The X-Trial staff never disappoints - the ceremonies at round 2 in Chambéry were right on point.
photo courtesy X-Trial
CONTRIBUTORS
Pere
Eric
To get involved or send content, email stephanie@onthepegsmagazine.com
2025 FMF KTM FACTORY RACING TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT
A complete lineup of returning riders will form FMF KTM Factory Racing for the 2025 U.S. offroad season, fresh from an exceptional year that saw the team achieve titlewinning success nationwide with its READY TO RACE KTM XC machinery. FMF KTM Factory Racing Team Landers will also embark on its second term as an official program after earning multiple championships in their inaugural year together.
Next year will see the entire five-rider FMF KTM Factory Racing roster continue in orange, including reigning Grand National Cross Country (GNCC) Series and U.S. Sprint Enduro Champion Johnny Girroir onboard the KTM 350 XC-F with the target of defending both of those championships.
Girroir will be joined in GNCC by 2021 title winner Ben Kelley, who will be back to 100 percent fitness following an injury-affected past season. Kelley will also be equipped with the KTM 350 XC-F in the AMA National Enduro Championship, highly motivated to challenge for titles across both series.
Johnny Girroir:
“I’ve had a really good year, consistent with a lot of podiums all the way until we wrapped up the GNCC title, and I’m extra excited to go racing again for 2025!”
Ben Kelley:
“2024 was a difficult one with injuries, but I came back at the end of the year, and now I’m looking forward to coming into 2025 healthy, strong, and for a full season. I want to get back to running up front, win some more races, and to aim for another championship.”
FMF KTM Factory Racing will continue to field fivetime National Grand Prix Championship (NGPC) and West Hare Scrambles (WHS) Champion Dante Oliveira alongside younger brother Mateo Oliveira on the West Coast. Mateo will be aboard the KTM 450 XC-F, while Dante will split his time between the KTM 450 XC-F at NGPC and the KTM 350 XC-F at WHS.
Dante Oliveira:
“This year was solid, we made a lot of gains, and I was comfortable from the start. I definitely want to ramp up the pace for next year, keep improving for 2025, and it should be another awesome year.”
Mateo Oliveira:
“I finished this season really strong and I’m looking to build upon that for 2025. We’ll look to lead some more laps, be in the fight every weekend, and come out even better for the new year.”
Four-time U.S. Hard Enduro Champion and dual AMA EnduroCross Champion
Trystan Hart will also feature on the FMF KTM Factory Racing Team, aiming to do the double once again for a third-successive year. The world-class Canadian will once again ride the KTM 300 XC-W 2-Stroke in Hard Enduro, before transitioning to the KTM 350 XC-F 4-Stroke for the tight confines of EnduroCross.
Trystan Hart:
“I’m excited for 2025 and I've got some goals set out that I want to achieve. I want to get another U.S. Hard Enduro Championship to make it five in a row, and of course, I want to back up the EnduroCross Championship and make that three in a row. I’ve been on the podium at Erzberg a couple of times now, but in second and third, so I’m going to try and get on top there – I know it’s always tough, but I look forward to the challenge. I’m also looking forward to another year with the FMF KTM Factory Racing Team, we're starting to become like family since I’ve been here for so long now, and I’m definitely excited for the new year.”
Tim Weigand
FMF KTM Factory Racing Team Manager:
“We are thrilled to announce the return of our full FMF KTM Factory Racing Team
for the 2025 season. The 2024 season brought us remarkable success, with Johnny Girroir securing championships in both GNCC and U.S. Sprint Enduro, Dante Oliveira excelling in National Grand Prix and West Hare Scrambles, and Trystan Hart dominating U.S. Hard Enduro and EnduroCross. We’re also eager to see a fully-fit Ben Kelley back in action, aiming for titles in GNCC and National Enduro. Mateo Oliveira, now entering his third year in the premier class, is set to make significant strides as the team’s rising star. Each of these athletes embody unwavering dedication and give everything to be at the top of their game. With this outstanding group of riders, we’re excited to see what 2025 holds for us.”
FMF KTM Factory Racing Team Landers was first introduced for the 2024 season and was immensely successful in its first year of competition together with KTM North America, Inc. Led by authorized KTM dealership owner Chris Landers, the team has retained Grant Davis, Angus Riordan and Brandy Richards for 2025 – all onboard the KTM 250 XC-F.
Chris Landers
FMF KTM Factory Racing Team Landers Manager:
“It was an honor to begin our partnership with KTM as a race team and a KTM
authorized dealership in just one year. In 2025, we are thrilled to reach new heights, by continuing to grow our extremely talented roster of racers and mechanics at FMF KTM Factory Racing Team Landers. We are also excited to continue to grow our Monterey, TN, KTM dealership. We look forward to serving our off-road community by offering the best Ready To Race motorcycles on the market.”
After clinching a first-career GNCC XC2 Pro Class Championship and winning two rounds Overall – the John Penton and Buckwheat 100 GNCCs – Davis has established himself as one of the most exciting young riders in the sport. He will look to defend his GNCC XC2 title, as well as competing for the U.S. Sprint Enduro Pro 2 Class title.
Grant Davis:
“We had a really good 2024 season, even managed to get two GNCC Overall wins, and I’m excited to defend my XC2 Pro Championship in 2025. That’s the plan!”
Teammate Riordan also firmly placed himself on the radar in making it back-to-back U.S. Sprint Enduro Pro2 Class titles, in addition to finishing runner-up behind Davis in the GNCC XC2 250 Pro pointstandings, and achieving success on an international scale with a standout performance on debut in the Wales round of the EnduroGP World Championship. He
will once again contest the GNCC XC2 Class, in addition to debuting in the National Enduro NE Pro2 Class for 2025.
Gus Riordan:
“This year was good and we’re swapping it up for next season, switching to the National Enduro Series. I’m looking forward to that and GNCC as well, so hopefully we can get some wins and challenge for those titles.”
FMF KTM Factory Racing
Team Landers will welcome Richards back following an exceptional first GNCC campaign in which she finished second in the WXC category. Her move to East Coast-based competition has proven a successful one, earning the U.S. Sprint Enduro Pro Women Championship on debut, and also leading Team USA to become a four-time FIM International Six-Days Enduro (6DAYS) Women’s World Trophy Champion. Brandy will remain in GNCC, in addition to taking on the National Enduro Series in the Women’s Elite division.
Brandy Richards:
“2024 was quite the learning curve, my first year on the East Coast and doing GNCCs, and by the end of the year I feel I picked it up pretty well. I’m definitely feeling confident going into next season and I’m excited to keep working for another good year.”
Antti Kallonen KTM Group North America
Director
of Offroad Racing:
“We have a very motivated and committed team that includes our athletes, personnel and our partnership with Landers KTM. Overall, this program was highly successful this year winning multiple national titles across North America and we are happy to continue with the same line-up to defend all our
championships and aim for few new ones to keep KTM on top.”
TRYSTAN HART
JOHNNY GIRROIR
MATEO OLIVEIRA
FLATROCK MOTORCLUB GASGAS FACTORY RACING TEAM
A RED-hot new Flatrock Motorclub GASGAS Factory Racing Team will debut in United States offroad for the upcoming 2025 season, set to include former Grand National Cross Country (GNCC) Series Champion Jordan Ashburn and young gun Jason Tino, who is stepping up to the XC2 250 Pro Class.
The brand is eager to GET ON THE GAS in GNCC with the 2022 Overall title winner Ashburn, who charged to P2 in this year's championship with six podiums including two victories – The Mountaineer and John Penton GNCCs – to his credit. At 33 years of age, championship experience is on Jordan's side and he will be armed with the GASGAS EX 350F while solely dedicating his focus on the GNCC Series in 2025.
As for Tino, the New Jersey native is regarded as one of the most promising up and comers in offroad, and will graduate from 250A to the XC2 250 Pro class in GNCC ahead of the upcoming season. It will be an exciting step for him equipped with the GASGAS EX 250F, in addition to contesting the AMA National Enduro Series within the NE Pro2 ranks. This past season he finished P2 in U.S. Sprint Enduro with three wins in class, but will now focus on the NEPG Series.
Tanner Tremaine
Flatrock Motorclub GASGAS Factory Racing Team Manager:
"GASGAS is very excited to return to racing in 2025 with our new team, Flatrock Motorclub GASGAS Factory Racing! Flatrock Motorclub and GASGAS have partnered up to form a powerful, exciting team. Returning to the factory GASGAS team is Jordan Ashburn, who will be competing in GNCC looking to collect another Overall title in the XC1 Pro Class. New to the GASGAS factory team will be Jason Tino. Jason had
an extremely successful 2024 in 250A, but will be looking to make an impact in a very competitive XC2 Pro Class, plus he will also be looking to earn himself a championship in his first year of racing the National Enduro Series' NE Pro2 Class. Both riders are masters of their craft and we are excited to see what 2025 holds for the team."
Chris Landers
Flatrock Motorclub GASGAS Factory Racing Team Owner:
“We are beyond thrilled to see two premier brands in GASGAS and Flatrock Motorclub form to make a successful 2025 race team. We feel that Jordan Ashburn’s success and veteran race experience, plus Jason Tino’s promising future and youthful energy, will create a perfect dynamic for the GASGAS brand. Tanner Tremaine is exactly the Team Manager the Flatrock Motorclub GASGAS Factory Racing squad needs and we are excited to see his leadership grow this race season.”
Antti Kallonen
Director of Offroad Racing:
“I’m pleased how this new team came together, Chris Landers has a great vision and is very motivated to grow the sport and support our brand. His experience owning a race team and professionalism is what sets him apart and we believe creating this new type of hybrid team that combines our in-house expertise with his assets and resources is the key to success that GASGAS is looking for in 2025.”
Flatrock Motorclub is a members-only driving resort combining a world-class road race track with exquisite amenities. Located on 800 acres of pristine countryside in the heart of Tennessee, guests will experience a sophisticated blend of country elegance and southern hospitality. The elite 3.5 mile club track is
“I was stoked to end 2024 with a couple of wins in XC1 and finishing the year in second overall! I'm looking forward to building momentum with the team and landing on the podium more in 2025 aboard the EX 350F.”
“I’m excited with the 2025 season with GASGAS, and it will be my first year on a factory team. I’m surrounded by good people, so am really optimistic about the season ahead! I’m ready to get on the gas!”
JASON TINO
surrounded by sweeping views of manicured, rolling hills, while Motorclub Villas are designed to blend sophisticated living with unparalleled proximity to the Motorclub tracks and amenities.
JORDAN ASHBURN
2025 ROCKSTAR ENERGY HUSQVARNA FACTORY RACING TEAM
A sharp new Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing line-up will race into the United States offroad season in 2025, aiming to continue to challenge for championship success with Craig DeLong, Dalton Shirey, Ryder LeBlond and Korie Steede leading the charge.
All four riders are all returning to Husqvarna for the new year, firmly focused on making an impact across the Grand National Cross Country (GNCC), AMA U.S. Sprint Enduro, AMA National Hare & Hound, AMA U.S. Hard Enduro, and AMA EnduroCross Series.
Anthony DiBasilio Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing Team Manager:
“For 2025, our team of four is fired up to get some redemption. This past season was a bit of a struggle for us, but we have learned as a team and are motivated to win some championships! Craig
DeLong will be on the FX 350 and Korie Steede will be on her FC 250. They will be returning to take the top step consistently throughout the season in both the GNCC and U.S. Sprint Enduro Series. On the West Coast, Dalton Shirey will be returning to hunt down his fourth championship in the Hare & Hound series aboard his FC 450. Ryder LeBlond is eager to get back on his TE 300 and take on the U.S. Hard Enduro and then he will switch gears and jump on the FX 350 to contest EnduroCross. All four riders are determined to turn the sorrows of the 2024 season into a dominant 2025 campaign, and we can’t wait to make it happen. See you at the races.”
After finishing fourth in the XC1 Open Pro standings this year, a reenergized DeLong –fresh from winning the final round this year – will lead Rockstar Energy Husqvarna's GNCC effort onboard the FX 350, motivated to reclaim the Overall title that he previously captured in 2023. In addition,
Dalton Shirey:
“This season was probably about the roughest year I’ve ever experienced in my career, but I finally came through at the last national Hare & Hound. It took me a couple of races to start feeling back to my normal self again after my injury and I know I’ll be able to keep growing into next year in 2025.”
Korie Steede:
“This season was really solid for the team and I, we took the positives out of it, and worked on getting better and better every weekend. It was really good to lead the GNCC Series for quite a while, even if we did have some setbacks later on in the season, and we’re excited while we get ready for the 2025 season now.”
the 27-year-old will enter the Pro1 category of Sprint Enduro, where he raced to P3 this past season.
Also in GNCC and Sprint Enduro, Steede will enter her second year with Rockstar Energy Husqvarna and is looking to position herself as a legitimate title threat across both series riding the Husqvarna FC 250. Her season was cut short this year, but Steede still managed to claim third in the GNCC WXC title race with two victories to her credit, plus she was ranked second in the Sprint Enduro Pro Women Class.
On the West Coast, Rockstar Energy Husqvarna will be represented by three-time National Hare & Hound Champion Shirey, who will be equipped with the FC 450 as he attempts to regain the Pro Class title. Injury disrupted his 2024 campaign, however, after winning this year's finale, an off-season of rebuilding will be highly valuable for 26-yearold Shirey.
Ryder LeBlond:
“We’re ready for the 2025 season, where I’m looking to get some wins. I’ve got a good team, we have some exciting races ahead of us, and it’s going to be a good season ahead. I can’t wait!”
Once again in search of the podium in U.S. Hard Enduro and also EnduroCross during the second half of the year, LeBlond continues to establish himself as one of the sport's most exciting prospects. At 22 years of age, he rode the Husqvarna TE 300 to third in Hard Enduro this year and was P6 onboard a FX 350 in the EX Pro Class of EnduroCross, carrying strong momentum into 2025.
Antti Kallonen
Director of Offroad Racing:
“We have very focused team with Husqvarna heading into the new race season. We have high expectations for each rider as they are all proven championship contenders and our sharpened focus and support to each of them will give the edge they need to succeed. Each rider and staff on the team have been with us at least last season or more, so we have very good platform to start the new season.”
Craig DeLong:
“This year was a little bit of a rough one with a broken hand and some inconsistencies, but I ended the season on a good note to win the last GNCC, and I’m looking to carry that into 2025. I’m hoping to battle up-front and be in the fight for the championship again –that’s my plan.”
2025 LIQUI MOLY FACTORY BETA OFF-ROAD TEAM
The Liqui Moly Beta Factory Off-Road Team is excited to announce its official lineup for the 2025 season, showcasing a roster of exceptionally talented and determined riders.
The West Coast Off-Road Team returns two champions, Zane Roberts and Dare DeMartile. Roberts won the 2024 AMA National Hare and Hound title on his Factory 480 RR. He recently re-signed with Beta Racing for another two years and is looking to carry that momentum from last season into 2025. Zane will continue to race the National Hare and Hound as well as the West Hare Scramble series this season.
Beta's next champion is Dare DeMartile. A very successful 2024 campaign ended with
Dare winning the WORCS Pro title. With a dominant showing in that series, DeMartile was able to wrap up the championship a full round early. In the NGPC series, Dare was also extremely competitive, finishing in second place on the season. In 2025 he will defend his WORCS title while chasing the NGPC crown on a Beta Factory 480 RR.
The East Coast Off-Road Team returns Jhak Walker and adds Josh Strang to its lineup. Both riders will compete in GNCC Racing and at the National Enduro events. Josh Strang will manage the team's day-to-day operations and will also race in the GNCC XC1 class on a Beta Factory 480 RR. In his nineteen seasons of GNCC racing, Strang has an
West Coast Team
Roberts
XC1 championship, twentyfour wins, and eighty-seven podiums. His racing talent and expertise on the track will be a tremendous boost for the team.
Strang's teammate, Jhak Walker, has developed into a very competitive racer. Last year Walker raced the GNCC XC3 class where he won five times and podiumed every round but one. Heading into 2025 Jhak will step up a class and compete in XC2 on a Beta Factory 250 RR. Walker, who also re-signed with Beta Racing for two years, is eager to prove himself against tougher competition. With the full support of Beta Motorcycles, he aims to make a strong impression in his new class.
Brian Marok Team Manager:
"I think the whole team is ready to get back to racing! Both Dare and Zane have targets on their backs as they must defend their championship positions on the West Coast with a lot of tough competition facing them both. Josh Strang is going to be a great addition to the East Coast team as our XC1 rider in GNCC and East Coast Manager. He brings nearly two decades of racing experience at the top level to the team. That is going to be a huge benefit to our youngest rider, Jhak Walker, as he moves up from the 125 to the 250. Our bikes have never been better, and I feel that we have a great roster of riders to show everyone that Beta can win races, and ultimately, championships."
East Coast Team Josh Strang (7) Jhak Walker (719)
6D HELMETS PARTNERS WITH THE AMA NATIONAL ENDURO SERIES
The National Enduro Series (NEPG) has recently announced that 6D Helmets as a new partner for 2025.
Their mission is to “Provide the public with superior safety helmets from both a technological and design perspective.” and “Continually challenge our company to improve its technology and lead the marketplace with innovative solutions.”
With safety as a priority for NEPG and 6D Helmets, the series is offering a 15% Discount for any rider that participates in the AMA National Enduro Series! Use code NEPGVIP2025 at checkout on the 6Dhelmets. com website to enjoy 15% off their products!
GABRIEL MARCELLI RENEWS WITH REPSOL HONDA TEAM
Gabriel Marcelli and Repsol Honda have extended their collaboration through to 2027, with a contract extension for the Spanish rider. The two parties began working together in 2022, although since 2016 Marcelli has been linked to Honda as part of the Montesa Talent Team. In 2020 he joined the top class of the World Championship in both indoor and outdoor disciplines, and since then he has increased his list of achievements each season.
In 2019, Marcelli became Trial2 World Champion and won the European Title, leading to the move up to the TR1 class. In 2022, he joined Repsol Honda to partner Toni Bou, after the retirement of Takahisa Fujinami. In 2023 he finished the season in third position in both disciplines, and this past season he was runner-up in the TrialGP World Championship, as well as third in the X-Trial campaign.
Gabriel Marcelli:
“I am very grateful to the team and to HRC for trusting me to represent them for three more
years. It shows the good work we are doing and that we are on the right track. Since I was little I have always dreamed of being part of this team, and to be supported in this way is incredible for me. This past season has been positive, and I can see that year after year I am evolving. I really want to continue growing alongside this great team.”
Koji Watanabe
President of Honda Racing Corporation:
"I am very pleased to have Gabriel Marcelli with the Repsol Honda Team until 2027. In these three years we have seen great progress in the team and this season he has achieved great results with a runner-up finish in TrialGP and third place in X-Trial. HRC will continue to support Gabriel in all aspects, including bike development and team management, so that he can continue to grow as a rider.”
USA DEALERS
Dirt Riders West
Lewisport USA
Balance Trials Supply
Trial Store USA
Aloha Trials
Hawaii Rides
Tom's Toys
ROK Trials Team
TRS Kentucky
Jack's Cycles
Mossy Rock Trials
Competition Wheels
HVC cycle
Moto Works USA
Miller Ranch Trials
Gran Prix Cycle
Trials Training Cntr.
MOTOTRIALSPORT
Thumbs Up Trials
Everett Powersports
Mike Carlton
Adrian & Mandy Lewis
Bill Haskell
Alex Niederer
Clayton Oshita
Sam Bird
Tom Littlefield
Rick Agans
Sam Fastle
Stuart Preston
Dan Larson
James McKenzie
Brad Obidowski
Carl Madsen
Aaron & Andy Miller
Gary & Robyn Byers
Larry or Allison
Tom Batchelor
Steve Davis
Jeremy Turner
(602) 370-7546
(209) 785-6878
(720) 207-7715
(941) 404-0757
(808) 822-2706
(808) 621-6686
(815) 636-6446
(217) 246-3305
(505) 920-2266
(207) 337-1274
(406) 930-0227
(704) 906-3238
(402) 817-4795
(505) 210-4248
(607) 765-8362
(541) 926-3139
(251) 209-4694
(972) 754-9686
(801) 376-2447
(425) 347-4545
AZ, Phoenix
CA, Copperopolis
CO, Arvada
FL, Bradenton
HI, Kapaa
HI, Wahiawa
IL, Roscoe
IL, South Roxana
KY, Louisville
ME, South Berwick
MT, Big Timber
NC, Concord
NE, Lincoln
NM, Albuquerque
NY, Corning
OR, Albany
TN, Sequatchie
TX, Midlothian
UT, Provo
WA, Everett
if you’re viewing this as the digital version, click each product to be taken to its website where you can buy direct
• Strong Aluminum Construction will hold up to more than Plastic.
and Features:
• Rubber isolated mounting points to eliminate vibrations and rigidity on the frame.
• Covers vital areas of the motorcycle such as water pumps, oil filters, engine cases and Covers.
• Has side tabs that come up to protect the Frame Rails and Footpeg mounts.
• Vents in the wings let air flow through and mud fall out.
• Holes in the bottom to let you drain your oil without removing the plate.
• All installation Hardware is included.
• Linkage Guard available for this model. Part # 31-017
• Protect your expensive rear brake rotor with this disc guard.
• Replaces the entire brake carrier for superior strength and features a replaceable fin.
The Bullet Proof Designs Radiator Guard Mud Kit is crucial in extreme conditions to help prevent mud build up on the front of the radiator guard. This will help lower engine temperatures in mud races and rides. Compatible with all Bullet Proof Designs/stock radiator guards and easy to install. If you ride in the mud, this kit is a must have to prevent dangerous buildup on the front of the cooling system. This foam kit is washable and disposable, like a tear off for your radiator guards. Hit the trail #BattleReady and Bullet Proof your ride at bulletproofdesigns.com!
Strongest Open Ended Moto Roost Deflectors on the Market!
Mounted directly to the brake and clutch lever perches
Does not take up any extra space on the handlebars
New Billet design provides excellent side and front impact protection. Protect your radiators from collisions or crashes. Clean design with maximum air flow. Easy Installation. Install both sides in less than 4 minutes. Works with all fan kits.
Makes wheel maintenance a breeze with this time saver.
Made of billet aluminum, this trick piece not only looks cool but is extremely handy when it comes time to change a tire.
Pocket on composite arm allows deflector to flex on impact or crash
Sold as a pair
Plastic Roost Deflector required Part number 51-220 Thru 51-229.
Saves your slave cylinder and engine case if you throw a chain or fall on a rock. Offers great peace of mind.
This wheel spacer kit allows for KTM/Husqvarna/GasGas Wheels to fit on your Triumph Motorcycle. Not an OEM Wheel Spacer Replacement. Will not work with 2023 to current OEM KTM/ Husqvarna/GasGas 22mm rear axle wheels.
Don't get stuck out on the trail with a damaged ignition wire
Our Ignition wiring guard helps prevent the ignition wire from being damaged by sticks or other debris.
Protecting the lower fork leg from rocks and other debris. Hole cut to provide access to adjustment clickers without removing guard. Easy Installation.
NeutraMotor, a Barcelonabased company, has announced a new electric trials bike for kids, designed for beginners and competition.
This new model marks NEUTRA’s entry into the motorcycle market, helping to meet the growing demand for children's electric trials bike, while providing what they feel is the complete package for new kids coming into the sport.
It all starts with the weight. The aluminum chassis and swingarm help keep the bike at a manageable 72.5 pounds. The K3 comes equipped with a high-quality suspension system, including a lightweight front aluminum fork with a dual crown and 32mm bars that allow for compression, air, and rebound adjustments. The system adapts to different rider weights through a personalized pressure chart.
The 20-inch wheels are equipped with trial-specific tires with reinforced spokes, which helps keep the maintenance requirements low and the durability high.
The K3 has a removable lithium-ion battery weighing only 10 pounds. It can be fully charged in just over 2 hours using the standard 5A charger, providing up to 4 hours of
continuous riding at max capacity. An optional 10A charger is available, which helps cut charging time in half.
The bike also features five power maps fine-tuned for different technical levels and skill sets. ECO mode for beginners, intermediate LOW and MED levels, and HIGH and MAX modes for the more expert riders.
Precise control and riding posture are fundamental to the rider's experience. The adjustable, easy-to-replace mechanical cable throttle stands out for its smooth operation and feel, providing a progressive response without the high cost of electronic systems. The K3 features grips and footpegs from S3 Parts, known for their quality and trial-specific performance, enhancing the rider's grip and stability. Additionally, it includes a large, flat reinforced skid plate designed to protect the lower part of the motor from impacts and damage, while also acting as a slider for navigating technical trial sections.
The rear and front fenders, made of flexible polypropylene, ensure greater protection, durability, and resistance against impacts and abrasions. Moreover, the brake disc guards are made
NEW KID ON THE BLOCK Neutra K3
of flexible plastic for added strength.
NeutraMotor is currently seeking an importer for the US. With this next generation of trials riders coming, it will be important for manufacturers to have the machines available for them to learn and grow.
Check out more details at: www.neutramotor.com
THESE 3 DIRT BIKE PARTS TRANSFORMED MY RIDING BUYING PERFORMANCE
WORDS & PHOTOS
BRIAN PIERCE
Buying performance doesn’t happen very often! There are few times that I have spent money and noticed an immediate increase in my speed and performance on the bike. Because of that, I wanted to share the parts where I did feel an immediate increase in speed and performance on the bike. I’m also going to chat about why I think these parts are doing what they’re doin, and how you can leverage this for you and your bike.
ASTRA OFFROAD HANDLEBARS
I’ve been running Astra Offroad handlebars since 2021, shortly after they partnered with Chris Birch. When I first saw their design, I thought, “Holy crap, these are low-rise handlebars.” And I wasn’t wrong. The Chris Birch model I use has a rise of just 22mm— less than an inch.
For comparison:
• Renthal 999 handlebars have a 42mm rise
• Renthal 996’s: 53mm
SO WHY GO SO LOW?
It’s all about riding position. Astra calls these “Poster Centric Handlebars,” designed to naturally shift the rider’s weight forward into a more aggressive attack position.
From day one, I could feel the difference. The low rise doesn’t just help when I’m standing—it also pulls me into the bike during seated cornering, keeping me planted in the cockpit. Over time, this has translated to better control, faster cornering, and a more confident riding style.
Are they pricey? Yes. But in the three years I’ve used them, they’ve never bent—despite all the chaos I’ve put them through. This summer, I even bought a second pair with a
slightly higher rise (27mm) for whatever bike I end up with next.
PRO TIP - I pair these bars with the MAKO360 and Ryan Sipes’ lowered perches to keep them lower than the stock bar position. The combination has been a huge win for both comfort and performance. FASTWAY EVO 4
Next up: the Fastway EVO 4 foot pegs. I use the steel version with the super-pointy F7 cleats, and let me tell you, these pegs are a beast. They’re wider and beefier than stock pegs, giving me a larger platform to stand on and more confidence when shifting my weight.
One of the coolest features is their adjustability. These pegs can be mounted in the stock
Click or scan to watch Brian's YouTube video
position or in a lower and back position. I opted for the latter because I was having trouble getting my feet off the pegs—especially during quick adjustments while riding. This often led to frustrating tip-overs (you know, the kind where you look around hoping no one saw).
At 5’11”, I’m slightly taller than average, and the lowerback position has been a gamechanger. It lets me grip the bike better and move around the cockpit more freely. Over time, this added control has translated to better handling and more speed.
Another adjustment I haven’t played with yet is the peg tilt. Using washers, you can angle the pegs inward toward the bike, which could improve leg grip and comfort. It’s on my list to experiment with!
ARC LEVERS
I’ll admit it—I didn’t expect levers to have such a big impact on my riding. But the ARC levers I installed this summer completely blew me away.
Before the ARC levers, I was running Midwest Mountain Engineering levers. After
some clutch issues at Red Canyon, I decided to upgrade to ARC’s folding-style levers. These are a popular choice in the pits, and after using them, I can see why.
The adjustability of the ACR lever is nextlevel. I spent half a day fine-tuning bar placement and lever reach on a test loop. Once I found the sweet spot, the difference was immediate:
• I could brake harder and later, carrying more speed into corners.
• My overall control improved, which made me faster without pushing harder.
The result? I revisited my throttle and braking points to maximize this newfound control. The ARC levers I chose were the standard, shorty length (OEM equivalent), but they now offer longer options if you prefer.
Note: Their website can be a bit overwhelming with all the options, so take your time to find what fits your bike and hand size.
FINAL THOUGHTS
I’m not someone who expects instant performance gains just by throwing money at my bike. But these three parts delivered exactly that. If I had to pick one standout, the ARC levers surprised me the most. Once dialed in, they transformed how I approached braking and speed control— proof that sometimes the smallest changes make the biggest difference.
What about you? Have you ever installed a part that immediately improved your riding? Share your experiences in the comments—I’d love to hear what worked for you!
Blisters and tearing while riding or racing your dirt bike sucks. These products and tips are here to help you prevent blisters, so you can enjoy #GettingSeattime more!
Blisters form due to friction. To prevent blisters from forming, which then leads to our skin tearing, we need to reduce friction at the hands. Repeated friction can cause calluses to grow, which is the body protecting itself by building up a hardening of dead skin. Calluses can be a deterrent to future blisters, but left unchecked, they can also be a cause of tearing.
To make sure your calluses don’t become a hindrance, you need to trim them down as they get too tall. Using a callus shaver is a simple, and effective, way to maintain your rough skin, but also keep future hot spots from forming. Another tool I found during this video creation was the Calicure Callus Remover. I haven’t tried it yet, but I added one to my cart!
There is a lot of talk of “manning up” or “toughening up your hands”. There is something to that, we need to use our hands in the way they’re going to be worn
no more tearing
WORDS & PHOTOS
BRIAN PIERCE
down, to get used to the work. But every human is a bit different, meaning their skin may not function the same as others. As a rider, we need to learn our own limits, and plan for them.
ATHLETIC TAPE
Athletic tape is a great option because it is a tough material, while not being too thick. Leveraging a pre-tape spray to make our hands tacky before application helps sweaty riders, or for long days on the bike.
Athletic tape can be wrapped around the base of the thumb for grip wear. There are also a few different ways to wrap the palm of the hands to help prevent blisters. A direct wrap of the hand isn’t the best option due to pinching and the tape rolling. Randy Hawkins has been seen showing a technique he learned at the ISDE that’s the best way to use athletic tape if that’s the route you want to go.
If you want to try out a few different techniques, athletic tape on amazon is fairly cheap. Grab a few rolls and get crazy. Then let us know what works best for you and your hands.
WOD & DONE IN LIEU OF TAPE
Wod & Done is a company that came about in the CrossFit space to help athletes from
tearing their hands. As we mentioned in the video, athletic tape can work, but it can also fail. WOD & DONE Hand Grips were made for athletes who wanted the thinness of athletic tape, but the security of a gymnastics grip.
If you’re going to try their hand grips, we recommend dirt bikers use a pre-tape adhesive. A pre-tape adhesive helps their grips stay on for longer rides, and it’ll help riders that enjoy as many water crossings as they can find.
You’ll need to get a few packs from Amazon, or their site, because as the name states, they’re one and done.
PALM PROTECTORS
Palm protectors create a friction barrier between your hands and your gloves. Some riders have issues with these due to the thickness, but with
ODI half-waffle grips, and my Leatt gloves, they work just fine.
The palm protectors I have been using for years now are made by Risk Racing. I grab a few pairs at the beginning of the year, and I go through them by the end. Even with all the hand care I do, I know I need these.
Another palm protector on the market is the PalmSaver by SealSavers. I have tried these, but I didn’t like the minimal amount of finger holes. I found they bunched up in my gloves.
UNDERGLOVES
This option is the most robust option, as it’s a literal extra glove to wear under your riding glove. The reason these aren’t used as much anymore is because of the growth of palm protector products.
If you’re going to use under gloves, ¾ finger or full finger,
you’re probably going to need to go up a size in your riding gloves.
These glove liners will help prevent blisters, but they’ll also create extra heat in your hands. This could be great during the winter, or if you need this level of protection.
WRAPPING IT UP
There is no one size fits all product for a dirt biker to prevent blisters. Some of us need to ride more to toughen up our skin. Some of us need to take better care of our hands so we don’t have hot spots waiting to form. Some of us need to use a product that gives us a friction layer between our skin and a glove. As with most things in life, take this advice and apply it to your life in the best way it works for you.
“Toughening up” is a thing, but it’s not the only thing to
force a rider to figure out. All of these products could be helpful or useful at different times or a riders riding journey. Stay attentive to your hands, figure out what you need, and go ride your dirt bike! www.seattime.co
Single Track perfection
New Features
» Lower Seat Height
» Front Rescue Strap
» Zf SHC Front Fork Matched with a redesigned ZF Rear shock
» XTrig Flex Fix handlebar mounts to reduce vibration and rider fatigue
» New headlight mask, shrouds, & rear fender
» Coolant Recovery tank reduces coolant lost in extreme riding conditions
» frame which has improved turning Stability and reduced flex under load
» updated nissin rear brake master Cylinder
Riesa
BOLT DOMINATES 10-YEAR ANNIVERSARY ROUND
WORDS PHOTOS
SUPERENDURO FUTURE7MEDIA
The second round of the FIM SuperEnduro World Championship brought intense battles, thrilling plot twists, and an incredible atmosphere as Riesa celebrated the 10th anniversary of hosting SuperEnduro. The evening began with a spectacular opening ceremony, and a jaw-dropping fire show. Fans packed the arena, cheering passionately as every rider was battling for glory.
Billy Bolt (GBR) once again dominated the SuperPole, setting a blistering lap time
of 39.762 seconds on his Husqvarna. The session was a near carbon copy of Round 1, with Jonny Walker (GBR) in second with a 41.351 on the Triumph and Eddie Karlsson (SWE) in third with a 42.121 on the electric Stark Future. This gave Bolt 3 points, Walker 2 points, and Karlsson 1 point heading into the finals.
Jonny Walker kept the pressure on Billy Bolt throughout the first race, but Bolt found better lines toward the end and built a 4-second lead to claim the
win. Behind them, Eddie Karlsson battled with Dominik Olszowy (POL) for third place. Olszowy, who had been riding consistently despite not finding top pace in practice lost a couple of spots by making an unexpected mistake on the bridge, thereby handing third place to Karlsson. This marked the first-ever podium for an electric bike in the FIM SuperEnduro World Championship!
In the reverse-grid second race, Cooper Abbott (USA) took the Diverse holeshot and
held the lead early. Dominik Olszowy and Jonny Walker quickly overtook Abbott, but Walker’s front wheel washed out just before the finish line on lap two, forcing him off the track and out of the race. Billy Bolt, starting without a rush, steadily worked his way to the front. By lap five, he passed both Abbott and Olszowy, pulling away for his second win of the night. Abbott’s mistake late in the race allowed Mitchell Brightmore (GBR) to claim third after a fierce battle with his brother Ashton Brightmore (GBR).
Jonny Walker made a strong comeback, claiming the holeshot and setting a quick pace. Bolt, however, fought his way past Olszowy with some difficulty and then Walker, who struggled with mistakes in the rock section. Bolt completed a perfect score for the night (1-1-1), taking the overall win. Olszowy’s consistent performance (4-2-3) earned him second overall, while Walker (2-DNF-2) managed to secure third.
“I’m really pleased with how the evening has gone here in
Germany, and the fans have been amazing as always," said Bolt. "I managed to go the whole event without crashing, which is good. Obviously to take three wins and the SuperPole is always the goal, but I’m happy with how I rode tonight as well. Jonny was laying on the pressure in the first race, then Dominik in the second, but I was able to stay focused and not make any mistakes. Everything is going to plan so far, and the bike is working really, really well. I’m looking forward to getting back to racing again in two weeks’ time in Romania.”
"The second round of the SuperEnduro World Championship was fast," explained Olszowy. "I made a lot of mistakes in practice, but in the races I found my speed. After three good races, with fights for the top places, I achieved 4-2-3 and finished second overall. Now it's time to get back to work to be ready for the next round in Romania two weeks from now."
“I felt good tonight and I had good pace for sure," said Walker. "To go from such a
strong start to the evening to then DNF isn’t ideal, but to then finish second after all of that, I’m really happy with how I bounced back. In race two, I grabbed a handful of front brake and tucked the front and that was all it took to twist the bike beyond what I could repair myself. I had fun tonight, the crowd in Germany is always amazing and it’s definitely one of my favourite places to race. The plan is to head home, recover and come back stronger for the next round in two weeks’ time.”
Mitchell Brightmore and his younger brother Ashton Brightmore battled fiercely for the podium, with Mitch coming out on top in fourth overall, while Ashton finished sixth.
Eddie Karlsson, who impressed with a third place SuperPole time and a historic podium in the first final for Stark Future, struggled with consistency in the remaining finals, still ending the night in fifth overall, tied on points with Mitch Brightmore.
Cooper Abbott showed improvement in finals 2 and 3 but was pushed to seventh overall due to early mistakes in the first final.
William Hoare (GBR) is still searching for his rhythm this season. The TTR rider finished eighth overall, but his talent suggests there’s more to come as the Championship progresses.
German favorite Tim Apolle (GER) showed potential during track previews but ended up mid-pack, finishing tenth overall.
Newcomer and trials rider turned SuperEnduro competitor Toby Martyn (GBR) is beginning to find his pace on the demanding indoor tracks. He rode with confidence throughout the evening, signaling good potential for future rounds, ending the day in 11th overall.
PREVIOUS: Husqvarna Factory Racing's Billy Bolt (57)
ABOVE: Billy Bolt (57), Ashton Brightmore (7), Cooper Abbott (120)
Rieju Factory's Dominik Olszowy (501)
Beta Factory Racing's Alfredo Gomez (89)
Rieju Factory's Toby Martyn (212)
OVERALL
1. Billy Bolt (HSQ)
2. Dominik Olszowy (RIE)
3. Jonny Walker (TRI)
4. Mitchell Brightmore (GG)
5. Eddie Karlsson (STR)
6. Ashton Brightmore (GG)
7. Cooper Abbott (SHR)
8. William Hoare (HSQ)
9. Alfredo Gomez Cantero (BET)
10. Tim Apolle (BET)
SERIES STANDINGS
1. Billy Bolt (HSQ) - 119pts
2. Dominik Olszowy (RIE) - 97pts
3. Jonny Walker (TRI) - 75pts
4. Ashton Brightmore (GG) - 72pts
5. Eddie Karlsson (STR) - 66pts
6. Mitch Brightmore (GG) - 61pts
7. Cooper Abbott (SHR) - 61pts
8. William Hoare (HSQ) - 53pts
9. Alfredo Gomez Cantero (BET) - 45pts
10. Tim Apolle (BET) - 40pts
SETTING THE PACE
BOU BACK ON TOP IN CHAMBÉRY
PERE FLORES COURTESY X-TRIAL
CATCHING UP ROUND 1 - MADRID
X-Trial Madrid, the opening Round of the 2025 FIM X-Trial World Championship, resulted in Jaime Busto’s fifth career victory. Toni Bou (Repsol Honda Trial Team) finished four marks behind him, while Adam Raga (Sherco) completed the podium by virtue of a run-off against teammate Benoit Bincaz.
In a Grand Final characterised by its extreme level of difficulty, there were never more than six marks separating all four competitors. Ultimately, Section Two proved decisive in Jaime Busto’s win; he managed a clean there while each of his rivals failed. By successfully defending this lead, Busto had sewn up victory before his final ride.
Toni Bou found himself in a close-fought battle for second after a dramatic Section One failure. A further dab in Section Four where the other three Finalists were clean left him fourth heading into
the last Section, but he was the only rider successfully through and nosed in front of the Sherco duo by just a single mark.
Adam Raga made a fairytale return to the Palacio Vistalegre, where he was crowned World Champion for the first time aged 21 back in 2003. On this visit, he delivered his first podium in ten Rounds since X-Trial Bordeaux last year. Benoit Bincaz missed out on what could have been a third consecutive podium, as he failed the tie-break Section, handing Raga his dream return to the rostrum.
Bincaz had made it to the Final as the last chance qualifier from Q2, eliminating Gabriel Marcelli by a 13.7 second margin including a 10 second time penalty in the new Sprint Format.
Sondre Haga (GasGas) finished 10 marks away from the qualification cut in Q1, Jack Peace (Sherco) and Miquel Gelabert (Vertigo) one mark further behind in a disappointing start to the season for the Spaniard.
Jaime Busto (1st): “Starting the season with the win is special and to do so in such a demanding Final, where any mistake was vital, makes it even more important. Truthfully I was a little nervous at the start, but the more Sections we went through the better I felt on the bike. Now the important thing is to deliver consistently.”
Toni Bou (2nd): “It has been a tough Final, further complicated by Section One which I felt I completed clean but I was given a five
for what I still think was a misunderstanding. From there I rode nervously. But it could have been worse than second place so I now just need to look ahead.”
Adam Raga (3rd): “This podium is very special for me because this is where I was World Champion in 2003 and because this is my last appearance in the Spanish capital before I retire after X-Trial Barcelona. I have proven I am still riding at a high level and I enjoyed myself a lot.”
ROUND 2
CHAMB É RY
Toni Bou (Repsol Honda Trial Team) claimed the win at X-Trial Chambéry with an exemplary display in an allSpanish Grand Final. Bou’s fellow countrymen Jaime Busto (GasGas), Gabriel Marcelli (Repsol Honda Trial Team) and Adam Raga (Sherco) finished in that order behind him.
The scorelines alone highlight just how comfortable this win was for Bou; he totalled 6, while Busto finished on 17, Marcelli on 18 and Raga on 30. Whereas Bou successfully completed the toughest Sections One, Three and Five with just four dropped marks, his three rivals failed each of them, giving him victory with two rides to spare.
Instead, the fight for second place at X-Trial Chambéry provided the entertainment in the Final. Jaime Busto put in an excellent damage limitation ride after finishing Q1 down in fifth place, bouncing back with P1 in Q2 to join the podium fight, and then beating Gabriel Marcelli by a single mark. The pair entered the last section level, but Busto’s superior result there gave him the slender advantage. Second place here and victory at X-Trial Madrid last month mean Busto remains tied on points with Toni Bou at 35 apiece.
Adam Raga, meanwhile, remains third in the Standings as the only other rider with two Grand Final appearances. But after a stunning win in Q1, ahead of Toni Bou on time, Raga was unable to make an impression on the Final.
Home hero Benoit Bincaz (Sherco) missed out on qualification by just a single mark in Q1 and with the last ride of Q2 against Jaime Busto.
The three least experienced riders on show were cut somewhat adrift, but debutant Lorenzo Gandola (Beta) showed well in the opening two sections of Q1 to take sixth. Hugo Dufrese (Beta) marked his return to the series with seventh and will hope for better next week in ClermontFerrand. Harry Hemingway (Beta) put in a strong Q2 and was close in several places around the Q1 course but came home eighth.
"I'm very happy," started Bou. "I think that after the round in Madrid the whole team deserved this result. We have worked very hard these last
few weeks and it has been reflected in the result. The race went really well and it was an incredible final. I felt really comfortable from the start and we know that this is the way forward. I would like to thank the team for all the work they have done since Madrid to get us here in top form."
“I am disappointed with my riding today," said Busto. "In Q1 I strained my arm and it was tough from there. I did manage to recover a bit and things got better. So I am happy to have finished second and I’m looking forward to next week.”
“I am happy to be back on the podium, which is important because I didn’t feel good at all in Madrid." explained Marcelli. "But today I rode at a high level, and even though I could have avoided a couple of mistakes, I am happy with third and finishing only a mark from second.”
OVERALL (RD 1)
1. Jaime Busto (GG)
2. Toni Bou (MON)
3. Adam Raga (SHR)
4. Benoît Bencaz (SHR)
OVERALL (RD 2)
5. Toni Bou (MON)
6. Jaime Busto (GG)
7. Gabriel Marcelli (MON)
8. Adam Raga (SHR)
SERIES STANDINGS
1. Toni Bou
2. Jaime Busto
3. Gabriel Marcelli
4. Adam Raga
5. Benoît Bincaz
6. Lorenzo Gandola
7. Hugo Dufrese
8. Harry Hemmingway
RYON LAND JOINS SHERCO USA
WORDS PHOTOS
STEPH VETTERLY COURTESY SHERCO USA, ERIC SOLA ALBRERO, JOAN CARLES VAZQUEZ
At the age of 12, if someone had offered you an opportunity to travel to a different country and train the sport that you were passionate about, you would be foolish not to take them up on it. During 2022, Jaime Busto – who would finish that season’s TrialGP series second overall riding for Vertigo – and Yohito Takeda visited the United States for both the Vertigo Appreciation Day, hosted by Lewisport USA, as well as the California round of the AMA NATC National Mototrials Championship Series. It was through these events that Jaime, his minder Àlex Solà, and then Vertigo Motors Export Manager, Daniel Regas, were able to see Ryon ride. They all agreed that Ryon had the potential, and wanted to see what he could do if given more supportive training than was available in the United States.
With the help of countless supporters and donations from around the country, Ryon was able to begin a new chapter in his trials career. That first year in 2022, he spent two months in Spain where he competed in two events in the Spanish Trial Championship in the Cadet 125 class – he won both events. The following year, he signed on with Vertigo Motors and again competed in the Spanish Trial Championship. He was able to take home the Cadet 125 title, with his brother, Dalton, helping to mind for him. In 2024, he moved up to the Junior class, dominated the season and took home yet another title, this time with Martí Terricabras at his side.
Now, after several years being under the Vertigo brand, Ryon has seized a new opportunity to ride for Sherco USA starting with the 2025 season. On the Pegs had a chance to chat with Ryon about his international experience, his move to the a new brand, and his plans for the future.
L to R: Jase Chelin (mechanic), Ryon Land, Dalton Land, Carter Jones (Trials Team Manager)
OTP - CONGRATULATIONS ON THE MOVE! CATCH US UP ON WHERE YOU’VE BEEN STAYING AND WHO YOU’VE BEEN ABLE TO TRAIN WITH DURING YOUR TIME IN SPAIN.
RYON LAND - Thank you. I’ve been living with Jaime Busto’s minder, Àlex, and his wife, Marta. I was also staying here with my brother, Dalton, for a little while, but this last year I wasn’t able to because he just started his job in the Air Force and it made different plans for me in 2024. I’ve trained with Jaime and we’ve become better friends throughout the years we’ve spent together. I’ve also trained with Pablo Suarez and Adam Raga, and some Trial2 riders like Pau Dinares, Shinya Hirohata, and Mats Nilsen, a good friend of mine who just moved to Norway.
OTP - WHAT HAS THAT BEEN LIKE? I MEAN, NOT MANY PEOPLE HAVE THE OPPORTUNITY TO TRAIN WITH RIDERS LIKE THAT. WHAT WAS IT LIKE MEETING THEM? WAS IT STRESSFUL TRYING TO RIDE IN FRONT OF THEM?
RL - Exactly. That was my feeling for sure. I was very nervous. I almost couldn't control myself and my emotions. I was just shocked that it was happening in that moment. I couldn't ride the way I wanted to, but I tried to do the best I could, and it seems like it just worked out for me.
OTP - TALK US THROUGH WHAT THE TRAINING HAS BEEN LIKE, WHAT YOU’VE BEEN ABLE TO IMPROVE ON, AND WHAT THEY’VE BEEN ABLE TO TEACH YOU.
RL - A lot of the things that have been happening through the trainings are that I would wake up around eight, I would make my breakfast, I would get ready, I would get the bike ready in the morning, and then I would head off and we would meet around ten with a couple guys. I would warm up a little bit to say hello, things like that. After about 30 minutes after we're done warming up, then we really start pushing hard and act like we're in an event. We wouldn't necessarily do
scores, but we'd just try to see who could do the best score. We're always pushing each other mentally and physically. It's always good training and we always have fun. We would always be working on every technique in every section. We wouldn't just be doing one technique through one section. We would be doing as much as we possibly could in one
section. We would improve on everything, every training.
I do this every day from 10 to 2. I do it Monday through Friday and if I can, I ride on the weekends with friends. We'll go ride old school or we'll just train together having fun and do whatever we can. I train for stop allowed. I never really train no-stop unless it’s
something just super easy and I need to make it a little bit more difficult.
In my opinion, I think that [my skills have] improved quite a bit, especially since last year. Àlex has been almost my full-time minder, except for the in the events due to an injury of Pablo’s that he had by himself. It really helped improve me mentally and physically. I think I've improved on a lot of things since 2023 and going into 2024.
OTP - WHAT HAS IT BEEN LIKE WITH THE LANGUAGE BARRIER? I ASSUME YOU DIDN’T SPEAK SPANISH WHEN YOU WENT OVER?
RL - No, it's pretty difficult, but with Àlex it's pretty easy because he knows very good English and for me, I need to know more Spanish, that's for sure. It’s something I need to learn if I'm going to be staying over here however long. It's difficult for me to do, but I just managed to do it. I try to speak a little bit, but it's not easy.
OTP - WHAT MADE YOU DECIDE THAT SHERCO WAS THE NEXT MOVE?
RL - I think it's just a great opportunity to try something new and go from there. I
think it was good for me and the family to try and see what other opportunities come with it, especially now that I'm going to be doing the American rounds as well as the World Championship and Spanish Championship. I want to become world champion. I don't have a set goal to beat anybody but Toni [Bou]; I think that's everybody's dream. I'm going to try my hardest, and
if I can’t beat him, then my goal is just to become the best I possibly can be.
OTP - WHAT DOES THE 2025 SEASON LOOK LIKE FOR YOU? SOUNDS LIKE IT’S GOING TO BE BUSY.
RL - I’ll be riding the Trial3 class in the FIM TrialGP World Championship Series on a 125cc. I’ll also be competing in the Spanish Trial Championship in the Trial2 class on a 300cc. I’ll also be coming to ride the Ohio round of the NATC series. I just got my Sherco a couple days ago and I've only put around 11 hours on it. That's the only time I really had a 300. I just moved over to the 250 last year and the time before that, I've been full-time on the 125. Martí will be minding for me again this year.
OTP - HAVING HAD EXPERIENCE NOW TRAINING IN BOTH THE UNITED STATES AND INTERNATIONALLY, DO YOU FEEL THAT IF SOMEONE WANTS TO MAKE A CAREER IN TRIALS, GOING OVERSEAS AND FINDING AN OPPORTUNITY LIKE YOU DID IS THE BEST WAY TO GO?
RL - Yeah, I think for sure going overseas is the best way to go if you're trying to make it a career. I wouldn't go just to Spain. I would try to go everywhere that you can. The more people that you can get watching you, the better opportunities you have.
OTP - GOOD LUCK THIS YEAR! IT’LL BE EXCITING TO SEE WHAT YOU’RE ABLE TO ACHIEVE.
•
Mar 8-9: Trials Training Days
Mar 14-16: Downhill Southeast Mtn Bike Race
June 23-26: Family Camp
June 27-29: AMA/NextGen Mototrials Youth & Women's Regional Championship
June 30 - July 3: Invitational Teen Camp
Aug 8-10: 15th Annual Red Bull Kenda
Tennessee Knock Out Extreme Enduro
Oct 18-19: 33rd Annual 58K Fall Trial (STRA)
Dec 6: Xmas Toy Trial - Fun Gate Trial * All
Ryan Young Trials Schools at TTC: January 25-26 February 22-23 April 12-13 May 3-4
July 26-27
September 13-14
November 1-2
www.ryanyoungtrialsschools.com
A Sandy Ride Back in Time
MY EXPERIENCE AT THE RACE OF GENTLEMEN (TROG) 2024
STEPH VETTERLY WORDS & PHOTOS
The Race of Gentlemenaffectionately referred to as TROG - was something I had first heard of back in 2019. I have a soft spot for vintage machinery and what I saw on TROG's social media pages was quintessential vintage, and the organization was taking racing all the way back to its roots - racing on the beach.
Reading through the rules for race entry, it was obvious what "look" they were trying to achieve. Engines had to be 1947 or older, any fasteners had to be period-correct, no zip ties, no modern hardware or parts. Period carburetors, period transmissions, shifters and clutches, forks, wheels, hubs, etc... the list went on and on. Both cars and motorcycles were accepted, and racers were encouraged to wear more period-correct attire. The goal was to transport spectators back to the "golden" age of racing.
The brainchild of Mel Stultz, the inaugural Race of Gentlemen was held in 2012 on the beach in Asbury Park, NJ, just days before Hurricane Sandy made landfall. The race has been traditionally run on the sands of New Jersey due to the storied history of beach racing, including the epic 1-mile beach race in Cape May during the summer of 1905.
Unfortunately, due to the state of the world over the next few years, the racing would be put on hold. But I kept in on my radar, and in 2024, the stars aligned and I was able to book a stay in Wildwood.
If I'm being honest, in my experience with vintage motorcycle events, I wasn't expecting the biggest turnout. With vintage machines becoming more difficult to buy/fabricate parts for, more expensive to run, more "valuable," and a dwindling of people who actually know how to work on them when they need fixed, I was expecting this to be a healthy turnout, but nothing crazy - boy was I wrong.
With almost 100 motorcycles pre-entered, and just as many cars, the pit area was packed solid, and there was a line of spectators through the amusement rides on Morey's Pier just waiting to get entry.
Although the plan was to kick racing off at 10am, Mother Nature had other ideas. Racing was delayed until the tides receded, and attendees kept themselves occupied with the food and souvenir vendors and merchandise shops and the Wall of Death (I swear those folks are at every event across the nation!).
Once the tides cooperated, practice runs were allowed, and the base that vibrated through your chest as the Indian and Harley-Davidson engines roared to life threatened to drown out the noise in all of New Jersey.
Racers of all ages and backgrounds lined up to run their machines down the 1/8mile track, in front of hundreds of cheering fans.
As I ventured through the pits, I met with several folks, each of whom had their own reasons for coming to race.
"Detroit" Hayward, whose mother is the only one allowed to call him by his first name - Randy, was racing the Godfather of all motorcycles
at TROG: a 1929 HarleyDavidson DL 750cc v-twin flathead. The bike was the first year of the 45 cubic inch flathead. Harley rushed the bike to market and put it in the single-cylinder frame.
Detroit has been attending TROG since 2016. When asked why he enjoyed vintage motorcycles so much, he said that "it's the mechanics of it. When you really get down to it, to get on something where you can see [the parts moving] and be able to work on it. With today's motorcycles, you're riding a computer.
Think about this - there's 8.5 billion people on the planet, and right now about 6,000 of us are gathering here to do this, to stand in the footprint of history. All American racing started on the beach, and we get to relive it. Any racing is dangerous; to be able to do what was done over 100 years ago was amazing. What
Mel has done [with TROG] is ingenious and is being replicated around the world. Where else do you get to come out and see these original bikes being used for their intended purpose?"
In 2018, as part of the Bradford Beach Brawl presented by TROG in Milwaukee, WI, Detroit even had the opportunity to race for Harley-Davidson in front of some of the Davidson family as part of HD's 115th anniversary celebration.
New Jersey-native David Baez, brought his 1942 HD WLA that he built piece-bypiece in his garage specifically so he could race it at TROG. He found and bought each part separately and slowly, the vision came together.
When asked why he chose vintage bikes, David said "I've had [modern bikes], but this is different. How many people
do you know get to ride a 1942 motorcycle? It's a different class.
To me, this event is a part of history that's been brought back. I'm meeting people from France and all over."
In amongst the sea of Harleys was a 1920 Henderson Model
The distinguished Nick Fosteremcee for the weekend.
Hunter Davidsohn's 1945 Harley-Davidson WR
K. Its driver, Rhett Matthews, was only 19. It's rare to see someone so young be interested in vintage bikes, so I had to talk to him.
"This is a 1920 Henderson Model K, stripped down for the beach - short rear fender, no front fender, lights off, just having a good time. My dad and I got this two years ago. I was the first to drive it in 54 years. We put gas in it, put oil in it, started on the third kick. It’s like no other bike. It’s at a good year; it’s not early where it’s like a bicycle with an engine, but it’s not too late where it’s really rugged. It kinda feels like you’re on a tractor. It doesn’t feel that sturdy, and the way it runs is real interesting."
Kelsey Hendry and cousin Bryan Ames were sharing Bryan's completely-stock 1942 HD WLA.
"This is my first TROG," said Kelsey. "I think 2019 was when I 'wow, I wanna do that!' I learned how to ride, I got my license, and here we are. I love the classics. I work in performance motorsports, more on the automotive side, but I just love anything loud with power. I think it’s so fun and engaging and exciting. I guess [TROG] is a combination of all of that. I’m a big vintage-antique’y kind of person, so it’s really just an intersection of everything."
"I originally bought the bike in 2014 or ‘15 and it was pretty much all together," said Bryan. "It had a stocked-out WLA motor in it. I ran it down here at TROG for five years in all the races. I finally blew that motor up. The motor in it now is an Army Surplus motor. It was built for the war. It was found in a basement filled with cosmoline, which they used to keep the engine safe while they were shipping it over to Europe. I cleaned all the oil and cosmoline out of it, put new base gaskets on and fired it up. It hasn’t been run in 80 years and now she’s chugging along.
I’ve been riding a long time. [Vintage bikes] just have more of a character to them. I’m getting tired of tinkering with
them - they’re always breaking - but riding something slow fast is way more fun than riding something fast slow. I just like the mechanical “tractor-like” feel to it."
Everyone at TROG had a unique story to tell, and more stories than I had space on
my voice recorder. Racing continued on until the sun called it quits, and everyone still wanted more time on the sands.
If you enjoy motorcycles and racing history, this is one event you won't want to miss.
Bree Sladovnik enjoying her "girls weekend" on her 1948 Harley-Davidson WL
David Baez and his 1942 HarleyDavidson WLA named "Betty"
Rhett Matthews on his 1920 Henderson Model K
The man, the myth, the legendTROG founder Mel Stultz
above left: Kelsey Hendry on her 1942 Harley-Davidson WLA above right: Craig Roberts and his 1947 Harley-Davidson FL duel-carb knucklehead
