fellow FTR members, it will mean a lot one day when you can reflect back and remember the good ole days!

Thanks for listening

Randy Faul

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

We finished at Old School! Welcome to summer. Time for family, friends and just kicking back and unplugging.

I encourage you to spend some time with Jesus this summer. Give Him the chance to prepare your heart, mind and spirit for not only the next season but the next phase of your journey.

Rest

In peace I will lie down and sleep, for you alone, Lord, make me dwell in safety.

Psalm 4:8

Seek the Lord first. You will find the rest you desire.

Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.

Matthew 11:29-30

Jesus will take your fatigue, your worries, your need for a break

CHAPLAIN’S CORNER

Words: Jim Edleston

from the craziness and will give you the rest you need. You just need to ask Him.

Reflect.

As we rest, focus on how good God is. He knows what we need before we even need it. He has plans for us that we cannot even imagine!

Jeremiah 29:11

11 For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

James 1:5

5 If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you. He wants to give you the understanding of his perfect plans for you, if you just ask.

Renew

As we find the rest we need and work on getting closer to God’s love for us, we will become more of what He wants us to be… more like Him, less like the world.

Romans 12:2

And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable

Colossians 3:10

…and have put on the new self who is being renewed to a true knowledge according to the image of the One who created him

Resolve

Finally, with His directions laid out for us, His plans and will (not ours), resolve to follow Him wherever He takes us.

Micah 6:8

8 He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.

Hebrews 10:36

36 You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what he has promised.

To my FTR family: have a blessed and safe summer!!!!

Blessings on and off the road, Jim and Betty Edleston CMA

WHAT’S NEW?

PROPOSED 2023-2024 EVENT SCHEDULE

NEVER GIVE UP: COLTON LAWSON

Words & Photos: Jamey Perdue

Off Road racing is a brutal sport. Riders spend an extraordinary amount of time preparing their bodies and minds for the race. But what really makes a good rider? Some may say that having the best equipment, training the most, or maybe just having God-given natural talent is how to find yourself on the top step. While all these things play a role in a rider’s development and performance, the mental side of racing is where a good rider can become great. Often-

times, tough life lessons can teach a rider the tough, never give up attitude that is essential to finishing much less winning one of these races. Colton Lawson is one such story. Even at 7 years old this Peewee B rider has overcome more than your average person. He has gone on to show everyone that despite the suffering, he truly does have that never give up mentality.

It was June 14th at the Lawson family’s 30 acres; the chores were

in full swing. Chris (Dad) was busy mowing the pastures. Two year old Colton enjoyed riding with his dad on the tractor, but sometimes would get off and go play. April (Mom) and Taylor (sister) had been out to the store. Everyone was excited and looking forward to the Father’s Day celebration that weekend. As usual, the rest of the family was coming over to celebrate at their place.

Shortly after mom and daughter had returned

Colton had quite the cheering squad at the OSDR Melon Bash in Punta Gorda, Florida.

from the store, Colton decided he wanted to get off the tractor and go say hi to them. As Colton descended from the tractor there was a malfunction, causing Chris to pop the clutch on the tractor. When this happened, Colton was drawn under the wheel and pushed into the spinning bush hog. Reacting to this, dad quickly put the tractor in reverse. Leaping from the tractor he got down to check on Colton. There he found one leg, badly mangled while the other leg had been completely severed.

Chris’s cries for help were heard by his neighbors. They had only lived there about a year, and really didn’t know the people next door. But that didn’t matter, they came running. Assessing the situation, they immediately moved Colton from the field to the back of the neighbor’s truck. Living in a rural community is great when life is good. When there is a crisis such as this, living 45 minutes from the closest hospital is not ideal. Knowing that Colton

needed medical help as quickly as possible they began to drive towards town. Taylor held his head and tried to keep him awake. Chris was desperately trying to stop the bleeding. On the phone with 911 he requested a helicopter right away. They met up with paramedics about 15 minutes from the house. The medics quickly assessed him and coordinated with the helicopter to get Colton picked up.

Still grappling with what had just happened they ended up at All Chil-

The flight team that assisted Colton in his accident were able to meet up with Colton five years later, this time to cheer on the young racer.

dren’s Hospital. Doctors there assessed the injuries and quickly

determined that Colton needed Tampa General and the level 1 trauma center. The amount of blood lost was of great concern to the doctors at the first hospital. So with the helicopter spinning on the pad, they gave him a blood transfusion to ensure he would survive the trip.

Following the transfusion, he was transferred back to the helicopter.

Once at Tampa General the focus shifted to stabilizing Colton and determining whether to try and save the one leg that was badly mangled. The family consulted several different sources but, in the end, decided that Colton would be a double amputee. The following weeks entailed

Colton waits on the line for his race with his parents, Chris and April.

11 different surgeries. Dad Chris recalls being in surgery every two days. Yet despite the injuries sustained by the tractor and the surgeries that followed, there were almost no complications. Colton continued to have one positive outcome after another. After two weeks at Tampa General he was released to go home.

For an average family this story would pretty much be summed up at this point. There would be a nice picture of a boy with prosthetic legs standing there smiling with his family behind him. But as you can guess Colton is not your average child nor would we consider his family average either. Living in a rural community, the Lawson family have always been around quads and dirt bikes. But with a smile on their faces, they admitted to having a certain uncle Bill as a nearby neighbor. Other FTR families also live nearby. After being routinely harassed to come check out the sport that

these families enjoyed so much, Chris finally gave in.

For the benefit race last season Colton and Chris came out and experienced FTR racing for the first time. While they were merely spectators for the day, the event left quite an impression on them. After the event Colton and Dad got together to discuss their time at the races, and if they wanted to possibly pursue racing. Chris was all in. With Colton giving a smile and a yes, the summer quickly became dedicated to finding a quad and getting Colton some time on it before the season started. A quad was chosen rather than a bike due to his injuries in the accident. The balance and foot controls of a bike proved difficult for him with prosthetics. One of the main reasons was not being able to feel his lower legs.

Colton got his quad and had a couple months to test it and get used to the controls and operat-

ing everything with his prosthetics. Dad recalls within a short period of time at the farm, Colton was wide open and sideways most of the time.

As the beginning of the series approached, both Chris and Colton felt confident that the upcoming season would be a success. With the schedule change due to the hurricane, the second race was for them. Chris said, “when I rolled up over the hills and saw all those RV’s I really thought to myself do we belong here?” After a solid practice they felt they were ready for the race. The “ten second” goes off and the race is on. Quickly Colton finds himself all wadded up in the first turn with several other bikes. Not too far into the race, another crash! Well, the day didn’t start out good, but he ended with a third-place finish. After getting one race under his belt, both Colton and his dad were certain that they could improve on their performance. Well, they were right, the second race as a Peewee B rider Colton wins.

At the final race of the season, Colton has already locked up a championship. But Punta

Gorda would prove to be about more than just racing. As the family got ready for racing, the morning air was broken by the unmistakable thump of an inbound helicopter. Racing families know generally this is not a good sign. On this day though it was more of a celebration than an emergency. As eyes look to the sky, they see a blue and green Aeromed Flight headed to land. Both the pilot and flight nurse from Colton’s accident five years earlier had come to watch him race. With smiles, hugs and a Fox News crew, they headed off to watch Colton’s final race of the season. He jumped out to a good start and had a solid lap or two.

Unfortunately, due to some carb issues he ended up with a DNF; however, still winning a Quad Peewee B championship. One of Donny Richardson’s Helicopters had flown Colton for his accident and Donny wanted to make sure that they got to see the success they had been a part of.

So, how do you mentally prepare for a race? Colton and his family are a stark reminder that people who suffer

the most often have the most “determination”. When you take that, and you put it with the motivation of not letting anything stand in the way of your dream, you have Colton Lawson. However, this kid is little more than a product of the family, and the community that stands behind him. FTR has many amazing families that are part of it. I would like to welcome the Lawson’s as one of those families!!!!!

FOX 4 was on scene at the Watermelon Bash to capture Colton’s story (top)

Unfortunately some carb trouble led to a DNF for Colton at the last race of the season. However he woudl still bring home the Quad Peewee B Championship (bottom)

TCTR INDIANTOWN PHOTOS

Photos: Jamey Perdue

MotoPT: IMPROVE YOUR MOVE

Words: Matt Daugherty

The Offseason

Hello FTR Family,

That’s a wrap. At the time of this writing, we just completed the 2022/2023 racing season. I hope you had a successful season. Regardless of the outcome, I wanted to offer you some advice for the initial post season activities and help you structure your off season.

The first piece of advice is to rest from riding for a short period of time. I know some of you don’t want to and most of us are addicted to riding but it is important to temporarily stop. Most cells in your body replicate, creating their own replacements for damaged cells, this happens to us each and every day. It is a frenzy of cellular activity. How long before they are replaced depends on your age, type of tissue and genetic factors amongst other things. For example, of the cells that contract your heart, 40% of them have been with you since birth, but those bone cells in your femur. They probably take around 10 years to fully regenerate and mature completely. The cells in your skin are being replaced daily. There is a constant renewal of cells in your body. Without knowing it you replaced about 330 billion cells in your body today.

The cycle of the musculoskeletal system is one of use, rest and then

repair. We need to emphasis the rest and repair portions of the cycle. One of my mentors told me to never underestimate the body’s ability to heal. If we respect that healing ability, get appropriate nutrition, and rest our bodies can do amazing things. Think about all the nagging injuries and aches and pains you might be riding with right now. Give your body the proper tools and it can sometimes completely heal those issues. Other times, you need some help. Take this opportunity to address those underlying issues you may be aware of. For example, do you know that your low back pain is linked to your tight hamstrings or limited hip range of motion. The off season is the perfect time to address those issues so you can ride better next season. Our sport is brutal to our bodies, and we need to press the reset button periodically. This time is the perfect opportunity to rest and reset. To clarify, I am saying rest from riding and any high impact exercise.

Lastly, although I said rest from riding I am not advocating complete rest from all activity. The American Heat Association recommends a minimum of 150 minutes of moderate intensity aerobic activity and two bouts of strength training per week (AHA, 2023). So, keep moving but try and switch from the high impact

activities for your cardio work and do more walking, bicycling, swimming and cardio equipment. Remember, I want you to offset some of the high impact training you do every time you ride. Everyone is different but a few weeks of this should give you the rest and recovery you need to make the training push the remainder of the off season as you gradually ramp up your training. Before acting on any information in this article, I highly recommend you consult a physical therapist or physician for a general health and physical activity readiness screening. If you are experiencing pain while riding, it is always beneficial to have a complete evaluation by a physical therapist or physician. If you have any questions or comments, please email me at contact@motopt. com, or call 904-395-5379. Let’s IMPROVE YOUR MOVE so you can ride pain-free with MotoPT.

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

OUT OF MY COMFORT ZONE: CHAPTER ONE

Words; Randy Faul

I felt that with the outpouring I received in the last few months I would post the latest. As many of you know, I have been absent from a few of the races and kind of been under the radar sort of speak. If anybody has ever had any sciatica nerve issues, you can relate to my story. As I’ve always had some lower back pain from time to time, you just get used to it and move one. I figured all my youth days of lifting wrong by myself and just doing stupid stuff along with some major get offs, I was bound to have some aches and pains as I reach my 70’s.

After Ian came through at the end of September and moved some stuff around, we were finally getting things to where we could recognize the property. Fast forward to the day we received power and the generator was no longer needed, I rolled it back to the shop and thought about the next day’s chores. Little did I know waking up with severe leg pain was the start of a six month test of patience, strength and the ability to maintain some sort of sanity. T

he pain numbers ran in the 10’s and sometimes the 11’s on a scale of 1 to 10. After many, many visits to the medical industry per my insurance re-

quirements with my personal physician, PT, x rays, MRI, pain specialist, I finally started getting some relief. I finally ended up at a sports medicine/orthopedic surgeon and that changed everything as he informed me that the reason I was having so much pain was because I had disc problems and bone fragments were pinching the sciatic nerve. I haven’t been through anything like this since my knee operation back 12 years ago, but as soon as I walked into the facility, I knew I was in the right place.

After consultation, another MRI was ordered which I was told that previous MRI didn’t fit his level of expertise and that he wanted his own staff to perform all tests and scans. I saw the surgeon on Friday, he ordered the MRI for Monday, had me come back to see him on Tuesday and give me the news. After giving me two choices, it was a no brainer and I was scheduled for surgery that Thursday the same week! I didn’t have much time to gather myself up and all the old sayings about “don’t let them cut on your back” went out the window and next thing I knew I was being prepped. As the procedure went amazingly well, one overnight stay and I was back home that Friday afternoon.

Well, I will say that’s when the fun started and the recovery was another book with plenty of chapters to read. No bending, No twisting and No lifting, how hard could that be? Well let me tell you, until you try to take a shower, get in bed, bathroom duties, walking and getting dressed, it becomes a huge undertaking. I’m looking around and thinking, what the heck just happened here? The thought of being under these restrictions for at least six weeks and then starting PT was something that I haven’t experienced since my knee operation. Fast forward to week six and as I write this, I see the doctor this coming Wednesday, April 19th. I’m positive I will be able to come back with Chapter Two with good news and the pain of going through P.T. Stay tuned!

P.S. Along with the major question of; “Would I do it again”.

Randy Faul

RIDER: DIMITRI EPTING

PHOTO: TYLER MILLER

813-502-1228

What a season of FTR racing it has been. As I am writing this, I am just finishing up the last race at Punta Gorda and reflecting back on my season. I raced almost every race this season and competed in a different class at many of the races. This season alone I have raced against some of the fastest racers in the country in AA, raced an E-bike, and raced a twenty year old two stroke. It was really fun racing a fresh group of guys each weekend and just having fun racing my dirt bike without chasing a championship like I have in years past.

When it comes to finances, a fresh perspective can be really helpful. However, in my business as a financial advisor, what I see is that many people often do what they have always done. If you do what you have always done, you will get what you always got.

Maybe you are on that roller coaster in the stock market and you wish you could find something with less ups and downs. Maybe your portfolio is not getting the returns you think it should. Maybe you are worried about taxes in the future or how to get the most out of your social security. Whatever it is, a second opinion could help. Give me the opportunity to give you a second opinion on what you’re doing to hit your retirement goals.

Shawn Clark

Investment Advisory Services offered through Continuum Advisory, LLC, a Registered Investment Adviser. Mosaic Financial Group and Continuum Advisory, LLC are not affiliated.

2022-2023 SCHEDULE