6) FOLD DOWN MIRRORS
KTM 300 XC-W TPI
KTM 300 XC-W TPI
KTM 300 XC-W TPI
The KTM 300 XC-W TPI brings the best of all worlds for pure offroad specialists. Perfectly mixing lightweight handling with torque-filled performance and top-end componentry, this machine represents the ultimate hard enduro package for all riders and all conditions.
BACK WITH A BANG - pg 60
SUMTER NATIONAL ENDUROpg 84
SUPERENDURO HUNGARY - pg 70
Observing the Trials and Enduro community with a single-track mind.
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It is all systems go for the FIM Hard Enduro World Championship with eight rounds now confirmed for 2022, including three new venues and the return of Red Bull Erzbergrodeo. Here is all you need to know:
The Minus 400 in Israel is set to kick-start this year's championship into life on April 5-7 with course inspections already uncovering what promises to be a truly unique Hard Enduro event.
From Israel, the championship heads to the isolated mountainous wilderness of Serbia for the raw ruggedness and challenging forestry tracks of the Xross Hard Enduro Rally one month later in May.
The iconic Red Bull Erzbergrodeo returns next after a two-year pandemic break, Austria's Iron Giant roaring back into life this June with thousands of competitors and spectators at the Eisenerz quarry.
The pinnacle of the weekend is Sunday's Hare Scramble. Broadcast live on Red Bull TV, 500 riders will once again tackle legendary sections like Dynamite, Carl's Dinner and Machine.
July will be busy thanks firstly to the Red Bull Abestone event in Tuscany, Italy - which made its debut in 2021 - hosted at a ski resort that boasts a beautiful mix of scenery and tough terrain.
After a short two-week break, Red Bull Romaniacs then returns for its 19th edition with the Hard Enduro Rallye always guaranteeing to dish out numerous surprises during its five days of racing.
Heading across the Atlantic for the first of two North American stops, the Red Bull TKO in Tennessee, USA will host round six on August
13-14 with 2022 promising to be bigger and better.
The penultimate round at Red Bull Outliers is the hardest Hard Enduro in Canada and includes testing steep climbs and equally steep descents over the rugged wastelands of the Badlands in Alberta.
Hixpania Hard Enduro will host the season finale in early October at Aguilar de Campoo with its tried and tested three-day format providing an explosive and exciting end to the championship.
FIM Hard Enduro World Championship Manager Winfried Kerschhaggl said: "Despite a tough Covid environment to plan in, 2021 proved itself as an amazing inaugural year. We're looking forward to welcoming Minus 400, Xross and Red Bull Outliers and have full confidence each one can add something unique and special. We also welcome back Red Bull Erzbergrodeo. While we enjoyed our time immensely at HERO Challenge in 2021, we agreed with organisers that a year's absence will allow time to develop it into the true Hard Enduro venue it's capable of becoming."
Round 1: Minus 400 - Israel, April 5/6/7
Round 2: Xross - Serbia, May 18/19/20/21
Round 3: Red Bull Erzbergrodeo - Austria, June 16-19
Round 4: Red Bull Abestone - Italy, July 9/10
Round 5: Red Bull Romaniacs - Romania, July 26-30
Round 6: Red Bull TKO - USA, August 13/14
Round 7: Red Bull Outliers - Canada, August 27/28
Round 8: Hixpania Hard Enduro - Spain, October 7-9
Manuel Lettenbichler races at GetzenRodeo in Griessbach, Germany on October 30, 2021
New for 2022, the FIM Hard Enduro World Championship will feature a dedicated FIM Hard Enduro Junior World Cup to recognize and help promote young, rising talent within the sport.
In a strong effort to raise the profile of young Hard Enduro competitors, a Junior category open to riders under the age of 22 (on January 1) will be introduced.
The goal for the FIM Hard Enduro Junior World Cup is to provide a professional platform on which upcoming talent can compete in Hard Enduro at the highest level.
The Junior class will be fully integrated into the Pro category, with riders racing side-by-side with the world’s best Hard Enduro riders, on the same tracks at the same time.
This will in turn offer them an unrivalled opportunity to learn, improve, and grow, while also battling for position in the overall championship.
For the 2022 season, Junior riders will be awarded points at four European events. Eligible competitions include Xross, Red
Bull Erzbergrodeo, Abestone Hard Enduro, and Hixpania Hard Enduro.
Keeping the selected rounds in Europe for 2022 will help to keep costs down and make participation more affordable for the primarily European-based Junior competitors.
For the inaugural season, the series will have the status of being the FIM Hard Enduro Junior World Cup with the plan to elevate it to the FIM Hard Enduro Junior World Championship.
Winfried Kerschhaggl – FIM Hard Enduro World Championship Manager: “The objective for the Junior World Cup is to support and motivate upcoming talents, providing a platform that allows younger riders to showcase their talents, and also helps their teams to better market their efforts. Hopefully we can encourage teams to support and assist young competitors and in return raise their profile too. We firmly believe in our future world champions and the FIM Hard Enduro Junior World Cup will help propel them in their journey to the pinnacle of Hard Enduro.”
John Collins – FIM Enduro Commission Director: “It is good news that the Junior World Cup is now confirmed as part of the FIM Hard Enduro World Championship in 2022 and I have every confidence that it will progress to become a Junior World Championship. I am also pleased that it is actually integrated into the main championship, which should give the Junior riders the challenge they seek while still being able to compare their performance with those of the established stars.”
Husqvarna Motorcycles is pleased to announce an extension to its successful partnership with Rockstar Energy Drink for 2022 and 2023. The renewed agreement will see the energy drink giant exclusively direct its full support behind the North American sector of Husqvarna Factory Racing.
Beginning a highly successful collaboration in 2015 with the creation of Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing, the team has enjoyed a wealth of achievements across multiple disciplines. Headlined by Jason Anderson claiming the first AMA 450 Supercross Championship title for Husqvarna Motorcycles in 2018, Zach Osborne secured two 250SX East titles and two Pro Motocross crowns during his prosperous time racing with the squad.
Competing in enduro, Colton Haaker has claimed an incredible five AMA EnduroCross Championship titles alongside his three FIM SuperEnduro World Championship victories, all of which were achieved throughout the last six years as part of Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing. Additionally, Billy Bolt recently became the first-ever FIM Hard Enduro World Champion.
To celebrate the continued partnership between Husqvarna Motorcycles and Rockstar Energy, two exciting and innovative
motocross models - the FC 450 Rockstar Edition and FC 250 Rockstar Edition – have recently been released. Featuring cuttingedge technology and complete with race-tested components, the motorcycles underline the strength of the collaboration and form the basis of the machines being raced by Rockstar Energy Husqvarna in the 2022 AMA Supercross season.
Roger De Coster - Director of Motorsport in North America: "Partnering with Rockstar Energy Drink seven years ago has led to many great milestones and achievements by the Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing team in supercross, motocross, and offroad. We’ve won many races and multiple championships along the way, and just this last weekend we saw our newest 450SX racer Malcolm Stewart score a career-best second-place result in Phoenix, so we look forward to continuing to build on this great partnership. With new Team Manager Nathan Ramsey and Crew Chief Tony Hall along with longstanding Team Coordinator Sean Murphy at the helm of the SX/MX team, and Offroad Team Manager Anthony DiBasilio in charge of our offroad program, we look forward to reaching even higher highs with the support of Rockstar Energy Drink throughout the upcoming racing seasons.”
Robert Jonas - Vice President Motorsports Offroad: “After many successful years together and on behalf of Husqvarna Motorcycles, I am really delighted to announce that our partnership with Rockstar Energy has been extended. The relationship has undergone some changes in recent months but ultimately, Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing will
continue to compete in North America in both AMA Supercross and Motocross, as well as in all offroad disciplines. Together with Rockstar Energy, we have achieved so much in recent years with multiple championships secured in both the USA and Europe. We now look forward to the coming seasons and achieving more success.”
Faby Torres - GM and CEO of PepsiCo Energy: “It’s been an incredible journey with Husqvarna Motorcycles the last six seasons. In shifting our focus to North American racing efforts, I have no doubt we’ll continue with our successful partnership. Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory
Racing has been one of the best performing teams in the United States, giving our brand forward visibility. Looking ahead, with the riders and team personnel assembled for 2022, I’m confident we’ll continue to win more championship titles together.”
The Rieju Hard Offroad Team returns strongly to the biggest international enduro event. Pilots will be offered the option to rent factory models and/or assistance. The rented bikes will be Mr SiXDAYS FRANCE already fully equipped and ready to compete, available in both 250cc and 300cc. The full support service is managed by the same team that provides support to factory pilots at the World Cup.
RENTAL+SUPPORT INCLUDES:
• model 2022
• motorcycle transport costs to the ISDE event
• motorcycle registration and insurance
• access to RIEJU facilities in the Paddock and assistance points
• technical assistance, mechanics, and advice on race days
• personal effects storage box in the Paddock
• fuel for the race
• kit GRO: oils and lubricants
• kit of motorcycle repair tools
• original brand spare parts service*
• 6 filters
• 2 front tires // 3 rear tires
• a set of bib Mousses
• catering (drinks, snacks, fruit, etc) in the Paddock
• technical assistance within FIM standards
• a racing kit (t-shirt, trousers, and gloves)
• snack at the end of each day (pasta type)
* IMPORTANT NOTE: spare parts consumed will be paid in addition to the price of the support service; the price of the same will be the retail price rate with 40% discount
Support Service only - $1,302
Rental+Support - $2,707
Deadline for booking motorcycles is July 1, 2022; sign up by sending an email to:
racing@riejumoto.com
Let’s have a little fun with what we’re calling #TrialChallenge! The idea is simple, every month we’ll be setting new challenges for riders of all ages and nationalities to complete on any bike (preferred on trial bikes, of course ��) with th e winners getting their hands on exclusive GASGAS prizes. It’s completely free to take part, simply upload your best video or photo onto Instagram making sure to post with #TrialChallenge. We’ll then decide who did it best. Good luck!
We’re inviting everyone with a (trial) bike – not just those riding a GASGAS – to step forward, have some fun, and take part in our simple-to-enter online #TrialChallenge. In order to test the skills of all (trial) riders, every month we’ll be setting new challenges, with different levels of difficulty, to allow riders of all abilities to join in the fun and get in on the action.
The winner of each challenge will receive a cool €300.00 voucher to spend on GASGAS Technical Accessories and Apparel.
STEP 1 - Upload a video or photo of you completing the challenge onto Instagram
STEP 2 - Add #TrialChallenge in the caption
STEP 3 - Tag two friends and let the global battle begin!
Stay tuned to our Instagram account (@gasgas.official) or our website for details on th e first ch allenge, then it’s over to you! Not only are we looking forward to seeing talented (trial) riders from around the world in action, but we guarantee that by taking part you’ll develop skills and learn some new ones along the way.
Not sure if you’re ready for #TrialChallenge? Don’t worry, we have a complete ‘how-to’ trial riding video tutorial series that’s designed specifically to h elp riders develop and master essential new skills. Check out The GASGAS Trial Guides ‘how-to’ video tutorial series now, on the GASGAS website!
courtesy of HUSQVARNA
Husqvarna Factory Racing is pleased to confirm th e signing of experienced enduro racer and former 125cc Enduro Youth Cup World Champion Mikael Persson for the 2022 season. Returning full-time to world championship competition following a number of years away from the series, Mikael will compete in the Enduro3 class on a TE 300i.
A dominant junior competitor on the EnduroGP World Championship scene back in 2015, in recent years Mikael has focused on competing in his national championship in Sweden. Winning the Swedish Enduro Championship in 2018, 2019, and 2021, Mikael also claimed victory in Sweden’s two most prestigious standalone events last year – Gotland Grand National and Novemberkasan.
In addition to his impressive national results, Mikael topped the Enduro1 class at the 2021 International Six Days Enduro in Italy wh ile also finish ing th ird overall, competing at the top of the results throughout the week-long event.
Mikael will ride as Husqvarna Motorcycles’ sole official EnduroGP competitor, and will join Billy Bolt in the team who will race in both the FIM SuperEnduro World Championship and FIM Hard Enduro World Championship for Husqvarna Factory Racing.
The FIM EnduroGP World Championship starts with round one in Lalin, Spain on May 6-8.
Andi Hölzl – Husqvarna factory Racing Team Manager: “We’re really happy to have Mikael in the team. He’s shown impressive pace in the EnduroGP World Championship as well of course as the International Six Days Enduro, where he was also extremely fast. As a Scandinavian, Mikael riding for Husqvarna Motorcycles is also something very special due to the rich Swedish history of the brand. He is a pleasure to work with, has great speed on the bike, but also has a lot of technical knowledge. I believe he will really progress through the 2022 season.”
Mikael Persson: “I’m very, very happy to get this opportunity to return to the EnduroGP World Championship, especially with Husqvarna. As a Swede, competing officially for Husqvarna is a big honour. Being around familiar machinery and people I have known for many years, yeah, I can’t wait to get racing again. There are still some months to go before the start of the world championship, but my training and preparation has been going well. I headed to southern Europe early in the New Year to get familiar with the new bike, and since then I’ve just been riding and training. I’ve put a lot of hours in on the bike now and switching back to a 2-stroke, and back to being a full-time racer, is all going well. I’m enjoying the process. I’m building my way back into everything. I know that I have a lot of experience, and I’m 100% focused on doing the best I can, but I’m not putting myself under any crazy pressure – the team and myself know what we’re aiming for, and I’ll do all I can to be competing at the front of my class. This is a great opportunity for me, I’m certainly going to give my all and make the best of it.”
TM USA factory Endurocross rider Ty Cullins will be heading over to Germany to race the last two rounds of the FIM SuperEnduro series
March 19th & 20th.
After finish ing a career h igh 5th in the 2021 AMA Endurocross series point standings on his Factory TM Racing 300fi 4t Ty was offered th e opportunity to race the entire 2022 SuperEnduro series, however with a full-time job, he wasn’t able to afford the time off to do the complete series.
Ty is excited to once again get the chance to go over and race for the Wieczoreck GP Racing Team which he raced for in 2020 in a shortened
SuperEnduro season where he won half of the races in the Junior class. This time around, the 23-year-old will be racing the prestige class with the best riders in the world on the Wieczoreck GP Racing-prepared TM Racing 300fi 4t.
We now h ave an official merchandise store set up for the Kenda AMA National Enduro Series presented by Moose Racing. We have Championship T-shirt and Hoodies, Series logo T-shirts and Hoodies, and Vintage T-Shirts and
Hoodies with hats coming soon. All orders will be placed online and will be shipped directly to your desired location. Click the link below to order or find th e Apparel tab on th e homepage of nationalenduro.com.
The NEPG would like to welcome the team from Red Line Oil, as they join us during the 2022 Kenda AMA National Enduro Series presented by Moose Racing.
The Red Line Oil team will be at the events handing out product samples and offering technical assistance for all of your chemical needs. Please stop by and welcome them.
In 1979, Red Line Synthetic Oil began creating lubricants for the racing industry. Today, we manufacture more than 100 quality products, including motor oils, gear oils, assembly lubes, fuel additives and our popular WaterWetter cooling additive for the automotive, motorcycle, marine and industrial markets.
Using cutting edge technology, Red Line responds to the technical challenges of today’s performance industry. We are enthusiasts that stay on top of each market niche, ensuring product recommendations that result in serious performance gains. We use this knowledge of racing to create highperformance products for track cars and street vehicles. Red Line products perform and protect better than any on the market. No compromises.
Cole Kirkpatrick joins Woody for Episode 22.2 of the Seat Time Podcast. This has been a long time coming, as we’ve known Cole since his A Class TSCEC days! 11 years after Cole’s last year following the entire National Enduro Series as a professional racer, he’s still winning local TSCEC enduros. That type of longevity, speed, and fun, seems hard to keep up with. We learn a few tips of the trade that the rest of us can try to apply for extra throttle twisting.
One topic that really interested us was what it felt like to be done as a professional racer. Cole spent five years, 2007-2011, ch asing th e National Enduro Series, even riding on the Factory GasGas Team (before KTM purchased them), and then one day he knew he was done. That level of effort can take its toll on the body and the mind, it was really cool to get Cole’s take on that part of his life. He also lived with Russell Bobbitt and Kurt Caselli, if only there had been more time for more stories.
2022 marks th e fifth year th at Cole and Russell will be running Gnarly Routes, “a riding experience that offers guests a riding vacation they
will never forget”. Th ey find some locations and trails that most of us scout youtube for so we can salivate over the terrain. Reach out to them if you’re looking to follow along on th eir riding adventures from a first person point of view. We all know riding dirt bikes is way better in real life.
Enjoy #GettingSeattime and if we don’t see you on the trail, we’ll see you on the Internet.
The South East Extreme Riders are getting ready for their third hard enduro season. Each race offers a combination of challenging sections and technical single track.
The series kicks off with the Covid Crusher 3.0 at the Hollytree Offroad Park in Alabama. From there it
moves to the Groundhog Extreme at the Rockcrusher Farm in Georgia, which is back on the schedule. Round 3 is the night race, the Nightmare Extreme which moved to the Trials Training Center in Tennessee. The Circle E’s Shootout location is TBA, being round 4. The season finisher is the popular Cliffhanger Extreme, back at the Trials Training Center.
The 2022 series comes with a new series ranking. Every racer who signs up for a single race will be included in the rankings, which are based on the six SEER classes. You can choose between the more challenging tracks for the Gold and Silver classes, or pick scaled-down sections for the Bronze and Iron classes.
Check out all details on the website – registration is open!
The Mobius X8 Wrist Brace is an innovative piece using Mobius’ patented technology to provide maximum support across the wrist joint.
Using CCRS (Continuous Cable Routing System), the X8 Brace boasts a palm-free design with a tendon back plate to add progressive support that is fully adjustable from 0-70 degrees of extension.
The unique design prevents excessive bending and hyperextension, ultimately adding lateral and medial support in a vulnerable area. The X8 Wrist Brace is available in SM/MD and LG/XL sizes in Storm Grey/Black and White/Acid Yellow colorways at a weight of just 4oz.
Current Price: $30.99+
DT-1 Filters’ popular Super Seal Air Filters are available for 2022 Yamaha MX and Off-Road motorcycles. All DT-1 Filters are manufactured with high-quality dual-layer foam designed to let air in and keep dirt out. The Super Seal Technology features a premium base made to fit securely against th e air boot and eliminate the need for grease around th e filter’s edge. DT-1 Filters are available in Standard Dual-Layer Foam and Triple-Layer Foam (for mud, sand, and silt), and come standard or pre-oiled (extra $2 for pre-oiled) with DT-1’s proprietary bio-degradable foam filter oil.
Current Price: $214.00
Honda Red Riders are Battle Ready for the elements. Bullet Proof Designs’ signature Radiator Guards are now available for the newest generation Honda models in the 2022 CRF450RX and CRF250RX.
Machined from solid 6061-T6 billet aluminum in the USA, the lightweight guards mount to the frame for superior strength in frontal, side, and bottom protection of the radiators.
Preventing unbearable damages when riding through the toughest terrain imaginable, the ribbed design epitomizes strength without sacrificing critical airflow wh en chugging up the rockiest canyons. Offered with a lifetime warranty to ensure confidence in th e rider, th e American Made Radiator Guards are available in Silver and Black at a fraction of the cost of a new OEM radiator.
SHERCO FACTORY 21" AND 18" ENDURO RACING WHEEL SET
REF #9949
REF #9208
SHERCO FACTORY enduro racing wheels are manufactured and equipped with the highest quality components.
• Blue anodized billet machined hub and spacers
• Reinforced spokes
• Black anodized Excel Takasago rim
• Spacers for mounting the wheel are included
Thanks to the selection of superior materials, the assembly guarantees a safe and high-performing wheel. The outstanding rigidity of the wheels provide th e benefit of improved h andling and absorption of th e terrain whatever the condition.
words by JASON WRIGHT
This is one of those products that makes you wonder why everyone is not running one of these. If you ride trials long enough, you’ll experience some of the downsides of a normal stretchy tether. They get worn out and break when you need them most. Or you may jump off the bike and get snapped in the face by the magnet as it pops off the kill switch.
We have been running The Better Tether for nearly 2 years and they work great. They pop the magnet off the kill switch without recoiling. The shorter length makes them less likely to get caught on a branch as you ride past. The material is
comfortable against the wrist, the bead holds the tether in place. The tethers are sold without the magnet cap.
The best part of The Better Tether is they are made by Laura Peters. There is nothing better than trials gear that is made by trials riders. Laura recently introduced a nice aluminum magnet cap, if you are in need of one of those too. The Better Tether is available from most trials shops in the United States. You can check the Better Tether Facebook page for updates on dealers who have received new shipments.
We all have done it… we desperately stab for the rear brake and we miss the pedal. It is usually a rare event but if you try to ride on the balls of your feet (as we all should be doing), it can happen more frequently. A stock brake pedal is about the size of a dime. The Jitsie Race is much larger. The Jitsie Race pedal also
extends more rearward, allowing the balls of the feet to be solidly on the pegs, while still having quick access to the pedal.
I liked this pedal as it gave me more confidence to try to h old pressure on obstacles. It was confidence inspiring to really toss the bike up on the rear wheel and I knew I could quickly get to the rear brake. The leverage and rear brake power is the same as with the stock pedal. I have caught my foot under the pedal a few times, on bigger ledges, where my foot rotated forward on the pegs. After a bit of time with the pedal, I intentionally bent the pedal a bit inward so my foot would be less likely to get caught under it.
The Jitsie Race brake pedal is made from forged aluminum. It has proven to be extremely durable. The folding tip retracts nicely out of the way when contacting rocks. The pedal never bent or deformed due to impacts.
Th is pedal was fitted to a few different TRS bikes. The push pin that is supplied with it is too short for the TRS. Swapping the stock
TRS push pin resolves the issue. If you run Curve foot pegs on a TRS, the pedal needs to be run in a lower position than with normal pegs. This can cause interference between the TRS frame and the pedal. This is a unique problem to the TRS with Curve pegs. The pedal works perfectly with a TRS that has normal pegs.
If you ride on the balls of your feet and have missed your stock brake pedal in a panic situation, the Jitsie Race brake pedal could be a nice upgrade.
CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE
After many delays due to the COVID-19 Pandemic and resulting supply ch ain difficulties, th e partnersh ip between SMW Motorcycles with Central Powersports Distribution will kick into high gear this Spring of 2022 with the announcement of a new model specific for th e USA!
Production starts on RE300/500, RS300, and SM500 models at the end of March for May delivery, and we are accepting dealer orders effective today!
We are pleased to introduce the RE300R & RE500R 4-stroke recreational models, classified as off-road, closed-course motorcycles. This new RE model will fill a great nich e within the market, by offering an AFFORDABLE, potent 4-stroke, fuel-injected motor housed inside a durable, well-balanced chassis with KYB suspension front and rear. The RE300R & RE500R are the complete essence of what a no-frills off-road bike should be - they offer the high-quality features riders need and skip everything else, including the inflated price tag found elsewhere!
RE300- $7,899
RE500- $8,299
The dual sport, street-legal RS300 returns for 2022 with an allnew look and a MSRP of $8,299. The RS500 street-legal version is undergoing new homologation testing and will be available as a 2023 model.
The “Six Days 500” is undergoing testing for US importation and homologation. The “Six Days 500” expected to be complete in the fall of 2022 for importation as a 2023 model.
A premium equipped trial bike developed by Jeroni Fajardo on the Trial GP world circuit. It's up to you to take the control and reach the heights of the sports.
• ST FACTORY REPLICA Special Edition graphics kit
• Titanium exhaust elbow (except 125 cc)
• TECH aluminum Factory double adjustable fork
• REIGER shock absorber
• Perforated and lightened front rim
• Red billet cut hubs
AVAILABLE IN 125, 250, AND 300CC
• NEKEN handlebars
• Red S3 Hard Rock foot pegs
• GALFER front and rear brake discs
• BRAKTEC hydraulic brakes and clutch controls
• OXIA red anodized cylinder head
• S3 # 5 grips
• S3 chain guide
• Rear brake caliper with anti-vibration system AVAILABLE
AVAILABLE IN 125, 200, 250, AND 300CC
Beta presents the most high-performance version of the EVO family yet - the new 2022 Evo Factory. Working in close collaboration with the Beta Factory Team riders Matteo Grattarola, Lorenzo Gandola, Sondre Haga, and Aniol Gelabert, the R&D division of Beta has continued the development to improve the Rideability of the model range while offering a continued level of high performance. The result is a machine that can compete not only at the Clubman level but also at the highest level of Trial GP. With five models to ch oose from in both 2 and 4 stroke offerings, Beta has a complete range to suit any trials rider.
• Magnesium crankcase with black finish
• Titanium head pipe
• Machined clutch discs - maximizes clutch precision and helps to make repetitive movements (such as rear wheel hops) easier to manage
• Cylinder with optimized transfer port geometry - providing added torque and responsiveness without compromising power delivery
• Updated compression ratio
• Optimized engine control unit maps
• front fork and rear shock with compression and rebound adjustability
• progressive linkage
• Galfer racing brake discs
• BrakTec brake and clutch master cyliners
AVAILABLE
• electronic control unit operates at a higher power rating, improving spark stability and improved combustion at all engine speeds
• lightweight performance titanium silencer
• front fork and rear shock with compression and rebound adjustability
• progressive linkage
• Galfer racing brake discs
• BrakTec brake and clutch master cyliners
• Rear brake caliper with anti-vibration system
AVAILABILITY
Beta Evo factory Editions are a limited production model so riders interested in securing one are encouraged to reach out to their local Beta USA dealer to leave a deposit.
PRICING
Evo 125 Factory
Evo 200 Factory
$7,999
$8,399
Evo 250 Factory $8,599
Evo 300 Factory $8,799
Evo 300 Factory 4-stroke $8,999
with Zach cleland
DATE
LOCATION July 2nd & 3rd, 2022 Tamaqua, PA
There are dozens of sections at the Tough Like RORR Hard Enduro course that will make you scratch your head wondering how a dirt bike could ever get through there. This race preview (not review) of the 2022 Tough Like RORR Hard Enduro showcases the “Wrong Side of Heaven” section. Only the toughest of riders who manage to qualify through the “warm up” races on Saturday and make it through the main event lap on Sunday will see this section.
For the lucky ones who aren’t racing, this is one of the many great spots to spectate. The video doesn’t do it justice (nor does the riding), but to see the top hard enduro riders navigate these nearly impassible sections will be truly awe-inspiring. Plus, they need some cheers and moral support to help push them along through these gnarly sections. Bring some hiking shoes and join the action this July 2nd/3rd!
In this episode we catch up with South African rider turned Aussie: Bruce le Riche.
It's worth going back and listening to episode 58 with his brother Brent as well.
We hear about Bruce's time in South Africa, before a false start at riding in the UK, before eventually making it to the USA and riding the NATC championships.
We hear about Bruce building upon h is early success to finish 2nd in the 2005 NATC season and how he worked as a coach at the Trials Training Centre in Tennessee.
We discuss the world round in Duluth and we are trying something new with this episode: Bruce is going to take us through what he means when he says "Quality practice makes perfect". Ladies and gentleman I give you my chat with Bruce le Riche.
GasGas has released a full selection of trial riding videos, all designed to help riders of all skill levels become more confident at th eir favorite sport.
Hosted by GasGas Factory Racing Team Manager Albert Cabestany, the tutorial videos will cover everything from bike setup, to basics, to the most advanced maneuvers.
Follow along as we showcase a new video each month, or check out the full series on GasGas.com.
words by TRIALGP
photos by BETA MOTORCYCLES
Last year was a landmark season for Matteo Grattarola. Returning to the premier TrialGP class following three hugely successful seasons in Trial2 that saw him take two world titles, the Italian star kicked off his 2021 campaign in fine form.
A figh ting th ird on th e opening day of the Hertz FIM Trial World Championship on home turf at Tolmezzo, the factory Beta rider went on to claim two further podiums – including a secondplaced finish at th e French TrialGP at Charade – as he ended the year a career-best fourth.
The icing on the cake for Matteo then came on December 17 when his partner gave birth to a son they have named Achille.
“It was great to be on the third step of the podium in Italy,” he said. “It was important to give me the energy to face the season to the maximum.”
Grattarola, Trial GP Portugal, 2021
Italy’s involvement in top-flight trial can be traced all the way back to 1972 when a round of the FIM European Championship – which became a full world series in 1975 –was staged at Selvino where Martin Lampkin came out on top.
Despite this long and rich history, Italy has never produced a world champion at the highest level –although the late Diego Bosis came close wh en h e finish ed second behind Jordi Tarres in 1990 and Donato Miglio was third on two occasions, in 1988 and again in 1990.
Matteo struck FIM gold with his Trial2 titles in 2018 and 2020 – he was runner-up in the class in 2019 – and his performance last season has rejuvenated the top-flight career of the 33-year-old whose highest world ranking before 2021 had been seventh in 2013.
Competing in a field packed with hungry young talent, the man from Bellano – just a stone’s throw from the Swiss border – knows that 12 years on from his Hertz FIM Trial World Championship debut he still has a lot to offer and, more importantly, is still very much a podium threat.
“Certainly, my experience in some situations helps me a lot and it is something that should not be underestimated. During the winter I am preparing myself by doing gymnastics and training hard with the bike.
“For 2022 I have set myself the goal of trying to replicate the 2021 season and why not maybe be able to finish on the third step of the podium?”
The 2022 Hertz FIM Trial World Championship is scheduled to get under way with the Japanese TrialGP at Motegi on May 20-22. For regular updates check out our social media platforms on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram – just search for TrialGP.
HeadquartersMotorcycle We sell Gas Gas, Sherco, Beta, Montesa & Scorpa
February 25-27: Downhill Southeast Bicycle Race
March 26-27: Trials Training Days
April 2-3: NATC Rounds 1&2
May 28: SEER Nightmare Extreme Enduro
June 27-30: Family Camp
July 1-3: East Coast Youth Nationals & Women’s Open
August 12-14: 12th Annual Kenda Tennessee Knock Out
Extreme Enduro
October 1-2: 30th Annual 58K Fall Trial (STRA)
October 29: 3rd Annual Cliffhanger Enduro
December 3: Toy Trial
* All dates are subject to change
words by STEPH VETTERLY photos by FUTURE7MEDIA
Husqvarna Factory Racing’s Billy Bolt took his second win of the 2022 SuperEnduro season, extending his ch ampionsh ip lead. Bolt qualified with the fastest lap time, followed by two race wins on his FE350.
Opening the night, Rockstar Energy
Husqvarna Factory Racing’s Colton Haaker took the Airoh holeshot only to have a red flag thrown when GasGas Factory Racing’s Taddy Blazusiak got stuck on th e first concrete block, catching Vision Track Beta’s Jonny Walker. The two riders were unable to free themselves quickly, so the referees were forced to wave the red flag and restart, much to Haaker’s dismay.
On the restart, it was Blazusiak who was able to get in front for the holeshot, with FactoryONE Sherco’s Cody Webb banging bars with the GasGas rider as they entered the matrix. Bolt was not one to be left behind, and was able to make a blazing fast pass on Webb and move in for the lead. Blazusiak stayed calm and calculated in his riding, and was able to get some breathing room when Bolt stalled just before th e end of th e first lap. On lap 2, Bolt slid his skid plate on the concrete block, losing even more ground. But luck was on his side when Blazusiak lost a bit of control
over a log, dismounting the bike for a moment. That moment was just long enough to lose the lead. Webb was holding strong in third place, with Walker in fourth, and Haaker up in fifth . Walker took an inside line over the log crossing, and the path was quick enough to take the pass on Webb; however, Webb caught his front wheel on Walker as he passed, throwing Webb off line and allowing Haaker to make the pass as well.
In th e final lap, Bolt found h imself stranded atop one of the large logs. Unable to regain traction quickly, he was forced to watch as a fastcharging Blazusiak regained the lead only three turns away from the checkered flag. Walker would see third just behind Bolt, with Haaker and Webb finish ing fourth and fifth , respectively.
In the second race of the night, the reverse grid put Webb on the front line. After Will Hoare took the holeshot, Webb was able to move ahead for the lead, which he held for th e first th ree laps. In a bizarre turn of events, the same concrete block that had claimed so many victims in th e first race claimed anoth er. On the third lap, Bolt and Webb were bar-to-bar. As Bolt crested the block to make the pass, Webb wheelied, overshot the block enough to catch the last few inches with his rear tire, and causing him to throw his leg out to stabilize. He ended up straddling Bolt’s rear tire, which
sucked Webb’s leg in, dragging him down the track for a few feet until Bolt realized something (or someone) was stopping his forward motion. After Webb untangled himself, he was able to work his way up to a sixth -place finish . Bolt continued charging ahead with Walker close behind. The pair were able to overtake Blazusiak in the fourth lap where the standings remained until the end of the race when Blazusiak made a hard charge to second.
In th e final race, all eyes were on Bolt and Blazusiak. In th e first turn off the start line, Blazusiak washed his front end out, going off the track. Haaker was able to take the Airoh
holeshot, holding the lead going into the second lap, with Walker breathing down his neck. On lap two, Bold made a flying leap over a rock section, passing both Haaker and Walker, and landing just off the course. He re-entered a little further down the course ahead of the two riders. The rules state that if a rider goes off the course, they must re-enter at the same place, or risk being disqualified. Because Bolt exited at a high point on the track, it was unsafe to re-enter at the same point, so his actions were allowed. Blazusiak and Webb looked strong as th ey traded positions, figh ting for fourth place. The GasGas rider took the position, but had bad luck when
he stalled mid-course. Webb took a small crash with only a minute left to race, losing the ground he had just earned, eventually falling back to seventh place behind Diogo Vieira and Hoare. Bolt was able to significantly extend h is lead over teammate Haaker for the win, with Walker and Blazusiak rounding out th e final podium.
“It was a super difficult nigh t,” said Bolt. “I’m pleased to come away with another win and extend my lead in the championship. The track was really tight, and with not much traction it was easy to get arm pump and then make mistakes. Qualifying and SuperPole went well, but then in race one I struggled to find my rh yth m and got caugh t up
a few times. Race two went much better, and then race three was near enough perfect – I was able to manage my pace once I got to the front and held on to take the win and the overall.”
“I’m really happy with how things have gone tonight,” said Blazusiak. “It’s great to be back up there battling at th e front. Th e first h eat went well, I hit my lines, didn’t make too many mistakes, so it was good. I did get some arm pump, which meant I had to let Billy go about h alfway th rough th e first moto. But he made a mistake and I was able to get him back for the win. I felt like I had good speed and could race with Billy. In th e final h eat I went all-in but tucked th e front in th e first
corner. That was frustrating, but overall, compared to the luck I had in Poland at round one, it’s been a great night. My bike was great, my fitness was wh ere it needs to be, and my speed was good also.”
“It’s really good to be here in Budapest racing SuperEnduro,” said Haaker. “I haven’t been able to get in much riding since the last event, but I’m happy with how I rode today going 4-4-2 on a tough track like this. It took me a little while to relax and get up to speed, but I gave it my all and had fun out there. From not being certain if I’d get here to race, to missing out on the podium by just one point, it’s been a good weekend and I’m looking forward to the next one.”
1. Billy Bolt (HSQ)
2. Taddy Blazusiak (GG)
3. Jonny Walker (BET)
4. Colton Haaker (HSQ)
5. Cody Webb (SHE)
6. Diogo Vieira (GG)
7. Tim Apolle (BET)
8. Will Hoare (GG)
9. Diego Herra Ried (TM)
1. Billy Bolt - 123 pts
2. Colton Haaker - 88pts
3. Taddy Blazusiak - 87pts
4. Jonny Walker - 87pts
5. Will Hoare - 56pts
6. Diogo Vieira (55pts
7. Manuel Lettenbichler - 48pts
8. Cody Webb - 47pts
9. Tim Apolle - 41pts
10. Pol Tares - 24pts
enduro trails are unpredictable by nature, and where they are the toughest, the te 300í reigns supreme
New gray and electric yellow graphics
New BRAKTEC brake system
New BRAKTEC hydraulic clutch system
January 22 - 23
April 30 - May 1
August 27 - 28
October 8 - 9
March 12 - 13
July 23 - 24
September 24 - 25
November 19 - 20
December 17 - 18
Trials have always been my passion and my livelihood. Throughout the years I have learned so much and I became a 6x National Champion and then a Teacher, I love sharing all of my Knowledge, Techniques and experiences as well as riding trials and meeting new people to encourage and help them become a better rider whether you ride a Trials Motorcycle, Enduro motorcycle or any type of motorcycle. I just enjoy supporting the motorcycle community and their Clubs. I have been perfecting my trials schools over the past 35 Years teaching all around North America. My Trial Schools cover every Trials Technique needed to become a CHAMPION, I will be covering over 20 Techniques that are extremely well broken down, methodically taught, instructed and demonstrated. It is a step by step process working your way from the basics to the most advanced techniques. I will watch you perform each Technique taught and critique you so you get a better understanding of the technique and performance. Ryan Young's Trials schools have produced many National Champions in many different classes over the years. I'm looking forward to teaching the next champion! -Ryan Young
words & photos SHAN MOORE
Steward Baylor started off the 2022 Kenda AMA National Enduro Series in the best possible way by winning the opening round of the series in Sumter, South Carolina. The AmPro Yamaha rider won three of six tests, finish ing 32 seconds ah ead of Coastal Racing GasGas’ Ryder Lafferty.
FMF/KTM’s Josh Toth was third, 28 seconds behind Lafferty.
Rain leading up to the event left Sumter’s sandy soil in prime condition for racing, as nearly 1,000 riders took to the 62-mile event, despite frigid temperatures and brisk-winds dominating the weekend.
After winning test one, Baylor struggled with lappers during the second, third and fourth tests, but finish ed off th e event with two strong test wins to seal the victory.
“I feel really comfortable in these conditions. We had a really good setup for the conditions and I had very few mistakes,” said th e fivetime National Enduro Champion. “The only frustrating thing was dealing with lappers. This is always
a really tough race with lappers, depending on when you catch them and how you can get around them efficiently without tangling with anybody. I think it was tough for everybody. When you catch somebody at the wrong time it could go your way or the opposite way.”
Baylor turned in a mostly mistakefree race, except for back-to-back mishaps in test two.
“That was probably the most I struggled all day,” added Baylor. “Aside from that, it was just a really smooth day. I picked up the pace a bit in the last two tests and just nailed my marks and tried to do everything that I knew that I need to do to win. That’s what we did.”
Lafferty turned a few heads with his runner-up finish . Th e New Jerseynative won the third test of the day after finish ing second in th e previous test, although he ran mostly under the radar since he started on row 41, and it was test four before Baylor and th e rest of th e top five even knew he was in the mix.
“I’ve been in Florida training and it’s been going good, so the sand riding paid off for me,” said Lafferty. “I got into it with some lappers a couple times and lost some time in the fourth test, I believe. Other than that, it was a pretty good day.”
Toth suffered injuries at the opening rounds of the series in 2020 and
2021, so he couldn’t be faulted if he was riding with some caution at this year’s opener. Despite playing it somewhat safe, the Connecticut rider still landed on the podium with a th ird-place finish
“I came in healthy and got out healthy, so, I’m stoked on it,” said Toth. “Overall, the day was good. The track was much rougher than last year, but overall, a typical Sumter. A bit rougher, but it was a good day. Get out of here healthy with a third.”
Craig DeLong led a Husqvarna conga line in fourth , fifth and sixth , with teammates Thad DuVall and Trevor Bollinger finish ing fifth and sixth, respectively.
“I started slow and it took me two tests to make a few changes back to what I ended the year with. I did that, and then I started to kind of get in the mix,” said DeLong. “As the day went on, I felt better and better. Happy how it ended, but a little disappointed how it started.”
Despite having an issue with his rear brakes in th e first test, Duvall looked solid en route to fifth
“I’m just excited to be back in the National Enduros,” said DuVall. “I had a lot of fun. I enjoy getting a little sketchy between some tight trees. It’s fun. I feel like the National Enduros make me a little better rider. Keep me really crisp and get that sprint speed. I felt good all day.”
Bollinger struggled early but won a test and finish ed second in anoth er.
“I started off a little slow and then kind of found my groove there in the middle,” said Bollinger. “I was making mistakes and still I won that test and got second in the other one, so I tried to smooth out a little bit and I don't know if I just took it too easy or whatever. It was good progress from last year.”
FMF/KTM’s Ben Kelley was smooth but just a little off his normal pace.
“The National Enduros are always rough on the body, smashing off the trees when you don’t know what’s coming, so I’m happy to come away unscathed, though just a little beat up,” said Kelley. “I’m just happy and excited to be back racing. I enjoyed it and that’s what I was trying to do, have some fun and do the best I could.”
Grant Baylor returned to the series on an FXR-backed GasGas and finish ed eigh th , wh ile AmPro Yamaha’s Mike Witkowski made a rare National Enduro appearance and finish ed ninth .
Five-time National Enduro Champion Russell Bobbitt made a surprise appearance at Sumter and came away with 10th overall on his Gnarly Routes KTM. Russ came out of retirement in 2019 and won the Sumter event, so no one was counting him out of this year’s race.
Despite a few crashes in the last three tests, Ben Nelko took the win in the NE Pro 2 class on a Honda sponsored by Steel City Men’s Clinic. The former pro motocrosser won three of the six tests en route to his victory.
“The first three tests I was good. I didn’t crash at all,” said Nelko. “Then in the fourth test I crashed twice. Ripped off both my levers at the beginning of the test. Then test five, I hit a tree pretty good. The sixth test, it was really bad. I almost knocked myself out there. I was only 30 seconds up at that point, so I got up quick and just sprinted until the end.”
Magna1 Motorsports Husqvarna’s Brody Johnson took two test wins on his way to second in the NE Pro 2 class, while his brother, Jonathon Johnson, was third in class on a factory Beta with one test win.
Nelko, Brody and Jonathon were 13th, 14th and 15th overall.
AmPro Yamaha’s Rachel Archer topped the Women’s Elite class, edging out Trail Jesters Racing KTM’s Kori Steede by 18 seconds. Arch er won th e first four tests, with Steede steeling away the win in the final test.
“I stayed off the ground all day, apart from the last test,” said Archer. “I crashed right coming through the timing. But other than that, it was a great day. I got a new
mechanic this year and everything has been going really well. The bike, built motor. That thing is fast. I’m stoked to be on that bike this year.”
Enduro Engineering/Fly Racing
KTM’s Mackenzie Tricker, the defending series ch amp, finish ed third.
Coby Davis (Hon) was top AA rider, ahead of Nicolas Haftl (Hsq) and Cameron Sisk (Hon).
Chase Landers took the win in the 250A division, beating out Grady Faint (KTM) and Zach Toth (KTM).
The Kenda AMA National Enduro Series resumes on May 1st for the Dragon’s Back Enduro, round two of the series in Arrington, Virginia.
OVERALL RESULTS (NE PRO1):
1. Steward Baylor (YAM)
2. Ryder Lafferty (GG)
3. Josh Toth (KTM)
4. Craig DeLong (HSQ)
5. Thad DuVall (HSQ)
6. Trevor Bollinger (HSQ)
7. Ben Kelley (KTM)
8. Grant Baylor (GG)
9. Mike Witkowski (YAM)
10. Russell Bobbitt (KTM)
1. Rachael Archer (YAM)
2. Korie Steede (KTM)
3. Mackenzie Tricker (KTM)
4. Rachel Gutish (GG)
5. Brooke Cosner (GG)
6. Jocelyn Barnes (KAW)
7. Sheryl Hunter (KTM)
8. Kina Miller (BET)
9. Elizabeth Perez (HSQ)
ELITE):
(This picture does not represent the new model)
Since Covid infections have reduced significantly in Spain, the Mecatecno factory has resumed its production plans with a whole new concept of the DragonFly adult trials bike. Midwest Mototrials will receive a test/demo unit in January of ’22. Pending a successful testing program here and at the factory, production is expected to start in April. ****Specs are subject to change****
• The T-18 Dragonfly will now have a light-weight direct drive (no heavy gearbox).
• A real hydraulic clutch will provide fingertip control for maximum traction and control.
• The new M4, 39mm Aluminum AIR FORKS are the lightest on the market.
• Linkless Ohlins shock direct to the swing arm.
• 5 hour quick change battery.
• Approx 128 pounds.
• Seat can be added for trail riding comfort.
words & photos SHAN MOORE
FEBRUARY 12-13, 2022
Coastal Racing GasGas’ Johnny Girroir and AmPro Yamaha’s Layne Michael split wins at this weekend’s two-day South of the Border US Sprint Enduro in Hamer, South Carolina, with Girroir taking the overall victory on combined elapsed time.
Girroir won Saturday’s event, beating Michael by 17 seconds, while Michael eked out Sunday’s win over Girroir by a narrow two seconds in a nail-biter that came down the final test.
After dealing with cold temperatures and snow at the series opener, round two at South of the Border featured beautiful weather, with temperatures reaching the 70’s on Saturday and in the mid-50's on Sunday. Three hundred riders (221 adult and 79 youth riders) enjoyed excellent conditions on both days. The event also doubled as an ISDE Qualifier, with 21 Letter of Intent (LOI) riders signed up.
Girroir kicked off the 2022 season back in January with a double victory in Sellars, South Carolina.
And after his win this weekend on Saturday, the New Jersey rider appeared capable of running away with this year’s championship. However, on Sunday, Michael put a stop to Girroir’s winning streak with an impressive victory of his own.
On Saturday, Girroir won two of the six tests, as did Michael. However, Michael lost a lot of ground after suffering a mish ap in th e first Enduro test, putting him in a hole he would not be able to dig out of.
Pro2 rider Cody Barnes wedged his way between the top two pros by winning th e final cross test of th e day outright on his Phoenix Honda, in addition to winning all six tests in the Pro2 division.
At the end of Saturday’s event, Girroir finish ed on top of th e time sheets for the win with Barnes in second and Michael in third.
Girroir opened with wins in the first two tests on Sunday, h owever, Michael started to match Girroir’s pace starting with the second set of tests, although it was Barnes getting another test win in the second cross test.
After trading wins in the next few tests, Michael entered the sixth and final test of th e day leading Girroir by a mere tenth of a second. After turning in one of his best performances of the day, Michael emerged from th e final test with th e fastest time and Sunday’s win.
BUBZ TASHA, PRO-AM
Girroir posted the second-fastest time in the test and was second on the day, his 1-2 performance earning h im first overall for th e weekend.
“Today, I started off firing out of the gate with the first two tests and got a comfy lead, then it was a battle from there,” said Girroir. “Everyone’s really close. Layne is riding really good and Cody Barnes is riding really good from the Pro 2 class. So, it’s been good competition. I had the lead over Layne by just a second or two the whole day, and then that last one he took it away from me. Layne rode good all day today and he got the win for the day by just about three seconds on me. I got the overall for the weekend, so it was good. Good racing. It’s going to be a good season.”
“I was able to squeeze out the win there in the last test,” said Michael. “Obviously, we didn’t get the overall win, but to at least split days with Johnny was a huge step in the right direction. Yesterday was a bit disappointing, but today I felt really good. I knew I had to try to start limiting the damage. He’s won every day so far, until today. Yesterday, I had a fall in the first enduro test and kind of lost the majority of that time, but it was still 17 seconds. Today we were pretty even. I was able to nip him a couple times and on that last test I think it was the furthest gap we had all day. It was a good weekend for me. It’s definitely
going to be an exciting year with Johnny and I going at it. It’s good to stop some bleeding and carry this momentum into the next one.”
Barnes was third overall for the weekend with a 2-3 performance for th e weekend and first in th e Pro2 class with a win in class on each day. In addition to his two outright wins, Barnes also won all 12 tests in the Pro2 class.
“I kind of struggled a little bit in the first cross test. It was really hard-packed and slick, but I kind of got a good feel for it and ended up winning one of the next two,” said Barnes. "The enduro test was challenging. There were a lot of tree roots, a lot of chop, so you had to ride smart and not make a lot of mistakes. I was able to do that and have some really good times. Overall, it was a really good weekend. I didn’t crash and I’m really happy with how my bike is working.”
FMF/KTM’s Josh Toth won the final enduro test on Saturday and came away with fourth overall (third Pro rider) for the weekend, despite a h uge mistake in th e first test on Saturday that cost him considerable time.
“I just started off on the wrong foot,” said Toth. “Nothing serious, but just jumped off the track and got in the soft stuff and went down. Just lost a ton of time and here there’s
really no time to make it up. The racing is so tight and there are so many guys riding really good here. I just need to get back up to the sprint speed and I got some good seat time here.”
The South of the Border race also doubled as an ISDE Qualifier, with 21 Letter of Intent (LOI) riders signed up. Seven-Sixty Husqvarna’s Thorn Devlin topped all of the LOI riders and finish ed second in th e Pro2 division with a fifth overall finish .
Devlin was all set to compete in the 2019 Six Days in Portugal, but a crash two weeks before the event kept him from competing.
"In 2019 I qualified for my first ISDE,” said Devlin. “I did the whole nine yards, I qualified, I paid the whole thing and the bike was already over there. Two weeks before, I crashed and it put me out of my Six Days. So, I went there and watched. Since then, I’ve been bugging to get back. I’ve got a good bike. I’ve got a team behind me who wants to go to Six Days. So, I’m hoping I can make it this year.”
Tely Racing KTM’s Liam Draper, who is still recovering from knee surgery, went 8-7 for the two days and finish ed sixth overall.
Also an LOI rider, AmPro Yamaha’s Mike Witkowski finish ed th ird in the Pro 2 class and seventh overall, despite being out of his comfort zone.
“This was definitely a big learning experience,” said Witkowski. “I don’t really do these sprint enduros, but honestly I kind of told myself this year I’d do the stuff I’m uncomfortable with or not so good at. I think it was a positive for myself and just a big learning thing. Hopefully, I can make the ISDE team, the junior team, this year and go over there and really experience that. That’s why I’m here today, really.”
Trail Jesters Racing KTM’s Mason Semmens ran as high as second in the Pro2 division, but a crash in the final test th at injured h is collar bone knocked him down to fourth in the Pro2 class and eighth overall.
“I had really good tests right up to this last one, but for some reason, I don't know, I had one decent crash and I got up from that and I was still moving along,” said Semmens.
“I was a little bit dazzled, and then I hit a tree. I’ve done a little bit of damage, but just hit my head a little bit and my shoulder and things like that. So, we’ll get fixed up and we’ll come back.”
RPM Racing KTM’s Angus Riordan finish ed fifth in Pro2 and ninth overall just eight seconds behind Semmens.
Boston, Massachusetts rider Bubz Tasha (KTM) was 10th overall and top Pro-Am rider. Tasha built a
22-second lead on Saturday and then just held on for the class win on Sunday.
Chase Collville (Kaw) was second in the Am-Pro class, with Jason Tino (KTM) finish ing th ird.
The Women’s Pro class was won by Tayla Jones. The Rockstar Energy Husqvarna rider has won every test so far this year.
“It ended up being a good weekend in the end,” said Jones. “My shoulder wasn’t great coming into this round, so we didn’t know how it would hold up. But I had some good tests, a few crashes here and there, but overall I had a good weekend. The tracks are fun and we got the win.”
Trail Jesters Racing KTM’s Kori Steede was second overall, with FXR Racing KTM’s Shelby Turner in third.
First in the Open A class was Drew Callaway, who took the win ahead of Cameron Sisk and Trale Henderson. Meanwhile, KTM’s Cole Forbes was first in th e 250 A division and h e also took the Top Amateur award.
In the Youth Classes, Mason Raynor was tops ahead of fellow KTM riders Jonathan Snyder and Austin Tsakanikas.
Raynor won the 85 SR class, while Snyder and Tsakanikas were first and second in th e Super Mini Sr class.
The Super Mini Jr class was won by Jacob McPherson (KTM), with Kamden Krause (KTM) in second and Alexander Ghetta (KTM) in third.
The 85 Jr class saw Hunter Porco (Yam) take the win ahead of Chance Burkett (KTM) and John Berry (Yam).
Other Youth winners included Hunter Hawkinberry (65 Sr); Kayky Depinho (65 JR); Korah Grace Jones (Girls); Grayson Porco (50 Sr) and Maura Tsakanikas (50 Jr).
The US Sprint Enduro Series returns to action on February 2627 for round three of the series at Dreamville MX in Raeford, North Carolina.
OVERALL RESULTS (MEN'S PRO):
1. Johnny Girroir (GG)
2. Layne Michael (YAM)
3. Cody Barnes (HON)
4. Josh Toth (KTM)
5. Thorn Devlin (HSQ)
6. Liam Draper (KTM)
7. Mike Witkowski (YAM)
8. Mason Semmens (KTM)
9. Angus Riordan (KTM)
10. Bubz Tasha (KTM)
OVERALL RESULTS (PRO WOMEN):
1. Tayla Jones
2. Korie Steede
3. Shelby Turner (KTM)
4. Prestin Raines
5. Rachel Gutish (GG)
6. Jamie Astudillo
7. Sheryl Hunter
words
While much much of the nation is frozen over mid January, us here in Southern California enjoy many warm and sunny days and that’s just what we got for the sixth round of the SCTA championship series at Romoland Ca. which is in the Perris/ Riverside area.
Romoland features steep hills with almost no flat areas. The loop is typically features tight flowing trails that most riders enjoy, yet can be challenging for newer riders, which is why the novice class skipped part of it.
The sections where on the challenging side for most classes as scores where higher than what we usually see at SCTA events in most classes. What cost most of the points was a combination of tight turns with no run to the next obstacle and soft dry dirt.
Besides all our usual great SCTA riders we had national Pros Karl Davis JR, Daniel Blanc-Gonnet and Woman’s national champ Maddie Hoover out enjoying our beautiful California weather and fun sections.
words by KYLEE SWEETEN trials photos by STEPH
VETTERLY
enduro photos by
MJSMOTOPHOTOS
My first season in h ard enduro was certainly one to remember! Since 2015 I have primarily focused on trials and only dabbled here and there with dirt bikes, mostly just racing a few local off-road races, and going on trail rides with friends and my family. I’ve always had a dirt bike and have always been surrounded by all types of racing but trials was just my main focus.
My dad and older brothers have done many EnduroCross races in the past and they love a good torturous, hard-enduro-type trail ride. They convinced me to do a few in the
past but I had mostly avoided those since I wasn’t really into anything hard enduro. Somehow in 2020, they talked me into racing the Rev Limiter in Texas and after that, I certainly got the bug. I decided that I wanted to do as many west events as possible in 2021 of the AMA Extreme Enduro Championship (EXC).
I ended up riding the Grinding Stone in northern Arizona, Silver Mountain Extreme in Idaho, and the Donner Hard enduro near Tahoe in California. I was a consistent second-place finish er except for Silver Mountain which I managed
to sneak in a win (which was pretty unexpected but made me very happy). 2021 has been a total learning year and my only goals were to improve my fitness, get more comfortable on the bike, and learn more about h ow to be efficient and make minimal mistakes which I feel like I accomplished. I’m happy with my progress and really look forward to learning more! Riding hard enduro has been a good change for me and has helped re-spark my passion for riding motorcycles.
The transition from trials to hard enduro has been interesting because the skills from trials certainly cross over and help, but
there are still other things I’ve had to learn, and habits I’ve had to break. For instance, in trials, you use slow, explosive power 90% of the time.
With hard enduro, using more momentum works better because there’s so much bike and power; if it h its too h ard, it’s difficult to keep th e bike under control. Another habit I had to correct was standing up too much. Sometimes it’s just easier and more effective to sit and paddle to keep the bike under control and from bouncing around so much and help hold traction. Sitting also helps conserve energy which is one of the key points in hard enduro.
Overall, my trials background has helped a lot with the technical parts, but I’ve also h ad to figure out th e best techniques and strategies for a successful race, and I always learn something new at each event. I still really need to work on turning that throttle! Trials never taught me that.
I was very impressed with the EXC series and their respect for the Women’s Pro class, especially during th eir first year! Th ere will always be a struggle with the women’s payout compared to the men’s, (it’s usually about ½ the size of the men’s or smaller, or nothing at all) but personally, I’m quite grateful for what they are doing for
us. As someone with a full-time job who pays their way to every event, I am thankful for any help. And like I mentioned before, it’s impressive with a new series that there even is a Women’s Pro class with a purse, and one that has the women start ahead of every class except for A and Pro. We appreciate that respect and know that good people are behind the series! I’m excited to see how the AMA Extreme Enduro series will progress as it’s already grown quickly and has drawn a lot of attention; it seemed like a successful first year.
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