November 2023 On the Pegs Magazine

Try Trials Cross train with Trials to improve your enduro skills. Trials is a low-impact, low-cost sport that will help enhance your riding abilities while improving your clutch and throttle control.

2O24 2-Stroke 125 | 200 | 250 | 300 | 300 SS

Moto Trials

FEATURES » New Anti-Theft / Safety Kill Switch

» Hydro-Formed Aluminum frame » Tight Turning Radius » hydraulic Clutch » Tubeless Rear Tire » Optimized radiator guard for better airflow and protection » Dual Map Switch

LEARN MORE AT

WWW.TRSMOTOSUSA.COM

ON THE PEGS // PAGE 4

USA DEALERS Dirt Riders West

Mike Carlton

Lewisport USA

Adrian & Mandy Lewis (209) 785-6878

(602) 370-7546

Balance Trials Supply Bill Haskell

AZ, Phoenix CA, Copperopolis

(720) 207-7715

CO, Arvada

Trial Store USA

Alex Niederer

(941) 404-0757

FL, Bradenton

Aloha Trials

Clayton Oshita

(808) 822-2706

HI, Kapaa

Hawaii Rides

Sam Bird

(808) 621-6686

HI, Wahiawa

Tom's Toys

Tom Littlefield

(815) 636-6446

IL, Roscoe

TRS Kentucky

Sam Fastle

(505) 920-2266

KY, Louisville

Jack's Cycles

Stuart Preston

(207) 337-1274

ME, South Berwick

Mossy Rock Trials

Dan Larson

(406) 930-0227

MT, Big Timber

Competition Wheels

James McKenzie

(704) 906-3238

NC, Concord

HVC cycle

Brad Obidowski

(402) 817-4795

NE, Lincoln

Moto Works USA

Carl Madsen

(505) 210-4248

NM, Albuquerque

Moto Works USA

Peter McCurdy

(602) 446-8070

NM, Santa Fe

Miller Ranch Trials

Aaron & Andy Miller

(607) 765-8362

NY, Corning

Adroit Engineering

Jon Rentschler

(440) 668-3207

OH, Chardon

Gran Prix Cycle

Gary & Robyn Byers

(541) 926-3139

OR, Albany

Trials Training Cntr.

Larry or Allison

(251) 209-4694

TN, Sequatchie

MOTOTRIALSPORT

Tom Batchelor

(972) 754-9686

TX, Midlothian

Thumbs Up Trials

Steve Davis

(801) 376-2447

UT, Provo

Frank's Motorbikes

Frank Kergil

(425) 603-9000

WA, Bellevue

VOL. 8 ISSUE 11 - NOVEMBER 2023 // PAGE 5

CONTENTS FEATURED ARTICLES

PG 48 - FANTIC WINS 5 ENDURO WORLD TITLES

PG 62 - GNCC BUCKWHEAT 100

PG 90 - MUDDOBBERS NATIONAL ENDURO

PG 116 - ENDUROCROSS ROUND 2

PG 144 - WILD HIVELY HARD ENDURO

PG 160 - ISDT REUNION RIDE

ON THE COVER -

Beta USA-backed Jonny Walker leads the 2023 EnduroCross series. photo by Jack Jaxson

DEPARTMENTS World News 10 Local News 16 On the Horizon 22 Product Spotlight 34 10x12 Challenge 38 Seat Time 40 Interview with Steve Holcombe 54 GNCC - Ironman 78 NEPG - Gobbler Getter 102 EnduroCross rd 3/4 128 Next Gen Training 154

Observing the Trials and Enduro community with a single-track mind.

PUBLISHER/EDITOR Steph Vetterly

ADVERTISING

Steph Vetterly stephanie@onthepegsmagazine.com

CONTRIBUTORS Abigail Buzzelli

Mack Faint

Brian Pierce // Seat Time

Logan Densmore

Future7Media

Shan Moore

Cristiano Morello

Jack Jaxson

Kayla Bolton

Clint Hawk

Ken Hill

Sarah Lane

Allie Spurgeon

CLICK HERE TO SUBSCRIBE! IT’S FREE

WORLD NEWS

2024 FIM HARD ENDURO WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP courtesy of KTM Red Bull KTM Factory Racing are pleased to announce the signing of a multi-year contract extension with 2023 FIM Enduro1 World Champion Josep Garcia. The agreement will see the Spaniard remain with the team for the coming years.

After joining the Red Bull KTM Factory Racing team in 2017, Garcia has delivered season after season of exceptional performances, including numerous EnduroGP race wins and three world championship titles (Enduro2 in 2017 and 2021, and Enduro1 in 2023).

Josep has also claimed back-toback overall individual wins at the iconic International Six Days Enduro.

His standout ISDE win in Italy during the 2021 event was then backed up in 2022, where he took the overall solo honors in France. Soon to be traveling to Argentina for the 2023 ISDE, the Red Bull KTM star will be looking to make it a hat-trick of wins while racing for the Spanish World Trophy team.

Looking ahead to the 2024 FIM EnduroGP World Championship, Garcia and the team’s focus is firmly fixed on the EnduroGP class title as well as the E1 category, where Josep ON THE PEGS // PAGE 10

will once again ride a KTM 250 EXC-F. JOSEP GARCIA: “I’m really happy and proud to announce that I will be staying with the Red Bull KTM Factory Racing family. It has been a long journey with them – since I was a kid my dream was to be in this team, so it’s great that it’s continuing.

I think we make an incredible team, achieving huge goals together such as our three world championships, two overall Six Days wins, and we’ve got many Spanish enduro titles too. We have a strong relationship and I’ve been with the team since 2017, so I’m truly proud to continue with this family. We will keep giving it everything for the next three seasons.”

FABIO FARIOLI: Red Bull KTM Factory Racing Enduro Team Manager: “I’m really happy to have the opportunity to continue working with Josep. No one in the paddock works harder to achieve their goals and Josep has shown incredible spirit over the course of this season to come back from injury to win the Enduro1 title. He’s a real team player and I’m looking forward to working with him into the future and hopefully winning even more world championships together.”

photo credit Future7Media VOL. 8 ISSUE 11 - NOVEMBER 2023 // PAGE 11

WORLD NEWS

2024 FIM HARD ENDURO WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP courtesy of FIM HEWC The provisional 2024 FIM Hard Enduro World Championship calendar is now set with eight rounds scheduled for the coming season. While the outcome of the current 2023 season is yet to be decided, series promoters WESS GmbH have been busy preparing the 2024 championship.

To date the championship is set to take place across eight rounds, with six exciting venues already confirmed. A mixture of old favourites and exciting new events, a return to the United States and a first ever competition called in Wales (United Kingdom) are among the highlights, with next year’s racing looking very promising for Hard Enduro.

Set to make a little piece of history as the first FIM Hard Enduro World Championship to take place in the United Kingdom, the Valleys Hard Enduro will host round one of the season in Wales, in early May. From there it’s off to the iconic Red Bull Erzbergrodeo for round two, from May 30th to June 2nd. Now a legendary motorsport event, it’s certainly one not to be missed.

A change of date sees the exciting Xross Hard Enduro kick off back-toON THE PEGS // PAGE 12

back rounds of Hard Enduro Rallye action for round three in late June.

Followed by Red Bull Romaniacs in July, these races will form an important part of the championship for those who excel at multi-day GPS navigation events.

After a short break, the FIM Hard Enduro World Championship makes a welcome return to the USA with the renowned Red Bull Tennessee Knockout (TKO) playing host to round five. Back in Europe for round six and Italy’s Abestone takes place on September 6-9. A growing spectacle, the event is now

infamous for its tough terrain and passionate Italian fans.

The provisional 2024 FIM Hard Enduro Junior World Championship supported by KLIM will feature five events – Valleys, Red Bull Erzbergrodeo, Xross Hard Enduro Rally, Red Bull Romaniacs and Abestone.

With two more rounds yet to be confirmed, the 2024 FIM Hard Enduro World Championship will conclude in mid-October.

2024 SCHEDULE Round 1 - May 10-12

Valleys Hard Enduro, UK

Round 2 - May 30-Jun 2

Red Bull Erzbergrodeo, Austria

Round 3 - Jun 19-22

Xross Hard Enduro Rally, Serbia

Round 4 - Jul 23-27

Red Bull Romaniacs, Romania

Round 5 - Aug 22-25

TKO, USA

Round 6 - Sept 6-8

Abestone, Italy

Round 7 - September

TBD

Round 8 - October

TBD

VOL. 8 ISSUE 11 - NOVEMBER 2023 // PAGE 13

WORLD NEWS

HUSQVARNA FACTORY RACING EXTENDS CONTRACT WITH FMF RACING courtesy of HUSQVARNA Husqvarna Motorcycles is excited to announce an extension to its highly successful partnership with FMF Racing. With the existing contract extended through to the end of 2025, Husqvarna Factory Racing will continue to benefit from the American company’s performance enhancing exhaust systems for the next two years.

Formed in 1973, FMF Racing celebrated 50 successful years in the offroad industry in 2023. As a brand synonymous with top level dirt bike competition around the world, FMF Racing continues to work closely with Husqvarna Factory Racing to develop its high-quality line-up of components.

Since the partnership began there have been many triumphs.

Zach Osborne claimed two AMA 250 Supercross championships while Jason Anderson clinched Husqvarna’s first AMA 450 Supercross title in 2018. Osborne would add another title, the coveted AMA Pro Motocross 450 title, in 2020.

In the demanding world of enduro, Colton Haaker won the 2015, 2016, ON THE PEGS // PAGE 14

and 2019 FIM SuperEnduro World Championship with Billy Bolt undefeated in the same series since winning his 2020 campaign. Billy would also find success outdoors in 2021 when he was crowned the inaugural FIM Hard Enduro World Champion.

With the technical partnership between Husqvarna Motorcycles and FMF Racing extended for a further two years, Husqvarna Factory Racing’s riders will continue to benefit from the US manufacturer’s high performance exhaust systems in AMA Supercross and Pro Motocross, US Offroad Championships, MXGP with the Nestaan MX team, and in both the FIM Hard Enduro and SuperEnduro World Championships.

ROBERT JONAS – Vice President Motorsports Offroad: “Husqvarna Factory Racing has enjoyed so much success with FMF Racing throughout the partnership so far, and especially in recent years, so to renew for two more years is really exciting. The build quality of FMF components is as good as it gets with performance to match. Husqvarna Factory Racing

competes at the highest levels of supercross, motocross, and enduro, and rely on dependable partners, which is exactly what FMF Racing is. With this renewed agreement, we look forward to the future and I’m sure that more racing success will continue to follow.”

DON EMLER JR. – Marketing Director FMF Racing: “It really is an honour for FMF Racing to continue our close relationship with Husqvarna Motorcycles and Husqvarna Factory Racing. The Flying Machine Factory is celebrating its 50th Year Anniversary and it’s with these long standing and successful partnerships that continue to make

FMF the #1 offroad exhaust in the world. This renewal solidifies FMF’s continued support of the sport of motocross and performance. Going forwards, FMF will continue to work closely with the team and supply them with our American-made exhaust systems as they chase race wins and championships all around the world. This is the HOUSE OF POWER!.”

VOL. 8 ISSUE 11 - NOVEMBER 2023 // PAGE 15

LOCAL NEWS

COOPER ABBOTT RACE BIKE DONATION courtesy of SHERCO USA Approximately 1.9 million new cancer diagnoses occur each year in the United States. Chances are that you have been or you know someone who has been affected by this terrible disease. Cooper Abbott, The Fox Auto Team, Sherco USA, and the Steve and Nancy Fox Cancer Center announced a partnership today where they are teaming up to giveaway Cooper’s EnduroCross race bike to a rider or rider’s family who has been affected by a cancer diagnosis.

“As many people know, cancer has had a profound effect on my family with both my mother and father having been diagnosed,” said Cooper Abbott. “I am so grateful for people like Steve and Nancy Fox who are so dedicated to eradicating this awful disease. When Steve brought the idea to give away my EnduroCross race bike to a dirt bike family who has been affected, I was all in and so was Sherco USA,” concluded Abbott.

To nominate someone, simply visit SHERCOUSA.COM/COOPER and with a few paragraphs, tell us your story. You can also upload a Word document or video URL if you choose. Maybe someone had to ON THE PEGS // PAGE 16

give up riding or had to sell their dirt bike to help pay for medical bills.

All submissions will then go into a master list and then be randomized.

A winner will be selected at the end of the 2023 EnduroCross season through a random drawing of all entries.

“While I was undergoing treatment for stage 4 cancer, one of the things that helped me get through it was dreaming of riding my motorcycle again,” said Steve Fox. “That freeing feeling of riding a dirt bike is like nothing else. That is part of why I am so excited to partner with Cooper and Sherco USA to give away

Cooper’s race bike to a deserving person,” concluded Fox.

Open now through November 21st!

CLICK HERE TO VISIT SHERCOUSA.COM/COOPER

PHOTO BY JACK JAXSON

“When Steve approached us about this idea we couldn’t say no,” said Sherco USA President Ron Sallman.

“Having Cooper on the team has really opened our eyes to the impact that cancer can have on a family.

We hope this bike will bring some real joy to a deserving person or family,” concluded Sallman.

The entry period is now open.

Submissions will conclude on November 21st with a winner drawn that day.

VOL. 8 ISSUE 11 - NOVEMBER 2023 // PAGE 17

LOCAL NEWS

2024 AMA VINTAGE MOTORCYCLE DAYS courtesy of AMA The American Motorcyclist Association has announced that 2024 Permco AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days will run JULY 26-28, 2024, at Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course in Lexington, OH. “Permco AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days is a special event every year, and 2024 is primed to be yet another great weekend of vintage motorcycle fun,” AMA President and CEO Rob Dingman said. “We anticipate the 2024 event will be a memorable time for the thousands of vintage motorcycle enthusiasts who attend, and it will carry extra meaning as we celebrate the 100-year anniversary of the AMA.” As is always the case, 2024 Permco AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days will have something for all vintage motorcycle enthusiasts — including racing in multiple disciplines, North America’s largest motorcycle swap meet and numerous recreational riding activities.

Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course will, once again, ON THE PEGS // PAGE 18

serve as the venue for Permco AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days.

“Permco AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days has been a long-standing July tradition on the Mid-Ohio calendar attracting thousands of motorcycle enthusiasts from across the country,” said President of Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course Craig Rust. “Next summer will be even more special as we celebrate the AMA’s 100-year anniversary fittingly in its home state of Ohio. We are all looking forward to another spectacular motorcycling gathering!”

NEXT GEN MOTOTRIALS FUNDRAISER courtesy of NEXT GEN MOTOTRIALS Next Gen Mototrials is running a fundraiser to help continue to promote youth mototrials.

CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE

PHOTO BY STEPH VETTERLY

Running from November 8th to December 8th, every donator will be entered to win one of four amazing prizes - a 16 inch Stacyc (new in box), 12" custom Next Gen graphic strider, a 2023 Next Gen t-shirt signed by Bernie Schreiber, or a 2023 Next Gen hat signed by all NATC Pro riders.

VOL. 8 ISSUE 11 - NOVEMBER 2023 // PAGE 19

LOCAL NEWS

2024 NATC SCHEDULE RELEASED The North American Trials Council has recently released their 2024 schedule, complete with some familiar venues.

be held immediately before Family Camp and the Youth and Women's Regional competition.

The final rounds for the Western series will be held in California by the Sacramento PITS club; the final date and location are still in discussion.

Opening the 2024 season (and serving as the opening rounds of the Western series) will be Central Arizona Trials Inc hosting a return to Kingman, AZ. The Trials Training Center (hosted by the Southeastern Trials Riders Association) will stand as the opening rounds of the Eastern series. Although the 2024 TTC schedule has not been released, it is safe to say, based on past schedules, these rounds will

To wrap up the 2024 season, the series returns to Promise Ranch in Center Hill, Florida, hosted by the Florida Trials Association.

PHOTO BY STEPH VETTERLY

Will 2024 mark championship #15 for FactoryONE Sherco's Pat Smage?

ON THE PEGS // PAGE 20

2024 SCHEDULE

Round 1/2 - Apr 13-14

Kingman, AZ

Round 3/4 - Jun 22-23

Sequatchie, TN

Round 5/6 - TBD

California

Round 7/8 - Oct 26-27

Center Hill, FL

2024 RIPPERS RACER SUPPORT PROGRAM courtesy of BETA Beta USA is proud to announce the new Beta Rippers racer support program. Beta Rippers provides local racers a support program through their local Beta dealership with a discounted price on a new 2024 Beta motorcycle, spare parts credit, a Beta team polo, and hat.

The Beta Rippers program is available for all racers competing in Motocross, Off-Road, or Trials competitions. Riders can reach out to their local Beta dealer and discuss their 2024 race plans. Beta

dealers will choose which riders to support in their area.

Get on board today and be a part of this special program.

CLICK HERE TO FIND YOUR LOCAL BETA DEALER

VOL. 8 ISSUE 11 - NOVEMBER 2023 // PAGE 21

ON THE HORIZON

GASGAS MC-E2 HELPING TO SUPPORT YOUNG RIDERS There's a new GASGAS dirt bike in town - the MC-E 2! All new, and all red, it's been designed for thrillseeking youngsters who want to get to grips with offroad riding.

It's battery-powered, inexpensive to run, with a full charge lasting well over an hour. It also has a ridiculously quick recharging time, which means the MC-E 2 offers day long fun for all riders. Knowing that all kids will have an absolute blast tearing around the garden on this little bike, it's been with three power modes and multiple options to adjust the ergonomics, so controlled progression is guaranteed. For eager kids, dirt bike riding starts right here.

how to ride, they're going to drop it a lot (let's be real, we ALL drop bikes a lot!). GasGas has kept the overall weight of the bike as light as possible - the subframe is fiberglass, while high-quality forged aluminum is used for parts like the triple clamps, handlebar mounts, footpeg hangers, and all braking parts. Overall, the bike weighs in at only 59.5 pounts.

Because kids grow, and grow fast, the MC-E2 comes with several adjustments - the forks can be dropped down to raise the front end, the rear shock can be fitted into a higher position to lift the back end up, and the footpegs can be mounted lower on the frame.

Power modes are BLUE for a walking speed (4.3mph), WHITE for medium power (12.4mph), and GREEN for a top speed of 20.5 mph.

There's no need for a chain and sprocket, as the motor is housed inside the hub of the rear wheel.

No one likes picking up a dropped bike, and when kids are still learning ON THE PEGS // PAGE 22

While there is only one drive setting, the MC-E2 comes equipped with three power modes, which can be viewed on the multi-function display conveniently positioned in front of the seat.

For those young riders who want to ride all day, the BLi300 battery lasts up to 100 minutes before needing a recharge, and can regain an 80% charge in only 35 minutes!

GasGas is keeping safety first - firstly, there's a lanyard that fits around the rider's wrist so if their hand is removed from the

//

VOL. 8 ISSUE 11 - NOVEMBER 2023 // PAGE 23

ON THE HORIZON

ON THE PEGS // PAGE 24

// handlebars the motor immediately switches off. Secondly, a rollover sensor disengages power to the rear wheel whenever the MC-E 2 isn't rubber side down.

QUICK SPECS

With a top speed of 20.5 mph, the MC-E2 comes with hydraulic brakes and 140mm discs to help slow things down in a hurry. It also comes with 10" wheels, made from lighweight aluminum and wrapped in offroad KENDA tires for grade-A grip.

•

lithium-ion battery

•

100% charge in 60 min (80% in 35 min)

•

seat height - 18.5-19.7 inches

•

90mm travel in front suspension

•

70mm travel in rear suspension

VOL. 8 ISSUE 11 - NOVEMBER 2023 // PAGE 25

ON THE HORIZON

2024 KTM 350 XC-F FACTORY THIS BIKE NEEDS NO INTRODUCTION While the KTM 350 XC-F has been in the press for contributing to countless victories, podiums, and titles in off-road racing like Kalib Russell's eight GNCC titles, the new XC-F Factory Edition takes the machine to a whole new level.

The attachment of a titanium FMF FACTORY 4.1RCT SILENCER will help shed weight and boost the bike’s sea of torque even further, and harness even more potential from the 350cc DOHC engine.

Other additions for those thirsty for a racing ‘edge’ include a highstrength, fork-mounted FACTORY START DEVICE with two selectable preloads to ensure the best possible getaway from a standing start. At the other end of the 2024 KTM 350 XC-F FACTORY EDITION, a special REAR SPROCKET helps to reduce rotating masses and vibration, shaves yet more pounds, and augments transmission efficiency, while also looking pretty cool.

The CNC-milled aluminum and anodized FACTORY TRIPLE CLAMP brings increased precision, stability, and alignment to settings and handling with a special emphasis on the geometry, steering stem ON THE PEGS // PAGE 26

stiffness, and customization of the closed cartridge WP suspension.

The FACTORY WHEEL SET provides more weight saving and further robustness for the competitive considerations of the 2024 KTM 350 XC-F FACTORY EDITION. The anodized hubs and aluminum spoke nipples are two more specs of a component that will also impact general handling.

The 2024 KTM 350 XC-F FACTORY EDITION will pull and power its way through mud, ruts, rivers, rocks, and whatever terrain it faces, but when ‘the show’ has to be stopped, the bike can depend on high-performance, stainless steel WAVE BRAKE DISCS front and rear. The front-end has a floating unit with an anodized inner-ring, while the rear has a solid design, all geared towards longer-lasting braking power and durability. The BRAKE DISC GUARD is incredibly light and made from a state-ofthe-art, two-component, injectionmolding process, meaning it is very strong to bat away stones and other obstacles. For convenience in racing situations, the wheel can be changed and the brake can be

//

VOL. 8 ISSUE 11 - NOVEMBER 2023 // PAGE 27

ON THE HORIZON

serviced without having to remove the guard.

On the theme of protection, a HINSON OUTER CLUTCH COVER brings extra ‘armor’ to the motor and the optimized SKID PLATE makes sure that the most stubborn of rocks and the gnarliest of hits

ON THE PEGS // PAGE 28

will not cause extra problems. You, the rider, can count on prime grip and resilient performance of the FACTORY RACING SEAT that also adds to the aesthetic of this primetime and unmissable FACTORY EDITION machine.

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VOL. 8 ISSUE 11 - NOVEMBER 2023 // PAGE 29

ON THE HORIZON

2024 SWM RS300R STREET - LEGAL, TRAIL - READY Have you ever stopped to wonder why dirtbikes cost so much nowadays?

What happened to the sport being affordable? SWM wondered that too, and they set out to do something about it when they designed the RS line.

The RS300R is 50-state street legal, ensuring that the fun doesn’t have to stop just because the trail does. But this is a serious dirtbike, with just the bare-minimum of street-legality to get you a license plate.

The RS300R’s Fuel-Injected Four Stroke motor provides plenty of torque and power. And great suspension and brakes from name-brand European companies complete the package.

Isn’t it time you stopped wasting money on frills and got back to the foundations that make off-road riding fun?

SWM has built the RS line to give you everything you need and nothing you don't - there's no need for traction control or a smart phone app out in the real world!

KYB SUSPENSION KYB has the best-feeling suspension in the industry. RS models all feature ON THE PEGS // PAGE 30

a KYB 48mm fork and fully-adjustable KYB shock, with almost 12” of travel front and rear. They will gobble up rocks, roots, and hack right out of the box!

MIKUNI FUEL INJECTION A Mikuni fuel injection system, controlled by a GET ECU, provides crisp throttle response, improved fuel economy, quick starting hot or cold, and the proper fuel mixture, regardless of temperature and elevation.

BREMBO BRAKES Brembo brake master cylinders and calipers provide the perfect balance of feel and power. They offer great modulation and feedback without being too grabby, but they still offer plenty of bite to get you slowed down from top speed in a hurry.

COOLING FAN A radiator fan is included at no extra cost; it’s not an additional add-on like the other guys. The fan kick on when the terrain gets gnarly to keep the temps under control, giving you one less thing to worry about.

starting at $7,999

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VOL. 8 ISSUE 11 - NOVEMBER 2023 // PAGE 31

ON THE HORIZON

ON THE PEGS // PAGE 32

// QUICK SPECS •

6-speed gearbox with multidisc clutch in oil bath

•

rear shock: KYB adjustable Hi-Lo Comp & Ref, 11.65" travel

•

Mikuni D42 EFI fuel system

•

•

aluminum swingarm with linkage system

Brembo brakes, 260mm front, 240mm rear

•

1.98 gallon fuel capacity

•

245lb curb weight (no fuel)

•

37.6" seat height

•

front fork: KYB 48mm closedcartridge, 11.6" of travel

VOL. 8 ISSUE 11 - NOVEMBER 2023 // PAGE 33

PRODUCT SPOTL PIT POSSE AIR TOOL / AEROSOL RACK COMBO This multipurpose organizer is made to hold 5 spray cans and 6 air tool slots. Great for use in the garage, shop, home or trailers. Will hold 6 of your most used air tools and 5 aerosol cans! Know exactly where all your small to large air tools are.

This is a must have for every shop or garage. Clear space in your toolbox and keep your tools organized

neatly. The small shelf also provides room for your air tool oil and inflator heads. Predrilled holes and all needed mounting hardware make installation a breeze. Designed to fit the industrial pneumatic nipples on your tools, and provides safe tool storage for both stationary and mobile applications. Mount above any workbench! No problems with holding strength or concerns of damaged tools. The air tools lock in place so they can't be removed or knocked off without lifting them.

This tool rack won't flex or sag at all. Very rigid and durable. Made of heavy aluminum, longer than most models on the market, allowing more room for tools including nail guns and impact wrenches. The tools hang securely by the standard quick coupler and require a 90-degree lift to be removed. The spacing from the wall to where the tools hang allows them to fit nicely. The tool holder will not bend or get loose and won't risk damaging your tools. Proudly engineered and manufactured in the USA!

Current Price: $26.95 ON THE PEGS // PAGE 34

LIGHT

compatible with...

CLICK EACH PRODUCT TO LEARN MORE

BULLET PROOF DESIGNS REAR BRAKE ROTORS Our Rear Solid Brake Rotor is specifically designed for muddy/sandy conditions to help reduce extreme brake wear, also an economical replacement for the OEM stock that pairs well with our Bullet Proof Designs brake pads.

Bullet Proof Designs solid rear brake rotor is engineered for extreme durability and superior performance in

harsh conditions. Brake pads last 2-3 times longer and have a superior feel.

Constructed from 420 stainless steel, heat treated to ensure resistance to warping, cracking, and wear, allowing riders to push their bikes to the limit without worrying about brake performance.

Current Price: $79.00 VOL. 8 ISSUE 11 - NOVEMBER 2023 // PAGE 35

PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT

WARP 9 RACING

ADJUSTABLE SPOKE TORQUE WRENCH KIT Proper spoke torque is important to keeping your wheels stronger and allowing for them to last longer.

Wheels require a lot of maintenance Our Adjustable Spoke Torque Wrench Kit is made with a rubber wrapped handle to protect your rim from scratches your rim is protected from scratches. Included in the kit is Tips 5.1, 5.6, 5.8, 6.1, 6.3, 6.5, 6.7, ON THE PEGS // PAGE 36

6.8, 6.9 and spline drive to cover a wide variety of spoke sizes. An extra standard handle is added for those tough disassembly jobs. All nicely placed inside a durable plastic case with a suggested torque spec sheet to help guide you.

Current Price: $131.00 Call: (801) 699-7979

2023 Ryan Young Training Schedule @ TTC April 22-23 June 24-25 July 15-16

September 9-10 October 7-8 November 11-12

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

VOL. 8 ISSUE 11 - NOVEMBER 2023 // PAGE 37

#10X12Challenge

Earlier this year, we introduced a new initiative from Abigail Buzzelli called the 10x12 Challenge, designed to get more people on the pegs, riding motorcycles. We're back to celebrate everyone who completed their second month's challenge - riding at least 10 days in the month of October

Congratulations to the following riders: Beth Ali Chris Bankston Tyler Bankston Keith Bell Kevin Bobal Heidi Brenner Nick Bryant Lara Burnett Abigail Buzzelli Chris Buzzelli Michael Chrisman Beckett Dandignac Emmy Dandignac Kyler Dandignac Ellis Daw Max Dracha Brad Evans Karl Faruzel

Norman Foley Rob Fox Bradd Fox John French Zackary Guelde Kenny Gwyn Ash Harrison Cheyenne Hawkins Brittney Hoy Tommy Justice Caroline Kent Roman Lomaya Kayla Lovejoy Mike Mazak Don Mealor John Montoya Terry Ottinger Annsley Owens

Will Owens Wyatt Owens Becky Owens Josh Owens Al Paradis JR Hank Paradis Stevie Paradis Adam Partin Toni Profer Roach Jason Robb Nicole Robinson Michelle Robinson Jimmy Sharpe Martin Sturla Tom Trantow Seth Vorseth

If you don't see your name on the list, visit www.10x12challenge.com to see the challenge rules and get your September swag.

ON THE PEGS // PAGE 38

enduro.hq

CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE

VOL. 8 ISSUE 11 - NOVEMBER 2023 // PAGE 39

EP 23.9 | Trystan Hart Becoming a World Class Hard Enduro Racer

Ricky Russell and I first got to hang out WAYYY back in 2013 at the Big Sky XC National Championship.

Crazy reminder that I’ve been doing this for A LONG TIME! Ricky grew up in the Pacific North West, and I REALLY want to ride my dirt bike there one day. It sounds like he’s down for a guided tour.

Let’s see if we can talk him into it. As a professional racer, he’s not extremely picky, but he does have some small adjustments that make his bike his setup. He also recommends not flipping your YZ450F upside. Solid advice if you ask me.

Nutrition on race day, and leading up to it, is being talked about more and more by dirt bike racers and I’m here ON THE PEGS // PAGE 40

for it. This was a great rabbit hole for Ricky and I go down. Being properly fueled isn’t as simple as grabbing the closest supplement and hoping for the best. Every rider's body is different, and you have to figure out what works best for you. Hopefully you took away some nutrition nuggets, and that you want to ask more questions.

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VOL. 8 ISSUE 11 - NOVEMBER 2023 // PAGE 41

Competition Creates Discomfort

IN A WORLD RUSHING TOWARD CREATING THE MOST COMFORT, WE NEED TO PUSH BACK AND FORCE DISCOMFORT.

words BRIAN PIERCE // SEAT TIME This past weekend I raced my first Enduro in awhile. I went through all the emotions of feeling accomplished, to feeling defeated, to feeling somewhere in the middle of content. I hadn’t been on my dirt bike in a few months due to our move from McKinney to Bonham back in early August. The month prior to the move was focusing on the move, which meant no riding.

The month after the move was literally the move-in period, so there ON THE PEGS // PAGE 42

was no riding. I was itching to get back on the bike.

This past weekend I raced my first Enduro in awhile. I went through all the emotions of feeling accomplished, to feeling defeated, to feeling somewhere in the middle of content. I hadn’t been on my dirt bike in a few months due to our move from McKinney to Bonham back in early August. The month prior to the move was focusing on

the move, which meant no riding.

The month after the move was literally the move-in period, so there was no riding. I was itching to get back on the bike.

uncomfortable position to push myself past what my daily life would do.

To be quick about it, for me, I rode awesome! Did I make mistakes, heck yeah (smashed brake pedal).

Did I have some amazing moments, HECK YEAH! What really resonates with me from the weekend are the moments of digging deep, the moments of finding a flow state that surpassed any feeling over the past few months. I’ve got bruises, sore muscles, and parts that need to be replaced, but I feel accomplished.

All of these highs and lows, ups and down, are because I entered a competition. I put myself in a very

I’ve been someone who has pushed back against the “Couch to 5k programs” out there because it can creates too much of a finish line.

After someone finishes the 5k, they typically head back to the couch.

The goal has been accomplished and they can rest easy. I don’t believe that’s the time to rest easy.

I believe that’s the time to assess how the 5K went and how you can implement what you learned while training for it into your daily life.

You don’t need to become a 5K professional, but some of the habits and routines can teach you a lot about yourself.

VOL. 8 ISSUE 11 - NOVEMBER 2023 // PAGE 43

I was hesitant to sign up for the Coyote Crossing Enduro due to my state of life. Now that I’m on the other side of the race, I can’t even consider a time I would be hesitant about signing up for the race. I’m so thankful to have the discomfort of pushing my bike, body, and mind to it’s limits on the weekend. I see and feel so many little things that I can work on to continue to improve as a rider and a racer. That discomfort I felt makes me want to improve. I’m not letting it discourage me into a state of feeling like I’m not enough.

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I hope that you have something on your calendar that’s going to create discomfort for you. Something that will take you out of your comfort zone, create some finite focus, and foster growth for you physically, emotionally, and spiritually. If it needs to be a “Couch to 5K”, then go for it. Maybe it’s as simple as a hike in the woods. Whatever it is, if you’re afraid to do it, it’s probably the exact thing you need to do.

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Fantic Wins 5 Enduro World Titles words FANTIC photos FUTURE7MEDIA

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On Sunday, it was the turn of Jed Etchells (JET Fantic Racing): the Englishman took the world title in the Junior class after a battle with the other Fantic rider, Albin Norrbin (Fantic Racing).

In Santiago do Cacem, with the second consecutive GP of Portugal after that of Valpacos, the EnduroGP 2023 World Championship ended with three world titles for Fantic, two of which came a day early. In fact, on Saturday, Kevin Cristino (Fantic Racing) in the Youth class and Jane Daniels (JET Fantic Racing) in the Women's class were crowned world champions after dominating the entire season.

They also lifted the title in the Junior 1 and Junior 2 classes.

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The last GP of Portugal, packaged by the Motoclub Motorsport St. Andrè, consisted of four special stages to be repeated for three laps, for a total of 60 km. It was a weekend made even more challenging by the temperatures close to thirty degrees.

Jed Etchells is the new world champion in the Junior class.

JANE DANIELS (#496)

Fantic ends an incredible world season, which crowns it as the most successful manufacturer of the year: it is on the top step of the podium in five categories. Considerable gaps over the rivals reinforce victories.

KEVIN CRISTINO (#34)

For the Isle of Mann rider, it is the second title after the recent victory in the BEC. The vice world champion, Albin Norrbin, finished two points behind.

The Swede rode a perfect weekend, winning both race days, but it was not enough for him to take the podium's top step.

The two Fantic riders were the undisputed Junior EnduroGP World Championship stars. Jed had a sensational season with his Fantic XEF 250, finishing on the podium in

thirteen of the fourteen race days and taking the Junior 1 title.

With the Fantic XE 300, Albin won five grand prix out of the seven he contested, with special times that allowed him to win almost half of them. The Englishman and the Swede's superiority is demonstrated by winning over 75% of the special stages.

Kevin Cristino secured the world title in the Youth class a day early. Saturday's second place was enough for the Fantic rider to

VOL. 8 ISSUE 11 - NOVEMBER 2023 // PAGE 51

become the enduro world champion for the first time. Kevin confirmed his supremacy by winning on Sunday. Cristino was formidable riding the Fantic XE 125, with twelve victories out of fourteen and winning almost half of the special tests, with outstanding times for the overall classification as well.

For the Veneto based manufacturer, it is the third consecutive success in the Youth class, following the victories of Albin Norrbin (2021) and Harry Edmondson (2022).

Jane Daniels also celebrated as early as Saturday. The Englishwoman once again left her rivals no chance, winning both race days and ending the season with total points, with eight wins out of eight. For the 29-year-old Englishwoman, it is the second consecutive world title with the Fantic XEF 250, the fourth in her trophy cabinet.

JED ETCHELLS (JET FANTIC RACING): "I am happy with the title I won in the Junior and Junior 1 classes. It was difficult because Albin Norrbin was a tough opponent to beat."

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ALBIN NORRBIN (#97), JED ETCHELLS (#47)

KEVIN CRISTINO (FANTIC RACING): "Finally, my first world title has arrived in the Youth class. It has been a perfect season, with the conquest of the Italian title and now the world title again in the Youth class. I can still improve the haul because in November, I will defend the Italian colors and take Fantic to the ISDE in Argentina, and I can already look forward to it!"

JANE DANIELS (JET FANTIC RACING): "I am very excited and can't find words to describe my joy. I am overjoyed. It was a fantastic race on a tough and hot day. I thank the tea, JET Fantic Racing, and Fantic for another great year!"

ALBIN NORRBIN (FANTIC RACING): "I finished the 2023 season by winning both race days, but I was not able to win the Junior class world title. I have no regrets because I gave it my all, and I am still thrilled with the final victory in the Junior 2 class."

VOL. 8 ISSUE 11 - NOVEMBER 2023 // PAGE 53

Interview with Beta's Steve Holcombe 2023 ENDUROGP WORLD CHAMPION

words BETA // photos CRISTIANO MORELLO ON THE PEGS // PAGE 54

Steve Holcombe secured the Enduro GP and Enduro2 Championship at the last round of the EnduroGP in Portugal. His speed and consistency over the course of the season was the formula that earned Holcombe the 2023 title and making him a nine-time EnduroGP champion.

VOL. 8 ISSUE 11 - NOVEMBER 2023 // PAGE 55

STEVE, CONGRATULATIONS ON THE ENDUROGP CHAMPIONSHIP WIN! WHAT EMOTIONS AND THOUGHTS RAN THROUGH YOUR MIND AS YOU CROSSED THE FINISH LINE AND HOISTED THE TROPHY? The first emotion had to be a huge amount of relief. The pressure was high for the last two GP's, especially on the final day. I had the chance to wrap up both titles on the first day if I finished ahead of Verona. I worked myself up and really focused on this.

However, I put too much pressure on myself on lap one of the first day and crashed in the first two tests.

I ended up being twenty seconds down at the end of lap one. I got the nerves out of the way and pushed for the rest of the day to finish third. On day two the plan was to take it test by test and keep myself inside the top five. I needed a top-eight finish to secure the title so that was the goal. Once I finished and really took a few moments to take it in, I felt a huge amount of pride for what we’ve accomplished as a team this year.

CAN YOU DESCRIBE THE KEY MOMENTS OR RACES DURING THE SEASON THAT YOU BELIEVE WERE PIVOTAL TO YOUR CHAMPIONSHIP VICTORY? The Swedish GP was a big turning point for me. I had a good start to the year and kept it consistent. Sweden was my first overall day victory of ON THE PEGS // PAGE 56

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ON THE PEGS // PAGE 58

the year and that really gave me the confidence to push on for the rest of the year. In the following GP, I was riding the best I had in a long time and was heading towards a 1-1. A small technical issue kept me away from the win but that was a great race to take the gold leader's plate and secure myself in the championship hunt.

WHAT TYPE OF PREPARATION OR TRAINING METHODS DID YOU EMPLOY THIS YEAR THAT YOU BELIEVE WERE CRUCIAL TO YOUR SUCCESS THIS SEASON? I’ve kept my training fairly similar to previous years, except I upped the time I spent in the gym. Partly due to

the rehab process from post-shoulder surgery, but also to generally increase my strength work throughout the year. On the bike, I kept my volume the same and just tried to enjoy the process more.

HOW IS THIS CHAMPIONSHIP DIFFERENT THAN PREVIOUS ONES? I would say the emotions of this EGP title have topped my previous years. I feel a lot of that is coming off of two difficult years I had and the journey I have been on to get myself back to the top. I’ve got a great group of people in my corner and it’s awesome to be able to celebrate this season with them!

VOL. 8 ISSUE 11 - NOVEMBER 2023 // PAGE 59

LOOKING AHEAD WHAT ARE YOUR GOALS AND AMBITIONS FOR THE FUTURE IN YOUR ENDUROGP CAREER AND HOW DO YOU PLAN TO STAY AT THE TOP OF YOUR GAME? My current plan is to enjoy this season's results for a few more weeks. I have some fun one-off races coming up that will keep me busy. For next year's EGP championship, it’s going to be great running the number 1 again and I’m looking forward to getting immersed into off-season preparation soon.

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HOLCOMBE'S SEASON AT-A-GLANCE ENDUROGP FINISH (best 14 results)

ENDURO2 CLASS FINISH (best 14 results)

1 - ITALY

3-3

2-2

2 - SPAIN

3-3

1-1

3 - FINLAND

2-3

1-1

4 - SWEDEN

3-1

1-1

5 - SLOVAKIA

1-2

1-2

6 - PORTUGAL

3-2

2-1

7 - PORTUGAL

3-5

2-3

ROUND

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DELONG EARNS OVERALL WIN AT PENULTIMATE ROUND

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STEWARD BAYLOR JR (514), JOSH STRANG (

words by KAYLA BOLTON photos by KEN HILL Round 11 Newburg, West Virginia Temperatures were on the chilly side in West Virginia as Round 11 of the 2023 Progressive Grand National Cross Country Series presented

by Specialized, an AMA National Championship, (GNCC Racing) made its way to Newburg, West Virginia for the Kanati Tires Buckwheat 100 GNCC. When the green flag dropped for the XC1 Open Pro bike start it was Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing’s Craig Delong who captured the $250 All Balls Racing Holeshot Award. Delong would put together a flawless day, leading the duration of the seven-lap race and capturing his third overall win of the year.

Delong now sits 23 points ahead in the points standings as the series heads into its finale in two weeks at Ironman Raceway in Crawfordsville, Indiana.

“I came into today with the mindset to win,” said Delong. “I knew that we needed it, and I just put my head down and made it happen. The team and I worked great together today and now we’ve got one round left ON THE PEGS // PAGE 64

(17)

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to seal this championship. We’ll be ready for Ironman.”

AmPro Yamaha’s Ricky Russell would have a good start to the day as he came through second on the opening lap. Russell would continue to battle at the front of the pack for the remaining six laps, coming through to earn second overall on the day. Babbitt’s Online/Monster Energy/Kawasaki Team Green’s Josh Strang would steadily work his way up from an eighth place start on the day to round out the top three overall finishers at round 11 in West Virginia.

“It was an epic track, but it was hard to push,” said Russell. “Last lap I tried to make a pass on Ryder [Lafferty] and I went down, and I was trying to catch up then and I saw Ryder [Lafferty], so he must have fell but Craig [Delong] was gone. I pulled it in for second, I’m happy and rode good all day and I feel good.”

As Magna1 Motorsports/ Husqvarna’s Jordan Ashburn came through to earn fourth overall on the day, he would put it a strong ride throughout the course of the race managing to battle in the top five for the duration of seven laps. Babbitt’s Online/Monster Energy/Kawasaki Team Green’s Grant Baylor would go back-and-forth but would ultimately come through fifth overall on the day.

ON THE PEGS // PAGE 66

RICKY RUSSELL (212)

Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Husqvarna Racing’s Trevor Bollinger put in a hard charge after starting out his day back in the tenth place position. Bollinger would continue to push, resulting in his seasonbest result of sixth place overall.

Coastal GASGAS Factory Racing’s Ryder Lafferty made the move up to the XC1 Open Pro class and would be having a great day running up in third and second overall for the majority of the race. However, on the last lap he would unfortunately move back to seventh overall as he crossed the finish line.

Coming through eighth in the XC1 class and eleventh overall was Liqui Moly Factory Beta Racing’s Evan Smith as he continued to battle throughout the day. FMF/KTM Factory Racing’s Ben Kelley had an unfortunate crash early on in the race, sending him farther back in the pack. Kelley continued to make his way toward the front and was able to come through ninth in the XC1 class. Kelley continues to sit third in the points standings and is 33 points out from the lead.

Coming through tenth in the XC1 class was Rocky Mountain/Tely Energy/KTM’s Steward Baylor after he had to make his way back to his pits for an untimely pit stop to work on a bike issue. Baylor would then have to leave his pits to return to where he exited the track taking up more valuable time. Baylor would VOL. 8 ISSUE 11 - NOVEMBER 2023 // PAGE 67

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LYNDON SNODGRASS (178)

continue to push forward trying to salvage any points for his chance at the National Championship. Baylor now sits 23 points behind Delong as they head into the season finale race in two weeks.

As the XC2 250 Pro Sport saw the green flag waving it would be Trail Jesters KTM Racing’s Mason Semmens earning the $250 Steel City Men’s Holeshot Award and the race would be underway. AmPro Yamaha’s Liam Draper would get out to the early lead after making his way around Semmens on lap one. Draper would continue to push, but he would have company from FMF/RPM KTM Racing’s Angus Riordan as they are battling for the XC2 National Championship.

Riordan would move into the lead on lap three, but Draper would be right there to push back and make his way back into the lead on the fourth lap. Draper would continue to hold the lead, but he would have to make strategic line choices as he made his way into the finish. Draper came through to earn the win and extend his points lead over Riordan who would finish second in the XC2 class. Trail Jesters KTM Racing’s Mason Semmens continued to battle at the front of the pack and round out the top three XC2 finishers.

In the FMF XC3 125 Pro-Am it would be Josh Lojaks House of Speed XC Coaching/Kibuk Cycle’s/Steel City Men’s Clinic-backed rider, Sawyer Carratura grabbing the $100 Lojak Cycle Salese Holeshot Award to start out the day. However, it would not take long for the battles to begin as Hall’s Cycles/Enduro Engineering/Moose Racing’s Jhak Walker made his way into the lead on the opening lap.

VOL. 8 ISSUE 11 - NOVEMBER 2023 // PAGE 69

Behind Walker though Beaver Creek Cycles/Bells Electric/Wossner Piston’s Toby Cleveland was feverishly making his way through the pack of riders to battle for the number one spot. As the riders emerged from the woods on the second lap it would be Cleveland into the lead with Walker right behind him. That would not bother Cleveland though, who continued to lead the rest of the race earning his sixth win of the season and clinching the 2023 FMF XC3 National Championship.

Walker would come through to earn second on the day, while FXR/X Brand Goggles/6D Helmet’s Dakoda Devore would battle back and forth throughout the course of the day as he was hoping to put a stop to Cleveland’s possibility of clinching.

Devore would cross the line third in the FMF XC3 class.

Jason Tino came through to earn the Top Amateur honors this weekend with a 14th overall finishing position and a 250 A first place finish. Joseph Cunningham would come through to earn second overall on the Top Amateur podium with a 17th overall finishing position, and a second in the 250 A class.

Michael Delosa rounded out the Top Amateur podium with a 18th overall finishing position and a third in the 250 A class.

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JORDAN ASHBURN (001)

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XC1 PRO EVENT RESULTS 1. Craig Delong (HSQ) 2. Ricky Russell (YAM) 3. Josh Strang (KAW) 4. Jordan Ashburn (HSQ) 5. Grant Baylor (KAW) 6. Trevor Bollinger (HSQ) 7. Ryder Lafferty (GG) 8. Evan Smith (BET) 9. Ben Kelley (KTM) 10. Steward Baylor Jr (KTM)

CLICK HERE TO VISIT WWW.GNCCRACING.COM ON THE PEGS // PAGE 72

OVERALL STANDINGS 1. Craig Delong (233) 2. Steward Baylor Jr (210) 3. Ben Kelley (200) 4. Jordan Ashburn (187) 5. Ricky Russell (159) 6. Grant Baylor (155) 7. Josh Strang (140) 8. Jonathan Girroir (124) 9. Angus Riordan (123) 10. Liam Draper (120)

LOCAL NEWS

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new 6.5-hour interchangeable battery also available

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The second shipment of Mecatecno Dragonflies has recently arrived with two very helpful features added to the bike’s controller to assist in the performance of the rider: An “Anti-Roll back” feature, which prevents the back wheel from rolling backwards as soon as backward movement is detected by the controller

and an “Inertia” feature, which is similar to the flywheel action on a gas powered trials bike.

These new features can also be downloaded by the factory to all previous customer’s bikes to bring them up to date with the present models. This is a tremendous advantage of this controller in that any new changes or upgrades can easily be done with a connection to the factory electronics team. Now your Dragonfly will always be as up to date with the newest revisions as you desire. There will be more exciting additions to come in the new year, such as an extended range battery with a 6.5 hour running time, interchangeable with the present 5 hour battery.

Retail price $11,299.00, not including shipping cost to your destination.

ON THE PEGS // PAGE 1

VOL. VOL. 8 ISSUE 8 ISSUE 11 -10 NOVEMBER - OCTOBER2023 2023////PAGE PAGE73 1

GNCC WOMEN'S CIRCLE words from press release courtesy of ALLIE SPURGEON photos KEN HILL Just because we’re nearing the end of the season doesn’t mean the women are slowing down! The female athletes geared up and bundled up for a chilly one at The Kanati Tires Buckwheat 100 in West Virginia this weekend for Round 11 of the 2023 Progressive Grand National Cross Country Series presented by Specialized, an AMA National Championship.

The WXC Bikes lined up Sunday morning for their shot at the Buckwheat 100. It was almost Deja vu to the Mountaineer start with AmPro Yamaha’s Rachael Archer and Trail Jesters KTM’s Korie Steede charging for the Trail Jesters holeshot, only this time ON THE PEGS // PAGE 74

Archer was able to snag it. To follow up clinching the 2023 WXC Championship last round, Rachael would lead from start to finish to take the checkered flag with two and a half minutes to spare.

“I led the whole race,” Archer said.

“The track was sick; I had a lot of fun today. I didn't even know if I'd be lining up this weekend, I busted my foot at a local and have nine stitches in my toe and a couple broken toes.

I'm actually wearing a size eight boot on my left foot and a seven on my other so yeah, I managed to wrap it up and it felt alright, I dabbed it once on a rock and that hurt pretty good but other than that pretty good.”

Korie Steede was able to maintain a strong strong race to finish second.

“Me and Archer were pretty tight off the start,” she said. “She grabbed the holeshot and honestly, good ride to her, obviously she has some broken toes so that's pretty gnarly but yeah not just wasn't my day out there for sure. We're going to make some adjustments and come out swinging at Ironman for sure.”

Prestin Raines was able to take her third podium of the season on her new GasGas machine. “I put a lot of work in this whole summer,” Raines commented on the podium. “...and Beckley didn't really show it, so I'm glad this weekend we got to put it on the box. I couldn't do it without Taylor and the whole Bonecutter

Rachael Archer

VOL. 8 ISSUE 11 - NOVEMBER 2023 // PAGE 75

team backing me. Just a solid ride today, there was a girl in fourth that I battled back and forth with for a bit and kind of pulled away in the end. All in all, good day, I kept it up on 2 wheels and I'm really proud of today.”

The Women’s Bike class always shows up to race in big numbers, but the Buckwheat 100 welcomed big bike newcomer Addison Harris to the class after wrapping up her Girls Supermini Championship in the youth division. Not only did she try her hand at the competition, but Harris also took the win! If that wasn’t enough excitement for this class, Ruby Fustini took second in the race, but it was just what she needed to wrap up the Women’s Bike ON THE PEGS // PAGE 76

Championship with one round to spare. We’re excited to see what the future holds for these two.

More growth happening in the youth girl’s division!

Zoey Kimble and Madison “Maddog” Harmon battled closely in the Girls Supermini Bike class for the majority of the race. Kimble made the pass stick by lap five to build a gap and bring it home for her second win of the season. Harmon maintained second, and Lola Grozbean battled through the pack to make her way into third before the checkered flag.

WXC EVENT RESULTS 1. Rachael Archer (YAM) 2. Korie Steede (KTM) 3. Prestin Raines (GG) 4. Felicia Robichaud (YAM) 5. Sheryl Hunter (HSQ) 6. Natasha Lachapelle (KTM) 7. Elizabeth Perez (HSQ) 8. Kayla O'Neill (KAW)

OVERALL STANDINGS 1. Rachael Archer (290) 2. Korie Steede (246) 3. Rachel Gutish (221) 4. Prestin Raines (183) 5. Kayla O'Neill (151) 6. Elizabeth Perez (140) 7. Kaitlyn Lindsey (108) 8. Sheryl Hunter (91) 9. Shelby Turner (75) 10. Megan Barnes (36)

CLICK HERE FOR WWW.GNCCRACING.COM VOL. 8 ISSUE 11 - NOVEMBER 2023 // PAGE 77

STRANG EARNS FINALE VICTORY DELONG CLINCHES FIRST-EVER OVERALL CHAMPIONSHIP ON THE PEGS // PAGE 78

VOL. 8 ISSUE 11 - NOVEMBER 2023 // PAGE 79

JONATHAN GIRROIR (969)

words by KAYLA BOLTON photos by KEN HILL& & MACK FAINT Round 12 Crawfordsville, Indiana The Progressive Grand National Cross Country Series presented

by Specialized (GNCC Racing), an AMA National Championship, capped off its season with a record setting number of racers throughout the course of the weekend. The Yamaha Racing Ironman GNCC saw 2,834 racers signup to take part in the annual event held at Ironman Raceway in Crawfordsville, Indiana.

As the final green flag waved for the 2023 season it was Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing’s Craig DeLong jumping off the line first to grab the $250 All Balls Racing XC1 Holeshot Award. However, DeLong knew what he needed to do throughout the race to secure the number one plate, and on a fastpaced terrain he was not going to push himself over the limit. DeLong would finish eighth overall at the conclusion of the three-hour race, which would be enough to secure his first-ever XC1 Open Pro GNCC National Championship.

“It still hasn’t sunk in that’s for sure,” said DeLong. “Just a great ON THE PEGS // PAGE 80

VOL. 8 ISSUE 11 - NOVEMBER 2023 // PAGE 81

year, crazy year, I mean how many winners we had this year and to be able to stand up here with the number one plate, it’s awesome.”

The season finale race at Ironman saw an abundance of battles happening throughout the duration as Magna1 Motorsports/ Husqvarna’s Jordan Ashburn held the lead for four laps. The Babbitt’s Online/Monster Energy/Kawasaki Team Green’s Josh Strang was pushing himself though as he started out in third. Strang would continue to push, making the pass for the lead and continuing to hold that position until the checkered flag came out.

“It was kind of a fast track and hard to pass,” said Strang. “But I was able to make some passes and then the last two laps were just all out. It’s fun, I enjoyed it, and it was definitely fast paced but I felt comfortable, and it was good.”

Rocky Mountain/Tely Energy/KTM Racing’s Steward Baylor came into the season finale needing some help if he wanted to earn that National Championship. As the race got underway, Baylor was on a mission to get to the front of the pack and do what he needed to do. Baylor continued to push for the duration of the three-hour race, never giving up.

Baylor ultimately crossed the finish line second overall, and he would earn second overall on the season.

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CRAIG DELONG (342)

Steadily making his way through the pack was FMF/KTM Factory Racing’s Jonathan Girroir as he came around eighth on the opening lap. Girroir would continue to make the necessary passes to get towards the front, and by lap four he would be running in the third place position. As the race continued on, Girroir would chase down the leaders and a race to the finish would ensue. Girroir would come away with third overall on the day.

Babbitt’s Online/Monster Energy/ Kawasaki Team Green’s Grant Baylor would put in the work throughout the race as he started back in tenth on the opening lap. Baylor would steadily move through the pack each lap and came through fourth overall on the day as the checkered flag flew. AmPro Yamaha’s Ricky Russell would finish fifth overall at the season finale after having a consistent race in Indiana.

After moving into second early in the race, FMF/KTM Factory Racing’s Ben Kelley would struggle to hold the pace of the leaders after a halfway pit stop. Kelley would come through to finish sixth overall on the day. Ashburn would come through seventh overall after running in the lead position for the first half of the race.

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JOSH STRANG (17)

round out the top 10 finishers in the XC1 Open Pro class. Snodgrass would earn 12th overall, while Toth came through 14th overall on the day.

The XC2 250 Pro class would see a heated battle for the championship as well, with FMF RPM KTM Racing’s Angus Riordan and AmPro Yamaha’s Liam Draper. After Liqui Moly Factory Beta Racing’s Jonathan Johnson grabbed the $250 Steel City Men’s Clinic XC2 Holeshot Award, Phoenix Racing Honda’s Cody Barnes would lead the way on the opening lap. It wouldn’t take long for Riordan to make his way into the lead with Draper right on his back wheel.

Riordan would continue to hold the lead for the duration of the race, but Draper would not falter either.

As they emerged from the woods and headed towards the finish line, Riordan would get the race win, but Draper would come through in second and clinch the 2023 250 Pro Sport GNCC National Championship.

Trail Jesters KTM Racing’s Grant Davis would put in a great ride as he came through to round out the top three finishers in the XC2 class and 11th overall on the day.

Hall’s Cycles/Enduro Engineering/ Moose Racing’s Jhak Walker earned the FMF XC3 125 Pro-Am class win after leading for the entire six laps of the race. Drew Callaway and VOL. 8 ISSUE 11 - NOVEMBER 2023 // PAGE 85

Matthew Sims rounded out the top three finishers in the XC3 class at the season finale in Indiana.

Taking home the Top Amateur honors at the Yamaha Racing Ironman GNCC was Kawasaki Team Green’s Joseph Cunningham of the 250 A class as he came through 16th overall on the day.

Another Kawasaki Team Green racer, Nicholas DeFeo, would come through second on the Top Amateur podium with a second in the 250 A class as well. Rounding out the Top Amateur podium in third was Yamaha’s Michael Delosa, who also finished third in the 250 A class.

The 10 am morning race AmPro Yamaha’s Rachael Archer earning the WXC class win to end her 2023 season. Trail Jesters KTM Racing’s Korie Steede and Bonecutter GASGAS/Scott/Fly Racing’s Prestin Raines would round out the Ironman WXC podium after both having consistent races.

The 8 am morning race saw the Warrior, and majority of C classification classes run. Ethan Harwell of the 250 C (18-24) class earned the overall win, while TJ Brown finished second overall and first in the 4-Stroke C Lites class.

Haden Jones would round out the top three overall finishers from that race and earn the win in the Open C College (16-24) class.

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RACHAEL ARCHER (001)

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XC1 PRO EVENT RESULTS 1. Josh Strang (KAW) 2. Steward Baylor Jr (KTM) 3. Jonathan Girroir (KTM) 4. Grant Baylor (KAW) 5. Ricky Russell (YAM) 6. Ben Kelley (KTM) 7. Jordan Ashburn (HSQ) 8. Craig Delong (HSQ) 9. Lyndon Snodgrass (KAW) 10. Josh Toth (GG)

OVERALL STANDINGS 1. Craig Delong (233) 2. Steward Baylor Jr (210) 3. Ben Kelley (200) 4. Jordan Ashburn (187) 5. Ricky Russell (159) 6. Grant Baylor (155) 7. Josh Strang (140) 8. Jonathan Girroir (124) 9. Angus Riordan (123) 10. Liam Draper (120)

CLICK HERE TO VISIT WWW.GNCCRACING.COM ON THE PEGS // PAGE 88

WXC EVENT RESULTS 1. Rachael Archer (YAM) 2. Korie Steede (KTM) 3. Prestin Raines (GG) 4. Ruby Fustini (KTM) 5. Sheryl Hunter (HSQ) 6. Kayla O'Neill (YAM) 7. Kaitlyn Lindsey (HSQ) 8. Olivia Judy (KTM) 9. Elizabeth Perez (HSQ) 10. Natasha Lachapelle (KTM)

OVERALL STANDINGS 1. Rachael Archer (320) 2. Korie Steede (271) 3. Rachel Gutish (221) 4. Prestin Raines (204) 5. Kayla O'Neill (166) 6. Elizabeth Perez (152) 7. Kaitlyn Lindsey (122) 8. Sheryl Hunter (107) 9. Shelby Turner (75) 10. Natasha Lachapelle (36)

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BAYLOR MAKES IT 3 IN A ROW! VOL. 8 ISSUE 11 - NOVEMBER 2023 // PAGE 91

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RICKY RUSSELL (39A)

words by LOGAN DENSMORE photos by MACK FAINT Round 8 Matthews, Indiana The 2023 Magna 1 AMA National Enduro Series penultimate round took place at the famous Cumberland Covered Bridge in Matthews, IN, for the 70th Edition of the Muddobbers National Enduro.

Conditions were at an all-time high.

Fall colors starting to show with sunshine, 80 degrees, and perfect soil lead to close racing action.

Steward Baylor Jr was able to win the race, and brother Grant Baylor secured his second in a row Overall Championship in the National Enduros.

Rocky Mountain ATV/MC Tely Energy KTM’s Steward Baylor Jr was able to put in a second half of the day charge to take a commanding win over Enduro Engineering GasGas rider Josh Toth in Second and Monster Energy Babbitts Kawasaki’s Grant Baylor. Steward had a pair of second place test times with a test win in test 2 that had him with a one-second lead over Josh Toth at the halfway point. Steward made VOL. 8 ISSUE 11 - NOVEMBER 2023 // PAGE 93

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CRAIG DELONG (36A)

some set-up changes to the bike at the Gas Available to more of a GNCC style set up. He was able to dominate the final three tests of the day to amount up to a 53-second win.

Bouncing back from racing under the weather at the previous round of the series was Josh Toth. Toth said he wanted to come out swinging in Indiana after a poor performance in Ohio. Toth came out swinging by winning the first test. With roughly four miles to go in test 2, Toth ripped the shifter off the bike. Toth said “we got into a tighter spot in the test and I kind of pin balled off a couple of trees and clipped the shifter and broke it off, so I was stuck in 3rd gear.” Toth was able to carry on that test to second overall. After also winning test 3, Toth was hunting for a win but fell short in the second half of the day to the charging Baylor.

Grant Baylor needed to beat Josh Toth, or at least finish one place behind him, in order to wrap up the 2023 championship one round early. Grant said he came into the race ready to go for the win. After a big crash early into test 1 and another crash in test 2. He knew Steward and Toth were flying and he needed to start thinking about the championship. Grant put in a solid ride and was able to finish just one place behind Josh Toth in third to wrap up what is Grant's second overall championship in a row and VOL. 8 ISSUE 11 - NOVEMBER 2023 // PAGE 95

his third in four years. That also makes it seven championships in a row for the Baylor Brothers.

Finishing fourth overall was AMPro Yamaha rider Ricky Russell.

A season best fifth overall was Rockstar Energy Factory Husqvarna rider Trevor Bollinger.

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Sixth overall and first in NE Pro 2 was AM-Pro Yamaha rider Liam Draper. Draper become the first NE Pro 2 rider to win two races in a row.

Winning three of the six tests of the day with second place class times for the other three put Draper just 13 seconds ahead of Grant Davis. Liam said “my main goal coming into the race was to finally hold the 21A

LIAM DRAPER (21A)

plate for two races in a row since no one has been able to do that all year.

I am happy I was able to win today and do that.”

Ninth overall was Rockstar Energy Factory Husqvarna rider Craig Delong. Tenth overall was Coastal GasGas rider Ryder Lafferty.

Finishing on the Podium for the second time this season in the NE Pro 2 class and eighth overall was Trail Jester KTM rider Grant Davis.

Davis won two tests on the day.

Third in NE Pro 2 and 11th overall was Thorn Devlin. This was the first time all season both NE Pro 2 Championship contenders finished on the podium together with Liam in

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first and Thorn in third. Thorn Said “I thought I was riding great until I looked at the test times and saw I was getting smoked by Liam and Grant. I just didn’t have anything for them today.”

Mackenzie Tricker of the Enduro Engineering GasGas team won her fifth race of the season that was enough to seal the deal on her fifth Womens Elite Championship in a row. “I love this race; I have won it five times in a row now. I really like racing here and have always done well here.” Mackenzie won four of her five tests on the day.

Over-and-Out GasGas rider Rachel Gutish finished second in the Womens Elite class at what would be considered a home race.

Living just a couple of hours from Matthews, IN, Rachel said “I have raced here a lot even when it wasn’t part of the National Series. I really like racing here.”

Third on the day in the Womens Elite Class was Trail Jester KTM rider Korie Steede after missing the previous two rounds from injury.

Top AA rider for the day was Jhak Walker on a GasGas. The NEPG tried a slightly modified format in partnership with the Muddobbers Enduro Club. Similar to a golf outing shotgun start where riders started on different Tests. The A/AA/Pro/Womens ON THE PEGS // PAGE 98

KORIE STEEDE (23D)

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Elite classes were five on a row on the South three tests of the race while the B/C/Womens Am/Enduro Futures/60+/65+/A 55+/Sportsman classes started on the North three tests of the race with five per row.

After three sections, both groups came back to staging for the Gas Available and raced the opposite three tests after that.

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XC1 PRO EVENT RESULTS 1. Steward Baylor Jr (KTM) 2. Josh Toth (GG) 3. Grant Baylor (KAW) 4. Ricky Russell (YAM) 5. Trevor Bollinger (HSQ) 6. Craig Delong (HSQ) 7. Ryder Lafferty (GG) 8. Evan Smith (BET)

WOMEN'S PRO EVENT RESULTS 1. Mackenzie Tricker (GG) 2. Rachel Gutish (GG) 3. Korie Steede (KTM) 4. Brooke Cosner (GG) 5. Sheryl Hunter (HSQ) 6. Tayler Bonecutter (GG) 7. Kaitlyn Lindsey (HSQ)

CLICK HERE TO VISIT WWW.NATIONALENDURO.COM

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BAYLOR CAPTURES GOBBLER GETTER VOL. 8 ISSUE 11 - NOVEMBER 2023 // PAGE 103

words by LOGAN DENSMORE photos by MACK FAINT Round 9 Stanton, Alabama Round 9 of 9 in the Magna1 AMA National Enduro Series presented

by Moose Racing took place at the Perry Mountain Motorcycle Club in Alabama for the Gobbler Getter National Enduro. Abnormally warm and dry conditions for the final weekend of October combined with long test sections poised a challenge for the riders. After 64 miles of trail with approximately only 5 miles being transfer, Steward Baylor Jr came out on top for his 4th win in a row at the end of the season.

Steward, a Rocky Mountain ATV/MC Tely Energy KTM rider came into the event by studying what competition he has does better in previous years at this event. After winning all 6 tests last season at the Gobbler Getter, Josh Toths riding styling is what Steward was trying to copy.

Riding standing up and carrying a flow is what helped Steward take the final win this season. “Josh always does well at this event, and I know I ON THE PEGS // PAGE 104

CRAIG DELONG (38A)

VOL. 8 ISSUE 11 - NOVEMBER 2023 // PAGE 105

need to ride like him to do well here.”

Steward said. “One of the hardest things in the National Enduro Series is adapting to all the different terrains we have. Adapting to other rider’s styles at places they do well is what I always try to do.”

Talking about the season with Brother Grant Baylor winning the Championship to make it 7 in a row for the Baylors and 8 total championships Steward said “I may not have all the wins that Randy Hawkins has or all the championships that Mike Lafferty or Dick Burleson have, but between me and Grant now my dad does, he has 8 championships.”

Babbitts Online Monster Energy Kawasaki’s Grant Baylor kept big brother Steward honest all race long today Grant was able take 1 test win and finish 2nd overall the other 5 tests of the day. After 4 tests Grant was just 3 seconds off Steward before Steward put on a strong Test 5 and 6 to win by 41 seconds.

Grant said “I came here with the championship already wrapped up to try to get some bonus money and win the race. After I tweaked my leg I thought, I needed to run smoothly to get through the season healthy, but I knew I needed to finish ahead of Josh Toth for Steward to finish 2nd behind me in the championship.”

Enduro Engineering GasGas rider Josh Toth finished 3rd overall to ON THE PEGS // PAGE 106

THORN DEVLIN (23A)

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BEN KELLEY (41A)

make it 2 podiums in a row and 6 on the season. Josh was able to grab a test in in test 3 to be his highlight of the day. Josh’s 3rd place finish on the day lands him in 3rd overall for the 2023 Season Winning the Gobbler Getter in the NE Pro 2 Class was Thorn Devlin on his Bonecutter GasGas. Thorn started the day by winning the first test and later winning the fifth test en route to a 29 second win in the class.

Thorn had 7 podiums and 4 wins include the Gobbler Getter to put him 2nd Overall in the NE Pro2 2023 Championship. “It felt good to battle with Liam all year basically being my own mechanic and working on my own bike, to be able to come in 2nd for the season feels pretty good” Thorn Said.

The NE Pro2 2023 National Enduro Champion was crowned this week with AM-Pro Yamaha rider Liam Draper Finishing 2nd on the day.

Liam had 3 tests wins in the middle part of the day but was slightly off pace in the other 3 sections to fall short of Thorn Devlins times. After finishing on the podium 7 times and having 5 wins Liam Draper became the 2023 Champion. “I’ve heard if you surround yourself with good people good things happen. I have great people in my corner this year and being part of the Yamaha team where they want to win every weekend has really helped this season” Liam said.

Nicholas Drywall KTM rider Steve Nicholas III finished on the podium for the first time in the NE Pro2 class since the Gobbler Getter the season before. “It felt good to finally get on the podium this season. I feel like I have put in the work and have been riding good, but just haven’t got it done. Working full time doing Drywall most of the time it is awesome to finally get on the podium again” Nicholas Said.

Enduro Engineering GasGas rider Mackenzie Tricker won the Womens Elite class for the 6th time this season after wrapping up her Fifth Championship in a row a round earlier. On the day Tricker won all 5 tests. “It was nice to wrap up the Championship early so that in these conditions here I didn’t have to push as hard as I normally would” Tricker said. Mackenzie also announces that this will be her final time racing the National Enduro Full time.

Brooke Cosner moved to a KX450 borrowing it from boyfriend Grant Baylor set up exactly how he would ride it. Cosner was able to have a season best finish with a 2 place in the Womens Elite Class on the day.

“The bike worked great honestly.

Other than a little more sore in my legs it worked really well for me today” Cosner said.

Rounding out the Podium in the Womens Elite Class was Husqvarna rider Sheryl Hunter. This is Sheryl’s first National Women’s Pro Podium

VOL. 8 ISSUE 11 - NOVEMBER 2023 // PAGE 109

finish. She has finished 4th a few times and moved up to a podium spot for the final round. “I have been chasing after a podium for quite a while now. I would say the track was a little physical today but really fun. I had so much fun this is an awesome way to end it” Sheryl said.

The Beta Cup was decided at the final round of the season. There were two riders that had a near perfect season in each of their classes. With dropped races factored in both Emma Hasbell of the Womens Amateur Class and James Jenkins of the B200 class had perfect seasons going into the final round. With being tied in points, being tied in wins, and then being tied in test wins it would come down to the total average time of margin of victory for the season.

Emma held a slight advantage over James in that category and after winning all 4 tests at the Gobbler Getter also, Emma Hasbell became the 2023 Beta Cup Champion. She will be choosing a free Beta 2 Stroke motorcycle of her choice curtesy of Beta USA.

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MACKENZIE TRICKER (18A)

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XC1 PRO EVENT RESULTS 1. Steward Baylor Jr (KTM) 2. Grant Baylor (KAW) 3. Josh Toth (GG) 4. Ricky Russell (YAM) 5. Evan Smith (BET) 6. Craig Delong (HSQ) 7. Ben Kelley (KTM) 8. Trevor Bollinger (HSQ)

WOMEN'S PRO EVENT RESULTS 1. Mackenzie Tricker (GG) 2. Brooke Cosner (KAW) 3. Sheryl Hunter (HSQ) 4. Tayler Bonecutter (GG)

CLICK HERE TO VISIT WWW.NATIONALENDURO.COM

ON THE PEGS // PAGE 112

VOL. 8 ISSUE 11 - NOVEMBER 2023 // PAGE 113

KISKA.COM Photo: R. Schedl

SINGLE-TRACK 2024 KTM 300 XC Maximum power at the least possible weight, amplified by an all-new closed cartridge spring fork and cross-country specific suspension settings, the 2024 KTM 300 XC is a power-packed frieght train equipped to dominate on race weekend.

SEE MORE AT KTM.COM Please make no attempt to imitate the illustrated riding scenes, always wear protective clothing and observe the applicable provisions of the road traffic regulations!

ON THE PEGSvehicles // may PAGE 114details from the production models and some illustrations feature optional equipment available at additional cost.

The illustrated vary in selected

VOL. 8 ISSUE 11 - NOVEMBER 2023 // PAGE 115

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WON WON WON!!!

VOL. 8 ISSUE 11 - NOVEMBER 2023 // PAGE 117

words SHAN MOORE photos JACK JAXSON Round 2 Prescott Valley, Arizona The IRC Tire EnduroCross Series, presented by Progressive, visited Findlay Toyota Center in Prescott, Arizona, for round two of its sixround series, where Britain’s Jonny Walker continued his perfect season on his factory Beta, going 1-1-1 in the three motos, duplicating his performance at the opener two weeks ago in Everett, Washington.

Walker also topped the hot-lap qualifying at both events, doing so in Prescott by a full two seconds.

Rockstar Energy Husqvarna’s Colton Haaker gave Walker a run for his money after grabbing the holeshot in the first moto and leading previous: Beta USA-backed Jonny Walker ON THE PEGS // PAGE 118

TRYSTAN HART (84), CODY WEBB (2)

VOL. 8 ISSUE 11 - NOVEMBER 2023 // PAGE 119

until Walker was able to make an aggressive pass to take the lead in the treacherous rock section.

“The whole night was tough,” said Walker. “The track was difficult to make time anywhere. Even if I did do a hot lap that was two seconds faster, it’s difficult to do that every lap, lap after lap. Colton was on fire.

He rode really well tonight. Even the first moto, he was in front and I knew the only way to pass him was to get aggressive with him. I was setting Colton up a few laps. I was only gaining on him in the rocks. I gained on him a few times, and then all of a sudden he dropped onto my line. So then I shot back to the inside. I thought, if I can get it inside in this corner… He stayed going from the outside back to the inside, so we made a bit of contact. But it was on the second-to-last lap. I knew I had to get away because I knew he’d be coming back hard at me. So happy to go 1-1-1 again.”

The third moto played out in similar fashion, with Haaker getting away first at the start, while Walker dogged the former EnduroCross champ, making a pass while jumping out of the rock section.

“Yeah, the rocks, that was the most technical bit of the track,” said Walker. “That was the only bit I felt like I could make time. I felt really comfortable in there.”

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COLTON HAAKER (10), JONNY WALKER (22)

Despite his run-ins with Walker, Haaker went on to go 2-2-2 for second.

“I just wanted to try to get a win,” said Haaker. “Jonny didn’t want me to have one, apparently. We were a little dicy. I felt like I was good in mostly the whole track. It was just the rocks where I felt his pressure.

I had to kind of just sit a little bit more than I would have liked. I didn’t feel amazing there, for whatever reason. I felt better the other motos there, but then that last moto I felt like I just couldn’t quite figure out where I wanted to be and go.”

Haaker really excelled with his starts, grabbing two of the three holeshots.

“I’m really confident in my starts right now,” said Haaker. “I figured some stuff out there before the first round. I think altogether the package is there. I just obviously had a mistake that first moto that cost me the win. Then the last moto maybe just rode a little tight.”

FactoryOne Sherco’s Cody Webb seemed to be satisfied with a third overall finish after posting a 4-3-3 moto tally.

“I’m happy to come away with a podium,” said Webb. “This track really wasn’t my forte. There were so many slams out there. I’m a little bit older and my wrist is so trashed.

I took it easy this week. I was

CODY WEBB (2)

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RYDER LEBLOND (513), TADDY BLAZUSIAK (111)

feeling a little under the weather. Only rode once since the weekend and took it easy to recover for this race and being at altitude and dry up here.”

Rockstar Energy Husqvarna’s Ryder LeBlond went 3-6-4 for third place.

“Overall I’m pretty happy,” said LeBlond.

“This whole week I was a little under the weather. This year I did not let it affect me.

Last year I got my podium and then I got 16th because I got sick. This year I was able to back it up with a fourth. Obviously, I want to be on that podium and work closer to that win, but honestly I’m happy to keep it consistent. We’re still in the points for everything and still good going into the next round.”

FMF/KTM’s Trystan Hart had a bad night by his standards and was not pleased after the race.

“It’s round two of EnduroCross and it’s my third fifth place in a row,” said Hart. “It’s a first for me to be in a position like this. In the last five years this has never happened to me. So, it’s new. It’s frustrating. I know I’m a good rider, so eventually something is going to happen and I’ll be back. It just happens. It happens to Eli Tomac. It happens to the best.

We’ll see what happens in the future.”

Sixth went to the flamboyant factory GasGas rider Taddy Blazusiak, who posted a 6-75 moto score despite crashing in the first moto.

“The night went pretty good, to be honest,” said Blazusiak. “I felt I had good speed. The bike was working better than the first round.

I didn’t do myself any favors with that first VOL. 8 ISSUE 11 - NOVEMBER 2023 // PAGE 123

moto crash, with two corners to go. I got together with Ryder. I believe I was third or second, I don't know. That cost me a lot tonight. Anyway, we are going in the right direction. I feel like my speed is good for where we are at in the season. We’re going to keep working. We still have a few more things that we’re going to test on Monday at the test track. I feel like we’re going in the right direction. I’ve been there already.

So let’s keep working and it will click. All we’ve got to do is just keep going hard.”

FactoryONE Sherco’s Cooper Abbott’s 9-56 was good enough for seventh overall.

Cooper rode a four-stroke at the first round, but opted for a two-stroke for Prescott.

“First moto was a bit rough,” said Abbott.

“Some stuff out of my hands, and that’s a bit frustrating. But I simply just need to ride better. I need to put myself in better positions. Not where I want to be. There’s a lot of fast guys and everybody is riding really well. I know I can be a lot farther up there and battling for podiums and wins.

I just got to put myself in better positions and I haven’t done that so far. Luckily going to Idaho next weekend and we’ll try to do that in the back-to-back.”

Eighth was RPM KTM's Will Rirodan. Ninth was GasGas rider Max Gerston (8-108), while 10th went to Dominik Olszowy of Poland who rode a Rieju to a 11-9-10 score.

In the Women’s Pro final, Over and Out/ GasGas’ Rachel Gutish came from behind to grab the win, while Melissa Harten (Bet) was second and Kylee Sweeten was third (GG).

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RACHEL GUTISH (417)

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/

RESULTS 1. Jonny Walker (Bet) 1-1-1 2. Colton Haaker (HSQ) 2-2-2 3. Cody Webb (SHR) 4-3-3 4. Ryder LeBlond (HSQ) 3-6-4 5. Trystan Hart (KTM) 5-4-7 6. Taddy Blazusiak (GG) 6-7-5 7. Cooper Abbott (SHR) 9-5-6 8. Will Riordan (KTM) 7-8-9 9. Max Gerston (GG) 8-10-8 10. Dominik Olszowy (RIE) 11-9-10

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CLICK HERE TO VISIT WWW.ENDUROCROSS.COM

www.gasgas. com

Watching a trials rider try their hand at enduros is not new. Over the years, many Pro riders have switched disciplines - among them, Cody Webb, Logan Bolopue, Quinn Wentzel, Pat Smage. So it wasn't a huge surprise for us to see GasGas's Josh Roper don a full-face helmet and goggles, and jump on a big bike.

/GASGAS ’24/TRIAL RANGE/GET ON THE GAS S

GASGA

UNCH ‘24 LA

Because Josh has his AMA Pro card, he was able to skip Friday's amateur hot-lap, and Saturday's TKO1 & TKO2, and go directly to the Pro Hot Lap. Placing 17th on the hot lap put him in a good starting position for Sunday's TKO1, which he finished 19th and moved on to TKO2.

Starting in group 4, he barely missed out on qualifying for the main race by six minutes (the top four riders from each group move on to the TKO Main).

Photos: Widen Produktion

We had a chance to chat with Josh and get his thoughts on his firstever hard enduro race.

WHAT MADE YOU WANT TO TRY A HARD ENDURO?

SHOWTIME/

I've always wanted to try a hard enduro. It's just that none of the trials schedules and hard enduro schedules have lined up; finally, this event was after our trials season. I figured I might as well give the TKO a shot. It’s a really popular event, and I know it's pretty hard.orTypically, it's known for a IT OUT! CHECK Master the moment on one of the newest generation 2024 GASGAS TXT RACING GASGAS TXT GP bikes! Built to ensure all riders can take their skills to the level, little bitnext faster-style racing, so it's not all our high-performance bikes have been developed together with the GASGAS Trial as “trials” but this year was Factory Racing Team. Boasting next level rideability, we´ve enhanced our cleantechnical, running

‘24 TRIAL

motors, improved our chassis and suspension performance, while using even more premium components to further increase the all-important fun factor. #GetOnTheGas

VOL. 8 ISSUE 11 - NOVEMBER 2023 // PAGE 127

Please make no attempt to imitate the illustrated riding scenes, always wear protective clothing and observe the applicable provisions of the road traffic regulations!

The illustrated vehicles may vary in selected details from the production models and some illustrations feature optional equipment available at additional cost.

@gasgasusa @gasgas.NorthAmerica

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HART ON TOP VOL. 8 ISSUE 11 - NOVEMBER 2023 // PAGE 129

words SHAN MOORE photos JACK JAXSON Round 3-4 Idaho Falls, Idaho Factory Beta rider Jonny Walker dominated the first two rounds of the IRC Tire EnduroCross Series in Everett, Washington, and Prescott, Arizona, the British rider sweeping the Hot Lap qualifying and all three motos at both rounds. However, rounds three and four this weekend in Idaho Falls, Idaho, were the most competitive so far, with four different winners in the six motos held at the sold-out two-day event, and not one of them was named Walker. In fact, it was Walker’s main competition of last year, FMF/KTM’s Trystan Hart, who went 1-2-1 and 1-2-2 over the two days to take down both overall wins.

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RYDER LEBLOND (513)

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Though Walker still leads the overall championship standings with 108 points, Hart and FactoryONE Sherco’s Cody Webb have inched closer in the championship standings with their performances this weekend, making it a three-way race for the title, with Hart and Webb sitting tied for second with 92 points each.

Though it was a bad weekend for the defending champ, it was an equally good one for Hart.

“I had to do something because Jonny was just kind of running away with it,” said Hart. “It was a big relief after winning the first moto. If anyone was watching, they could see it was a different Trystan. It was just a big weight off my shoulders, knowing that I could be one of the fast guys. After two fifth-place finishes in a row at Prescott, I was super depressed and just super down. I honestly felt like I could ride one lap really fast, at rounds 1 and 2. I felt like one of the fastest guys, but I just couldn’t put a race together. The first one especially. Then in the last moto I felt really good, but I just had some unfortunate crashes. But then we got a new suspension setting for this week, and I almost instantly knew that this weekend was going to be good.”

Webb was also happy with his performance, a third overall, and elevated status in the championship.

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COLTON HAAKER (10)

“It was a good weekend,” said Webb.

“I feel like I didn’t quite have that aggressiveness tonight, but I had the consistency, and I put myself in the right place at the right time, and now I’m back in the hunt.”

FRIDAY Starts were all important on Friday, with an extremely tight right-hander immediately following a short start straight. Hart was quick off the line in all three motos and finished off the night with a 1-2-1 moto score for first.

“I knew starts were going to be key,” said Hart. “That’s exactly what happened. I just got the holeshot, had a little bit of pressure from Cody and Jonny all night, but for the most part, I held a good gap for most of the races. I was just praying the lappers weren’t going to take me out. With just 38-second lap times, you get some of them twice. So, it’s a little chaotic, but I’m happy to get it done here.”

Starting in fourth in moto one, Walker was on the move and around Haaker and Webb for second in the first moto, but a fall in the matrix slowed his pace.

“I tried a few different lines trying to catch Trystan," said Walker. “I managed to come through good after very poor starts. In the second race, I jumped quickly into the lead, TIM APOLLE (96)

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TRYSTAN HART (84), CODY WEBB (2), COLTON HAAKER (10)

but ultimately went down in the matrix.”

Walker also went down in the third moto, but still came away with second overall for the night with a 2-4-3 score. “I came out of the rocks, but I was passing a lapper, and he was on the main line,” said Walker. “He jumped out and I went on the outside of him and then he just cut straight back across and ran me off the track and that’s when Cody went through.”

Webb benefitted from good starts, which he parlayed into a third overall with a 5-3-2.

“Every single moto had amazing battles tonight,” said Webb. “My starts were good on the 300 twostroke, so happy about that. It's probably the best starts I’ve had consistency. Three podiums so far this year. Just got to try and get on top.”

Despite several falls, Rockstar Energy Husqvarna’s Colton Haaker was fourth on the night after going 4-1-5, although his win in the second moto was flag-to-flag.

“Everything that happened to me was my own doing,” said Haaker.

“I was on the ground every moto on my own. All of them. I got in the lead once. I crashed, and then I went back to third. Then I got back into the lead after somebody else crashed. Ultimately, for whatever reason, I just didn’t put it together.

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I wasn’t confident in being smooth and riding my own race. I let the rest of it kind of get to me.”

Arizona GasGas rider Max Gerston came away with fifth overall with a 7-5-4 moto score.

“The first moto was a little tough, but in the second moto I was a little bit more patient during the first four laps,” said Gerston. “I just tried to keep moving forward and just tried to keep breathing. My goal was a top five coming into this year and we got one, so I’m ready to go do it again a few more times.”

SATURDAY Saturday night’s racing saw three different winners—Hart, Webb, and Haaker—in addition to some paint swapping. Hart still took the overall win with a 1-2-2 moto tally.

“Tonight was crazy, for sure,” said Hart. “I won the first one, then Colton, then Cody. I had to make a clutch pass on the last lap to get the win on Colton in moto one, so I just shoved it up the inside. We hit.

I think he fell. I asked him if it was dirty. He said it was all good, so we’re on good terms. Two in a row in two nights. What a way to get the season back on track.”

Haaker got revenge in moto two with a win of his own. “In the first moto, the first turn, my leg stuck to ON THE PEGS // PAGE 136

JONNY WALKER (22), COLTON HAAKER (10) VOL. 8 ISSUE 11 - NOVEMBER 2023 // PAGE 137

Taddy’s wheel,” said Haaker. “I was dead last. It was hard to pass, but there were a lot of mistakes to be made and luckily, guys were making them. So, you could be off just a little bit, like a couple inches off the other rider, and make a pass if they made a mistake.”

In the third moto, Haaker had a good start and came out of the first turn in second place, although he dropped back to third briefly. “I worked my way back into second after a crash,” said Haaker. “Then I got a nice little move from Trystan there that got me.”

After getting a second and a third in the first two motos, Webb flat ran away with the third moto.

“I ripped the holeshot on the smoker and never looked back,” said Webb.

“Those guys were there pushing hard, and I looked back here and there and they were kind of getting hung up on each other, which allowed me to get away. All night, every single moto was super close.

Tonight I just was able to run away with my own race. I almost had the overall, but Trystan did what he had to do and snagged it away from me.

At least we got a positive outlook going into the next race.”

Although he still retains the point lead, Walker went 6-4-3 for fourth overall.

“Starts weren’t the best,” said Walker. “To make time on this track, ON THE PEGS // PAGE 138

MAX GERSTON (15)

I found it difficult tonight. I didn’t gel with the track from the off, but I did the best I could. I just couldn’t work the track out. I think with it being such a short track tonight, 30 seconds, there were just loads of people on the track. I got unlucky in the first one and the second one, but the other guys were riding good.

Happy to move onto the next round.”

Fifth was Gerston for the second night in a row, with a 3-7-7.

“Coming off that top five last night, I just really wanted to back it up,” said Gerston. “I knew to do that I just needed to stay focused on the task at hand and not think about other riders, not think about anything else. Just focus on what’s in front of me. Focus on the next turn, the next thing. So I really made an effort to just stay focused tonight.”

In the EX Women’s Pro division, Over and Out Racing/GasGas’ Rachel Gutish swept the weekend, winning all four motos. Gutish used her technical skills to outdistance the field, and was the only rider in the class to do the finish line double.

The final moto on Saturday was an exceptionally hectic race.

“I’ve been racing endurocross since 2011 and I have never had a finish to any race like that,” said Gutish.

“I think our entire class was in a 5x5 box at one point. I came around revved at the lapper, but she didn’t

COOPER ABBOTT (12)

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hear me, didn’t move. She hit it and blocked the last clean there was.

So it was like, well, I got to take a not clean line and I didn’t make it. I knew Hallie was there, but I’m like, well, she can’t go anywhere either.

So I saw out of the corner of my eye where she was going to try to go, but I was stuck. I was buried in that. So, I’m like, well, I’m just going to get off the obstacle, reenter the course behind where I left it, get a clean shot and jump over, into, or

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through whoever is in my way and get through. Luckily by the time I did that, the line had cleared. Hallie was still stuck. I made it through.

Got the win. That was the craziest thing I think that has happened to me on two wheels, and you know my history. You know for me to say that, that really says something.”

Hallie Marks (Shr) and Melissa Harten (Bet) swapped second and third over the two days.

RACHEL GUTISH (417)

MELISSA HARTEN (53)

HALLIE MARKS (676)

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RESULTS ROUND 3

RESULTS ROUND 4

1. Trystan Hart (KTM) 1-2-1 2. Jonny Walker (BET) 2-4-3 3. Cody Webb (SHR) 5-3-2 4. Colton Haaker (HSQ) 4-1-5 5. Max Gerston (GG) 7-5-4 6. Taddy Blazusiak (GG) 6-6-6 7. Ryder LeBlond (HSQ) 3-11-8 8. Cooper Abbott (SHR) 9-9-7 9. Will Riordan (KTM) 8-10-10 10. Dominik Olszowy (RIE) 10-13-9

1. Trystan Hart (KTM) 1-2-2 2. Cody Webb (SHR) 2-3-1 3. Colton Haaker (HSQ) 4-1-4 4. Jonny Walker (BET) 6-4-3 5. Max Gerston (GG) 3-7-7 6. Cooper Abbott (SHR) 5-8-6 7. Ryder LeBlond (HSQ) 10-6-5 8. Will Riordan (KTM) 9-5-8 9. Dominik Olszowy (RIE) 11-10-9 10. Taddy Blazusiak (GG) 7-9-15

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RESULTS ROUND 3

RESULTS ROUND 4

1. Rachel Gutish (GG) 1-1 2. Melissa Harten (BET) 3-2 3. Hallie Marks (SHR) 2-3 4. Bailey Lerwill (GG) 5-4 5. Maiah Hamocon (YAM) 6-5 6. Ruby Fustini (GG) 4-6 7. Erin Foley (KTM) 7-7

1. Rachel Gutish (GG) 1-1 2. Hallie Marks (SHR) 2-2 3. Melissa Harten (BET) 4-3 4. Bailey Lerwill (GG) 3-4 5. Ruby Fustini (GG) 5-5 6. Erin Foley (KTM) 6-6 7. Maiah Hamocon (YAM) 7-7

CLICK HERE TO VISIT WWW.ENDUROCROSS.COM

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rieju 1-2-3

at wildwood

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words and photos STEPH VETTERLY The second round of the US Hard Enduro Fall Series, the Wild Hively Hard Enduro, saw a Rieju-dominated podium, with Rieju USA's Quinn Wentzel on the top step, followed by Rieju USA's Hayden Mosa and Mason George, second and third respectively.

Enduro riders will be familiar with the Wildwood Lake Raceway venue, which plays host to the Fallen Timbers Hard Enduro each year as part of the main US Hard Enduro series.

Riders were given a four-hour time limit, and with light rain beginning just before the start, the approximate fourmile course was going to be anything but easy, traversing such sections as "Bear Shit," "Bobcat Cave," "Brents Diner," and "AOMC Snakepit."

The 326 of Jared Fortner (BET) got the holeshot on the first line, but would soon be passed by Mike McGinnis in the first turn. Fortner would be knocked to the middle of the pack by the first checkpoint, and despite his best efforts, would only make four checkpoints for a 23rd-place finish.

It would be the 125A of Maverik Thaxton taking the lead at the first checkpoint, competing in the A class, with Quinn Wentzel hot on his heels only six seconds behind. By the second checkpoint, Wenzel had passed for first place, both in the Pro class and the overall, a position that ON THE PEGS // PAGE 146

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NATE PENWELL (48C)

he would hold for all remaining checkpoints and extending his lead to over 20 minutes ahead of second place.

Hayden Mosa would get off to a solid pace, crossing the first checkpoint in sixth place, working his way up through the ranks to settle behind Wentzel by the third checkpoint, with a narrow lead over Mason George.

Mason would give him a run for his money, as by the fifth checkpoint, Mosa only had an eleven-second lead. Unfortunately, by the next checkpoint, Mosa had run out ahead and Mason found himself nearly ten minutes back, a margin that he would be unable to make up for the remainder of the race.

By the third checkpoint, the race order mirrored the podium finish, positions that were held until the end of the race.

Fourth through seventh places became a battle, with the same three riders swapping positions every lap. Thaxton would have a hold on fourth until being passed by Mark Fortner on the second lap. With Mark unable to finish another lap, it would be Quinn Dickey picking up the position, with Maverick and Tobin Miller left to battle between fifth and sixth.

“Racing went good," said Quinn Wentzel. "[I just put the hammer down for four hours. I tried to set it on cruise control and just try not to spike my heartrate too much. Track was good, I rode good. I had one incident - I crashed in the creek and watered out my bike, so that kinda scared me a bit. I had to take the air filter out and ring it out. I tried starting the bike for like four minutes straight with the air filter out. After that, it finally fired. I put the air filter back in. I lost about five-toVOL. 8 ISSUE 11 - NOVEMBER 2023 // PAGE 149

six minutes doing that, but other than that, I picked it up again, pulled another gap after I got the bike going and rode it to the finish.”

“It was a good race, no problems," explained Mosa. "It was clean racing out there, everything went well. I had a couple mistakes on the first lap, but when I got in the mix with the top guys, it started coming naturally.

I got into second and held second from the first lap clear to the end of the race. It started raining a little bit. It was already muddy, but that made it extremely slick, and it got really hard at that point. I was kind of liking it, though. Rieju did great, ran good the whole time. Really had to run it hard out there today, just hold it wide open to make it up stuff, really abusing it but it took it like a champ.”

“Today was ok," recounted Mason.

"I got off to a decent start. I was battling with Hayden [Mosa] and kept making mistakes. But I was able to keep in third place. The course was good; it was pretty tough. There was one spot that was really hard and I struggled with it. When it started raining, the off-cambers started getting really slippery with the roots and everything. I feel like some of the rock sections got easier [as the race went on], but everything else got hard, and everything got harder when it started raining.”

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GRAHAM KOBAK (219Y)

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In the Youth Lites 12-15 class, it was once again Graham Kobak taking the win. Chase Delong would take the lead at the first checkpoint, but quickly found himself battling with Gage Hill, who had taken the lead from checkpoint 2. Delong was able to tighten the gap between him and Hill; able to make one more checkpoint in the alloted time, it would be Delong finishing second and Hill taking third.

RESULTS 1. Quinn Wentzel (RJU) 2. Hayden Mosa (RJU) 3. Mason George (RJU) 4. Quinn Dickey (KTM) 5. Maverik Thaxton (KTM) 6. Tim Baroni (KTM) 7. Tobin Miller (HON) 8. John Kroll (KTM) 9. Mark Fortner (BET) 10. Justin Uplinger (KTM)

CLICK HERE TO VISIT WWW.USHARDENDURO.COM

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Youth Training in Williamsport, PA

words and photos STEPH VETTERLY Youth riders are so very important to any sport, as they become the next Pro riders. But providing safe, controlled environments where their curiosity and skills can be

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entertained and developed should be the number one priority.

That's where Next Gen Mototrials comes in, choosing knowledgeable

riders to host training schools across the country. By keeping the class size smaller, each rider has ample time and instruction to work on learning new skills while maintaining a solid grasp on the fundamentals. And let's face it, most points are taken from simple obstacles.

The latest Next Gen Mototrials school took place in Williamsport with Justin Weaver at his property in Williamsport, PA. Five students signed up for one-on-one training

with Justin, with assistance from Ian Maynard. Starting with basics, Justin went through standard trials gear, explaining the purpose of open-face helmets and the reasoning for trials boots being a bit more flexible than motocross or offroad boots.

After explaining levers and body positioning, it was time to put things to the test. The first on-bike exercise was executing simple turns and balance.

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ISSAC MAYNARD Anyone who rides trials, or knows someone who rides trials, understands that the basics are boring, and the real fun comes from trying to get over obstacles.

Changing pace from static balance, Justin worked with the students to cross a small beam, explaining how to lighten the front wheel.

Each rider was tasked with performing a static balance and given ample time and practice in finding their bike's balance point, followed by practicing some figure eights.

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Some students got a bit throttlehappy, doing impressive wheelies over the beam, but needing a quick break afterwards from the shock and excitement.

The second half of the day was spent working on off-camber turns and section work. Justin set up

BECKETT DANDIGNAC

BRUCE WALTERS several sections in a nearby patch of woods, and walked riders through how to approach a section, reading the terrain, and choosing the proper line for your bike size. Each of the sections had something different, from hill climbs, to short creek sections, to gentle off-cambers around trees. The rain that started first thing that morning made for some more difficult conditions, teaching the kids how water affects traction and section difficulty.

"I can't tell you how impressed I was to see riders going through the sections putting down a two- or three-dab ride on the first attempt, only to clean by the third ride," explained Weaver. "My hope and

goal was that each rider took away something that helps make their future rides clean and enjoyable, and at the end of the day see smiles on all their faces. I think we accomplished that goal.

We had a very special guest speaker, Jerry Young, America's first National Trials Champion. Thanks to Jerry for coming out to speak to the kids.

A special thank you to Heather and Tim from Crippled Bear for providing lunches for everyone. Thank you to Ian Maynard for jumping in and helping with the kids, along with my children, Taylor Weaver and Cameron Kratzer.

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Last but not least, thanks to Steph Vetterly for braving the rain and chill all day with us, and Adam Blumhorst for allowing me the pleasure to represent Next Gen Mototrials and their mission of introducing young riders to a great family motorcycle sport."

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CLICK HERE TO VISIT NEXT GEN MOTOTRIALS

MATT DERRY

VOL. 8VOL. ISSUE 11 -10 NOVEMBER ////PAGE PAGE 8 ISSUE 4 - APRIL 2023 117 VOL. 7 ISSUE - OCTOBER 2022// PAGE159 59

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26TH LEROY WINTERS MEMORIAL

ISDT REUNION RIDE Celebrating the 50th Anniversary of the 48th ISDT in the Berkshires WORDS: CLINT HAWK PHOTOS: SARAH LANE

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The second weekend of September 2023 will be one that is not soon forgotten by the riders and spectators who made the pilgrimage to the Berkshire Mountains. A small field nestled between the peaks would bear witness to a very meaningful gathering and celebration known as the ISDT Reunion Ride. First, we must take a quick look back 50 years, to 1973, to understand why offroad racers, ISDT/E veterans, vintage enthusiasts, and icons of the sport made their descent upon the hamlet called North Pownal, Vermont.

The ISDT had never been in the United States of America until one spectacular week in September ON THE PEGS // PAGE 162

1973. This was the culmination of years of work by two men: Al Eames and John Penton. Al Eames had been laying out the course for the Berkshire trials for several years and had a great knowledge of the area. John Penton, after getting to experience the Six Days for the first time in 1962, would never let go of the desire for the USA to excel in the Six Days and for the event to be held on American soil. Dave Eames recounted to me the many nights his father, Al, spent hours looking over topographic maps of the area, tracing out known routes through the mountains, and speculating on where he might be able to direct the course. He would then go out on his motorcycle to see exactly where he

Al Eames also spent much of his time speaking with landowners, local councils, and state organizations to make sure the permissions were granted, and the event would go off without a hitch. Eames laid out all the trail, special tests, and transfers adding up to over 1,000 miles of course over the six days of competition.

John Penton was and had been a huge sponsor of the USA Trophy Team. John had the superhuman ability of persuading the powersthat-be and making sure they fell in line with the vision he had of hosting the first ISDT in the USA. The dedication of Eames and Penton as well as their many volunteers made the dream a reality.

September 17th to 22nd, 1973, the best in the enduro world came to the Berkshires to compete and represent their respective nations. Two highlights really stood out from this event for rider performances. The US team made up of Ron Bohn, Malcolm Smith, Dick Burleson, and Ed Schmidt won the Silver Vase, becoming the first-ever US team to do so. Bill Uhl was the top

finishing American rider aboard his 100cc Penton. Uhl also received the Count Lurani Trophy, recognition from the FIM for his outstanding performance under extreme personal duress. The 48th ISDT in Dalton, Massachusetts, was a great success and an event that would be celebrated by many for decades to come.

Let’s fast forward 50 years again.

Friday morning welcomed beautiful sunshine and blue skies as the mist cleared away from the surrounding mountains. Mother Nature had not been kind the night before; there were calamities such as overturned porta johns, grass track tape strewn about, and large trees down. Credit where credit is due, event promoter, Joe Chodnicki, trail boss, Marc, and their band of volunteers sprang into

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FRED HOESS (123)

could or couldn’t make it through and how the different sections could be woven together.

LISSA ALDAKIMOV (203) action and started sorting out a promoter’s nightmare. Through their hard work and a few event-goers pitching in, by Friday afternoon the course was patched up and clear.

That afternoon saw many riders and spectators now making their way into the staging area from all corners of the country. The row of national flags was erected along the parc fermé and start area. The Penton Owners Group had started building a fantastic display of maps, pictures, and other memorabilia from the 1973 ISDT. Familiar faces such as Jack, Jeff, and Tom Penton were circulating around the grounds as the comradery and fellowship that this event provides had already begun. Bikes were unloaded and given their final checks and adjustments. Tech inspection by ON THE PEGS // PAGE 164

the Brown family ran very smoothly as lights and license plates were checked. Packet pickup from the pre-registration was a breeze.

The neatly done 50th anniversary logoed row number stickers were applied to the front and right side of the machines.

The decision was made to forego the mandatory impound of the motorcycles on Friday night with another rainstorm moving through the area. The stage was set for the ride to begin.

Saturday morning dawned to a misty fog contrasting the previous morning greatly. The motorcycles were all impounded by 8AM and what a sight that was. A vintage enduro enthusiast’s heaven.

Penton, Ossa, Zundapp, Hercules, BMW, Sachs, DKW, Husqvarna, Rokon, Kawasaki, Triumph, CanAm, KTM, Maico, SWM, Suzuki, Hodaka, Yamaha, TM, and Honda all represented. There were two bikes that really stood out: Herbert Sheck’s original big BMW twin that competed in the 1973 ISDT was there, ridden by Doug Morrison and owned by Max BMW. The other

The rider’s meeting was quick, informative, even comical, and national anthems were played for the represented countries. The Dutch national anthem, followed by the Canadian, then the United States of America. This was a special moment for all since the Six Days is, after all, about representing your country. The nostalgia and feeling of this being a special endeavor saturated the air.

Row after row began forming and at 9AM sharp, row one fired their bikes to life.

The sound of vintage enduro two strokes echoed all around and the smell of premix wafted about. ISDT/E Vets and VIPs were the first few rows, followed by the Vintage pre1974 rows, then the Post Vintage rows set off into the lush green Vermont woodlands. I was on row 12 on my 1973 Penton Jackpiner surrounded by many bikes of the same vintage. The little

Jackpiner lit on the third kick and as soon as it did, I felt as if I was instantly transported back to 1973.

The first few miles of the almost 30mile loop were fun, fast, and flowing woods trails. The dark loam had held up quite well to the previous two nights of rain. A bit slick on top but good traction once you get going. These “low dust” conditions are what I live for and seemed only appropriate for the Northeastern terrain. The loop then popped out on the road through a farm’s driveway and continued through the village, across the railroad tracks, then on back to some gravel roads. These led to the first check and timed

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SUZY MOODY (223)

was a very tidy replica of the late Carl Cranke’s ISDT Penton 250 Harescrambler piloted by none other than Carl’s son, Ryan. Canadian ISDT vet, Gary Richards, had two very rare and very nicely restored Zundapps on hand as well.

special test of the day and “special” it was.

The next part of the loop was some winding gravel roads with some very epic views of the surrounding mountains. One thing that really stood out was the number of locals who lined up on the roads to catch a glimpse of riders passing by.

They were all waving as we were all enthusiastically waving back.

It was great to see that there are communities out there who will still support these events!

We passed through what was once

SUZY MOODY, PAUL DANIK, PAUL CLIPPER

BARBARA HOESS, SUZY MOODY, GRETEL

MEL AND ALAN DRANE

This section of old logging track known as “the military road” was a special test in the 1973 ISDT. This, folks, was hallowed ground.

My minute came up and away I went into the long, loamy, rocky, and rooty uphill section that would challenge most riders even on a modern enduro bike. As I danced the Jackpiner across slick rocks and roots previously traversed by some of the greatest off-road riders in the world, I once again slipped further back into 1973. The terrain is exactly what one would expect the Berkshires to provide. Soon the long uphill subsided and the

terrain flattened out. Then it was an all-out sprint to the end of the section which was guarded by some large water holes to splash our way through.

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the largest apple orchard in North America, which was very impressive.

The next portion of the loop made a quick 90-degree turn off the road into a section of fresh-cut single track and it was great fun, the stuff that true enduro riders yearn for. We then popped out into a powerline section with beautiful views of the farms below.

from one side to the other really gets a Six Days-junky going. From there, swiftly on over to the acceleration test, blasting around the horseshoeshaped track, and stopping in the white lined box at the end as rapidly as your drum brakes would allow.

This would mark the completion of day one and after a quick once over on the bike, back to impound it went.

The powerline section was a nod to the 1973 ISDT because thousands of spectators lined the powerline hills for one the most viewed special tests of that week. After that it was a quick blast of back roads, across the highway, and back to the start/finish area.

Naturally, not long after the day’s riding ended, the bench racing began. The ringing of the earlier events lore spread far and wide through the camping area. Following these wild stories, the preparations began for the banquet that evening.

The mud wiped away and everyone tidied up, the migration began over to the local American Legion Post.

The very nicely appointed, but humble, outdoor pavilion awaited everyone and the evening’s many festivities. First, many autographs were signed by ISDT/E veterans, and it gave everyone a chance to rub elbows with true legends. Next was dinner, which was prepared

by M&J’s Taste of Home and every item from the green beans to the prime rib was fantastic. The dining area was absolutely packed as the sounds of conversation and good times filled the air.

Once back there we completed the next special test which was a hill climb. The start was at the very base of the wooded hill and was challenging because of the short run. Once the momentum was rolling, it was a handful of throttle towards the top of the ridge, at the top a quick turn back down the other side of the steep hill as quickly as you can manage with the clock stopping once returning to the bottom of the hill. This then led us to the gas stop. After the short break we headed back out on to the main loop for another 30 miles or so.

Once returning from the loop we started the first of the grass track tests which was one full lap of the grass track timed. Something about a field full of yellow tape flowing

Once everyone had eaten dinner the real show started. Jack Penton and Jeff Debell hosted the next couple hours of interviews, speeches, and inside views on what it is like to

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DAN WALLY (422) compete in the Six Days. Jack and Jeff recognized many of the Six Day veterans from various years in the house first. It quickly became apparent how much it meant to represent their country for all these men and women. Suzy Moody, who was on the first women’s team the AMA ever sent to the Six Days, was on hand to tell her pioneering story that laid the path for the subsequent women’s teams to go compete. The always fast New Jersey ripper, Lissa Aldakimov, also shared her story, and it was very apparent how much the Six Days experience meant to her on a personal level.

Another offroad legend in attendance was Kevin LaVoie, ISDT veteran and three-time Blackwater ON THE PEGS // PAGE 168

100 overall winner. He let us know how much it meant to get one of those ever-so-famous Skunk Stripe helmets always worn by the United States riders. One of the most accomplished riders in American Six Days history, Fred Hoess, took us on quick trip back into his 28 appearances at the Six Days and total of 21 gold medal performances. He is also still representing the Stars and Stripes in the FIM Vintage Trophy and will be headed back again this year to defend his overall champion title in that event.

Drew Smith and Ben Smith are both multi-time Six Days veterans, and were there to partake in the weekend’s festivities; that is one

fast family. The list of who’s who in attendance goes on and on: Dwight Rudder, Greg Davis, Kerry Clark, Billy Burns, Stephan Vanasse, Bill Beroth, Erik Nijkamp, Alan Drane, Marc Grossman, Daryl Diamond, Tom Canning, Tom Buckles, Gary Richards and many others.

The night’s peak was recognizing the veterans of the 48th ISDT in 1973, the very event we were there to commemorate. The Penton boys, Jack, Jeff, and Tom, made up one half of the US Trophy team in 1973 and were on hand to tell us about their trials, tribulations, and triumphs in the Berkshires. Carl Cranke’s son, Ryan, and wife, Sue, were honored in his memory for his performance on the US Trophy Team that year. Ron Bohn was given quite an ovation for his role in the first-ever US team to win the Silver Vase there in 1973.

year in which he took home a gold medal. Many other veterans of the 48th ISDT were in attendance and recognized such as Jim Hollander, Stellan Tingstrom, and Carl Bergren.

With the last of the stories told on the microphone for the evening everyone started departing but that’s when an interesting little side story arose. A gentleman walked in and wanted to thank everyone for coming there to celebrate the event. As it turns out, he went to the local high school and graduated in 1973. They were having their 50th class reunion the same weekend as the 50th anniversary of the Berkshire ISDT. He commented on how everyone at the class reunion recalled the ISDT because it was a huge event for the area and “the biggest event of their high school

ANTHONY YANNITELLI (62Y)

Dave Eames said a few words about his Six Days experience and a little more insight was given into his father, Al’s, labor of love laying out the route for the 48th ISDT. I always love Paul Danik’s story about how John Penton took care of a bike for him to be able to compete in his very first Six Days that VOL. 8 ISSUE 11 - NOVEMBER 2023 // PAGE 169

BILL BERROTH (304)

Stark and I had been chasing each other all weekend and decided to ride the hallowed “military road” section together on our Pentons.

We eventually caught up with Jack Penton and Ryan Cranke in that section and decided to ride the rest of the loop with them. This was quite the honor to have the opportunity to ride in that company. The four of us all on Penton/KTM motorcycles, Jack’s namesake, riding in formation through the Berkshire Mountains is an experience that I will never forget.

I would also be a terrible liar if I said I didn’t get a little teary eyed a couple of times.

years.” It truly was a night of great memories, stories, and fellowship.

Sunday morning came early for everyone as we had another early rider’s meeting and 9AM key time.

There was a quick debate at the meeting about cutting the 30-mile loop out of Sunday’s schedule because there was a threat of rain.

In the true “never say die” spirit of the Six Days, most voted that we complete the loop as scheduled.

Luckily, the rain never showed anyway. Minute by minute the cycles were pushed from the parc fermé to their respective starting spots. The big loop Sunday was a personal highlight of the weekend for me. Fellow Penton rider Jerry ON THE PEGS // PAGE 170

Once done with the loop, it was time for the final grass track motocross test that traditionally closes the Six Days. There were nine motos in total and the competition was fierce.

Battles seemed to pop up in every single moto everywhere within the packs of riders. The course was laid out exquisitely and that made the racing fun for all riders. I was in the second moto and had an absolute hoot of a time. Flowing grass track on a great-handling, great-running 175cc machine with a low center of gravity is quite a visceral experience.

Fred Hoess is a grass track master, and everyone gathered around to watch him put on a clinic on his Husqvarna 250. The motocross test was a neat experience, everyone cheering each other on, air horns bellowing, and cow bells ringing. The

As is tradition, the bench racing revved up as the bikes were put away for the day. Everyone bustling about, loading up for their journeys home, and saying their goodbyes.

There were, however, still awards to be handed out. Medals were donned upon the competitors who had finished the 26th Leroy Winters Memorial ISDT Reunion Ride.

Fred Hoess would receive the big trophy for being overall champion of the two-day competition.

Everyone was proud of what they had accomplished and applauded every award given to anyone else.

The greatest award was just getting to be there and experience the event itself. This was far and away one of the best motorcycling events I’ve been to in my 33 years on earth.

Where else would you get to have that much fun on your bike, bang bars with icons of the sport, and ride on hallowed ground? I know that anyone lucky enough to attend will join me in thanking Joe Chodnicki for making this all happen.

These events are a monumental undertaking and a labor of love.

This one truly checked all the boxes for anyone who loves the Six Days and the history that comes with it. I would recommend that anyone who is into vintage bikes check out one

of the Reunion Rides in the future and learn a little more about the rich history of the ISDT. With that, we have covered the 50th Anniversary of the 48th ISDT in the Berkshires, now maybe we can start working on Joe to plan the 60th!

A huge thanks goes out to trail boss Marc and his volunteers. Sweep riders extraordinaire Scott Kilton and Kevin Deschambeault. Thank you to the landowners. We would also like to thank all the event sponsors as well! Vortex, EK, Cycle News, Motion Pro, Maxima, IMS, Ronnie’s, Dunlop, Motonation, Acerbis, Preston Petty Products, Fasthouse, Rocky Mountain ATV/MC, W.E.R., Re-MX, Bultaco East, COR Graphics, AMA, and Skrewball.

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JACK PENTON (105)

checkered flag falling on the ninth and final moto of the day signaled the end of competition for the ISDT Reunion Ride.