On the Pegs Magazine - 03 March 2019

KR557 KICKS OFF SPRINT SERIES

The Big Picture

AND GAM STYLIN’

Josh Toth styles in the Enduro test en route to second overall at the Kenda Full Gas Sprint Enduro in South Carolina.

PHOTO BY SHAN MOORE

The Big Picture

Pat Smage spent part of the winter training in Arizona in preparation for a run at an eleventh US MotoTrials Title in 2019.

PHOTO BY DAVID ROPER

AND GAM HANG 11

AND GAM BOOM BOOM BOU

Tony Bou slams into an obstacle while defying gravity at the Barcelona round of the FIM X-Trial Championship in Spains.

PHOTO COURTESY REPSOL HONDA

The Big Picture

The Big Picture

AND GAM PINBALL WIZARD

North America GasGas rider Thorn Devlin careens off of a tree during the Sumter National Enduro in Wedgefield, South Carolina, round one of the Kenda AMA National Enduro Series.

PHOTO BY SHAN MOORE

The Big Picture

AND GAM LIGHT SHOW

Jaime Busto flips and flings his GasGas among the spotlights during the recent FIM X-Trial in Bizkaia Arena in Bilbao, Spain, en route to a fourth place finish.

PHOTO

COURTESY GASGAS MEDIA

The Big Picture

AND GAM

FREAKY FAST

Kailub Russell rips out of the start of the Enduro Test at the Kenda Full Gas Sprint Enduro in South Carolina. Kailub finished an astounding 8 seconds faster than the next fastest rider in the first test of the weekend.

PHOTO BY SHAN MOORE

OFFROAD ANYWHERE ANYTIME

Take charge of your ride with the new KTM 690 ENDURO R – now armed with highly-capable WP XPLOR suspension, ride-enhancing electronics and aggressive new offroad styling. True to its core, this renowned icon of original dual-sport offers a dynamic slim feel, delivering superior all-terrain action wherever and whenever the urge arises.

Photo:

Lackner

BETA ENDURO & TRIALS DEALERS

Enduro Alaska • Wasilla, AK • 907-350-6584

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

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

Uptite Husky • Santa Ana, CA • 714-540-2920

Apex Sports • Colorado Springs, CO • 719-475-2437

Extreme Power Sports • Steamboat, CO • 970-879-9175

LBI Motorsports • Oxford, MA • 508-987-6245

Motoworx • West Hatfield, MA• 413-247-9433

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

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

BETA TRIALS ONLY DEALERS

Lewisport USA • Copperopolis, CA • 209-678-5779

Tec-Cycles • Riverside, CA • 909-224-3375

Balance Trial Supply • Arvada, CO • 720-207-7715

Trial Store USA • Bradenton, FL • 941-404-0757

Aloha Trials Shop • Kapaa, HI • 808-822-2706

Northwest Cycle Center • McHenry, IL • 815-344-7780

Fatty’s Cycle • Fortville, IN • 317-485-6200

The Cycle Shed • Vernon, IN • 812-346-8620

Miller Cycle Shop • Inman, KS • 620-712-1165

Morgan’s Suspension Service • Louisville, KY • 502-239-1870

Knight Cycles • Southbridge, MA • 508-764-4356

Cycle max • Gaithersburg, MD • 301-869-6629

Xtreme Powersports • Accident, MD • 301-387-2095

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

Bucher Sales • Rock, KS • 620-986-5666

Jack’s Cycles • South Berwick, ME • 207-337-1274

Mossy Rock Trials & Offroad • Big Timber, MT • 406-930-0227

502-239-1870

Oil injection, electric start, push button seat, tool-less air filter access, lithium battery, full lighting package, and there is no other model on the planet with this power delivery and features.

Poet Motorcycles • Helena, MT • 406-457-8230

Big Toy Superstore • Winston Salem, NC • 336-768-3433

Big Toy Superstore • Hickorey, NC • 828-256-4282

Brewer Cycles • Henderson, NC • 252-492-8553

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

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

Beaver Creek Cycle • Lisbon, OH • 330-386-7353

Championship Powersports • Wauseon, OH • 419-335-8600

Competition Wheels & Cycles • Concord, NC • 704-906-3238

Trialdog Motorsports • Albuquerque, NM • 505-730-5614

The Tryals Shop • Locke, NY • 315-497-2904

RL Racing • Collinsville, OK • 918-519-6505

KRW Cycles • Dayton, OH • 937-477-0522

Pony Powersports • Westerville, OH • 614-212-7888

Staud Cycles• Fairfield, OH • 513-604-2391

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

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

380 Motorsports • Decatur, TX • 817-752-8456

Big Country Motorsports • Magnolia, TX • 281-356-2506

Diehl’s Beta Sales • Danville, PA • 570-437-2487

Moto-Skills •Rogersville, TN • 602-999-5395

Rising Sun Cycles • Harriman, TN • 865-590-1363

Mototrialsport • Midlothian, TX • 972-754-9686

D Squared Trials • Amarillo, TX • 806-576-0271

Fun Motors of Longview • Longview, TX • 903-663-9100

Moto El Paso • El Paso, TX • 915-566-6666

Cutler’s Inc. • Orem, UT • 801-224-5005

Offroad Specialists • Fillmore, UT • 435-743-4180

Ridgeline Motorsports • Vernal, UT • 435-789-7433

Steadmans Recreation • Tooele, UT • 435-882-3344

Sunny Offroad • Perry, UT • 801-430-1101

Allsport Cycles • Roanoke, VA • 540-772-2500

Commonwealth Motorsports • Hayes, VA • 804-642-2200

Early’s Cycle Center • Harrisonburg, VA • 540-433-2585

Frank’s Motor Bikes • Bellevue, WA • 425-603-9000

Smitty’s Outdoor Power & Cycle • Yakima, WA • 509-453-9966

Sprocket Sport Sales • Spokane, WA • 509-489-7331

Xtreme Powersports • Okanogan, WA • 509-826-5771

Metro Motorcycle • Neenah, WI • 920-722-0700

Appalachian Offroad • Lanes, WV • 304-932-0437

Beta of Henderson • Henderson, WV • 304-675-5111

DSD Kawasaki Motorcycle & Rv Sales • Parkersburg, WV • 304-861-0449

Elkins Motorsports • Elkins, WV • 304-636-7732

Alpine Motorsports • Casper, WY • 307-234-4944

Raw Power Motorsports • Thayne, WY • 307-883-3278

Neil King Enterprises • Austin, TX • 512-292-0000

Northern Utah Trials • west Point, UT • 801-773-3918

Inland N. W. Trials Supply • Chattaroy, WA • 480-299-6038

Black Hills Beta • Sundance, WY • 307-680-6050

The

Over $25,000 Contingency to all classes

21 championship classes

GasGas Demo RideS

PRO/AA AUTOGRAPH SESSION

TRACKSIDE SUPPORT - VENDOR ROW

SPECTATOR FRIENDLY

The best Riders and venues in THe Midwest MASSIVE year-end prize funds

June

August

September

August

CHAMPIONS RIDE KENDA

WINNER OF THE 2018 NATIONAL ENDURO SERIES - PRO CLASS

KENDA WASHOUGAL II

STU BAYLOR

EXPLORE THE TRAIL BEYOND

Realize your true riding potential with the 2019 dual-sport range from Husqvarna Motorcycles. Go as far as you dare thanks to premium quality components, exceptional light weight, intelligent power and innovative technology. For a more intuitive riding experience, the FE models deliver top-level performance with unprecedented ease of use across all terrains.

THE LOOP

News and Culture From The World Of Trials, Offroad and Extreme Racing

ISDE REUNION ANNOUNCED

WOODLAND PARK, COLORADO

The 2019 ISDE/ISDT Reunion will be held in Woodland Park Colorado on August 23-25, 2019.

All activity will revolve around a nice evening on Saturday August 24 at the Cultural Center in Woodland Park. The main purpose is to (re)connect with your fellow ISDE/T riders from 6-10 pm during a nice dinner (catered by https://www. swisschaletofwoodlandpark.com/) with available alcohol to purchase. On Friday the 23th the weekend will start with drink (and meal) at the Ute Inn (bar and restaurant) in downtown Woodland Park from 5 pm until....... ?

For the ISDE/T vets that want to do more then talk, eat and drink, you are invited to ride with your friends the nice trails near the town of Woodland Park, site of a few National Enduros in the 80’s and at the foot of American’s mountain Pikes Peak. It doesn’t matter if you’re planning on riding your enduro, dual sport or adventure bike (even ATV or side by side), we have the terrain. This can be done on Saturday and Sunday.

The event will be endorsed by Jack Penton, (off course present) and promoted by Erik Nijkamp from Off Road Champions. We are trying to reach as many of the 900 US ISDE/T vets, so please forward this email to your fellow ISDE/T friends and ask them to contact Erik Nijkamp @ offroadchampions@ gmail.com to be put on the email list.

We are almost curtain that beside Jack Penton, Fritz Kadlec, Fred Hoess, Danny Young, Mark Hynes and AJ Bila will all be present at the reunion. We will keep you posted who is planning to come so you have a friend to hang out with.

The cost will be a $45 (dinner, not including drinks) which includes two free digital photos of your choice taken by a professional photographer that night (more photos will be available on line the week after for a small fee). Spouse will pay $40.

We are opening the Reunion to ISDE/T vets (with 1-2 direct friends/spouse) first. Three weeks before August 24, we will give the ISDE/T fan the opportunity to join if room allows (capacity at Cultural Center is 184). Please sign up on time!

You are responsible for you own lodging or camping. We do recommend to camp at the Bristle Logde (and CC) in Woodland Park to increase the camaraderie! https://www.bristleconelodge.co/ The hotel to stay at in Woodland Park is the Country Lodge http://www.woodlandcountrylodge. com/ We are working on a discounted rate, stay tuned!

OHV sticker ($25.25) is mandatory to hit the trails https://cpw.state.co.us/ buyapply/Pages/RegistrationsOHV.aspx

OHV sticker is available at Big D Motorsports in Woodland Park.

I hope you can make it!! More updates will be send to you as they happen but in the meantime I’ll be happy to answer any questions you have. email: offroadchampions@gmail.com or cell 719-287-2660 (mountain time).

To sign up, please send check to: Off Road Champions

622 Columbine Rd

Woodland Park CO 80863

Or pay fee with Paypal Account: info@offroadchampions.com

RIP MR. BILL

Bill Markham, better known as “Mr. Bill”, passed away this month from Pneumonia brought on by his continuing battle with Lime Disease. A memorial will be held on Friday, June 14, 2019 prior to the Colorado National, held in his honor. Thanks Mr. Bill (Markham) for the countless hours of work and kindness you gave to our sport!

In lieu of flowers, the family asks you to support Mr. Bill’s lifelong passion for Youth Trials and the Youth Nationals. The following memorial to Bill can be found on the NATC/MotoTrials website:

Look at who is on the podium at any NATC/AMA national championship trial. The Champions. But to those in the know, they see “Mr. Bill’s kids.” Bill Markham, who has somehow single handedly brought a generation of kids into the sport of trials with his dedication to trials schools, youth events and his own national championship for youth. He is also responsible for the continuation of the NATC

youth program held at each National across the country. These events, the brainchild of Ryan Young, have been an amazing success, and, it is widely recognized as the sole product of Mr. Bill’s steady, tireless hand. Mr. Bill somehow shows up at every national trial with the podium, 38 large banners that have been miraculously cleaned since the last event, and all the material to set a kids trial and school.

Bill has had a long association with trials beginning in the early 1970’s. He soon became involved in setting events and promoting the sport. He served as the President of the Southern California based American Trials Association and during that time they hosted 8 nationals. Following his gift for public speaking, he became an announcer, even at tractor pull events, the precursor of the monster truck craze. Now he is the master of ceremonies at the presentation of trophies at the NATC nationals. The impacts of his efforts are not limited to the champions on the podium. Parents report that school grades go up, and the refocus of their kids on trials has kept them from the sad path followed by so many of the peers that they used to hang around with. It is said that the man who ends up with the most toys wins. Of course that is true, but it is only superficially true. The real winner is the one who can look back and realize the positive influence he has had on others. He can realize that because of his endless hard work, his farsighted vision, and his kindness and dedication, he has become widely respected and loved. He is the true winner. Mr. Bill was such a man. n

Border Battle XC Series Announces 2019 Schedule And Title Sponsor

The Border Battle XC series has taken a giant step in its role as the Upper Midwest’s premier off-road motorcycle series, expanding to five events in four states in 2019.

A new long-term title partnership with Hoosier Offroad, the exclusive Midwest distributor of Hoosier Racing Tire’s new MX and IMX dirt bike tire, will bring the series to the very best venues in the Upper Midwest to create rider and spectatorfriendly off-road “festivals”. Each round of the Hoosier Offroad Border Battle XC series will feature GasGas demo rides, vendor displays and Pro/AA autograph signings intended to elevate the profile of cross-country-style racing and attract new participants.

In 2018, BBXC hosted nearly 1,000 entries at three events. The series opener, which drew 474 entries, will once again take place at ERX Motor Park in Elk River, Minnesota. New venues for 2019 in Wisconsin, Southeastern Minnesota, Illinois and Iowa, feature many of the same amenities as ERX, such as easy access by major highways, ample parking, camping and designated pro pits.

Each round of the 2019 BBXC series will have a minimum $1,765 Pro/AA payout with an additional $1,765 cash contingency payable on race day to those riders using the new Hoosier IMX tire. The top 10 Pro/AA riders competing in all five rounds will be eligible for a $3,500 year-end point fund, paying $1,000 to the winner.

Hoosier Offroad will also be offering up to $1,000 in cash contingency to the top

three finishing riders in all A classes at every round. Amateur riders finishing in the top three in B, C, Youth and Mini classes are eligible for $2,500 in Hoosier currency at every round, which can be used like cash at the Roost Factory trackside support trailer. Roost Factory is the authorized dealer for Hoosier Tires and will be providing free Rabaconda tire mounting service to Hoosier customers. For full details outlining the Hoosier contingency program or to purchase Hoosier tires from the participating vendor, go to: hoosier-offroad.com/bbxc

Klim, makers of the highest quality riding gear in the off-road and snowmobile industries, has increased their involvement with the series and will be the presenting sponsor of the Border Battle XC championship in 2019. Klim is the riding gear of choice for 2018 Minnesota State Champion Logan Kittock, who will be contending the full BBXC series this season. Klim will also have a presence at each round with regional sales reps and local dealer displays.

Series Sponsors: Hoosier Offroad, Klim, Enduro Engineering, GasGas, RideX365. com, American Metalcraft Industries, Roost Factory, Fasst, X Brand, DP Brakes, Moon Motorsports, Custom Outfitters, Jay’s Performance Center, Red Line Oil, Rabaconda. For more information about the Hoosier Off-Road Border Battle XC series, presented by Klim, go to: BorderBattleXC.com or inquire to: info@borderbattlexc.com

2019 SCHEDULE

April 27-28

The Frostbuster – Presented by Moon Motorsports

ERX Motor Park – Elk River, Minnesota

June 15-16

Battle By The Bluffs – Presented by Custom Outfitters

Meadow Valley MX – Lake City, Minnesota

August 3-4

Midwest Meltdown – Greg Moss

Memorial

Byron Motorsports Park – Byron, Illinois

August 24-25

Badger Brawl – Presented by Jay’s Power Center

DOUBLE SERIES POINTS

CMJ Raceway – Hixton, Wisconsin

September 14-15

Harvest Scramble

The Farm MX – Indianola, Iowa

FLY FORMULA HELMET

FLY Racing recently announced one of the most advanced motocross helmets ever: its all-new Formula helmet. Created after years of collaborated research and design with industry-leading doctors, scientists, and physicists from around the world, the Formula Helmet is the absolute in total head protection. The Adaptive Impact System (AIS) is a high-performance ecosystem of structural design and energy mitigating materials.

Each layer of the AIS from RHEON enhanced Energy Cells, to the dual-density EPS liner, and the 12k carbon fiber shell, was carefully fine-tuned to achieve the goal of creating the highest performing helmet possible.

This collection of technologies is a high-performance ecosystem of structural design and energy mitigating materials. Each layer of the Formula AIS was carefully fine-tuned to achieve the goal to provide superior head protection from the widest possible range of potential real-world impacts.

HELMET ANNOUNCED

Energy Cell Icon

Studies have shown that the majority of impacts occur on the forehead or side of the head. To help combat these impacts, the Formula development team incorporated lower density expanded volume EPS (thicker EPS) in these critical zones. This expanded volume EPS provides improved suspension for impacts. The Formula’s first line of defense is an extremely strong and lightweight 12K carbon fiber shell. 12K carbon fiber refers to 12,000 carbon filaments per band. Carbon fiber is strongest when it is flat. Wider carbon fiber bands woven together produce a flatter result with less dips and rises inherent in a woven material. The reduction of these dips and rises creates less areas for resin to pool. Less resin equals less weight. The result is an extremely lightweight shell with superior penetration resistance to common 3K carbon fiber.

GASGAS RANGER ECR300

While at the Sumter National Enduro, we ran into Gas Gas North America’s Rod Overstreet, and he intruduced us to the GasGas Ranger. ECR 300.

Priced at $7,599, the new bike sits about a half inch lower than a typical EC/XC. It features V rubber tires and KYB suspension, although up front it’s a 46 millimeter instead of the 48mm found on the Enduro models. GasGas has put a standard chain on it and there’s no skid plate or hand guards, since most riders normally change those out for their prefered aftermarket items anyway. There’s no kickstarter, either, but all that stuff is readily available for you to put on. The body work is the same as the EC and XC, just in a different color. It’s still a stock gas tank. You can go with an IMS tank on this motorcycle. Ready to go.

According to Rod, the Ranger is geared toward maybe the extreme rider that wants to get in the rocks and the roots because the power delivery is much smoother than our typical EC and XC, and the guy that’s maybe looking at an ex-trainer. That’s where the bike is going to compete with. A lot of females I think are going to like the bike, and maybe older guys maybe because of a lower seat height and a smoother power delivery. n

OSET BIKES- AD STAR 2019

OSET BIKES are looking to their riders to be the face of OSET in 2019 and to feature in their advertising campaigns across some of the biggest publications around the world!

Throughout the year they will be selecting different themes and inviting riders and their parents, to submit their own photos. OSET will then pick a selection of winners whose photo’s will be turned into OSET adverts which will be seen around the world!

As well as being the face of OSET all winners will be featured on social media and receive some fantastic OSET goodies!

James Robertson Head of Marketing for OSET Bikes, “Our riders are the most important thing and everything we do is there to inspire the next generation, so we couldn’t be more delighted to have them as the stars of our campaigns around the world” he continued, “in the first week alone we have had 100’s of entries from all over the world and the quality is exceptionally high”

To enter, simply post your photo up on the OSET Bikes Facebook page - www. facebook.com/osetbikes

Or send your photos to info@osetbikes.com . If selected, we will get in touch and ask for the high-resolution version to be emailed to us.

Good luck and get snapping!

Full T&C’s: www.osetbikes.com

RED MOTO HONDA KITS

Twenty-year veteran of the National Enduro Series and member of the 1994 US ISDE team, Matt Stavish showed up at the Sumter Enduro with a pair of Honda’s that he had modified with Red Moto kits. One of the bikes was a 250 that Matt had modified to a 300, and the other was a 450 that was reduced to a 400 (418cc).

“I’ve ridden both the bikes stock,” said Stavish. “The 250’s are good, but for the vast majority of enduro racing, they’re not really enough in a stock form. And then 450’s are total beasts anywhere east of the Mississippi. The 400 is tamed down quite a bit and is much more ridable. Red Moto also makes fuel tanks, which is a good size. It’s halfway between R and RX. They also make radiator braces with an integrated fan kit for both bikes.”

If you are interested in getting more information on the Red Moto kits, you can contact Matt at Checkpoingoffroad.com.

UTE CUP ANNOUNCED

The 2019 Ute Cup is scheduled for August 17-18th in the San Isabel area (West of Pueblo). The trials masters will be John Sinks and Ray Barnard.

Cost this year: $50 per day.

If you’re not familiar, the Ute Cup is a unique two-day trials event hosted in the alpine terrain of the Rocky Mountains in Colorado. It features an epic loop trail sometimes more than 25 miles - usually parts of the loop go above treeline (11,000-12,000 feet of elevation). Sections do not contain splits/gates - all competitors ride the same line following the tape. The difficulty may be described as upper-intermediate to advanced (depending upon one’s local club class designations).

Photos Courtesy RMTA website

AMERICAN HARD ENDURO CHAMPIONSHIP EVENTS

The American Hard Enduro Series has announced its 2019 schedule, beginning with the Revlimiter Hard Enduro in Dacatur, Texas on March 2-3 and finishing up with the Saddleback Extreme in Bedford, Kentucky on September 1st. The 2019 American Hard Enduro Series is separate from the 2019 AMA Extreme Off-road State Championship Series, which are qualifying races for the 2019 AMA Extreme Off-road Championship (Tennessee Knockout).

Series awards for the American Hard Enduro Championship will be held following the Saddleback Extreme in Bedford, Kentucky on September 1. For more information check out www.americanhardenduro.com.

March 2-3: Revlimiter Hard Enduro Decatur, Texas

July 6-7: Tough Like RoRR Tamaqua, Pennsylvania

July 20-21: Fallen Timbers LIttle Hocking, Ohio

Aug 2-3: Battle of the Goats Taylorsville, North Carolina

Sept 1: Saddleback Extreme Bedford, Kentucky

Photos Courtesy RedBullContentPool

SHERCO: 1999-2019

20 years of existence, 20 years of performance, 20 years of passion...

Celebrating 20 years of production, Sherco has released a special | anniversary bike. As part of Sherco’s celebration of this very special anniversary, they have released a very unique motorcycle, one that incorporates all of the know-how and passion of its employees, complete with interchangeable cylinder head dome and the 20th Anniversary badges.

Technical specs:

Engine: 2 stroke Sherco proprietary design

Displacement: 123,70 cc / 249,70 cc / 294 cc

Bore x Stroke: 54 x 54 mm / 72,80 x 60 mm / 79 x 60 mm

Lubrification: 2% oil pre-mix

Carburator: Keihin Ø 28 mm

Cooling: Liquid system

Start: Geared system with folding lever

Exhaust: Stainless steel exhaust pipe with an integrated aluminium muffler

Transmission: 5 speed gearbox with security selector system. Primary gear drive chain secondary drive

Clutch: Hydraulic, diaphragm system

Chassis: Tubular section Chrome-moly

Fuel tank: Polyamid - 2,4 L (0,63 US Gal) Capacity

Brakes: Hydraulically activated, floating 185 mm (7.28 in) front and 145 mm (1.54 in) rear

Forks: Aluminum Tech fork Ø 39 mm (1.54 in), 165 mm (6.50 in) travel with 2 settings

Rear Suspension: Progressive link system with single adjustable shock absorber 175 mm (6.89 in) travel

Shock : Reiger shock absorber with 3 settings`

Wheelbase: 1322 mm

Ground clearance: 310 mm

Seat height: 685 mm

2019 KTM 690 ENDURO R

CUTTING EDGE SINGLE CYLINDER BIKES

KTM has announced that the all-new KTM 690 SMC R and KTM 690 ENDURO R are set to arrive to the North American market in early spring 2019, with the hardest choice being which of these cutting-edge single-cylinder machines to take and where to point it at.

Naughty has never been so nice with the new KTM 690 SMC R. A bike for those who crave corner kicks on road or track and an addictive torque-filled punch with every turn of the throttle. The return of the KTM 690 ENDURO R in 2019 offers riders a true long-distance Enduro machine, always ready to connect the tarmac with trails with its flexibility to perform excitably on and offroad.

Similar in many aspects but completely different in their execution, both models take full advantage of an intensive development program that has seen front to back changes. The latest generation LC4 single-cylinder engine is housed in a lightweight, dynamic frame dripping with top specification chassis components and the very latest electronic rider aids to give an exceptional riding experience.

Sharper and more refined, the focus of these upgrades was to improve on what already made these machines the benchmark in their respective class – without diluting excitement and focus with the addition of technology and increased usability.

Both bikes are armed with the most powerful production single-cylinder available – smoother and more sophisticated than ever. Efficient engineering excellence, the latest compact LC4 is a totally modern interpretation of a big single-cylinder engine. Two balancer shafts aligned to a dual-spark cylinder head and ride by wire technology leave only good vibrations. The 690cc engine offers increased power with a devastating punch; smoother than ever with an incredibly wide delivery of performance and now boasts a Quickshifter+ for further refinement.

Electronic rider aids now feature heavily on both bikes, with the addition of ride mode technology and lean angle sensitive ABS and traction control systems to get the most from these potent packages in all situations.

KTM 690 SMC R

All fun and no frown; the unique riding appeal of a Supermoto is something KTM has wildly celebrated over the years and punching back into the range in 2019 on opposite lock is the KTM 690 SMC R. Pure, extreme and high performance – this is a very focused motorcycle that embodies the READY TO RACE approach and takes advantage of refined and unrivaled LC4 drive with advanced electronics in a truly unique package.

The sharpened bodywork is not just for the look; improved ergonomics improve feel and control between rider and machine to get the most from this Supermoto superhero. All-new, fully-adjustable APEX suspension from the experts at WP also helps deliver a charismatic machine capable of conquering the tightest curves and cutting through congested commutes.

Getting the most from the KTM 690 SMC R’s performance in all situations is a suite of rider assistance systems. Two ride modes – Street and Sport – cornering ABS, lean angle-sensitive motorcycle traction control and Quickshifter+ are new to the game, with the familiar Supermoto ABS mode aiding rear slides with frontend confidence. The KTM 690 SMC R is fitted with Bridgestone S21 tires for maximum performance on the street and plenty of grip for race track usage.

KTM 690 ENDURO R

Making the impassable possible, the KTM 690 ENDURO R unites asphalt and trails like never before. Simplified: KTM engineers and KISKA designers have made all the best parts better. The latest KTM LC4 single-cylinder has two balancer shafts for reduced vibrations, ride by wire to allow changeable ride modes and traction control. More than enough power to pull clear of the steepest climbs, yet efficient and manageable for trails and daily use.

Sharper and slimmer, the new bodywork with a redesigned seat, enhances aesthetics and improves ergonomics. Underneath, a lightweight and agile chassis coupled with fully-adjustable WP XPLOR suspension provides a competent package for experienced riders yet confidence-inspiring for those new to dirt. Better still, the KTM 690 ENDURO R remains sure-footed for street riding – increasing its versatility as a trust-worthy daily ride.

The new electronic systems on the KTM 690 ENDURO R get the most from this dynamic machine in all situations. Two ride modes – Offroad and Street – produce different characteristics of the throttle response and motorcycle traction control (MTC), while cornering sensitivity for the ABS and traction control also make its debut on this bike. The KTM 690 ENDURO R is fitted with Continental TKC80s for great performance both in the dirt and on the road. Both bikes are available from official KTM dealers in early spring, backed up with a wide range of official KTM PowerParts to intensify them further. Discover more at www.ktm.com and locate a KTM dealer nearest you. n

SMAGE RIDING TECHNIQUE PAT

FOR THE NEXT YEAR, TEN-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 15:

BASIC DROPS

Sunstar MXR1 Works Chain

Max Sug. Retail: $97.95

Website: www.sunstar-braking.com

Sunstar Sprockets is linking riders to success with the MXR1 Works Chain. Modern day bikes require the strongest components to withstand the abuse of a 60+ horsepower machine. Constructed of 100% Heat Treated components, the MXR1 Chain features Sunstar’s proprietary “TripleStar” pins for increased durability and reduced rolling resistance. Rated up to 9000 lb tensile strength, breaking a chain is no option when charging across the whoops or racing across the desert at high speeds. Additionally, gold plating provides a “works” look to accommodate the factory level performance. Available for most bikes from mini’s to full-sized, the MXR1 Chain sets the standard in Chain performance and durability. Contact: (937) 704-1462

PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT

EE Sherco 2-stroke Hydralic Clutch Slave Cylinder Guard

Max Sug. Retail: $39.95

Website: www.enduroeng.com

The latest new product at Enduro Engineering is the Sherco 2-stroke hydraulic clutch slave cylinder Guard. The clutch slave cylinder is positioned just in front of the counter shaft sprocket, where If the chain was to break or something got lodged in this area, such as a rock or stick, it has the potential to take out your clutch slave cylinder.

We have designed a very sleek and strong aluminum guard to fit over your clutch slave cylinder to help prevent damage to it. This product is unique because it can be used with or without the plastic sprocket cover that the Shercos come stock with. The option is yours.

The Enduro Engineering hydraulic clutch slave cylinder guard for the Shercos is super easy to install, requiring only 1 tool for 4 bolts. It is black anodized with the EE logo lasered on it, which looks incredible on the motorcycle. It is also a slim profile that sits back and completely out of the way of your foot while shifting.

• 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

• Weighs in at 132 pounds

RUSSELL BOBBITT

BOBBITT BLITZES SUMTER

2019 KENDA AMA NATIONAL ENDURO SERIES

WEDGEFIELD, SOUTH CAROLINA

FEBRUARY 3, 2019

PHOTOS BY SHAN MOORE

It was like stepping back in time watching Russell Bobbitt win the Sumter National Enduro, with the sound of a rung-out two-stroke exhaust echoing off the trees. It was also surprising to see the sixtime national champ win the first three tests and then hold on to claim his first national win since 2016.

At the end of the day, Bobbitt took the win over defending national champ Steward Baylor by 16 seconds after six tests and 64 miles of racing.

Bobbitt started fast, winning the first three tests, as dark clouds threatened to dump rain on the area. Heading into the fourth test, Bobbitt enjoyed a 54-second advantage over Husqvarna/ Max Motorsports/ FXR Racing’s Evan Smith, with Baylor another four seconds back.

Baylor, who has been dealing with a nagging knee injury, made things worse when he took a practice crash a week before, but he was still able to get settled in during the second half of the race and started reeling off test wins in an effort to catch Bobbitt.

Baylor would catch and pass Smith in the final test of the day,

but he would come up 16 seconds short of catching Bobbitt.

The final tally showed Bobbitt with the win, followed by Baylor in second, and Smith in third.

Mike Witkowski turned in a career-best ride with fourth overall. The Beta USA rider also finished second in test four, which is another first for him. Meanwhile, GasGas North America’s Thorn Devlin looked impressive all day and rounded out the top five, finishing 36 seconds ahead of Ohio Husqvarna rider Cory Buttrick. n

RESULTS

1. Russell Bobbitt (KTM)

2. Steward Baylor (KTM)

3. Evan Smith (Hsq)

4. Mike Witkowski (Bet)

5. Thorn Devlin (GG)

6. Cory Buttrick (Hsq)

7. Zach Hayes (KTM)

8. Jake Froman (Hsq)

9. Liam Draper (KTM)

10. Tegan Temple (KTM)

EVAN SMITH

RUSSELL BOBBITT DEBRIEFED

It was like old times for Russell Bobbitt at the Sumter Enduro, riding a two-stroke, on the pipe and standing up over the bars. Russ tells us in his own words about his race.

“Just starting off in the first test, I felt awesome. I’ve only ridden this bike about four times, but it came together really fast for me. When I was setting it up I was like, ‘dang, it feels great.’ The day started off well. I had no idea exactly where I was, but I rode super smooth. I was like back to my old style, standing up a lot more and just steering with the front a whole bunch. Just kind of clicked straight away. I think everyone else maybe was trying hard the early part of the day, and I was just riding smooth and felt good and knocked off those three test wins in a row. I was like, ‘dang, I wasn’t expecting that at all.’ I really wasn’t. Those guys kind of crept up the last three tests, but I was still riding good. I didn’t have big mistakes or anything.

“In tests four through six it still felt good. Just those guys I think stepped it up a little bit. I wasn’t trying to push the envelope or anything. Not because I had any kind of gap. I was kind of riding where I was comfortable without doing anything stupid and just having fun out there, really.

“It was a little of a surprise, but I can tell when I’m riding well and it feels good. So I knew I had a good pace going. I just didn’t know if those guys would be levels up on me or not. It just kind of worked out. I didn’t touch a clicker on this stuff. Didn’t fall down at all.

“I picked good lines. I rode it like I was riding the two-stroke back in the day, standing up a whole bunch. Just flowing really nicely. I wasn’t fighting any of the inertia, I feel like. Good time.

Last time you rode one of these it was on a big bike, so what made you decide to ride this one?

JOSH TOTH HAS “ARM-PUMP“ SURGERY

We had some plans maybe to ride an EXC, like a 250 or something. I had my 500 and I’d been riding it all probably the last five or six months. Leading up to this race, it was always what are we going to do? KTM pulling out and not doing much of them, we were going to sponsor the spaghetti dinner and I could do a service. I still did a service on Saturday helping guys set their bikes up and so forth. I said, hell, if I can still ride, I’ll do that too. So I just figured I’d kind of get some riding in. I hadn’t ridden on a good bike since I retired.

So are you guys just wanting to try to get more people to ride this bike?

Yeah, a little bit. On that EXC I’d like to show people that it is raceable. That 500 is a lot of a bike, but the EXC comes street legal with a lot of restrictions. I just rode the thing stock and it works fine. To show guys that you can race those rather than an XC-F or linkage bike.

How’d you feel?

I felt pretty good. Didn’t start off 100% because I knew I wanted to save it for the end. I usually start out like gang busters and then get tired as the day goes on. So I wanted to save some in the tank at the end of the day. That’s what I did, so I was glad of that. I can’t believe how good a trail it was for the first four tests. It was really good. They set the track up really good. The club members did a great job. I can’t believe so much new trial early on. The C riders and B riders got to go out on good stuff. Then the not-so-fun stuff was at the end and it was longer. It kind of separates everybody after that, too. I felt great. I think especially with the sign-up everyone was saying, how’s it going to be now? 800 riders within ten minutes. So I think the enduros are strong, so that’s a good thing.

Last time you rode one of these it was on a big bike, so what made you decide to ride this one?

We had some plans maybe to ride an EXC, like a 250 or something. I had my 500

Josh Toth had “arm-pump” surgery a week before the Sumter race and reported afterwards that he suffered no arm-pump during the race. “It’s always bothered me in more short, intense races, like the beginning of enduros or J days or just practicing motocross with the high intensity. I felt like it was getting worse. I don’t know if that was because I got more muscle built up in my arms over the last year or two, just obviously riding more and more. The last straw was kind of when we were in California I did the Big Six race out there and it’s just a really intense short moto, and I got it so bad I couldn’t use my hands. I did everything. Just riding as best I could: technique, breathing… I talked to a few people that got it done. Zach Osborne actually made a video with a surgeon that specializes in it and it’s a pretty small incision and short recovery time. So I went ahead and asked him about it and he recommended it. It’s similar to a carpal tunnel surgery but up in the forearm. They go in and there’s like a sheath - it’s called a muscle fascia around your muscle in your forearm. So when you get arm pump you get a bunch of blood pumped in there and it tightens up.” n

“I don’t want to have to catch the dribble off of somebody else’s leftovers.” -STEWARD BAYLOR

While in Sumter, OTP spoke to Steward Baylor about the success he’s had running his own team.

You butted heads with the team manager when you were on the factory KTM team. Is it fair to say there are not many teams you’d be able to work with?

I think yes. I think KTM has their winning guy. While they have their winning guy, they’re going to sculpture their team around that winning guy. No matter what sport it is, I don’t care if it’s football, baseball, anything - if you’ve got your winning guy on your team, you’re not going to look out for another top guy. So for me, I’m a winning guy. In my head, I want to be the winning guy. Nothing against their winning guy, but I just don’t think there can be two of us under the same tent. So with that being said, that was more my deciding factor. I want to be the number one guy under my tent. I don’t want to have to catch the dribble off of somebody else’s leftovers. With Tely and being able to run my own program, I’m the number-one guy. It’s easier for me to go out and do exactly what I need to do without somebody else telling me, “Hey, this is how so-and-so does it.”

How much pressure is it riding on a contingency-based type of deal?

I still do pretty good with salary, but obviously the contingencies are huge in my program. It’s very rewarding on your good days and it’s devastating on your bad days, which makes me want to do better that much more. I didn’t want to ride for Factory KTM. Their team just doesn’t work with me. The way that they handle situations is far from the way that I would want them handled if I were riding for them. So for me, everything I did, I can look back and I can say, “Man, I wish I would have, or I wish I should have or could have done this.” I had the opportunity. I had the opportunity to go factory, but they weren’t paying enough to make it really any different than doing my own program.

Obviously there is still respect between KTM and myself. We still work well together knowing that I’m not on the factory team and knowing that I can still win races. I’m still able to highlight their bike, although I would say it’s very upsetting knowing that there are other guys that are getting basically the same support that I do through KTM with half the results. That’s the upsetting part. I would love it if KTM would step up even more into my program, but that’s their whole reason is they can’t because I’m not on the factory team. n

LAFFERTY PRAISES SUMTER EVENT

After the race, 8-time national enduro champ MIke Lafferty praised the Sumter event. If there is anyone that knows a good enduro when he sees one it’s MIke! “I can’t believe how good a trail it was for the first four tests. It was really good. They set the track up really good. The club members did a great job. I can’t believe so much new trial early on. The C riders and B riders got to go out on good stuff. Then the notso-fun stuff was at the end and it was longer. It kind of separates everybody after that, too. I felt great. I think especially with the sign-up everyone was saying, how’s it going to be now? 800 riders within ten minutes. So I think the enduros are strong, so that’s a good thing.” n

LAFFERTY BREAKS OUT THE

Mike Lafferty came out of retirement to ride a KTM 500 EXC in the Sumter Enduro. pion knocked down a few trees on his way to the win in the AA class in typical Lafferty

“KTM had some plans for me to maybe ride an EXC, like a 250 or something,” said Lafferty. riding it probably the last five or six months. Leading up to this race, it was always what were going to sponsor the spaghetti dinner. I did a service seminar on Saturday helping forth. I said, hell, if I can still ride, I’ll do that too. So I just figured I’d kind of get some since I retired.

“On that EXC I’d like to show people that it is raceable. That the 500 is a lot of a bike, lot of restrictions. I just rode the thing stock and it works fine. To show guys that you linkage bike.

“I felt pretty good during the race. I didn’t start off 100% because I knew I wanted to like gang busters and then get tired as the day goes on. So I wanted to save some in what I did, so I was glad of that. “ n

EVAN S. DOWN UNDER THE BIG GUN

The Eight -time National Enduro ChamLafferty fashion.

Lafferty. “I had my 500 and I’d been what are we going to do? We knew were helping guys set their bikes up and so riding in. I hadn’t ridden on a good bike

bike, but the EXC comes street legal with a you can race those rather than an XC-F or

to save it for the end. I usually start out the tank at the end of the day. That’s

Evan Smith went to Australia the week following the final national enduro of the season looking for warmer weather to practice in.

“I went down to Australia and spent almost three weeks down there with Geoff Braico, just riding and sight-seeing and all that cool stuff. It was spring down there, sunny and 70 degrees every day. It was awesome. It made me not want to come home to cold.

Geoff showed me around to all the local spots and stuff. We even went and rode on the beach. That was the coolest thing I’ve ever done on a dirt bike, for sure. Riding big sand dunes and stuff. It was a lot of fun. It was good to kind of relax and not be racing. I didn’t have to cut any laps or anything. Just got to play ride. After a long year, that was nice. n

FAST TRACK

TADDY WINS SUPERENDURO TADDY-O

“

I’ve been mostly off the bike since I hurt my knee in Madrid... I didn’t quite have the out-and-out speed this evening, so I knew I would have to be clever and use my race craft.”

- Taddy Blazusiak

2019 FIM SuperEnduro Series Budapest, Hungary February 9, 2019

Photos Courtesy Future7Media

“ We were all pushing so hard and the pace was relentless.” - Cody Webb

Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s Taddy Blazusiak won round four of the 2019 FIM SuperEnduro World Championship, in Hungary, ahead of his Red Bull KTM Factory Racing teammate Cody Webb to make it a KTM one-two showing in front of the packed Budapest stadium. Meanwhile, Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing’s Colton Haaker maintained his position at the top of the FIM SuperEnduro World Championship standings following a third-place finish.

The fast and flowing track laid out in the Papp Laszlo Sportarena, although short, proved to be a serious test for all competitors, with Superpole going to Webb, with Blazusiak finishing a close second – the results giving the riders their choice of gate-pick for race one.

Webb would win race one of the night, despite pressure from Blazusiak, who ended in second. Haaker finished out the podium in third.

“I fought hard with Taddy, but on a relatively single-lined track he played smart and kept me behind,” said Haaker.

Starting from row two for the second race, Haaker cleverly found some clear space in the first corner and shot into an early lead. With a clear track to enjoy, he put in some of his best laps of the night, pulling away from the chasing pack to claim a comfortable eight-second margin of victory ahead of Blazusiak and Webb.

“I managed a great start and came out of the first corner in the lead despite starting on row two and was able to pull away for an eight-second win,” said Haaker.

Meanwhile Webb had problems early in race one.

“I started off right on the inside from the second row but I got caught up early and had to fight my way through the whole pack back up to third,” explained Webb.

In the final race, it was Blazusiak who took the holeshot with Webb close behind in third. For the first half of the race the three leading riders pushed hard, maintaining a fast pace on the demanding course. With the layout of the track making overtaking extremely tricky, and with lapped traffic once again adding to the situation, Taddy managed to hold his nerve and his lead, to ultimately take the race three win and with it the overall victory. Webb was second overall and Haaker third.

“To take the win tonight feels great,” said Blazusiak. “I got two second places and then in the last race I got a good start and knew it would be difficult for the others to pass. I rode clean but defensively and it paid off.”

Webb felt he had a good night and was happy with second.

“I got a really good start in the first race and was just able to run away with it,” said Webb. “In the last race it was good fun battling with the guys up front but it was so tricky to make a good pass – we were all pushing so hard and the pace was relentless. I struggled with traffic later on and couldn’t quite close up to the

two leaders. We have got a bit of a break now before the last round so I’ll keep training and work on my intensity before Bilbao and hopefully be in a good position to fight for the championship.”

“It’s been a really close battle out on track all night,” said Haaker. “Cody, Taddy and myself have been pushing hard and swapping places and that’s kept things tight. I had the speed to win, it was just a matter of a couple little things not going my way that pushed me back to third. I stalled the bike in a corner and that cost me some valuable points. I knew race three would decide the overall between us three and I gave it everything I had to put a wheel on Taddy, but credit to him he closed the door every time. Overall, it’s been a good clean night of racing and although I lost a couple of points in the championship, I’ve still got the red plate with a 12-point lead heading into the final round in Spain.”

The 2019 FIM SuperEnduro World Championship continues with round five in Bilbao, Spain on April 6, 2019.

RESULTS

Prestige Class — Overall

1. Taddy Blazusiak (POL), KTM, 56 points

2. Cody Webb (USA), KTM, 53 pts

3. Colton Haaker (USA), Husqvarna, 52 pts

4. Alfredo Gomez (ESP), Husqvarna, 39 pts

5. Pol Tarres (ESP), Husqvarna, 32 pts

Prestige Race 1

1. Cody Webb (USA), KTM, 6:44.923

2. Taddy Blazusiak (POL), KTM, 6:50.858 +5.935

3. Colton Haaker (USA), Husqvarna, 6:51.421 +6.498

4. Alfredo Gomez (ESP), Husqvarna, 7:22.186 +37.263

5. Pol Tarres (ESP), Husqvarna, 7:28.249 +43.326

Prestige Race 2

1. Colton Haaker (USA), Husqvarna, 6:38.691

2. Taddy Blazusiak (POL), KTM, 6:47.256 +8.565

3. Cody Webb (USA), KTM, 7:00.298 +21.607

4. Alfredo Gomez (ESP), Husqvarna, 7:10.778 +32.087

5. Pol Tarres (ESP), Husqvarna, 6:52.969 +1 lap

Prestige Race 3

1. Taddy Blazusiak (POL), KTM, 6:36.278

2. Colton Haaker (USA), Husqvarna, 6:38.226 +1.948

3. Cody Webb (USA), KTM, 6:50.587 +14.309

4. Alfredo Gomez (ESP), Husqvarna, 7:13.035 +36.757

5. Diogo Viera (POR), Yamaha, 6:43.492 +1 lap

Championship Standings (After round 4)

1. Colton Haaker (USA), Husqvarna, 211 points

2. Cody Webb (USA), KTM, 199 pts

3. Taddy Blazusiak (POL), KTM, 184 pts

4. Pol Tarres (ESP), Husqvarna, 122 pts

5. Alfredo Gomez (ESP), Husqvarna, 119 pts

FAST TRACK

KR KICKS IT OFF!

INSIDE THE OPENING ROUND OF THE KENDA FULL GAS SPRINT ENDURO SERIES

PHOTOS BY SHAN MOORE

“About seven or eight minutes is all I really want to do at that pace in the woods.” - KAILUB RUSSELL

Kailub Russell picked up where he left off four years ago by winning the opening round of the 2019 Kenda Full Gas Sprint Enduro Series in Gaston, South Carolina. Russell last raced the series in 2015, when he won the series title.

Russell stunned the field when he won the opening test of the weekend by a whopping eight seconds, but the remaining tests were more competitive and Babbitt’s Monster Energy Kawasaki’s Josh Strang was able to win the second day of action en route to second overall behind the FMF KTM-backed Russell.

The event boasted a record turnout, with nearly 440 riders showing up to do battle at the series opener.

In all, Russell won five of the six tests on Saturday and two of six on Sunday to claim the overall win by 35 seconds over Strang.

Strang, who was making his first appearance with the new Babbitt’s Monster Energy Kawasaki team at the South Carolina race, improved from fourth place on Saturday to first place on Sunday en route to second place overall. The Aussie off-road star won three tests on Sunday to edge Russell by four seconds to win the Sunday round.

In his first race since November due to an injury he suffered last year, Thad DuVall turned in a promising performance and posted the fastest time in two of the tests (one on each day), but a “bad” test on each day kept the Rockstar Energy Husqvarna rider from challenging for the win. On Saturday, DuVall lost his brakes in the Enduro test and on Sunday he crashed.

“It definitely wasn’t without a struggle,” DuVall said about his weekend. “I just had one bad test on each day, and that cost me. I just need to brush up on my sprint speed and I’ll be all right. I turned in some good times and I won the last test on each day, but I just had a bad moment on each day.”

Josh Toth underwent “arm pump” surgery on each arm just 15 days before the South Carolina race, but still managed to

finish second behind Russell on Saturday. A nasty crash on Sunday in the second test of the day left the FMF KTM rider a little tentative and he ultimately finished fifth for the day and fourth overall.

Evan Smith rode a 250F to fifth overall, which was impressive, considering the sandy conditions. The Husqvarna/Max Motorsports/FXR Racing-backed rider, who was particularly fast in the Enduro test, easily won the Pro2 class with the finish.

Trail Jesters Racing/KTM’s Ben Kelley came close to winning the final Enduro test of the weekend but he stalled his engine near the end, and had to settle for second in the test and sixth overall for the weekend.

New Zealand’s Liam Draper rode his Tely Energy Racing KTM to seventh overall, 19 seconds ahead of Babbitt’s Monster Energy Kawasaki’s Jordan Ashburn. Coastal Racing Husqvarna’s Craig DeLong finished ninth overall, while Ohio Husqvarna rider Cory Buttrick rounded out the top 10.

OVERALL RESULTS

1. Kailub Russell (KTM)

2. Josh Strang (Kaw)

3. Thad DuVall (Hsq)

4. Josh Toth (KTM)

5. Evan Smith HHsq)

6. Ben Kelley (KTM)

7. Liam Draper (Hsq)

8. Jordan Ashburn (Kaw)

9. Craig DeLong (Hsq)

10. Cory Buttrick (Hsq)

THAD DUVALL

Thad DuVall saved some time with this sweet line in the final Enduro Test on Saturday. The West Virginia rider won the test, which was the only test not won by Kailub Russell on day 1.

Beta USA teammates MIke Witkowski (left) and Cody Barnes check out test times in between runs.

KAILUB RUSSELL ON TRAINING WITH ALDON BAKER AND RACING MOTOCROSS

“I go to Aldon Baker’s camp to train in the summer, but I’m going to be going back and forth a little bit more this year. I’ve got Charlie Mullins still helping me out in the winter with my conditioning. He kind of has the same to offer as Aldon. It’s really hard to get yourself motivated when you get to training and you have longer days on bicycles and stuff to really push. I can go out there and do everything on the schedule, but if I want to get that extra little bit, it’s nice having him around because he’s so fit that it kind of dangles that carrot out there in front of you and makes you really push for it. If I was by myself or didn’t have anybody around, it’s a little harder to get the same quality training.”

“I would really like to obviously have an opportunity to race motocross full time one or two years. I’m not going to say I’m going to be a top five guy or a podium guy. I probably would really struggle to be in the top ten all the time, but I think I could get to there. The biggest thing is I really want to do it. When you got somebody that really wants it, you work really hard for something. I was grateful for the opportunity and I tried to make the most of it. At Unadilla, It was muddy. I really wish I would have finished that second moto off to really kind of evaluate and see where I was, then go into Iron Man there, another mud race with a head full of steam. I think that day would have ended up a little bit better for me.” n

Kawasaki made its return to off-road racing with the Babbitt’s/Monster Energy/ Kawasaki Racing team, which features riders Josh Strang and Jordan Ashburn. The Babbitt’s team is part of Kawasaki’s Team Green program and is managed by Denny Bartz. n

JOSH STRANG ON SWITCHING TO A

“For me it’s just more comfortable. A [Japanese bike] is easier to ride. It might have fact I spent fifteen years on a Japanese bike before I got onto the European bike. to do with it. Just something that you’re used to. Just like riding a bicycle. Once you you go back to it, it’s easy. I think I just remembered how they work. For me it works now. When I first got on the bike, honestly it was a little bit harder to get used to from when I rode it the very first time. But once I got used to it, I was right at home.”

KAILUB RUSSELL ON RACING THE SPRINT ENDURO SERIES

JAPANESE BIKE

have something to do with the I think that may have something you get used to something when works a lot better. I’m a lot happier to than I originally had thought home.” n

Kailub Russell talks about racing the Full Gas Sprint Enduro Series events. “In a GNCC, we’re still going really fast but you’re not right on that ragged edge the whole time like you are here. So here if you’re not out of breath by the finish in these, you did it wrong. Where in a GNCC, we’re still going really fast, but we kind of get into the groove. Here it’s just as soon as we take off from that gate, it’s just like a motocross race. Just intense and all out. About seven or eight minutes is all I really want to do at that pace in the woods. It gets a little hairy, especially when it gets as rough as the enduro test did here today.” n

SOUTH CAROLINA FULL GAS SPRING ENDURO PHOTO GALLERY

FAST TRACK

GOOD OlD TIMES BlOG HUSQVARNA ERA 1911-1920

By KEnnETh OlauSSOn PhOTOS: huSqvaRna

Having spent eight years of pioneering work since their inception in 1903, Husqvarna were ready to take the next step. By 1911, their products developed into being more and more sophisticated, thereby satisfying a starving market. People were hungry for novelties and new design. They also demanded a higher quality to get their money's worth. Speed was suddenly in fashion for everyone. Husqvarna sales were a mere 53 units during 1911. In the same year, the collaboration with Motosacoche came to an abrupt end. Simultaneously, the weapons factory increased their business with Moto-Rève. Production turned out a twincylinder 298cc V-engine – the Model 65 – which delivered two horsepower performance at the beginning but was tuned to 2.5-3hp during subsequent developments. This model lasted four years before an update was released.

In 1913 the Model 65 was supplemented with the new 70, and also the 70A model, which were manufactured for two years. The Model 70 had a 405cc engine giving 3hp with a clutch in a pulley and as an option the customer could order a three-speed gear-hub in the rear wheel. The 70A had a slightly bigger engine with a 3.5hp output. By 1915 Moto-Rève had come up with an even bigger power unit. This time it was still a two-cylinder V-engine, but the Model 75 gave 3.5 or 4.5 horsepower, depending on choice. The stroke was 85mm for both versions, while bore was at 55 and 61 millimetres respectively. The smaller model – with a weight of just 80 kilograms - was priced at 1,300 Swedish Kronor (approx. 280 US dollars). The bigger one – weighing 90kg cost 1,400 SEK. By now, competition had entered people's mind and the bikes soon became popular for sport. This meant that many had a dual-purpose use, and the interest in competition grew fast among the purists.

At the end of 1915 the first big breakthrough came for Husqvarna. Their new Model 145 was a 496cc-powered machine with 4.5hp, still from Moto-Rève but now with a chain transmission to the rear wheel. Bore and stroke were measured

at 61 x 85 millimetres for this electrifying engine. Like Husqvarna's previous MotoRève power units, the latest creation from Switzerland also had a semi-cylinder head engine. A three-speed gearbox and a kick-starter were included in the novelties. This was a real motorcycle and would set the future standard for the factory in Huskvarna. The 145 had a dry weight of 90 kilos and the performance included a top speed of 70 km/h. The model cost 1,500 Swedish Kronor at the time.

Soon after, a model 145 A version was manufactured for the Swedish military and the army deliveries began in 1916, during the Great War, which lasted for another two years. Raw material was now scarce and production became lean. But despite world troubles, Husqvarna set a new sales record in 1917. They churned out 315 units of the 145 model, which included delivery of the ‘A-version’ to the military forces.

Another big leap in the history of the brand came in 1919 when the factory produced their first own product - with a Husqvarna engine. It was the Model 150 and would be made for almost a decade-and-a-half until 1933. At the time of its market introduction in 1920, this newcomer was priced at 2,900 SEK (approx. 600 dollars). The Model 150 was equipped with a homemade 550cc four-stroke engine with side valves and an initial output of 5hp. In reality it was more, but for taxa-

tion reasons, the official performance figure was kept low. The twin-cylinder was also built in a V-configuration with sturdy components and the cylinders with side valves were cast in one unit. The ‘petrol box’ swallowed 12 litres of fuel and the oil tank had a capacity of two litres. The wheels had a dimension size of 28" x 3" with steel rims, but the bike still lacked front-brakes. However, this machine could be delivered with a gas-light or electrical lighting from Bosch as an option.

Gustaf Göthe was a young man with an engineer's degree when he joined Husqvarna in the first month of 1917. He was going to be responsible for R&D for the coming Model 150 with a half-litre engine manufactured in-house.

“The task given to me was two-fold; partly I was to enhance the riding characteristics of the existing machine, and partly to develop a brand-new engine, which would make Husqvarna an entirely domestic product. Actually, the first plan included two vehicle versions; one lighter motorcycle for solo riding and one sidecar unit. But due to financial restrictions and other limitations, it was only possible to make the solo version, which could be fitted with a sidecar as an option.”

The rest of Göthe's interesting story will be highlighted in a coming, more personal blog text.

In the ten years from 1911 to 1920, Husqvarna made a big leap forward in terms of engineering and sold some 1,600 units in total. The following 10 years would be influenced by the decadence of the twenties. It not only included Charleston and Champagne, but also some technically interesting motorcycles, which attracted many customers – both wealthy, but also fans from the middle class. After the Great War, people started to move around in a new way for transportation. And two wheels were more affordable than buying a four-wheeler! n

FOUR GUYS, ONE QUESTION: SAND

With the Alligator Enduro next up on the Kenda AMA National Enduro Series schedule, we thought it would be a good idea to get advice from the pros. We asked four of the best enduro riders on the circuit to give us their best sand-riding tip.

FOUR GUYS, ONE QUESTION: SAND

JOSH TOTH

You want to stand, no matter what terrain, trees or track, if it’s sand it’s going to be rough and whooped out. Standing up you can just absorb the bumps a lot better. If you’re sitting down, you’re going to blow through the stroke of the shock and bounce you back up. Just not good handling if you’re sitting down. So stand up definitely in the sand.

SAND

STEWARD

BAYLOR

You never want to see your tread marks, and in the sand you can make your own line. The tire needs to be spinning at all times in the sand. In the sand, a lot of times you’ll notice the braking bumps and acceleration bumps are huge. I’m riding the edges. The sand will hold you almost anywhere. It’s just soft enough you can put your tires anywhere on the track, so don’t be afraid to move over six inches. Most of all, keep the tire spinning.

RUSSELL BOBBITT

Keep your feet on the pegs as much as possible, even when you sit down through some of the corners, as long as you’re not going to scrape your foot. I leave my feet on the pegs as much to drive down and get traction.

THAD DUVALL

With sand riding, I feel like you got to be really far off the back of the bike. A lot of the times we’re so used to riding dirt, we’re so far up on the tank. You kind of have to change your rider position when it comes to sand. You’ve got to be a little bit farther back. You don’t want your front-end kind of knifing in the sand. Generally I find myself riding a little farther back in the sand, kind of back towards the back of the seat coming out of the turns and stuff to really get a good drive. I think your riding position has got to change a little bit.

ALIENAUTOPSY

FC250

Like a popular sandwich shop, Evan Smith’s 250F is freaky fast! For sure, the Georgia rider’s Husqvarna/ Max Motorsports/FXR Racing-backed FC250 is one of the fastest 250F’s on the east coast. Evan finished fifth overall against 350s and 450s and easily won the Pro2 class at the recent Kenda Full Gas Sprint Enduro in South Carolina, while posting the second-fastest time in a couple of the tests (second to Kailub Russell on a 350). We spoke to Evan and his engine builder John Ross at the South Carolina race about some of the modifications that make the bike so fast.

A MOTORHEAD’S GUIDE TO THE TRICKEST BIKES

EVAN SMITH:

EVAN RUNS A WP TRAX SHOCK WITH THE TRAX SYSTEM DISABLED BECAUSE HE LIKES A MORE ACTIVE FEEL.

Starting at the front, I run Renthal Twin Wall 999 bend bars, which are super flat and low. I like to roll my bars back because I like the way that feels. The bars are mounted with the new XC Gear Mako 360 bar mounts, with the red polymers and blue shark bite, to kind of tame the hard hits. I just run stock Husky triple clamps with the XC Gear mounts, but the top clamp is off of the 2015 model so it has the solid mount rather than the rubber mounts for the bars.

I also run ARC levers, which are the unbreakable plastic levers, with G2 bark busters or flags, depending on what I’m riding. I also run a G2 metal throttle tube.

As far as the suspension, I run WP cone valve forks with a WP Trax shock setup, and they are valved by Powerband Suspension out of Minnesota. I run the Trax system disabled on the shock, because I don’t like the way it feels. The Trax system is designed so whenever you bounce off something and the shock is rebounding, it basically opens the valving so that your back tire can come down to the ground as quickly as possible. That’s not good in the woods be -

CHASIS

• Renthall 999 twin wall bars

• XC Gear Mako 360 bar mounts

• 2015 model Husky triple clamp

• ARC Levers

• G2 flags

• G2 throttle

• WP Cone Valve forks

• WP Trax shock w/ Trax disabled

• SRT solid rear rotor

• Motorex brake fluid

• Pro Circuit Exhaust

• Power Parts radiator fan

• E-Line skid plate

• HBD graphics

• Seat Concepts seat cover

• IRC tires

• Engine Ice

cause I like to kind of jump over things and miss the trash in the trail. So with the Trax system engaged, your back tire is going to hit anything that your bike goes over. So it just ends up deflecting stuff, and I don’t like that.

I run my suspension pretty soft. I like my front end to dive into corners, because I steer with my front wheel as opposed to the rear wheel. When I come into a rut, I want the front to dive. I want it to stay planted so that it doesn’t push or knife and it just tracks around everything. It goes where I point it.

As far as the running gear, I run an SRT solid rear brake rotor because I’m a brake dragger and I will boil brakes in three miles if I run a vented stock rotor. But other than that, it’s stock systems. I run Motorex brake fluid.

The clutch is stock with a stock cover.

I’m running IRC tires this year. I just started working with IRC. They’ll be developing a new line of tires this year that I’ll help them test with.

I run a Pro Circuit full exhaust system. Pro Circuit is helping me out this year, which is helping a lot.

DIGGING DEEPER...

MORE AND MORE BIKES ARE SHOWING UP IN THE PITS WITH THE XC GEAR MAKO 360 MOUNTS.

Other parts, I run a Power Parts radiator fan and an E-Line skid plate, which those are pretty sweet. They’re all carbon and they’re lightweight and they mount well. I started running Funnel Web filters this year, too. Those are actually really cool. I’ve not been able to clog one up. They’ve got around twice the surface area of a regular filter.

I run HBD graphics, Seat Concepts covers, Engine Ice, Motor X products, IMS tanks in the GNCC’s, SRT rotor guards, radiator braces and sprockets and rotors.

I run pretty much the same suspension setting in Enduro that I run in GNCC.

I run an 18-inch rear tire at the majority of the GNCC’s because they’re a lot rougher and rockier, but for the Enduros, as long as it’s not rocky, especially in the sand, I prefer the 19-inch rear. It’s a little stiffer sidewall. It tracks a little bit better.

As far as the engine, I used to lug the bike a lot, but recently I’ve kind of gotten to where I’ll rev them a little bit more in the last year or so. Compared to say Steward Baylor, I ride really low RPM’s.

ENGINE

THE ENGINE IS DISASSEMBLED AND AN EXC HEAD IS INSTALLED.

XPR Motorsports did the moto work on Evan’s Enduro bike, but John Ross did the motors for GNCC. Here’s John Ross of RideOnMoto.com talking about the engine modifications.

Basically on the engine we disassemble it completely. We inspect for any flaws. We go in and we actually use parts from the KTM EXC bikes, and then we have to do a little bit of machining to put them into proper spec. But once we get the numbers we like, we put them back together. We use the EXC cylinder heads that have been modified slightly because the EXC heads flow better. We also use an EXC crankshaft, but we do some work to them to make them work really nice.

Then we just take some OEM valve springs we switch out. His bike is completely stock KTM/Husqvarna components, OEM. We actually use a diaphragm clutch spring from a 450 in it. We just go all the way through it and I have an engine builder who does at least four or five of these engines a week. We make sure there’s no flaws in it. Then we balance the crank and we make sure it’s in

DIGGING DEEPER...

ENGINE (GNCC SETUP)

• EXC cylinder head

• EXC crankshaft

• Balance the crank

• 450 clutch springs

• Adjust valve lash

• FX piston

the truest form it can be. We have some special valve lash or valve clearance settings that we use that we know make the bike start good. Then we adjust the ECU and make sure it’s got plenty of fuel and is flowing right, because now our intake velocity speed is faster. We use the FX piston. We use the standard piston and we just have to machine the head for it to accept that. Technically we got a little bit more compression. The bike will run on pump fuel. We build it so that it will last. We recommend some particular oils that will give it some longevity. Evan will do the rest of the bike.

The crankshaft is a full round crank. A lot of people think it’s heavier. Well, heavier can do a lot of cool things. When we’re done, the package just works. We do things like use high volume head pipes. For example, on last year’s engines we used a 350 header pipe on a 250. For guys that don’t like so much on the 350’s, we tell them to put the 250 head pipes

on them. But whatever flavor you like, you just get the right combo. Mapping is critical. Throttle body setup is critical. It’s all basically blueprinting and knowing what parts to put where. Anyone interesting in getting the same modifications that Evan has can call Joh Ross on his cell at 540-247-3020. John says he stocks all the parts. The modifications are CNC machined already and he keeps them on the shelf. n

2019 Schedule

• February 24 - CTC Fun Trial

• March 30-31 - Trials Training Days

• May 4-5 - Splish Spalsh Trial (STRA)

• June 23-26 - Family Camp

• June 27-29 - East Coast Youth Nationals & Women’s Open

• June 28 - TdN Fundraiser Gate Trial

• June 30 - July 4 - Great American Teen Camp (Invitational)

• August 16-18 - 9th Annual Kenda Tennessee Knock Out

• September TBA - ITSA Vintage Trial National

• October 19-20 - 27th Annual 58K Fall Trial

• December 1 - Troy Trial - CTC Winter Series Round 1

TRS Motorcycles

TRS ONE RR

ADAM RAGA RACING

USA DEALERS

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

SUPER STAR: ALEX NIEDERER

PhOTOS By

Shan MOORE

We ‘re three months out from the start of the 2019 NATC/AMA National MotoTrials Series and from what we hear, the best of the best have been putting in a lot of work in preparation for the start of the season. This month we ‘re checking in with Gas Gas rider Alex Niederer to see how his training is going down in Florida.

How is your off-season training going?

Actually better than expected, I feel like I’m ahead of where I wanted to be and that makes me very happy, and confident.

Are you doing anything different in your training from previous years?

Nothing major, but I have focused on what has worked well and cut out things that weren’t giving me the results that I was looking for. I’m more consistent with my schedule, getting up at the same time regardless of what day it is, trying to eat healthy and get enough rest. Just focusing on what I feel is making the biggest difference.

You had a season that was interrupted by injury. Are you fully healed now?

The 2018 season was rough. To answer your question, yes, I am fully recovered, and believe it or not I feel stronger than before the accident. I’ve got more strength and better cardio.

What did you learn from the 2018 season?

If there is one thing I can take away from 2018, it’s that it’s not over till it’s over. I missed two days of points in the middle of the season, was not sure that I was going to make it to California, and kept telling myself I can make it. I learned to trust myself, my program, and most importantly, the people around me that work with me all the time to achieve my goals. My family, girlfriend and minder dropped everything for me and I learned to trust in their judgment and also motivation. So in California I relied on them more than I ever had and came out on top with a second and third place which put me on the box in third for the season.

Have you changed your strategy for 2019 from previous years?

Not really my strategy, more my expectations. Going into 2018 the goal was to be on the podium every round, now I am expecting it from myself to be on the podium and to fight for the top step.

Do you have any competition plans in addition to the NATC nationals?

We start our STRA season in March here in Florida, that will be the first focus. I’ve been talking to our team manager, Geoff Aaron, about doing the El Trial de Espana again in April. Then the first weekend in May we are up to Tennessee for another STRA event and then to the Texas Pro-Am the weekend before the NATC Nationals.

What are your thoughts on the series and do you think any changes need to be made?

I am excited about the areas we are going to, Nebraska has a good club and an awesome location. I heard Minnesota is going to be in a very rocky location that should be fun. Colorado is always a good time, tough sections and long days. Excited to go back to Tillamook for the last round, hopefully it’s dryer this time than it was in 2016 though. I think the series as a whole is very good, from a promotional stand point it would be nice to see the series spread out a little more throughout the year and add an event or even two. It’s all about exposure, and the more events we have throughout the year the more exposure we get. n

RAGA

Adam Raga claimed his first win of the season at the second round of the FIM X-Trial World Championship at Palau Sant Jordi stadium in Barcelona, Spain. The TRS factory rider beat out defending champion Toni Bou in a head-to-head competition, although Bou was feeling the effects of a nasty crash he suffered in the Semi round. With the win, Raga moves into tie with Bou for the lead in the series standings, with both riders holding 35 points.

Raga was more than pleased with his performance and comment in an instagram post that he was happy to finally win the Barcelona race after 11 years. “Good riding in the final!!!,” he added. Bou tried to be positive after the event.

“Today we have to be positive; we finished second and we were very close to victory,” said Bou. “In the semi-final, I suffered a hard fall, but it seems that everything amounted to a scare and it is not a serious injury, although I was worried that I had done the same as what happened last year. I made mistakes in the final, but I made it through the complicated sections and I was still fighting right up until the final moments, which is the important thing. I want to congratulate Adam Raga for his victory and also thank all the fans who have filled the Palau Sant Jordi in this trial at home.”

GasGas teammates Jeroni Fajardo and Jaime Busto battled for third and fourth place, with Busto coming out on top of his Spanish countryman to claim the final step of the podium. Both riders made their way into the second round with ease, a knockout where both Busto and Fajardo finished second in their respective groups and that led them to the final for the third and fourth place. A very close hand-to-hand fight, where finally the Busto beat

TONI BOU AND TAKAHISA

FUJINAMI DURING OPENING CEREMONIES

JORGE CASALES

COURTESY VERTIGO

PHOTO

Fajardo by a single point.

“In the first round I felt comfortable but I failed in a couple of areas,” said Busto. “In the second round I had to open the areas and slipped a lot, so it was difficult for me to have references. In the end we fought for the third and fourth places with Jeroni, and I am satisfied with my first podium of the year. I hope to improve in the next race and keep fighting for the championship”.

Fajardo was disappointed at missing the podium but pleased with his performance.

“In general, I did well,” said Fajardo. “We were close to the rest of the riders throughout the race. In the final with Jaime, I went ahead and tried not to make many points, in fact, I only had a 5 in zone 3, which was very difficult, and where Jaime also had a fiasco. I tried to push him to the maximum until the end, but he saved a point more than me”.

The third event of the X-Trial World Championship is scheduled for Saturday February 16th at the Bizkaia Arena (Bilbao Exhibition Center) in Barakaldo.

RESULTS

1. Adam Raga (TRS) 13

2. Toni Bou (HON) 14

3. Jaime Busto (GG) 8

4. Jeroni Fajardo (GG) 9

5. Benoit Bincaz (BET) 16

6. Miquel Gelabert (SHR) 23

7. Takahisa Fujinami (HON) 16

8. Jorge Casale (VER) 17

9. Luca Patrella (TRS) 23

JERONI FAJARDO

TONY BOU

BARCELONA X-TRIAL PHOTO GALLERY

PHOTOS COURTESY X-TRIAL, GASGAS, VERTIGO

FAST TRACK

ROUND THREE

FEBRUARY 16, 2019

BILBAO, SPAIN

PHOTOS COURTESY TRIAL MEDIA AND GASGAS

BOU’S BACK BOu

FACTORY GASGAS RIDER

JAIME BUSTO FINSHED FOURTH

Repsol Honda Team rider Toni Bou rode to victory in the third round of the FIM X-Trial World Championship held tonight in Bilbao. The second win of the season sees the champion bounce back to the head of the overall standings.

As Bilbao debuted as a host in the FIM X-Trial World Championship, spectators at the Bizkaia Arena-BEC were able to witness a somewhat hesitant start from Bou who nevertheless made the cut for the second phase.

The second round saw the Repsol Honda Team rider finish on equal points with TRS’ Adam Raga whom he went on to beat in a thrilling final. The final proved to be a hotly disputed one with Bou emerging victorious for the second time this season.

With the win, Bou retakes the top spot in the overall rankings with a five-point advantage over Raga.

“I am very happy to win here in Bilbao after the second position in Barcelona and to regain the lead,” said Bou. “We knew that this year would be very complicated as it is very easy to not get through to the next round with this system and the high level of the riders. We know that we could miss out on any event, so to get a win is very satisfying. This championship is very short and we know that we are not at 100% physically. I lack continuity but luckily I

have the aggressiveness, so we will work hard to get to Granada in the best possible conditions.”

The fourth trial of the X-Trial World Championship is scheduled for this coming Saturday, February 23rd at the Palacio Municipal de Deportes in Granada, Spain.

RESULTS

1. Toni Bou (MON) 7

2. Adam Raga (TRRS) 9

3. Benoit Bincaz (Beta) 5

4. Jaime Busto (GasGas) 11

5. Miquel Gelabert (She) 16

6. Jeroni Fajardo (GasGas) 18

7. Gabriel Marcelli (Mon) 12

8. Luca Peterella (Beta) 15

9. Sondre Haga (TRRS) 21

JERONI FAJARDO’S SPOTTER HELPS THE GAS GAS RIDER THROUGH A SECTION.

TONI BOU

BILBAO X-TRIAL PHOTO GALLERY

PHOTOS COURTESY X-TRIAL, GASGAS, VERTIGO

FAST TRACK

RACHEL’S REALITY

A COLUMN BY ENDUROCROSS AND ISDE RACER RACHEL GUTISH

I sat down on the edge of my trailer, a clear and obvious expression of disgust on my face.... no, it wasn’t my nasty helmet pads that I had forgotten to wash again, although that was a good guess. The last practice session hadn’t gone so hot, something that’s usually certain to put me in an unpleasant mood. My younger sister Erin, catching sight of my facial expression, said “You know Rachel, for someone who claims to love dirt bikes so much, you sure seem to be pissed off a lot when you’re around them....”

By Erin Gutish

Photo

Like me, I think many people out there have a love-hate relationship with their motorcycles. When things are going well and you’re having a good day on the bike, it feels almost like flying. You dodge between trees like you’re invincible, rail corner ruts with a smoothness you never thought possible, and when you turn the throttle, you hear the roar of the engine and can feel its power echoing in your chest. Then, add to this the thrill of the competition, battling back and forth with other riders, and it’s a rush like no other. Racing has also allowed me to travel the world and see things I never could have seen without it. It’s hard not to love something that has given you that kind of opportunity!

But for every yin, there is also yang. This lightest version of this is are the mild frustrations of bike maintenance (“Where is that stupid t-handle, I literally just had it”). Then getting in a little deeper, you have those unpleasant days when you can’t seem to get out of your own way and make mistake after mistake after mistake. Or even worse, those soul-crushing races where you give it everything you’ve got, ride to the best of your ability, and you still come up short. The pressure on you to succeed, the expectations you (and others) have for your performance and the mental anguish that strikes when you fail can make for a real pressure-cooker of a situation. I remember one van ride home from Georgia where everyone was so disappointed and exhausted that we didn’t speak until we hit Indy. Then of course, there’s the darkest underbelly of the sport - the pain and the injuries. The night after ACL surgery, when I thought I was tough and didn’t need to take my hydrocodone, I remember literally screaming myself to sleep. Not an experience I’d care to repeat, but it’s one I risk every time I throw a leg over the bike.

When you care about something to the point of near-obsession, it acts as an elevation and intensification of the human experience. Without fail, my highest highs and lowest lows have come from racing, which in turn just seems to fuel the addiction. Nearly everything else in my life pales in comparison, and the pleasure of the highs still outweighs the despair of the lows. That’s why I’m still here. So, the next time you see me covered in mud with a disgusted expression on my face, you don’t have to feel too sorry for me. I may be miserable in the moment, but even then, I can’t imagine living life in any other way than in pursuit of the next motorcycle-induced high. n

2019 US MOTOTRIALS

May 25-26 Nebraska

June 1-2 Minnesota

June 15-16 Colorado

June 22-23 Oregon

2019 UTE CUP

August 17-18 San Isabel, CO

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

2019 DAKAR

JAN 6-17 Peru

2019 WORLD SUPER ENDURO

Dec 8 Krakow, Poland

Jan 5 Riesa, Germany

Jan 26 Madrid, Spain

Feb 9 Budapest,

March 9 Bilbao, Spain

2019 FIM WORLD ENDURO

April 12-14 TBA

May 10-12 Santiago,

May 17-19 Valpacos,

June 14-16 Ajaccio, Corsica

June 21-23 Rovetta, Italy

Sept 13-15 Janovice, Czech

Sept 27-29 Ambert, France

2019 FIM WORLD ENDURO

May 10-12 Extreme XL

May 17-19 Trèfle Lozérien

May 30-June 2 Erzbergrodeo, TBA Classic Enduro, July 30-Aug 4 Red Bull Romaniacs,

Sept 21-22 Hawkstone

Oct 5-6 Solsona Enduro, Nov 2-3 GetzenRodeo,

2019 INTERNATIONAL SIX DAYS

November 11-16 Portimao,

22019 KENDA FULL GAS SPRINT

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

ENDURO

Poland

Germany

Spain

Budapest, Hungary

Spain

CHAMPIONSHIP

Spain

Portugal

Corsica

Italy

Czech Republic

France

SUPER

SERIES

XL Lagares, Pprtugal

Lozérien AMV, France

Erzbergrodeo, Austria)

Enduro, Italy

Romaniacs, Romania

Hawkstone Park Cross Country, UK

Enduro, Spain

GetzenRodeo, Germany

DAYS ENDURO

Portugal

Aug 10-11 Hayesville, NC

Sept 1-2 Laurens, SC

2019 WORCS

Jan 11-13 Primm, NV

Feb 1-3

March 1-3

Glen Helen, CA

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