ANDREW SHORT’S DAKAR
The Big Picture
AND GAM
DUNE RAIDER
Toby Price battled the elements along with an injured wrist to win the 2019 edition of the Dakar Rally in Peru, his second win of the storied event.
PHOTO COURTESY FLAVIEN DUHAMEL/REDBULL
The Big Picture
ANDFUJIGAMFLIER
Takahisa Fujinami wills his Repsol Honda up an artificial mountain during the opening round of the FIM X-Trial Championship Series in Budapest.
PHOTO COURTESY REPSOL HONDA
The Big Picture
an 11th overall finish at this year’s Dakar Rally.
AND GAM SAND MA’AM
Former Women’s World Trial Champion Laia Sanz claimed
PHOTO COURTESY MARCELO MARAGNI/ REDBULLCONTENTPOOL
The Big Picture
AND GAM FINE LINE
Jorge Casales pogos his Vertigo Combat trials bike along a pretty fine lineen route to sixth at the FIM X-Trial opener in Budapest.
PHOTO COURTESY VERTIGO
SILENCETHE COMPETITION
ENGINEERED TO DELIVER SUPERIOR 2-STROKE POWER WITH A SMOOTH POWER CURVE THROUGHOUT THE RPM RANGE, THE FMF POWERCORE 2.1 SILENCER WILL QUIET YOUR 4-STROKE RIVALS AS YOU BLAST PAST ON YOUR WAY TO VICTORY.
EXCLUSIVE OFFERING AVAILABLE ONLY AT AN AUTHORIZED KTM DEALER CLOSED COURSE / COMPETITION USE ONLY!
FIND YOUR BETA AT ONE OF THESE FINE DEALERS
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S&T Cycles • North Clanton, AL • 205-755-1001
Al’s Cycle Center • North Little Rock, AR • 501-758-4800
Dirt Riders West • Scottsdale, AZ • 800-467-0604
Happy Trails Cycles• Bouse, AZ • 307-690-9493
Manic Moto • Queen Creek, AZ • 480-783-3243
On Any Moto • Tucson, AZ • 520-269-6606
Auburn Extreme Powersports • Auburn, CA • 530-885-7105
Browns Cycles • Paso Robles, CA • 805-238-1240
C&D Cycle Center • San Diego, CA • 858-277-3298
Capitol Yamaha • Sacramento, CA • 916-485-9200
Coyne Powersports • El Centro, CA • 760-353-2110
Douglas Motorcycles • San Bernardino • CA • 909-884-4776
Honda Kawasaki Beta of Modesto • Modesto, CA • 209-529-5424
Jetworld Powersports • Castaic, CA • 661-294-0072
KC Power sports • San Juan Capistrano, CA • 949-942-9854
Lewis port USA • Copperopolis, CA • 209-678-5779
Moore & Sons • Santa Cruz, CA • 831-475-3619
MotoXotica • Vacaville, CA • 707-446-4282
Mountain Motorsports • Ontario, CA • 909-988-8988
Simi Valley Cycles • Simi Valley, CA • 805-522-3434
Tec-Cycles • Riverside, CA • 909-224-3375
Uptite Husky • Santa Ana, CA • 714-540-2920
Apex Sports • Colorado Springs, CO • 719-475-2437
Balance Trials Supply • Arvada, CO • 720-207-7715
Extreme Power Sports • Steamboat, CO • 970-879-9175
Grand Mesa Motorsports • Delta, CO • 970-874-8621
Handlebar Motorsports • Durango, CO • 970-247-0845
MotoAdventure • Loveland, CO • 970-669-5377
Spirit Lake Motorsports • Grand Lake, CO • 970-627-9288
Timberline Motorsports • Buena Vista, CO • 719-395-4272
Level 10 Performance Motorsports • Ormond Beach, FL • 386-944-9160
Trial Store USA • Bradenton, FL • 941-404-0757
Aloha Trials Shop • Kapaa, HI • 808-822-2706
Tiki Cycles Unlimited • Mililani, HI • 808-486-8454
Cycle Tech • Fremont, IA • 641-632-8201
DR Powersports • Waterloo, IA • 319-235-6453 ext5
Hicklin PowerSports • Grimes, IA • 515-986-4880
Action Cycles N Sleds • Twin Falls,ID • 208-736-8118
Dennis Dillon RV & Marine • Boise, ID • 208-343-2830
Kolby Offroad • Idaho Falls, ID • 208-881-9646
Revolution Motorsports • Moscow, ID • 208-883-7800
Sandpoint Marine & Motorsports • Ponderay, ID • 208-263-1535
Braaap Shop • Mendota, IL • 815-538-6686
Integ Motorsports • East Peoria, IL • 309-699-3929
Northwest Cycle Center • McHenry, IL • 815-344-7780
Fatty’s Cycle • Fortville, IN • 317-485-6200
The Cycle Shed • Vernon, IN • 812-346-8620
Bucher Sales • Rock, KS • 620-986-5666
Miller Cycle Shop • Inman, KS • 620-712-1165
Morgan’s Suspension Service • Louisville, KY • 502-239-1870
Knight Cycles • Southbridge, MA • 508-764-4356
LBI Motorsports • Oxford, MA • 508-987-6245
Motoworx • West Hatfield, MA• 413-247-9433
Cycle max • Gaithersburg, MD • 301-869-6629
Xtreme Powersports • Accident, MD • 301-387-2095
Jack’s Cycles • South Berwick, ME • 207-337-1274
Maine Cycle • Auburn, ME •207-783-7349
Bennett Powersports • Marlette, MI • 989-635-5500
Marquette Beta • Marquette, MI • 906-226-3560
MX Parts Now • Watervliet, MI • 269-201-7064
Plus One Performance • Dearborn, MI • 313-918-8944
Lewis Charles Cycles • Albert Lea, MN • 507-720-4144
Bonecutter Body Shop • California, MO • 573-796-8685
Donnell’s Motorcycles • Independence, MO • 816-478-9393
Motorcycles and More • Marthasville, MO • 636-433-2384
QC Moto • Springfield, MO • 417-862-4343
Blitz Motorsports • Bozeman, MT • 406-522-7533
Fastoys • Kalispell, MT • 406-257-8697
Hanson’s Motorsports • Billings, MT • 406-545-7338
Kurt’s Polaris • Missoula, MT • 406-541-3651
Mossy Rock Trials & Offroad • Big Timber, MT • 406-930-0227
Poet Motorcycles • Helena, MT • 406-457-8230
Big Toy Superstore • Winston Salem, NC • 336-768-3433
Lower seat height, and the same brake system as the larger RR models. A reliable oil injected engine that is powerful without the hard hit due to its super smooth throttle response. Suited for riders of all skill levels.
Big Toy Superstore • Hickorey, NC • 828-256-4282
Brewer Cycles • Henderson, NC • 252-492-8553
Competition Wheels & Cycles • Concord, NC • 704-906-3238
Redline Motorsports • Bismarck, ND • 701-426-0083
Johnny’s Cycle • Nebraska City, NE • 402-873-6913
Smart Auto Sales • Omaha, NE • 402-715-4647
Naults Powersports • Manchester, NH • 603-669-7220
Town & Country Cycle Center • Hamburg, NJ • 973-875-2111
Trapani Race Setups • Waretown, NJ • 609-693-3773
Champion Motorsports • Roswell, NM • 575-624-0151
DT Motorsports • Alamogordo, NM • 575-434-0454
Sun Country Powersports • Farmington, NM • 505-325-4195
Trialdog Motorsports • Albuquerque, NM • 505-730-5614
Sierra BMW Motorcycle • Sparks, NV • 775-355-0655
Sportsman Cycle • Las Vegas, NV • 702-641-6401
3 Seas Recreation • Mayville, NY • 716-753-2628
Barnstormers Off Road • Whitehall, NY • 518-769-1058
Powerline Cycles • Mahopac, NY • 845-528-3401
Steve’s Custom Cycle • Lockport, NY • 716-625-4372
The Tryals Shop • Locke, NY • 315-497-2904
Beaver Creek Cycle • Lisbon, OH • 330-386-7353
Championship Powersports • Wauseon, OH • 419-335-8600
KRW Cycles • Dayton, OH • 937-477-0522
Pony Powersports • Westerville, OH • 614-212-7888
Staud Cycles• Fairfield, OH • 513-604-2391
RL Racing • Collinsville, OK • 918-519-6505
Airhead Sales & Service • Klamath Falls, OR • 541-882-3572
Beaverton Motorcycles • Tigard, OR • 503-718-6670
Dan’s Motorsports Outlet • Salem, OR • 503-385-8108
Bromley Motorcycle • Trevose, PA • 215-357-1534
Bromley Motorsports • Stevensville, PA • 215-450-5487
Diehl’s Beta Sales• Danville, PA • 570-437-2487
Ephrata Cycle & Sports • Ephrata, PA • 717-738-1184
Kissell Motorsports • Tyrone, PA • 814-861-7890
RyanCo Cycle Works • Bloomsburg, PA • 570-437-4034
South Mtn Cycle Shop • Dillsburg, PA • 717-432-4997
San Juan Motorsports • San Juan, PR • 787-399-6866
Upstate Cycle • Greenville , SC • 864-232-7223
Outdoor Motorsports • Spearfish, SD • 605-642-7731
Rosco’s Motorcycle & ATV • Rapid City, SD • 605-348-3946
Adventure Offroad • Leoma, TN • 931-852-5445
Garry Griffith Cycle • Chattanooga, TN • 423-867-0423
GDM Motorsports • Murfreesboro, TN • 615-907-7212
Knox Enduro • Knoxville, TN • 865-308-0330
Moto-Skills • Rogersville, TN • 602-999-5395
Rising Sun Cycles • Harriman, TN • 865-590-1363
380 Motorsports • Decatur, TX • 817-752-8456
Big Country Motorsports • Magnolia, TX • 281-356-2506
D Squared Trials • Amarillo, TX • 806-576-0271
Fun Motors of Longview • Longview, TX • 903-663-9100 Moto El
CHAMPIONS RIDE KENDA
STU BAYLOR
KENDA WASHOUGAL
THE LOOP
News and Culture From The World Of Trials, Offroad and Extreme Racing
TOBY PRICE WINS DAKAR
ANDREW SHORT FIFTH OVERALL
Toby Price has won the 2019 Dakar Rally. Leading the overall standings by just over one minute going into Thursday’s 10th and final stage, Price had no choice but to give his all on the day’s short 112-kilometer timed special. With competitors setting off in the reverse order to that of their position in the overall standings, Price was the very last motorcycle rider to enter the stage.
Pushing right from the start, Price knew he couldn’t spare a single second on the well-travelled route. Just 10 kilometres into the stage however, the Australian’s nearest rival fell, leaving Price free to complete the special at a more conservative pace. Putting in a champion’s ride, he still pushed on to ultimately claim the stage win and with it, his second Dakar title.
“It feels amazing to stand here knowing I have won the Dakar, I don’t think it has really sunk in yet.” said Price. “I thought at the beginning of the event I would be lucky to even make the rest day. My Red Bull KTM bike has been amazing, I want to say a big thank you to my mechanic for that. The whole crew here do an amazing job – without them I would be no one. The team put in so much work on the lead up to the event and when we get here it’s down to me out there on the track so it feels amazing to be able to reward them all with this result and keep KTM’s winning streak going.
“It was so tight going into the stage this morning, both Pablo and I knew we would have to push right from the start. Unfortunately for him, he went too hard off a dune but he really deserves a win too – everyone that starts this race deserves a win. The plan now is to go home and relax for a little while, I know I need to have my wrist seen to, so I’ll get that sorted and then it won’t be long before we start it all over again.”
Photos Courtesy Ken Marcin/KTM
In just his second year of rally racing, Andrew Short rounded out the topfive in the overall standings. The former Supercross star was excited about his finish.
“It’s been a long two weeks and I’m over the moon with my fifth place in the overall standings,” said Short. “I entered this Dakar with more experience and having spent a good amount of time working hard to be better. I am really happy it all worked out well for me this year. I knew what to expect and this made the whole race easier for me. I’m also happy because I managed to make some big improvements during the race and I think this also showed in my results. Making it to the end of this Dakar today has been the most rewarding part of the last two weeks. All the team worked really hard and this top five result is the best reward for all their hard work.”
Provisional Final Standings – 2019 Dakar Rally
1. Toby Price (AUS), KTM, 33:57:16
2. Matthias Walkner (AUT), KTM, 34:06:29 +9:13
3. Sam Sunderland (GBR), KTM, 34:10:50 +13:34
4. Pablo Quintanilla (CHL), Husqvarna, 34:18:02 +20:46
5. Andrew Short (USA), Husqvarna, 34:41:26 +44:10
ROCK ON: Minnesota 2019 National
By Bobby Warner
It’s time to start planning your summer trials trips and all of us in the Upper Midwest Trials Association (UMTA) are hoping that a trip to Minnesota is on your schedule this year. We are hosting the third and fourth rounds of the NATC series on June 1 and 2 at a spectacular area just outside the northern Minnesota town of Gilbert. I’m the trials master for Round Three on Saturday and Ben Winterer is trials master for Round Four on Sunday.
If you’ve traveled to Minnesota for previous nationals or world rounds, you are familiar with the great Spirit Mountain location in Duluth. The new location is approximately an hour north of Duluth, and with Gilbert being a new location for nationals, I thought it would be fun to share some background about the area. The Times They are A-Changin and Gilbert is where the trials action will be in Minnesota for 2019. Also, fair warning that this is Minnesota and that means nobody has any idea what the weather will be like in June; it could be snowing, Buckets of Rain, or 90 degrees and sunny.
Gilbert is located in the area known as the Iron Range in northern Minnesota. The Iron Range consists of mining districts around Lake Superior in the United
States and Canada. What exactly is the Iron Range, and how did it become what it is today? To answer that, we have to go back to the gold rush days of the 1800s. Yes, there was gold discovered in Minnesota, or at least a little bit of it. Lots of miners moved to northern Minnesota hoping to make their fortunes mining gold. As it turned out, gold is not what made people rich. It was iron ore.
Minnesota is the largest producer of iron ore and taconite in the United States. Even though nearly all of the reddish-orange, high-grade natural iron ore in Minnesota has been mined, advances in technology have found a use for dark-gray, lower-grade iron ore, called taconite. The taconite is crushed and processed into hard, marble-sized pellets. When the Ship Comes In on Lake Superior, the pellets are loaded and shipped to steel mills around the Great Lakes region. The taconite pellets are then melted in blast furnaces to make steel.
Minnesota currently has seven taconite plants that make the pellets. In the past, iron ore was mined on three different iron ranges, but only one (the Mesabi Range) still has active mining today. The steel made from Minnesota iron ore has obviously been used for many purposes. Probably the most interesting use in history, though, is steel from Minnesota ore was used extensively in fighting World War I and World War II. Imagine, one of the modern ships that today carries pellets from northern Minnesota to the steel mills can haul enough in one trip to make 10,000 automobiles.
So, what does mining have to do with trials? Good question. The process of open-pit mining involves blasting away surface rock and debris to access the valuable iron ore or taconite below. After blasting, the mining companies need a place to dump all that rock they don’t want. One of the places mined like that has been transformed into the Iron Range Off-Highway Vehicle State Recreation Area (OHV) park in Gilbert, where the national is being held. And when I say dump the rock, I literally mean huge trucks full of rock would dump their loads at the top of hills where the rocks would tumble Like a Rolling Stone to the bottom. There are massive, towering hillsides of this rock throughout the 1,864-acre Gilbert OHV.
The Minnesota trials club hosts a two-day event at the Gilbert site annually. Always fun and challenging, there is no such thing as the North Country Blues when riding the Gilbert Cup. Adding to the fun, a group of our friends from Canada’s SGTR (Sleeping Giant Trials Riders) club make the trip down from Thunder Bay, Ontario, to ride with us.
Every year for the Gilbert Cup we find more great spots to ride in the sprawling OHV. There are endless possibilities for sections, and while we’ll be using some of
the favorite areas we’ve used for past club events, we have cleared some spectacular new locations for national sections. In particular, there are a couple really cool lookout areas with great views on the loop where you might want to take your helmet off and relax for a bit with your hair Blowin’ in the Wind. We have all 24 section areas, as well as the additional pro shootout sections, defined and cleared. While the loop trail will be on the long side for a national, it’s easy riding because much of the loop uses existing OHV trails and roads that for the most part can be navigated with a two-wheel-drive truck or car. Here and there, to keep things interesting, you’ll find some stretches of fairly steep two-track with loose gravel.
We aren’t the only ones who use the Gilbert OHV and we’ll be inviting other groups that use the site’s 36 miles of trails and roads … like four-wheeler and jeep clubs … to come out and spectate the national event. One of these other clubs, in particular, hosts a big 4x4 event every year at the OHV called Crawl 4 the Cure which you can read about at https://www.crawl4cure.org . Given everything you’ve read here so far, you probably can guess what the national sections will look like: ROCKS! Big rocks, small rocks, rock hills, jumping from one rock to the next rock, and then some more rocks. You might look at your minder and think, I Can’t Make It Alone, but hopefully your minder will say I Believe in You. And when you see the giant rock hillsides with your class arrows at the top, Don’t Think Twice, It’s All Right as the rocks aren’t as hard as they look.
It’s a phenomenal place to ride trials and we are excited to welcome the trials community to our new national location. A bit of advice: when possible, we suggest you avoid riding through the red-colored puddles on the loop. Up on “the range,” coin-operated laundromats have separate machines for the miners to wash clothes that have been stained red by those puddles. Now that you’ve learned a bit about the Iron Range and what to expect for the Minnesota national, make sure June 1 and 2 is blocked on your calendar. Because if you miss it, one thing is for sure ... you will be Tangled Up in Blue ... whatever that means. And in case you haven’t figured out my not-so-subtle hints so far, the famous singer-songwriter Bob Dylan is from the Iron Range town of Hibbing, just a few miles from Gilbert. You can find the event’s logistical information on our website: https://umta. org/national n
BETA CUP INFO 2019 ENDUROCROSS SCHEDULE
The new promoter of the AMA EnduroCross Championship, WHR Motorsports, has released the racing schedule for 2019.
There will be seven rounds, two of them at all-new venues, including the Buffalo Chip during the Sturgis Rally week. The other new location will be downtown Orofino, Idaho, as part of the LoggerXross Series. The Orofino race will mark the opening round of the championship on July 6. The final round will be held in the Ford Idaho Center in Idaho, October 26.
Round 1 6-Jul Orofino, Idaho Downtown
Round 2 3-Aug Sturgis, South Dakota Buffalo Chip
Round 3 24-Aug Prescott, Arizona Prescott Valley Events
Round 4 7-Sep Redmond, Oregon Deschutes County Fair Round
Round 5 5-Oct Everett, Washington Angel of the Winds Arena
Round 6 19-Oct Denver, Colorado National Western Events
Round 7 26-Oct Nampa, Idaho Ford Idaho Center
Here’s your chance to win this 2019 Beta 250RR. As you may already know, Beta is going to be giving a Brand New 2019 Beta 250RR to a rider that accumulates the most points in his or her class while riding a Beta 125RR during the 2019 Kenda AMA National Enduro Series presented by Moose Racing. The winner will receive their new Beta 250RR
after the final round in Oklahoma during the awards Presentation. The Awards Presentation will be at the final round shortly after the race that day is completed. The steps to take to be considered in the Beta Cup are simple.
Step 1: Purchase a Beta 125RR. (Beta Support riders and Beta Employees not Eligible)
Step 2: Take a photo with you standing with your Beta 125RR. (NEPG and Beta May use your photo)
Step 3: Send your Photo along with your Name, Address, NEPG Class, Email address, and Phone Number to info@nationalenduro.com (you must receive an email confirmation reply, Hold that confirmation for your records. If you do not receive a confirmation email, please reach out to the NEPG.)
Step 4: Participate in the 2019 Kenda AMA National Enduro Series riding your Beta 125RR
Anyone that has failed to follow any of the 4 steps will not be eligible for for the Beta Cup Prize.
Please reach out the NEPG if you have any questions. We can be reached at info@nationalenduro.com
Photos Courtesy EnduroCross
2019 BETA EVO
PURE RACING STYLE
The new 2019 Evo Factory models hit the market with a perfectly styled racing look and special components that make it a must for trial riders who want to tackle the race season with the best the Tuscany-based bike builder has to offer. There are three 2-stroke versions (125, 250 and 300 cc) and a 4-stroke version (300 cc), all of which have undergone meticulous technical development to make the bikes even better than the prior models. Beta, Italy’s only trial bike manufacturer and the undisputed global market leader, provides an engine with a distinctly “racing” character that, together with the first-class chassis set-up, provides ultra-high performance without diminishing the fun factor.
ENGINE
Compared to the standard version presented in September, the Evo Factory models stand out due to the following features.
2-Stroke
Black magnesium covers: these provide major weight savings, combining even more agile, enjoyable riding with eye-catching design.
Titanium head pipe: boosts performance significantly and reduces weight. Profiled clutch discs: maintain clutch precision and control even under the most extreme conditions while providing a light clutch lever pull.
Cylinder with revised porting: provides a more powerful and consistent power delivery for the serious rider without removing the user-friendliness Beta is popular for.
2019 Beta Evo 300 Factory Edition
2019 Beta Evo Factory Four-Stroke
Cylinder head with specially-designed volume and squish (300 cc only): considerable performance increase; the red color also offers a ‘racing’ look.
Optimized control unit (ECU) mappings to enhance low-rev power delivery and maintain excellent performance at mid-high revs.
Black anodized engine oil plugs.
4-Stroke
The 300 cc engine on the new 2019 Evo Factory 4 Stroke is equipped with a lighter, even higher-performing titanium silencer. Moreover, a new electronic control unit boosts power to improve the stability of the ignition delivery creating a more clean-burning combustion throughout the rev range.
CHASSIS
To make the new Evo Factory a true competition-ready bike capable of competing at the highest level across all categories, much of the design work has focused on the suspension.
More specifically, the differences with respect to the standard versions are as follows:
Re-calibrated fork valving: continued development to provide the perfect setting for both Expert and Clubman riders.
Gold anodized, billet machined triple clamp: reduces weight, increases stiffness and lets the rider shift the handlebar risers forwards or backwards to adjust bike set-up to perfection.
Rear suspension with longer wheelbase and adjustment of both compression and rebound: settings have been refined even further thanks to more
progressive valving and a more stable, assertive set-up that provides outstanding benefits, especially in pre-obstacle compression and push-off.
Linkage progression: more sensitive and progressive, ensuring better traction and push-off when faced with high obstacles.
Lanyard-type kill switch: ensures the bike can be used in complete safety.
Black anodized bar end plugs: these protect the grips and ensure smooth, longlasting throttle performance.
New black anodized chain adjusters: designed to allow more precise adjustment of chain tension and satisfy even the most demanding riders.
Billet machined foot pegs with non-slip steel pins: ensure maximum boot grip even under the most extreme conditions as well as significant weight reduction.
Racing brake discs: more powerful braking, weight savings and a more aggressive look.
BrakTec brake and clutch master cylinders: for improved braking feel and increased power.
Black anodized brake and clutch master cylinder covers.
Rear brake caliper with brake pad anti-vibration system.
Gold rims: in pure racing style.
Michelin X-light tires: to maximize performance whatever the riding conditions. New eye-catching design: introduces gold to match the classic Factory red white and blue. n
SMAGE RIDING TECHNIQUE PAT
FOR THE NEXT YEAR, NINE-TIME US MOTOTRIALS CHAMPION PAT SMAGE WILL BE BRINGING US MONTHLY RIDING TIPS DESIGNED TO MAKE YOU A BETTER RIDER. AND WHO DOESN’T WANT TO BE A BETTER RIDER? WHETHER YOU’RE A TRIALS RIDER OR AN OFF-ROAD ENTHUSIAST, WE’RE CERTAIN YOU’LL BENEFIT FROM PAT’S TIPS, SO SIT BACK AND TAKE IT ALL IN. BE SAFE AND DON’T FORGET TO PRACTICE WITH A BUDDY!
LESSON 14:
SLIDE-N-GUIDE KIT FOR 2019 YAMAHA SX FE Max Sug. Retail: $119.95 Website: www.tmdesignworks.com
120 page
TM Designworks is propelling Yamaha riders to success with their innovative Slide-N-Guide technology. The Factory Edition SX Slide-N-Guide Kit provides an affordable upgrade from OEM equipment elevating durability, performance, and appearance all in one package. The compact Chain Guide retains TMD’s patented return memory impact system plastic formula along with a matching front Chain Slider tested and proven in every condition from the deserts of Baja to the stadiums of Supercross. The front slider offers precise guidance and unobstructed flow for minimal drag and wear on the critical chain. The Factory Edition SX kit is available in Black, Blue, and Red for a custom look and the kit retails for $119.95. To order, see your local dealer, visit TM Design Works online at tmdesignworks.com, or call (541) 772-4161.
S3 Fat Bars & Buffalo Bars
Max Sug. Retail: $89.95
Website: www.rypusa.com
EE Kawasaki KLR Skidplate
Max Sug. Retail: $139.95
Website: www.enduroeng.com
Enduro Engineering is offering Kawasaki KLR Owners this strong aluminum skid plate. Features include strong aluminum construction that will hold up to more than plastic. It’s designed to cover vital areas of the motorcycle such as water pumps, oil filters, engine cases and Covers. Has side tabs that come up to protect the Frame Rails and Footpeg mounts with vents in the wings let air flow through and mud fall out. Holes in the bottom let you drain your oil without removing the plate.
• A versatile trials or trail bike (with the addition of a removable seat)
• The T-18 Dragonfly is an adult electric trials bike featuring a real hydraulic clutch
• A 5 speed gearbox provides the best match of engine power to terrain requirements
• M4 39mm Aluminum AIR FORKS
• Special Ohlins shock direct to swing arm (Linkless suspension)
• 3 hr quick change battery
•
WHAT’S NEXT?
ANDREW SHORT GOES FROM SUPERCROSS STAR TO RALLY ACE
BY SHAN
MOORE
In just his second year of rally racing Andrew Short secured a hard-earned fifth place finish in the jewel of all Rally racing: the Dakar Rally. It takes more than speed to place fifth – or even finish – a rally like Dakar, so Andrew Short clearly has a well-rounded set of skills that he developed racing motocross and supercross up until his retirement from those series in 2016. We got a chance to speak with the friendly racer shortly after his Dakar finish. And we mean shortly afterAndrew actually gave us this interview between his post-finish shower and his appointment at the Dakar podium celebration.
What was the difference for you this year from last year?
Experience. That’s the biggest thing. One year I really got to learn to prepare. It’s not a race you can just show up to. I think I had the speed. I definitely couldn’t read the high speed terrain like the good guys, but just the experience and knowing how to race and navigate, when to push and when to chill out, because I crashed a lot last year. Even this year on day two and three I crashed three times. At that point, I almost hurt myself really, really bad. I knew I just needed to chill out. Also just being around a good team and being able to train with those guys. That makes a big difference as well. I’m really stoked with how this year went.
Reading the terrain, was that the big learning curve for you?
The biggest learning curve is just navigating. Rally racing, there’s so much strategy. It’s not onedimensional like typical racing where it’s just all about speed. With rally, you have to have speed.
There’s no doubt. If you don’t have that, you can’t race at a high level. But you also have to know how to navigate, and strategy. You have to be able to adapt, be able to work on your bike. You have to be able to ride all these different types of conditions. You have to really think and be smart. It’s crazy. It’s the Everest of motorcycle racing. It’s really hard and demanding. That adventure and every day not knowing what you’re getting into, or the unknown and how you’re going to deal with the adversity is really cool. I really like it.
Was it a bigger transition than what you thought when you first started racing rally? I thought once I was 100% dedicated to it I would catch on much sooner. But there’s way more to it than I understood. Once I got the nitty gritty and raced at a high level against the best, I learned that it’s not something you can hop into and just be successful right off the bat. I think the only person who’s done that is Toby (Price). He just gets away with it because he’s not from this world. He’s always just been different in that case. I think he’s the only one that breaks that tradition. For me, reality sets in when you have big crashes because if you ride over your head or you do stuff when you’re navigating and you miss a danger or something like that, or if you’re just following, that’s when you can get hurt really bad. You start playing with fire and pretty soon you get burned. I definitely underestimated it. I underestimated how good these guys are and how much experience and how dedicated and all that. These guys are pretty unreal. It’s cool just to be in it and around it.
How did you go from supercross to Dakar in the first place?
My last job with Honda, I did all kinds of stuff. My main priority was testing and helping Kenny and the supercross team, with Cole (Seely), and doing all that. Meanwhile, I did some production testing with Johnny Campbell and the rally testing up in the desert. So we had a weekend to kill and they were doing reliability testing. So I went up and rode the rally bike, and from that moment I was hooked. I’m like, ‘This is super cool.’ Everything about it. Then I built an enduro bike with the navigation tower on it so I could learn how to navigate. Once I learned how to do that, then I was really hooked. I signed up for a race, which was kind of frowned upon at the time because I had to miss a weekend from my real job. Then from there, once I raced I was hooked. I was fully addicted. I was really lucky that I was able to get on a team at the time, especially with the group that I’m with. They’ve been so successful. They’ve won the last 18 Dakars, so that group has been really successful. For me to be a part of that and hop right in was a huge opportunity. The guy I actually replaced, he got hurt really bad and so that’s why I was able to join in. My teammate is really good, Pablo Quintanilla. He’s a multi-time world champion. He came close to winning Dakar this year until a big crash took him out.... I’m lucky that I was able to make that transition. I also underestimated how big rally is worldwide and how big this race is. In the US it’s tiny and not very many people pay attention to it, and there’s not much coverage from the mainstream media. But worldwide in Spain and some of these countries, it’s huge. Here in South America there are so many people that follow it. It’s really cool to see what it’s all about, just besides the actual race, how cool it is.
How is your training different for for WORCS and Dakar than it was for supercross, your conditioning and your training routine?
Motocross and supercross are so specialized it’s really one-dimensional. It’s so cookie-cutter. You can tailor a training program and then structure it so you know where you’re at and it’s really clear. With rally, it’s really broad. You have to have good strength. You have to be prepared enough to crash, strong enough. You don’t want to be really skinny and lean because then you break. If you get sick in these third world countries on day one or day two of the fourteen-day race, then you’re in big trouble. You’ve got to be able to pick up a really heavy bike, full of fuel, when you crash in the dunes or wrestle it down or whatever. It’s just different. You have to know how your body responds under stress for multiple days in a row, where supercross it’s one day that you have to peak on and show up and perform. So this is completely different. That’s what I love about it. I did motocross and supercross for 17 years. That was a dream of mine. After that it’s kind of like, ‘What’s next?’ I don’t want to say there’s a void in your life when you stop racing, but it’s really difficult. With this, I don’t want to say it’s a cool hobby, but it’s a cool transition to move into and have that excitement and passion again about something new and be like a kid again riding dirt bikes. I love that. But it’s completely different how you train for that. For WORCS, it’s something for me that I was able to help out Husqvarna in the US. So I’m just kind of showing up to it with the mentality to have fun. Hopefully my roots from motocross help me in that area, and also keep some intensity in my rally racing as well.
Are you doing more endurance training for Dakar? Surely you’re not keeping up the same routine you had for supercross.
No, not even close. Honestly, a lot of the time is just being able to ride the bike for a long day and being able to navigate and keeping your brain sharp. When you get tired, if you make a navigation mistake, it’s a big deal when you go ten minutes the wrong way at 100 miles an hour. You’ve covered a long distance in the wrong direction. All it takes is one simple mistake. That’s why I say it’s multi-dimensional and you have to be ready for the unexpected. With WORCS, I don’t even really know how to train. I haven’t raced one yet, so I don’t know what I’m getting myself into. I’m just hoping to have some fun on a dirt bike.
So as far as technique, Dakar versus supercross, is there a difference?
No. I have the technical skills and I can ride a bike fast. There’s no doubt about that. But these guys, they can read their terrain. There’s a specific technique to rid-
ing the rally bike, especially riding in the desert at high speeds. You can see Ricky Brabec or Toby Price, kids who grew up in the desert pinning it. They have a talent and an eye and a way to adapt better than I do, because it’s just not natural. So I’ve had to learn that. Some of it I think is just mentality. How far you’re willing to push the edge and play with that fire I was talking about earlier. Sometimes it’s scary, but some people don’t think about it and other people do. It’s one of those things with rally. You know it’s there but you just don’t want to talk about it. You have to be aware of what you’re doing.
Those bikes look really awkward to ride. What does it feel like compared to a supercross bike?
Honestly, they’re just like a motocross bike with a tower on it and a lot of fuel. So when they don’t have any fuel, I can rip the thing. It’s super fast. I can go really fast, especially on a motocross track. But when it’s full of fuel you’ve got to be careful. I love it. It’s fun. That’s why I got hooked the first time I rode one. I’m like, ‘This thing’s amazing!’ So that’s part of the joy of it too. You get to ride these really cool bikes that are unique and one-off. That part’s fun for me.
So for a race that long, you’re obviously not going 100%. It’s like when you run a marathon. At mile one you might not be at 100%, but you’re fully engaged at 100%. The rally is the same way. You’re kind of pushing towards that edge the whole way. Some days your body responds better than others. The thing that people don’t realize too is you don’t get any sleep. You wake up really early, 3:00 or 4:00 in the morning. You’re on the road, transferring or the liaison to the special stage and it’s dark and you’re tired. You race, come back. You try to scarf some food or whatever and next thing you know you’re working on the road book. You’re working on your road book until it’s dinnertime. You try to eat food really quick. You’re lucky if you get a shower and brush your teeth. You’re doing your meeting with the team, and then you’re trying to go to bed then 11:30 at night and you’re waking up at 3:00 or 4:00 again. It’s like that for ten days in a row and then riding all day. It’s hard. That wears on you a lot.
Tell me about the vibe in the pits. Is it more relaxed than, say, at a supercross?
It’s not more relaxed than in supercross and motocross. It’s just as serious. It’s not more serious or professional, I would say. But the mentality between the riders, it’s like a brotherhood because you’re all kind of risking your lives, so you’re there for each other. You’re racing against the clock. Where motocross, you go off
the gate and you’re just slamming people, doing whatever you can to get to the front as quick as you can. With rally, it’s different. It’s like you against terrain. It’s a race within yourself to do your best. You have respect within your competitors. It doesn’t matter what team you’re on. There’s always somebody there to pick you up when you crash. One day this guy Van Beveren and Santolino were fighting on the road going home, and then the next day Van Beveren is picking up Santolino off the ground and helping them put him in the helicopter. So it’s just a different mentality and vibe and more respect, I would say. That part’s really cool about the community and how they approach racing here.
Do you have any desire to race ISDE? I know that Antti Kallonen as thrown around your name as a potential member.
Yeah. I’ve been invited the last two years to go. The first year Honda told me no, and then the second year my boss for Husky told me no. So this year I have a different boss. Maybe it’s in the cards or not, I don’t know. My deal ends in November for rally, so I don’t know what lies in the future for me. I would love to do rally some more. I didn’t really know where to go, but I would love to continue with this program. If that’s the case, it’s kind of like you need to specialize in one thing. I don’t know if Six Days would be there, but I would love the opportunity to go one day. I think I would be good at it just from my experience with sprinting, with motocross, and then the long days of riding this rally. I think it would be a good combination. I think I would be pretty competitive, but you never know until I would try it. I would love to do it one day.
Any chance you’d ever come back east and ride a GNCC or a sprint enduro? I would love to do a sprint enduro before I do GNCC. I would get smoked at the GNCC. Not that that would deter me from going, as long as I would have fun. I just don’t know how much fun I would have, where the sprint enduros I think I would love. I’ve done some of those near my house in Texas and they have a small series with TORCS, the Texas series. They’re awesome. I love them. If I could do that, that’s what I would choose to do. But it’s far for me to drive and I’m racing a lot all over the place. Maybe one day. n
WEBB MOPS UP
Riesa, Germany Janurary 5, 2019
Cody Webb claimed the victory at round two of the FIM SuperEnduro World Championship in Germany to take the series lead. Putting together three strong performances in Riesa, Webb secured two wins from three starts to top the overall podium. Winning the third and final heat race of the night, Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s Taddy Blazusiak placed second overall to ensure a KTM 1-2 result.
“It feels awesome to come away with the victory here in Germany, as well as the points lead in the championship,” said Webb. “I think this is my third win here in Riesa, so I seem to have a good feeling with this place. Overall, it’s been a good night. I got off to a good start with a win in the first race. My start wasn’t the best but I had some good lines and was able to close the gap to Taddy and then take the win. Race two is always a little tricky with the reversed start order but I managed to find a bit of space and find a way through. I had a few mistakes in the final race and just lost my momentum a little. But third was enough to take the top step of the overall podium. With round three in Madrid just a couple of weeks away it feels good to have the series lead.”
As runner-up at the opening round of the series in Poland last December, defending world champion Webb was determined to turn the tables on his KTM teammate Blazusiak in Riesa. A venue he has made his own in recent years, Webb immediately got to grips with the fast and flowing track, setting the second fastest time in SuperPole.
“The track was honestly pretty jumpy compared to what we’re used to in Europe, but I feel like if the track was ran backwards it would have been a lot smoother because there was a lot of jumps but all the jumps had terrible landings,” said Webb. “It was probably the most sore I’ve ever been after a race, and I never even crashed in any of the races. It was just like uphill landings or not steep enough. It was actually pretty painful just landing in the flat every lap a couple times a lap.”
Despite a mid-pack start in race one, Webb was quick to carve his way through the field and work his way up to the rear wheel of leader Blazusiak. Making a break for the lead, he put his KTM out front and claimed a well-deserved win. Making the best of the reversed start order in race two, Webb wasted no time in reaching the front. Building a comfortable advantage he claimed a commanding 19-second victory. Aiming for a hat trick of race wins, the American’s hopes of a clean sweep unfortunately didn’t materialize in race three. A couple of early mistakes left Webb playing catch up, finishing an eventual third. But with enough in hand thanks to his two earlier race wins, Webb topped the overall podium and with it becomes the new leader of the 2019 SuperEnduro series.
“The last heat I didn’t get the best of starts,” said Webb. “By the time I got around everyone, Taddy had already opened up a pretty good gap and Colton had a pretty big gap on me too. I was able to reel in Colton because he was making mistakes. I knew I had the overall if I was patient. I was kind of just not trying to rush it and throw it away. So I kept catching Colton and there was a line in the rocks but if you went wide, you kind of lost a bunch of time. The one lap I went to go wide I just got stuck really bad. At that point, I basically just had to finish off and get there.”
“The track’s in Europe are different from the Endurocross races we run in America,” added Webb. “The track in Poland, a lot of people show up. It’s like the biggest spectator race we do. But the dirt is awful because it’s Poland, so the dirt’s just super saturated and you’re just riding on swamp the whole time. So it’s just really inconsistent and it turns into a survival endurocross race, not so much a racing endurocross race. Compared to in the States I feel like we always have perfect dirt. The lips across the whole jump are safe. In Europe a lot of times the lips will get rutted and it gets pretty dangerous, actually, jumping off some sketchy logs. I feel like just the consistency with our tracks in the States, you know what to expect. When you go to each of these races in Europe, a lot of times it’s a different promoter, a different track builder. You can get something that’s really good, or something that looks terrible but rides good."
OVERALL RESULTS
1. Cody Webb (KTM) 57 points; 2. Taddy Blazusiak (KTM) 53 pts; 3. Colton Haaker (Husqvarna) 52 pts; 4. Cristobal Guerrero (Yamaha) 35 pts; 5. Pol Tarres (Husqvarna) 33 pts
Prestige Race 1
1. Cody Webb (KTM) 10 laps, 6:46.552; 2. Taddy Blazusiak (KTM) 6:50.994; 3. Colton Haaker (Husqvarna) 7:23.168; 4. Kevin Gallas (Husqvarna) 9 laps, 7:05.780; 5. Cristobal Guerrero (Yamaha) 9 laps, 7:10.590…
Prestige Race 2
1. Cody Webb (KTM) 10 laps, 6:50.910; 2. Colton Haaker (Husqvarna) 7:10.051; 3. Taddy Blazusiak (KTM) 7:13.609; 4. Cristobal Guerrero (Yamaha), 9 laps, 6:51.752; 5. Pol Tarres (Husqvarna) 9 laps, 7:13.480…
Prestige Race 3
1. Taddy Blazusiak (KTM) 12 laps, 7:35.335; 2. Colton Haaker (Husqvarna) 7:58.051; 3. Cody Webb (KTM) 8:04.231; 4. Pol Tarres (Husqvarna) 11 laps, 8:22.017; 5. Cristobal Guerrero (Yamaha) 10 laps, 7:39.342…
Championship Standings (After round 2)
1. Cody Webb (KTM) 109 points; 2. Taddy Blazusiak (KTM) 107 pts; 3. Colton Haaker (Husqvarna) 101 pts; 4. Kevin Gallas (Husqvarna) 58 pts; 5. Pol Tarres (Husqvarna) 56 pts; 6. Alfredo Gomez (Husqvarna) 46 pts…
WHAT ELSE CODY SAYS...
How do you train for extreme races?
It kind of depends. There’s days where I just go out and push and see how gnarly of something I can go up. But I’ve been trying to make and pull long loops together, so that way I can charge in-between things and reenact a race-like scenario. You can go out and ride the gnarliest thing in the world, but you might be practicing harder than what you’re going to have in a race. If you don’t have that intensity, you’re just kind of walking your bike through stuff. So I usually have a long creek. I’ll ride up the creek and do the loop and come back up it again. When I go up the creek I try and ride correctly and use the right technique instead of just floundering the whole time.
Is EnduroCross getting more and more like Supercross with faster tracks?
Yeah. I don’t know what happened. I feel like all the spectators say it’s so awesome when it’s gnarly and people are down in the rocks. It’s unpredictable. And then they kept messing it up by just making more jumps, which is not what everyone wants.
Do you ever throw a leg over a trials bike?
I was going to over Christmas and I threw my back out right before Christmas, like the same day I was going to go riding on my trials bike. Honestly, I haven’t. I keep saying I’m going to, but then I don’t go with anyone. I want to get it on it lately, I just don’t want to go ride by myself.
If you could suggest any changes to endurocross, how would you change the tracks?
I feel like we’ve seen a couple more riders this year, the last two years, get hurt more than years past. Supercross you see them get hurt enough. We have sketchy rips off things that we shouldn’t be jumping. You look at world enduro in Europe - they don’t really have any jumps. To me, I’m a proponent of more technical style things. I’d like it just to be a little bit safer. I’ve changed my riding a lot to be able to jump this stuff. I never would have been doing any of it five years ago. It’s just kind of a matter of time. If you hit the wrong log a little weird, things are going to go bad for you real quick. n
FAST TRACK
GOOD OLD TIMES BLOG A PIONEERING HUSKY MAN
BY KENNETH OLAUSSON PHOTOS: HUSQVARNA
Born back in 1882, Swede Erik Hyginus Rud became famous for two things – an early interest for photography and as someone who bought his first real motorcycle at the age of 31 years. With his two-speed Husqvarna Moto-Rève, Hyginus rode around the western parts of Sweden on his Model 65 and immortalized everything from weddings to birthdays with his camera. There was a small cottage, or croft, in the vicinity of Fredsberg in the western part of Sweden. It’s here where Erik Hyginus Rud was born, back in the noble year of 1882, and it was here that he grew up under spartan circumstances. From his father, he soon learned the trade of shoemaker, but just as an avocation to the daily work that had to be accomplished near home at the cottage. However,
with only one cow and a small, stony piece of land it was not enough to make ends meet in the average week. Poverty was unfortunately an influential part of this young man’s everyday life, which did not suit Erik Hyginus at all. It was duly noted that he was a gifted youngster with many talents, such as being an avid reader. Consequently, poor circumstances did not stop Erik H-R from having an appetite for life, or big dreams. Anything that was connected to technical matters for the future was swallowed up by this enthusiastic eccentric. He was addicted to developments that made life easier and that had a technical background. At the age of twenty, Erik was seen handling his initial high-wheel ‘velocipede’ and five years later he had installed an engine, making this an innovative vehicle.
With the two-wheeler, Erik had his first experience of riding a bicycle equipped with a ‘powerful’ engine. In 1913, Erik turned 31 years old and by now, he had worked enough and would spend his hard-earned money by purchasing his first motorcycle. Erik had had his eyes on a two-speed Husqvarna machine with a power-source from the Swiss company Moto-Rève. This Model 65 came from the Huskvarna factory in mid-Sweden and was manufactured between 1913 and 1915. All in all, some 250-300 units – with pedals - were produced during this period. Erik’s motorcycle had a 340cc V-twin engine with a performance capable of doing 50-60 km/h. It was a proud moment when Erik Hyginus picked up his first love at the dealer’s workshop.
At the time, there were no filling stations around, so gasoline by the barrel had
to be provided by canal boats to the Hyginus home. Once, he was out of fuel and had to fill his tank with petroleum from a pharmacy. By solving his problem, this flexible man was able to ride home to complete his day’s work.
With no front brake and only a meagre rear block, it was not easy to stop the machine from a speed of 50 km/h. “You had to be careful,” he said with a smile at the age 80. “The road conditions in those days were not like nowadays in the 60s. You had to ride carefully and consider all the hazards, many of them not existing any longer.”
Erik Hyginus remembers an incident when he was out riding around his home turf, “I arrived at a steep hill ahead of the Halna church and had to push a little in order to make the ascent. Consequently, I gave the engine a push by handling the throttle lever. Arriving at the top, I discovered a man shovelling sand from a steep ditch. When he saw me, he simply walked out on the road, obstructing my way. ‘You have to pass me with care,’ the man shouted. ‘Otherwise I will twist your neck into oblivion and bury you in my gravel pit here.’ So, I did pass him with care.”
Before the turn of the new century, Erik had laid his eyes on some ‘photographic apparatus’ in a monthly magazine. So, he decided to make his own photographic device and adapted a worn cigar box for its new purpose. By using a piece of tin plate, Erik was able to make this invention work adequately. He was successful by developing his cigar box with further research and also produced an electric shutter for which he received a patent.
By 1900, Erik was able to buy his first ‘real’ camera by mail order from the capital of Stockholm. His technical knowledge and his imagination had no limits. In the early 20s, Erik made a positive attempt at building his own radio receiver. This happened even before the Swedes started broadcasting news by radio. Consequently, from the beginning, Erik could only listen to Morse signals before the national radio began sending transmissions. Erik also installed telephones within the local community, so his neighbours were able to talk to each other. This of course was very much appreciated as the authorities had not yet begun with their telecom company.
DAVE SENNING
But it was his interest in photography that was going to occupy most of Erik’s time. On his two-speed Husqvarna, he rode to celebrations and confirmation parties and earned extra money as an allowance. Mister Hyginus made his proud motorcycle trips with his camera equipment attached to the vast rear luggage carrier, which can be seen on the photo. Erik also devoted time to document people in their environments during the early stages of the 20th century. He rode his Husqvarna until 1926 before he switched to driving a car. By doing so, he was also able to work by night and could extend his hours for efficiency. Erik Hyginus Rud died in 1972 at the age of 91 years. He lived, if you please, in the shadow of the devil – being a truly happy man, who made a difference in life, simultaneously being a Husqvarna motorcyclist and a colourful photographer! n
OZARK 100 MILER
ASHBURN GETS EXTREME WIN
In a repeat performance from last year, Beta rider Jordan Ashburn claimed the top step of the podium at the 2018 Ozark 100 Miler with Sherco’s Nick Fahringer close behind in second place.
This was the 10th year for southwest Missouri’s Ozark 100 Miler, held on Thanksgiving weekend as part of the Hillbilly Gran Prix series and sponsored by Marionville Powersports. Hardwood Hills Ranch near Mansfield, MO, once again hosted the event and provided terrain challenging enough to satisfy riders from all over the Midwest.
JORDAN ASHBURN
STORY AND PHOTOS BY LINDA FUESRT
About 250 riders started the event, with each succeeding lap increasing in difficulty until only the top 25 riders lined up for the third moto after dark.
“Always tough to make it to a race the day after a holiday at home, but I can’t miss this race,” Fahringer said. “It gets rowdy after sunset.”
The three-moto format started with typical Missouri hare scramble trail rideable by all classes. Trailrider, Youth and Women’s classes rode only the first 22-mile lap. The second lap of 28 miles was more difficult but geared toward C riders. Ashburn scored the first moto win by 23 seconds over Husqvarna Motorcycles USA-sponsored Logan Lowrey of Trenton, MO. Fahringer was 56 seconds behind in third.
The afternoon moto was 25 miles and only ridden by B riders and above. The promoters removed a couple of miles of the easiest trails and stepped up the difficulty level by adding some new hill climbs and a favorite element known as the Wall. The same first three riders from moto 1 repeated in moto 2, but this time it was Ashburn, Fahringer and Lowrey. Travis Reynaud of Fair Grove, MO came in seven seconds behind Lowrey for fourth.
The night moto of the Ozark 100 Miler generated a lot of excitement among the many spectators who ventured through the dark woods to a couple of lighted elements, where they eagerly awaited the approach of the top riders. Three laps,
each 8.5 miles of tight single-track, included the most challenging trails Hardwood Hills Ranch could offer, such as Bastard Hill and a new section christened Chain Breaker.
But the highlight of the race was the rocky uphill ravine called Somethin’ Special, which had many riders struggling. Help from bystanders was not allowed, so some riders teamed up to lift their bikes over massive boulders. Ashburn had some problems in this section, allowing Fahringer to slip by.
“My Task racing light showed the way for me as I trailed Jordan and capitalized on his struggle on Somethin’ Special,” Fahringer said. “The crowd got loud for the action and fueled my charge to the night moto win. The Hillbilly Gran Prix crew did a great job escalating the technical factor which made for a great race.”
The Ozark 100 Miler used motocross scoring. Ashburn won the overall with 1, 1, 2. Fahringer picked up second with 2, 2, 1. Lowrey picked up the final podium position with 2, 3, 3.
OVERALL TOP TEN:
1. Jordan Ashburn (BET); 2. Nick Fahringer (SHR); 3. Logan Lowrey (HUS); 4. Travis Reynaud (KTM); 5. Silas Morris (YAM); 6. Jared Shafer (KTM); 7. Chris Mckelvey (KTM); 8. Jay Sornson (BET); 9. Broc French (BET); 10. Nick Niemann (HUS).
NICK FAHRINGER
Dirt Riders West - Mike Carlton, 800.467.0604, Scottsdale, AZ
Lewisport USA - Adrian & Mandy Lewis, 209.785.6878, Copperopolis, CA
Balance Trials Supply - Bill Haskell - 720.207.7715 - Erie, CO
Trial Store USA - Alex Niederer - 941.404.0757 - Bradenton, FL
Aloha Trials - Clayton Oshita, 808.822.2706, Kapaa, HI
Northwest Cycle - Ron Rivenburgh, 815.344.7780, McHenry, IL
Jack’s Cycles - Stuart Preston, 207.337.1274, South Berwick, ME
Competition Wheels - James McKenzie, 704.906.3238, Concord, NC
HVC Cycle - Brad Obidowski, 402.817.4795, Lincoln, NE
Miller Ranch Trials - Aaron & Andy Miller 607.765.8362 Corning, NY
Torne Mountain Trial - Jon France, 914.490.0637, Hillburn, NY
Adroit Engineering - Jon Rentschler, 440.668.3207, Chardon, OH
Gran Prix Cycle - Gary & Robyn Byers, 541.926.3139, Albany, OR
MotoMex - Danny Aguirre, 214.912.9005, Dallas, TX
Skagit Powersports - Gary Lawver, 360.757.7999, Burlington, WA
TTC - Charlie Roberts, 423.942.8688, Sequatchie, TN
Budapest hosted the first round of the 2019 FIM X-Trial World Championship season, a series that will see seven events throughout this first part of the year before going outdoors. As expected, Repsol Honda’s Toni Bou kicked off the season with a triumph at the opener in the Laszlo Papp Arena, beating out rival Adam Raga (TRS) by four points for the win, 10 to 14. Bou was forced to miss the event in Hungary last year due to an injured vertebrae.
Gas Gas factory rider Jeroni Fajardo finished third with two points, while teammate Jaime Busto was fourth, after the two riders faced off in the Consolation Final. Bou started strong by dropping only a single point in the first round, five points clear of the next closest rival. Raga moved on after winning his group as well. James Dabill (Beta), Dan Peace (Sherco) and Japan´s Takahisa Fujinami (Repsol Montesa-HRC) were all eliminated in round one.
In the final head-to-head between Bou and Raga, Bou lost ground early before some deft handling eventually moved the Spaniard up into first place. Raga pushed Bou all the way to the end, however Bou managed to hold on to the lead – in spite of picking up a five in the penultimate hazard – to secure the first victory of the 2019 FIM X-Trial championship.
“I’m super happy to start off winning,” said Bou. “It was amazing to get this victory after the rib injury, which I’m still not recovered from totally. We must continue working to improve because I believe that I am not yet where I could be. I trained a little this year and I think I’m not at my usual level. There is still quite a way to go and I want to get there as soon as possible. Yes, in 2018 we won, but I suffered a lot because of the injuries. That is why I want to thank Joaquim Terricabras and all his medical team for the help they have given me, especially for the recent treatment for the rib injury.”
1. Toni Bou (Hon) 10 (Final)
2. Adam Raga (TRS) 14 (Final)
3. Jeroni Fajardo (GG) 2 (Semi)
4. Jaime Busto (GG) 12 (Semi)
5. Benoit Bincaz (Bet) 8 (Heat)
6. Jorge Casales (Ver) 15 (Heat)
7. James Dabill (Bet) 16(Heat)
8. Takahisa Fujinami (Hon) 19 (Heat)
9. Dan Peace (Shr) 25 (Heat)
JORGE CASALES
PHOTO COURTESY VERTIGO
TAKAHISA FUJINAMI
THE MARTIN LAMPKIN TRIAL
JANUARY 5, 2019 SHEFFIELD, ENGLAND
PHOTOS COURTESY TRIAL MEDIA
BOU
WINS A SQUEAKER
TONI BOU TRAILED BUSTO HEADING INTO THE FINAL SECTION OF THE EVENING, BUT PULLED OUT A WIN.
ADAM RAGA (LEFT) AND TONI BOU FACE OFF IN THE HEAD-TO-HEAD RACE
Toni Bou claimed a nail biting, last second victory in a spectacular showdown that was settled in the very last section. After a full evening of remarkable performances, the 2019 edition of the Sheffield Indoor Trial boiled down to the very last section between Bou and his former Repsol Honda teammate Jaime Busto.
Bou trailed Busto by a single mark, 9-10, heading into the section and Busto attempted the giant oil bottles first, knowing that if he cleaned the section he would be crowned Champion of Sheffield. Britain’s James Dabill (Beta) and Adam Raga (TRS) had both fived the tricky section, but Busto looked confident as he attacked the giant obstacles. Just as he appeared to have locked up the victory, Busto lost his balance before the exit and fell off the side of one of the bottles for a five.
Knowing anything but a five would secure the win, Bou finished off the section with a single dab to claim the “W”.
It was not an easy victory for Bou, but certainly it was a good way to kcik off the 2019 season.
Eight riders started the evening, with Adam Raga (TRS), Jorge Casales (Ver), James Dabill (Beta), Jack Price (Gas Gas), Jack Peace and Toby Martyn joining Bou and Busto in the lineup for the event. This year marked
the 24th running of the event, which is now run by the Lampkin family. Although it’s not part of the FIM X-Trial series, Sheffield is still an important event, and one that the top riders use to prepare for the official indoor season. The event featured six sections, and there were plenty of fives during qualifying – even from Bou. And there were the traditional head-to-head races, as well.
FINAL RESULTS
1. Toni Bou (Hon) 8
2. Jaime Busto (GG) 14
3. Adam Raga (TRS) 16
4. James Dabill (BET) 17
5. Jorge Casales (VER) 20
6. Toby Martyn (Bet) 21
7. Jack Peace (GG) 23
8. Jack Price (GG) 24
JAIME BUSTO GAVE BOU ALL HE COULD HANDLE AT SHEFFIELD
THE PODIUM IN FOURTH PLACE
JAMES DABILL JUST MISSED
BETA’S TOBY MARTYN DROPS INTO A SECTION AT SHEFFIELD ARENA
DANIEL’S LINE
It’s been a while since I’ve done a column, so lots to cover! 2018 came to a close with the AMA Champions weekend in Columbus, Ohio where enthusiasts from all over the country gathered to decide rules and regulations for the upcoming AMA season as well as celebrate champions from each motorcycle discipline. I was honored to be a part of the weekend as a trials commision member, 2nd place finisher in the pro class, and Trial Des Nations team member. As a commision member, I attended meetings on Friday and Saturday which dictated the changes
in the AMA rule book controlling the majority of motorcycle sports in the USA! Really exciting to be surrounded by such influential people in the motorcycle community. Friday night was the Hall of Fame induction ceremony where I got to witness legendary motorcycle riders be inducted and hear their amazing stories! I got to meet the first woman to ever race in a motorcycle event in the United States, Mary Mcgee! Nicky Hayden was also inducted and his life celebrated throughout the evening. Saturday night at the AMA Champions weekend was all about the current stars and champions where I got to go on stage twice: First for earning second place in the NATC national championship in the pro class and also for our second place finish at the Trial Des Nations! Being surrounded by champions in every motorcycle discipline was quite spectacular. Moving on into 2019, my focus starting the year was to solidify my training schedule, support and sponsors, and goals for the upcoming season. My training partner, Josh Roper, and I set our training schedule up to where we essentially
are riding every other day with training sessions planned for Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday, and Sunday! Lots of peg time! For off the bike training, I have paired up with an awesome gym called ‘F45’ that stands for Functional 45 training which is essentially high intensity interval training on steroids! The group functional training really focuses on a fine balance between cardio and strength leading to perfect workouts for what I need riding trials and even being fit in general! I find myself activating similar muscle groups as on the bike as well as improving my explosive power and quick twitch muscles. I am hoping this focus on physical health will show during my 2019 season. Along with physical training in the gym, I am doing my usual routine of mountain biking and cycling during the week when I am unable to squeeze in a real motorcycle ride. Nutrition is definitely something I have struggled with in the past and so recently I have taken cooking good wholesome meals more seriously. Doing some research into why I typically struggle with warmer weather events (gnarly salt stains and lots of cramping) I discovered that a diet comprised of high sodium causes your body to overcompensate during periods of heavy exercise and expel more than a normal amount of salts from your body leading to poor hot weather performance! Thanks to Hammer Nutrition, I have found a supplement regimen that has really boosted my ability to recover and push harder during riding. Hopefully I can get away with no cramps or heat exhaustion in 2019!
The best part is, even though my life is full of riding and training, I still work full time as a mechanical engineer for Integrated Solutions Inc in Phoenix, AZ (who sponsors the NATC series, how lucky am I?) which definitely keeps me really busy! Along with all the normal adult stuff, I still have found time to pick up new sports like cross country skate skiing! Super fun and a really good workout! With all the warm weather in Arizona, it’s hard to find snow but when you do it’s absolutely gorgeous.
Going back to the trials world, I have signed on with Geoff Aaron and the rest of GasGas North America Team again for another year of fun! I will be riding the GasGas TXT 300 in the pro class and will be working for that first pro win! The series really kicks off in May starting with the Pro/AM event in Luckenbach, Texas and after that, will literally be a competition per weekend for the next 5 weekends. The national season would have been 4 weekends in a row if it wasn’t for a one weekend break at the beginning of June (which in case you were wondering, there is the superstars event in ioco, BC that weekend.) It will be a jam packed spring but I cannot wait! The thing I constantly need to remind myself is that right now is the time to put in the work that will reflect during that period so even though it is still several months away, got to work hard now!
That’s all I have for now, so until next time, keep your feet on the pegs! n
2019 US MOTOTRIALS
May 25-26 Nebraska
June 1-2 Minnesota
June 15-16 Colorado
June 22-23 Oregon
2019 FIM TRIAL GP
May 25-26 Italy
June 7-9 Japan
June 22-23 Netherlands
June 29-30 Belgium
July 13-14 Portugal
July 20-21 France
Aug 31-Sept 1 Great Britain
Sept 21-22 Spain
2018 TRIAL DES NATIONS
Sept 27-28 Ibeza
2019 AMA NATIONAL ENDURO SERIES
WWW.NATIONALENDURO.COM
Feb 3 Sumter, South Carolina
March 24 Prmond Beach, FL
April 28 Forest Hill, LA
May 12 Arrington, VA
June 9 Greensboro, GA
July 28 Cross Fork, PA
August 25 Wellston, OH
Sept 8 Park Hills, MO
Oct 6 Matthews, IN
Oct 20 Sand Springs, OK
019 DAKAR
JAN 6-17 Peru
2019 WORLD SUPER ENDURO
Dec 8 Krakow, Poland
Jan 5 Riesa, Germany
Jan 26 Madrid, Spain
Feb 9 Budapest, Hungary
March 9 Bilbao, Spain
2019 FIM WORLD ENDURO CHAMPIONSHIP
April 12-14
TBA
May 10-12 Santiago, Spain
May 17-19 Valpacos, Portugal
June 14-16 Ajaccio, Corsica
June 21-23 Rovetta, Italy
Sept 13-15 Janovice, Czech Republic
Sept 27-29 Ambert, France
2019 FIM WORLD ENDURO SUPER SERIES
May 10-12
Extreme XL Lagares, Pprtugal
May 17-19 Trèfle Lozérien AMV, France
May 30-June 2 Erzbergrodeo, Austria)
TBA Classic Enduro, Italy
July 30-Aug 4 Red Bull Romaniacs, Romania
Sept 21-22 Hawkstone Park Cross Country, UK
Oct 5-6 Solsona Enduro, Spain
Nov 2-3 GetzenRodeo, Germany
2019 INTERNATIONAL SIX DAYS ENDURO
November 11-16 Portimao, Portugal
22019 KENDA FULL GAS SPRINT ENDURO
WWW.SPRINTENDURO.COM
Feb 9-10 Gaston, SC
March 2-3 Blackshear, GA
April 6-7 Greeneville, TN
May 25-26 Glen Daniel, WV
June 15-16 Bristol, VA
July 13-14 Fairmount City, PA
Aug 10-11 Hayesville, NC
Sept 1-2 Laurens, SC
2019 WORCS
Jan 11-13 Primm, NV
Feb 1-3 Glen Helen, CA
March 1-3 Lake Havasu City, AZ
March 15-17 Peoria, AZ
April 12-14 Las Vegas, NV
April 26-28 Milford, CA
May 17-19 Mesquite, NV
July 31-Aug 4 Grays Harbor, WA
Sept 6-8 Glen Helen, CA
Sept 27-29 Taft, CA
Oct 25-27 Primm, NV
2019 Best In The Desert
Jan 11-12 Parker, AZ
Mar 7-10 Las Vegas, NV
April 5-7 Laughlin, NV
May 2-5 Alamo, NV
Aug 14-17 Vegas-to-Reno
2019 TRIALS INC.
WWW.TRIALSINC.ORG
April 13-14 Tippecanoe, Ohio
April 27-28 Garrettsville, OH
Mar 18-19 Little Hocking, OH
Jul 20-21 Toronto, OH
Aug 10-11 Sidell, IL
Aug 31-Sept 1 Newark, OH
Sept 14-15 Bloominton, IN
Sept 28-29 Bedford, KY
Nov 3 Pickerington, OH