The Big Picture
AND GAM STYLIN’
Beta’s David Garza styles on his way to eighth overall at the 2019 RevLimiter Extreme Enduro in Decatur, Texas..
PHOTO BY SHAN MOORE
AND
GAM
SPIDEY SENSES TINGLING
Tony Bou makes like Spider-Man sticks to this vertical obtejct at the Marseille round of the FIM X-Trial Championship in Spain.
PHOTO COURTESY REPSOL HONDA
The Big Picture
The Big Picture
AND GAM ROOTY TOOTY
Devin Cafasso gets 15 minutes of fame for his 14th place finish in the Open A class at the Alligator National Enduro in Ormond Beach, Florida.
PHOTO BY SHAN MOORE
The Big Picture
AND GAM GRACE AND STYLE
Cody Webb tries to be as graceful as he can while trying to keep from crashing. It’s like holding your little pinky out when you’re drinking tea.
PHOTO BY SHAN MOORE
The Big Picture
AND GAM
LEAP OF FAITH
GasGas factory rider Jeroni Fajardo makes a bit leap at the Marseille round of the FIM XTrials Series in France. The Spaniard finished second to Toni Bou in the pentultimate round of the series.
PHOTO COURTESY GASGAS
Photo: R. Schedl
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
Photos:
Alessio Barbanti,
THE LOOP
News and Culture From The World Of Trials, Offroad and Extreme Racing
DRAGON’S BACK ENDURO CANCELLED; ALABAMA ADDED
The NEPG has sent out an allert saying that the April Fools Promoters of the Dragon’s Back National Enduro ran into an unexpected land issue, and as a result are sorry to say that this has forced the Dragon’s Back National Enduro in Arrington, VA on May 12th to be cancelled.
The NEPG contacted the Perry Mountain Motorcycle Club in Stanton, Alabama, and they agreed to replace the Dragon’s Back National Enduro and host the final round of the NEPG season with the Gobbler Getter National Enduro on November 3rd, 2019.
KTM TRIALS BIKE RISING???
There’s nothing indicating that KTM is getting into the world of Trials, but we did find something curious on KTM’s Fanpage. If you’re into gaming, Ubisoft has a new video game called Trials Rising available in Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4 and PC that has KTM branding throughout. The game hits the streets on February 25th. Of the game, the KTM fanpage says: “Enjoy KTM sponsored contracts, and KTM sponsored outfits in-game on Trials Rising.” Check out out HERE .
DALE MALASEK TO VERTIGO USA
HERE’S A NOTE WE REVIEVED FROM VERTIGO USA:
VERTIGO USA is pleased to announce that Dale Malasek - MIDWEST MOTOTRIALS, LLC located out of Kansas City, Missouri has joined the Vertigo family as the Eastern States Distributor.
Dale will assume responsibility for establishing an Eastern States dealer network and will provide sales and service for this area.
Dustin Land – Motoland Trialsport, located in Kansas is the Vertigo Dealer for Kansas and Oklahoma. Dustin will also play a significant role in providing technical support for the Eastern States.
Dale has many years of experience in the trials industry in the USA.
• 26 YEARS OF IMPORTING GAS GAS TRIALS AND ENDURO BIKES
• PROVIDED SPONSORSHIP TO TOP GAS GAS RIDERS AND ENDURO RIDERS
• PROVIDED MECHANICAL AND PARTS SUPPORT AT NATIONAL EVENTS TO GAS GAS RIDERS
• PROVIDED GAS GAS PIT SUPPORT FOR WORLD ROUND RIDERS AT US WORLD TRIALS COMPETITIONS
• NATIONAL, REGIONAL AND LOCAL PIT SUPPORT
• 26 US SENIOR CHAMPIONSHIP TITLES
DALE MALASEK, Distributor for VERTIGO
MIDWEST MOTOTRIALS, LLC 7801 NW Eastside Dr
Kansas City, Mo 64152
Cell & text: 816-809-8404
Email to: gasusa@primary.net
Web: www.midwestmototrials.com www.vertigomotors.com
FLY Racing Announces 2019.5 Kinetic Mesh Racewear
Flow Air: Filter Dirt
The dog days of summer are right around the corner and when the heat cranks up, FLY Racing says their ultra-breathable Kinetic Mesh Racewear keeps you cool on the hottest summer days.
Utilizing ventilated dual-mesh construction, Kinetic Mesh flows air but filters dirt. Coupled with dynamic multi-directional stretch-rib paneling for flexibility and a ratcheting closure system on the pants for a secure fit, Kinetic Mesh is meticulously tested and researched for maximum rider comfort.
Worn and supported by top Supercross athletes like Blake Baggett and Zach Osborne to GNCC greats like Thad Duvall and Trevor Bollinger, Kinetic Mesh is tried and true from the stadium to the backwoods.
2019 VERTIGO VERTIGO
VERTICAL R
Vertigo Motors recently announced its new, limited edition Vertigo Vertical Model R, available as a racing model in 125, 250 and 300cc versions. According to Vertigo, each of these versions have been subject to a meticulous technical development, so as to ensure the bike is even more refined and advanced than ever before. We’re hoping to get an up close look at this beauty at the upcoming US National MotoTrials Series!
2019 125 RR-S DUAL SPORT
Availability: End of March
Price: $4999.00
The Beta 125 RR-S Dual Sport has returned for 2019 with a whole new attitude. The popular on/off road model has received a face lift in the way of all new bodywork that resembles the off road RR models. Also new is the striking Italian red frame and black engine covers. The new color combination is stunning to say the least!
Powered by a 4-stroke, 4-valve liquid cooled engine that provides 15 hp and plenty of torque for casual or more spirited riding. The 125 RR-S has more than 10” of suspension travel front & rear which is a class-leader. Beta’s Tim Pilg comments, “Our 125 RR-S has been a huge hit for all types of riders, what surprised us the most is the age difference between the different owners, we will sell one to a 16 year old in California and also a 74 year old in Pennsylvania, both loving the bike for different reasons!”
Other features of the model are electric starting, whisper-quiet muffler with spark arrestor, Michelin DOT knobby tires, passenger pegs, hydraulic disk brakes front and rear, aluminum swing arm, and a multi-function meter.
2019 Beta 125 RR-S
Low maintenance liquid cooled 125 4 stroke engine
Engine
Type: Italian built single cylinder, 4 valve 4-stroke, Bore: 52 mm
Stroke: 58.6 mm
Displacement: 124.6cc
Compression Ratio: 11.2:1
Ignition: CDI (TCI)
Spark Plug: NGK CR8E
Lubrication: Oil pump w/cartridge oil filter
Oil Capacity 1000 cc
Carburetor: Keihin CV 30 mm
Clutch: Wet multi-disc
Transmission: 6-speed
Final Drive: Chain
Chassis
Frame: Molybdenum steel/double cradle
Wheelbase: 55.5”
Seat Height: 36.4”
Ground Clearance: 13.2”
Footrest Height: 15.7”
Dry Weight: 224.9 lbs.
Fuel Tank Capacity: 1.9 US gallons
Front Suspension: 41 mm USD fork
Rear Suspension: Steel body shock w/adjustable spring preload
Front Wheel Travel: 10.2”
Rear Wheel Travel: 10.6”
Final Gearing: 14t front, 63t rear
Front Brake: 260mm rotor
Rear Brake: 220mm rotor
Front/Rear Rim: 90/90 x 21” (Front) 120/90 x 18” (Rear)
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!
2019 Honda Factory Edition SX Slide-N-Guide Kit
Max Sug. Retail: $119.95
Website: www.tmdesignworks.com
Contact: (541) 772-4161
TM Designworks is propelling Honda riders to the front of the pack with their innovative Slide-NGuide technology. The Factory Edition SX Slide-N-Guide Kit provides an costfriendly upgrade from OEM equipment while elevating durability, performance, and appearance. The compact Chain Guide retains TMD’s patented return memory impact system plastic formula to resist bending and breakage. One of only a few Honda Chain Sliders, our signature slider has been tested and proven in every condition from the deserts of Baja to the stadiums of Supercross with success in every discipline. 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 and Red for a factory look and the kit retails for $119.95. To order, see your local dealer, visit us online at tmdesignworks.com, or call us at (541) 772-4161.
PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT
EE Honda Skidplate
Max Sug. Retail: $119.95
Fitment: 2017-2019 450 CRF/CRFRX, 2018-2019 250 CRF/CRFRX
Website: www.enduroeng.com
Enduro Engineering has come up with a bevy of new products for the new Honda came out with a new CRF250RX. Honda has also have revamped and updated the CRF450X to match the rest of the CRF line up for 2019. Also brand New from Honda is the new Street Legal CRF450L. Enduro Engineering is building goodies to protect your new Honda. prepared to get your new Honda. Here’s the skidplate for CRF Hondas (see fitment above).
• 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
BAYLOR BAGS THE GATOR
KENDA AMA NATIONAL ENDURO SERIES
ROUND 2
MARCH 24, 2019
ORMOND BEACH, FLORIDA
RUSSELL BOBBITT
Steward Baylor came into round two of the Kenda AMA National Enduro Series in Ormond Beach, Florida looking for his first win of the season and the Tely Energy Racing KTM rider delivered, winning all six tests en route to a commanding victory over round one winner Team Gnarly Routes KTM’s Russell Bobbitt.
“I only made a couple mistakes all day,” said Baylor. “I felt like I got better as the day went on. We made some changes there going into the last few tests. I knew the last section would have a lot of palmettos, so I softened everything up. The first time through the palmettos I felt like I was struggling. The second time, I never made a mistake. It was really good. It was just one of those perfect days.”
Though no one showed the consistency that Baylor showed, Bobbitt was more consistent than the rest, claiming second place by a narrow 10-second margin over Husqvarna/ Max Motorsports/FXR’s Evan Smith.
“I always seem to struggle at this race,” said Bobbitt. “I’ve never won it, so that was one of the reasons I wanted to come down here. I didn’t crash any all
day. Didn’t stall it. Just kind of rode real smooth and was able to read the trail.”
Smith started strong by finishing second in the first two tests, but ninth-fastest in test three put the Georgia rider in a hole and he could never quite catch back up.
“I was five or six seconds down on Russ going into the last test, but I ended up burying my bike in a mud hole,” said Smith. “There’s no telling how long it took, but it took me a while to get it out. Then I still only lost to him by ten seconds for the day.”
JDP Suspension/RideOnMoto KTM’s Tegan Temple was top-finishing NE Pro2 rider, finishing fourth overall while taking the win in the NE Pro2 class.
“I thought I could win the class, but I didn’t expect to get fourth overall,” said Temple. “It’s pretty exciting.”
Meanwhile, fifth overall and second in NE Pro2 went to Tely Energy KTM’s Liam Draper. Beta USA’s Cody Barnes was sixth overall and third in the NE Pro2 division.
Tely Energy Racing KTM’s Grant Baylor, who win the Alligator Enduro two years ago, was seventh overall in his return from a shoulder injury. Grant spent one hour on the bike before starting the race, and admitted afterward that he didn’t have the upper body strength to compete properly.
Beta USA’s Mike Witkowski finished up in eight overall, a little over a minute off of Grant’s time.
Brothers Chase and Zack Hayes were ninth and tenth overall (fourth and fifth NE Pro2) on a pair of KTM’s.
Mackenzie Tricker showed her sand-riding prowess with a big win in the Women’s Elite division, putting her Mepmx/Fly/Grizzly Peak/ Traveler’s Rest Speedway/KTM on top of the box ahead of Rockstar Energy/Husqvarna/ Moose Husqvarna’s Tayla Jones by 19 seconds.
“It was a pretty good day,” said Tricker. “I started slow in test one, then I kind of started chipping off a little bit of time. I lost 19 seconds in that first test, so I had to just kind of make up some time. Tayla and I went into the last test with two seconds separating us, so it was just like I knew it was going to be the both of us just either sending it or crashing and I was able to get the win.”
Brooke Cosner on a KTM.
OVERALL RESULTS
1. Steward Baylor (KTM)
2. Russell Bobbitt (KTM)
3. Evan Smith (Hsq)
4. Tegan Temple (KTM)
5. Liam Draper (Hsq)
6. Cody Barnes (Bet)
7. Grant Baylor (KTM)
8. Mike Witkowski (Bet)
9. Chase Hayes (KTM)
10. Zach Hayes (KTM)
CODY BARNES
GRANT
BAYLOR ON RIDING IN TIGHT PALMETTOS
“It’s like riding it in a tunnel when you go through the sections that are full of the palmettos. Just tight trail with palmettos hitting you in the face. Pretty soon you realize that there’s nothing to them. You can cut closer through them than what you realize and you can shave off a little time there just blowing through to the tree.”
RUSSELL’S ALLIGATOR
I always seem to struggle down here. I haven’t had very man good runs. Never the reasons I wanted to come down. Lafferty’s always whooped my ass down with the ride today. I had fun all day. Really happy just with my bike. Still haven’t got the suspension. Didn’t crash any all day. Didn’t stall it. Just kind of rode read the trail. They did a good job marking it, so that was nice to see. If you straight away. I think I had some good times even up there with Stew’s. Stew I, we were battling. It’s nice to do that with him. He’s coming in strong and together a lot so it’s nice to see him kind of take over. - RUSSELL BOBBITT
STEW’S EXCELLENT DAY
Never won it, so that was one of down here. I’m super happy really haven’t touched a clicker since I rode real smooth and was able to you got off the trail you knew it Stew was on fire. Then Evan and into his own. We ride at home
“After
stArting the dAy with A test-win, i knew i wAs in A good spot And i just continued to edge the group out with A neAr-fl Awless ride. it wAs just one of those dreAm dAys where everything goes right All dAy.”
AROUND THE GATOR PIT
Cloxkwise
Former Ron Commo the transition road and overall.
Barnes in his first the circuit, sixth overall NE Pro2. rock-rider survived Tayla Jones day but out of title chase.
Cloxkwise from top left: Former Pro Trials rider Commo has made transition to offand finished 12th overall. Beta USA’s Cody Barnes is looking good first full year on circuit, finishing overall and third Pro2. Pennsylvania rock-rider Thorn Devlin survived the gator. Jones had a bad but don’t count her the Women’s Elite chase.
FAST TRACK
PHOTOS BY SHAN MOORE
gooD oLD TImES bLog BLACK, RED OR BLUE?
by KEnnETh oLauSSon phoToS: huSqVaRna
The press release announced a novelty made by Husqvarna in Huskvarna. This happened back in 1939 and the machine was the newly developed ‘Angel-Wing’. This 118cc bike would appeal to the masses after it replaced the popular predecessor of 98cc – the small bicycle with a bolt-on power source was now an outdated model. The introduction of the Angel Wing could not have come at a worse time however. The second world war was around the corner and during the coming six years the factory only churned out a couple of 100 of these new motorcycles. However, in the postwar period things changed dramatically… So, the roots of this newcomer came from the 98cc machine and was initially nicknamed the ‘Angel-Wing’. Actually, the small 98cc-powerpack was a pre-evolution of the 118cc engine that was included in the new Husqvarna Model 20. It was a product from the factory’s Research & Development department. Gone were
the days of the resemblance to a bicycle. Now, it featured a three-speed gearbox, a kick-starter and footpegs. The main reason for its introduction was the new motorcycle legislation – as of 1939, at 16 years of age, you could ride a lightweight bike that did not weigh more than 75 kilos. The vehicle had to be registered and as a rider, you had to have a valid license. Those were the criteria introduced before the war. It should also be mentioned that there was a Model 21, which had a speed limit of 40 km/h and was regarded as the baby brother of the Model 20.
After the World War came to an end, the need for transportation was enormous and manufacturers met an insatiable market. But people lacked money, so a twowheeled vehicle was the most suitable means for getting from A to B. Sticking to their guns, Husqvarna were adequately prepared as they had a well-working production logistic left over from 1939. They continued in the postwar period and fast became a dominating factor on the growing bike market in Sweden.
Way back when – and still today – the first thing you notice while the engine runs is the smell of its two-stroke oil-mixture fuel. It affects your nostrils, but also reminds you of a time when the motorcycle wasn’t as sophisticated as it is nowa-
days. Husqvarna’s breakthrough came in 1946 when the factory tooled up and introduced Model 24 of the 118cc bike. Actually, it was also referred to as the 120 Husqvarna although the engine had a true displacement of 118cc. This was a high-quality machine with an engine that gave a performance of three horsepower. The Model 24 was inexpensive and cost 960 Swedish kronor at a time when many people were making about 12 kronor a day. However, the machine was less for fun, but mostly used for going to work. It was not for dignitaries, but rather affordable for daily travelers who had to commute on a daily basis.
Still, there was a status to be able to afford a motorcycle in an economy that hadn’t yet contributed to Sweden’s future welfare. The sales figures in just three years were 30,000 units of the Model 24, now named the ‘Black-Mill’ (Svart-Qvarnan in Swedish). Details of the Black-Mill bike included parallelogram front forks, a rigid rear frame, a manual shift lever on the right side of
the tank, painted rims striped in golden color, a small tool-box and a usable rear rack. In 1950 the Model 27 came on the market and was slightly improved from the 24, with improved quality and better riding comfort. The top speed was now rated at an impressive 75 km/h.
Four years later, in 1954, the number of domestic dealers had increased to more than 800 sales outlets. We had now gone from Model 24 to Model 30 and at the time, there were close to 70,000 happy owners in Sweden. In a Husqvarna advertisement, it was announced that four versions of the 120 machine were available to customers. The most expensive product was the exclusive 30 Sport costing the proud sum of 1,618 kronor. And the catalogue now offered a red version, properly named the Red-Mill, while there was also a Blue-Mill outfit – made in an ocean blue color. The last Model 32 was introduced in 1957 as Model 32 Sport, giving the owner a performance of an adequate six horsepower. A couple of years later the production of the successful ‘Qvarna’ was terminated as there were new motorcycles in the Husqvarna pipeline.
It has been calculated that close to 100,000 units of the 118cc model were manufactured between 1939 and 1959. As opposed to the American Mr. Ford, who only offered his T-vehicles in black during the 20s, at Husqvarna your choice decided which color would be preferred by the audience and by customers. In black, red or blue... n
AlienAutopsy
FIVE-TIME NATIONAL ENDURO ChAMp RUSS BOBBITT jUMpED BACK ON A TWO-STROKE TO WIN ThE SUMTER NATIONAL ENDURO!
Russell Bobbitt won the opening round of the 2019 Kenda AMA National Enduro Series in Sumter, South Carolina, on his Team Gnarly Roots KTM 300 XC. The five-time National Enduro Champion told us that being back on a two-stroke was a big inspiration and that he had a blast riding the event.
When we spoke to Russ the day before the race, he talked about getting back on the two-stoke
“I thought I was sitting down a whole lot more over the past couple years, but really once I got this thing and have been riding on it a couple weeks, I’m finding that I’m standing up a whole lot more. I think it’s just where the weight is of the bike and how everything works with it. I’m already standing up more and hanging off the front of this thing.
“I’m riding a lot more reserved now. I’m not taking as many chances as I was.
“On the two-stroke it feels like you can get the weight over the front end easier on the two-stroke, and that’s where you want to be and plant the front. It feels good. “
Here’s Russ taliking us through his bike:
CHASIS:
I have the XC gear Mako 360 handlebar mount with the green bar polymers and the blue shark bite. The green is soft/medium polymer, and then the blue shark bite is a little bit more aggressive.
I also run the Tag T2 bar, with Tag grips and the new Enduro Engineering Evo 2 bark buster and deflectors.
The triple clamps are KTM SXS 22mm off-set hard equipment clamps.
I have WP cone valve forks and a trax shock, serviced and tuned by Solid Performance. The trax system is turned off. For me, I just have a more consistent feel at high speed with it off. It doesn’t move as much, so for maybe some more technical, extreme stuff where you really want all the traction you can get and get it back down as quickly as possible, the trax would be great. But for sand especially you want that limited movement.
For tires I’m running Michelin Star Cross Five tires and bib Mousse’s. Motion Pro rim locks. Tag chain and sprockets.
The radiators are stock.
Some of the other stuff is Rekluse clutch cover, Akropovich pipe, IMS Core extra sharp pegs and Seat Concepts seat.
The gearing is 13/51. I went up one tooth from stock, which really made third gear and second gear just pull out of corners better in the tight stuff. Third was a little bit more useable.
digging deeper...
RUSS’S jETTING
(@60 DEgREES F)
maIn JET - 440
IDLE JET - 25
nEEDLE - 43-75 (2nD poS FRom Top)
aIR ScREw - 2 1/2 TURNS OUT
NEEDLE JET - STOCK/S4
ENGINE
The engine is stock, but I put a yellow power valve spring with it at flush setting. That’s the stock spring, but I opened it up quite a bit so it changed where the power valve opened up and made it a little more responsive.
I’ve played with the jetting a ton, but still using the same jet kit that came with the bike. One of the biggest things I found for riding this thing aggressive, that was a super sneaky way of making it run better up top was to put a 250 SX CDI box on it. It really helped the mapping. When you are trying to build power or trying to hold it wide open, the XC CDI seemed like it wouldn’t allow it to rev to a certain range I wanted it to go to. The SX box let me rev it a little further.
93 with Motor X, cross power 60 to 1. Motor X gear oil. I don’t have a fan on here. Twin Air air filter. Aluminum cage.
2019 REVLImITER ha NO LIMIT!
CODY WEBB
haRD EnDuR o
MARIO ROMAN
FMF KTM’s Cody Webb dominated the 2019 RevLimiter Hard Enduro in Decatur, Texas, beating out hard enduro specialists Wade Young of South Africa and Mario Roman of Spain.
The RevLimiter was not only tough, but it was well organized and well run. The race marks the start of the 2019 AMA Extreme Off-road State Championship Series, which crowns state champions in their perspective state, along with qualifying riders for the AMA Grand Championship, the Tennessee Knockout in Sequatchie, Tennessee. If that weren’t enough, The RevLimiter also serves as round one of the new, five-round AMA American Hard Enduro Series.
Freezing rain and cold temperatures greeted competitors at this year’s race as action got underway on Saturday with a one-lap elimination race over an eight-mile course that served to pare the 150-rider field down to 75 for Sunday. This race included just a few of the extreme sections that would challenge the top riders later on Sunday.
Three races on Sunday would determine the winner, with each race counting equally, similar to the old three-moto national Motocross format.
In all, Webb turned the fastest time in Saturday’s qualifier and then won all three “motos” on Sunday en route to the overall win.
“The conditions were less than ideal, but I won everything I entered and I guess that’s the way you want to do it,” said Webb. “I struggled a little bit on Saturday
WADE YOUNG
just because we saved the good tires for Sunday. Today I felt good in the conditions. The final race was tricky with all the lappers, but I hit all the big hits perfectly. There was one creek scattered with people and I came through and went all the way to the top without putting my foot down once. It was a great weekend and the bike was unreal.”
Sherco-mounted Young broke his shift shaft in the first moto, leaving him stuck in first gear for the duration of the race, but rebounded to finish second overall with a 3-2-2 moto finish.
“I was stuck in first gear during that first race but we made the best of it,” said Young. “We regrouped and battled early on with Cody in the second race but he got away in the end. In the last race Cody was just a step above us, but Mario and I had a good battle. I managed to get away from him on the second to last lap.”
Third was Roman, who went 2-3-3 on his factory Sherco.
“For me, the most difficult part was riding in the cold,” said Roman. “I was riding in Peru last weekend and it was 40 degrees C (104 f). It was difficult to ride with no feelings in my fingers. But I had a good battle with my teammate. Cody was having a really good day.”
Kyle Redmond finished fourth overall, went 4-5-4 in the three motos. Redmond has been off the bike since November and was making his first ride on a Sherco at the RevLimiter.
MAX GERSTON
EnduroCross regualr Trysten Hart rounded out the top five on a KTM with a 7-4-5 performance.
Trials Pro-turned extreme racer Quinn Wentzel led the second half of the top 10, with Beta USA’s Max Gerston right behind in seventh. Beta-mounted David Garza and Sherco riders Grayson Gonsalves and Match Carvolth rounded out the top 10.
RESULTS
1. Cody Webb (KTM)
2. Wade Young (SHR)
3. Mario Roman (SHR)
4. Kyle Redmond (SHR)
5. Trysten Hart (KTM)
6. Quinn Wentzel (HSQ)
7. Max Gerston (BET)
8. David Garza (BET)
9. Grayson Gonsalves (SHR)
10. Mitch Carvolth (SHR)
FAST TRACK
CODY WEBB
The conditions were less than ideal, but honestly it was pretty fun. On my hot lap, right off the bat, I almost went over the bars and knocked my hand guard into my front brake lever. My front brake was not on enough, but it was on enough that I could ride and I thought it was insanely slippery. I went over the bars almost two more times after that before I got it figured out. From then on, it was just kind of recovery and trying to be on my lines. The amateurs took a lot of crazy lines so it was hard to know where you were going, almost, especially with the conditions. Hard to see out there. I recovered a little bit and had some fun, so that’s all that matters.
I won everything I entered, so that’s how we want to do it. I definitely struggled a little bit on Saturday. We had a different gearing setup on the bike and tire just because we wanted to keep the good stuff for Sunday when it mattered. We made those changes in the very first moto. I instantly was just climbing stuff that yesterday I was struggling on, even though it rained last night. So something worked out in my favor there. In that final race, I was following Wade there for a bit. At some point I got around him. I don’t remember. It was just tricky with all the lappers. I felt kind of bad passing people. It is what it is, I guess. I nailed a couple hits so perfect. There was one creek scattered with people and second lap I came through and I rode all the way to the top I think without putting my foot down, maybe once. I couldn’t believe it. Then I never did it again even close. You get lucky here and there. It was a great weekend. The bike was unreal. It made my life a little bit easier. n
MARIO MARIO
MARIO ROMAN
MARIO ROMAN to the eX treme
“I try to do a lot of trials, like every day on a trials bike to keep improving my skills.”
- Mario Roman
Mario Roman proved he ranks among the elite Hard Enduro specialists by winning the World Hard Enduro Series championship (WHES) in 2017, along with wins at last year’s Hell’s Gate Hard Enduro, Xixpania in Spain, and at the AlesTrem Hard Enduro in France, among other races. The Sherco factory rider was third at the recent RevLimiter Hard Enduro in Texas, and On The Pegs got a chance to speak to him after the race.
Talk about last year; how do you feel about the 2018 season?
I’m very happy with my season. 2018 I think was one of my best seasons so far. I didn’t have the best of luck in some races, like Extreme XL Lagares, I lose the chain guide after an hour. In Erzberg I had a problem with the battery. At Romaniacs, one guy hit me in the prologue and I crashed. I lost a foot peg. So four mechanical issues, like my mechanic made the mistake, not the bike. It’s not a bike problem. It’s the mechanic: loose screws, most of them. Other than that, I won nine races overall around the world. So I think I won more races than Wade Young with eight. So I think it was a super good season. I ddi some schools around the
world as well. I ride very well and keep learning every time, so can’t complain.
How do you prepare during the off-season?
The off-season is not so long in hard enduro because I raced in Ecuador at the end of November and the end of January we started in France, so it was only a month. But I tried to do a lot of trials, like every day on trials bike to keep improving my skills. I think I improved a little bit so very happy with everything how the things are going.
Is there anything you learned from last year that made you change things up for this year?
Yeah. I think that I learned that the level is growing super hard. Every time it’s super high. I see that the top six riders are coming from world trials. So, I’m not coming from world trials. I came from trials but not that high level. So, I think it’s the homework I had. Do more trials and I keep building in this direction more time and more years.
How would you describe your riding style?
I am quite smooth because I started from trials for fifteen years, so I have good technique. I also was racing world enduro so I have good speed. So I think I’m a smooth rider and quite fast as well. So I think I have a little of all the kind of things you need for hard enduro.
Is there one type of terrain that you feel more comfortable with?
I like the long climbs. It’s my favorite without rocks. But anyway I like all kinds of terrain. I like the muddy. I like the dry conditions. For example, last week I was in Peru doing one race in the desert, called Inca hard enduro. I was the only one doing the whole course in five hours. So, I think I enjoy a lot riding a bike and I love all kind of terrains.
Is there one event that you prefer more than another?
Yeah, I like long events like Romaniacs. You have to be really good rider, but really consistent as well, taking care of the bike, no issues, not hitting the rocks or anything. Trying to ride smooth every time. Eight hours a day, you have enough time to think about everything and make a smart race. I like a lot.
For you, what is the challenge of extreme racing?
You said challenge because it doesn’t matter the result you made. Just to arrive in the finish line is an accomplishment. You feel super good with yourself. Only ten people in the world can say that they finished all the races. It’s a super good feeling. What I like more is that you have to prepare different for every kind of race. Some races are two hours and you have to train speed. Some others are artificial obstacles and you have to train only short interval training. Some others are ten hours in the mountains. So I like a lot the challenge for training. During the season, you have to train different things most of the time.
What about the races with navigation?
I love it. The one in Peru was with GPS, and also Romaniacs and Ecuador is also with GPS. It’s my favorite thing, go with the GPS and don’t know what is coming next. Just follow the GPS. That’s super fun. I like it. n
MARIO’S FOUL WEAThER TIp
SINCE ThE CONDITIONS WERE WET AND SLIppERY, WE ASKED MARIO ROMAN TO GIVE US A WETWEAThER RIDING TIp.
“I wouLD REcommEnD To noT onLy maKE ThE SuSpEnIon VERy SoFT buT aLSo MAKE ThE TIRES VERy SoFT To gET moRE TRac TIon. whaT I SEE oF ThE amaTEuRS IS ThaT ThEy RIDE wITh moTocRoSS TIRES anD moTocRoSS mouSES. you nEED ThE TIRE In ThE gRounD aLL ThE TImE To gET moRE TRac TIon. So FIRST ThIng EVERyonE nEEDS To Know IS ThaT wE RIDE wITh REaLLy SoFT TIRES, ESpEcIaLLy In ThE REaR TIRES aRE mooSES.” - maRIo Roman
Discover Your Speed The Okie Sprint Championship
Logan Adams charging his way to a dominating Pro class win at The Okie Sprint Championship’s race in Sand Springs, Oklahoma.
DiscoveryLand
Sand Springs, Oklahoma, USA
March 9-10 2019
By Jon Shoalmire
Photos by Cayla Miller
On March 9th, only 90 days after the creation of The Okie Sprint Championship, the series hosted its first event,
aptly named; Discover Your Speed, and welcomed 147 riders from 5 states to race at the iconic DiscoveryLand. Presented by Kenda, The two day Sprint Enduro in Sand Springs, Oklahoma promised to offer riders fast grass tracks, flowing trails, and rocky hills and spectators a chance to see lots of action up close but the race delivered much more to everyone in attendance.
A rainy week leading up to the event and Friday night storms made the course slimy and difficult for racers who tackled each of the test sections. Course workers reported seeing waterfalls in the trail on the morning of the race and decided to push back the start of the event by 1 hour not only to allow the course time to drain, but to allow the overwhelming number of entrants time to get signed in and ready to race. By the time the race started temperatures were in the upper 50s and the sun was shining, helping considerably to dry out the track and raise the spirits of
racers who were anxious to get started. For many participants it was their first Sprint Enduro and for even more it was their first race of the year. Throughout the weekend riders would be tested on 2 courses, each three miles in length. Test A had been designed to be more technical and Test B designed to be faster. Racers reported that both tests grew more and more technical as the weekend wore on with deep ruts, wide mud holes and lots of previously unseen rocks and roots being dug up by racers trying to find traction in the slippery conditions. By
A rider prepares to take the course during the inaugural Okie Sprint Championship Sprint Enduro.
Jenn Sheppard slides her way to 1st place, taking the win by 5 minutes over Catherine Pitts in the Womens class.
Sunday some parts of the course had been deemed impassable by race officials and several sections were re-routed to the delight of racers in all classes. Some promoters would have called the race given the weather leading up to the event and race day conditions, but the event promoters, along with help from several volunteers and The Tulsa Trail Riders were able to make the event a success. M.O.R.E. series promoter, Frank Leivan was excited to attend the event and commended the staff on their race.
Tulsa native Logan Adams won the
Pro class both days on his KTM, only giving up the final test on Sunday to 3rd place finisher, Missouri’s Sherco riding Steve Leivan. Noah Clark, also from Missouri finished 2nd place both days astounding people on his screaming YZ125. The A class was won by Missouri’s Broc French of Fasst Company on Saturday and Ryan Moranz from Kansas took the A class win on Sunday.
RESULTS
DAY 1
OVERALL: 1. Logan Adams (KTM); 2. Noah Clark (); 3. Steve Leivan (SCO);
Micky Payne digging for traction on his way to 2nd in the B Senior class.
4. Garett Hoveling (); 5. Brad Wilson (KAW); 6. Broc French (); 7. Nathan Coleman (KTM); 8. Hayes Henderson (); 9. Eric Breien (KTM); 10. Matt Lane (KTM); 11. Zane Compton (); 12. Stephen Pitts (KTM); 13. Ryan Grun (KTM); 14. Ricky Wood (KTM); 15. Eric Cogburn (); 16. Brooks Crawford (KTM); 17. Tucker Grooms (KTM); 18. Jesse Heydenreich (KTM); 19. Paul Dymond (HUS); 20. Robert Pinney (KTM);
PRO: 1. Logan Adams (KTM); 2. Noah Clark (); 3. Steve Leivan (SCO); 4. Garett Hoveling (); 5. Brad Wilson (KAW);
A: 1. Broc French (); 2. Nathan Coleman (KTM); 3. Eric Breien (KTM); 4. Matt Lane (KTM); 5. Zane Compton ();
A SEN: 1. John Morrow (); 2. Steve Minter (KTM); 3. Marty Smith (); 4. Eric Altman (HON);
B: 1. Robert Pinney (KTM); 2. Bobby Schoebinger (KTM); 3. Mike Thurber (); 4. Steven Bradshaw (KTM); 5. Zach Reimler ();
B SEN: 1. John Gordon (YAM); 2. Steve Underwood (KTM); 3. Ryan Brown
(KTM); 4. Micky Payne; 5. Cory Clark ();
C: 1. Marty Ramsey (KTM); 2. Christian Hamilton (KAW); 3. Colby Sqyres (); 4. Chase Frye (YAM); 5. Jacob Keltner ();
C SEN: 1. Jerry Hamilton (KTM); 2. Marty Smith (); 3. Andy Guinn (); 4. Jp Compton (); 5. Ken Gruse (HON);
WOMEN: 1. Catherine Pitts (KTM); 2. Lindsay Williams (BET); 3. Jenn Sheppard (YAM);
YOUTH BW: 1. Anthony Knight (); 2. Lewton Reed (); 3. Zeke Clatt (); 4. Chaddwyck Stewart (KAW); 5. Jenna Clatt ();
YOUTH SW: 1. Wyatt Breien (KTM); 2. Cayden Ward (KTM);
DAY 2
OVERALL: 1. Logan Adams (KTM); 2. Noah Clark (YAM); 3. Steve Leivan (SCO); 4. Ryan Moranz (YAM); 6. Ricky Wood (KTM); 7. Eric Breien (KTM); 8. Paul Thomas (KTM); 9. Kyle Farrell (KTM); 11. Tayler Myers (HUS); 12. Heath Lybrand (KTM); 13. Jesse Heydenreich (KTM); 14. Bobby Schoebinger (KTM); 15. Hayes Henderson (); 18. Robert Pinney (); 19. Paul Dymond (HUS); 20. Gage Alexander (YAM);
PRO: 1. Logan Adams (KTM); 2. Noah Clark (YAM); 3. Steve Leivan (SCO); 4. Hayes Henderson ();
A: 1. Ryan Moranz (YAM); 2. Zane Compton (); 3. Ricky Wood (KTM); 4. Eric Breien (KTM); 5. Paul Thomas (KTM);
A SEN: 1. Steve Minter (KTM); 2. Ken Nolan (KAW); 3. Mark Dennison (); 4. Marty Smith (YAM);
B: 1. Heath Lybrand (KTM); 2. Bobby Schoebinger (KTM); 3. Mike Thurber (); 4. Robert Pinney (); 5. Shelby Stickles ();
B SEN: 1. Ryan Brown (KTM); 2. Micky Payne (HUS); 3. Tim Kreuzer (); 4. Joe Riggs (KTM); 5. Ben Knight (YAM);
C: 1. Christian Hamilton (KAW); 2. Jeremy Kirk (KTM); 3. Chase Frye (YAM); 4. Jacob Crainer (); 5. Jason Hanoch (KTM);
C SEN: 1. Travis Fugate (); 2. Chad Thoenen (KTM); 3. Dustin Beckham (); 4. Jay Ardrey (); 5. Tim Moore ();
WOMEN: 1. Jenn Sheppard (YAM); 2. Catherine Pitts (KTM); 3. Jenna Clatt (HON); 4. Lindsay Williams (BET);
YOUTH BW: 1. Anthony Knight (YAM); 2. Titus Murray (); 3. Jacob Dowty (KTM); 4. Chaddwyck Stewart (); 5. Zeke Clatt (KAW);
YOUTH SW: 1. Wyatt Breien (KTM); 2. Bennett Pfaff (); 3. Josh Spurgeon (); 4. Matthew Reans (); 5. Caleb Clark 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
BOU CLINChES
ES IN MARSEILLE
BOU CLAIMS 13TH X-TRIAL TITLE IN FRANCE
2019 FIM X-Trial World Championship
Round 5
Marseille, France
March 9, 2019
Courtesy FIM-Live.com
Repsol Honda Team’s Toni Bou clinched his 13th X-Trial title by winning the 2019 FIM X-Trial World Championship at the season’s penultimate trial in Marseille, France. The win brings Bou’s world championship tally to 25.
In Marseille, the Repsol Honda Team ace was able to mathematically guarantee the championship after winning the trial with an outstanding performance at the Palais des Sports to take the title, with one championship event left to contest in Andorra la Vella on 27th April.
The route to his latest success was far from straightforward, though, as the most technically and physically demanding XTrial to date produced a close-fought event with generally high scores. But Bou, after an underwhelming Round One in which he finished just fourth and having progressed from Round Two by a mere two-mark margin, steadied the ship with a dominant Grand Final performance.
Bou´s direct rival for victory in Marseille was Jeroni Fajardo (Gas Gas), who progressed from Heat One in sensational fashion by countback after he and Adam Raga (TRRS) were tied. But Fajardo was unable to complete any of the demanding Grand Final sections, and Bou already had victory on the night sewn up with a clean Section Five – his third completed section of the lap. Fajardo, though, could be satisfied with his best result since 2015, a runner-up position also moving him back into the fight for a world number three ranking ahead of the final 2019 Round.
Adam Raga, meanwhile, saw his fading Championship hopes extinguished for another year against Bou´s dominance, but it was Fajardo´s qualification at his expense that doomed the TRS rider. Raga could only keep the title fight alive by beating Bou in Marseille, so his victory in the third-place Play-Off was of little consolation, although it does also confirm that he retains his world number two status for another season.
Raga´s success in the Consolation Final was secured by four marks over Miquel Gelabert, who made it through as top qualifier from the opening Round but missed out in Heat Two against Toni Bou. Gelabert, though, did enough in a crucial Section Five to eliminate Jaime Busto (Gas Gas) and claim his best finish of the 2019 season so far. Home representative Benoit Bincaz was the other rider who failed to make the cut in Round Two, his four consecutive failures at the start of the lap ruling him out of further contention in fifth.
In a demanding X-Trial, the opening Round scores were inevitably high for the three nominated riders in Marseille. Téo Colairo (Gas Gas) put in plenty of efforts but failed to complete any of the sections on his debut, Luca Petrella (Beta) could only claim eighth on countback, and Alexandre Ferrer (Sherco) nursing a knee injury fell just three marks short of progression.
“It´s been as demanding as it has enjoyable,” said Bou. “ This was my first chance to claim the Championship and I took it, even though it wasn´t easy. The sections meant we had to give our absolute best, and that meant the spectators enjoyed the show. But I was keen to claim the title here and avoid being under pressure in X-Trial Andorra, where there were will already be enough expectation as it is my home race. Now I know that we will be there to celebrate, and I hope to win in front of my fans to finish the season.”
RESULTS
1. Toni Bou (Hon) 14 - Final
2. Jeroni Fajardo (GG) 30 - Final
3. Adam Raga (TRS) 4 - Runner-up Final
4. Miquel Gilabert (Shr) 11 - Runner-up Final
5. Benoiut Bincaz ( Bet) 21 - Round 2
6. Jaime Busto (GG)n 23 - Round 2
7. Alexandre Ferrer (Shr) 22 - Round 1
8. Luca Petrella (Bet) 25 - Round 1
9. Teo Colairo (GG) 25 - Round 1
THE 2019
JERONI FAJARO (LEFT), TONI
TONI BOU (CENTER) AND ADAM RAGA GRACED THE PODIUM AT ROUND FIVE OF 2019 FIM X-TRIALS WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP IN MARSEILLE, FRANCE.
JERONI FAJARDO - 2ND
Jeroni Fajardo (left) fought tooth and nail for the victory in Marseille, ultimately finishing second to Bou, in what was, without a doubt, the most demanding event seen up to now in the X-Trial 2019 World Championship. After an intense final, Fajardo took his GasGas to the second step of the podium. This result brings the Spaniard to fourth place overall, just 3 points behind his teammate Jaime Busto, who is third in the standings.
“It was a very special trial where in many zones the level was way over the top,” said Fajardo. “We didn’t manage to get through many and that meant the trial was decided on only a few rides. In the first round I suffered a lot, I qualified in sixth place and that forced me to go first in the sections during the second round. However, I came out determined to give it everything in a very complicated round, managing to finish first and getting through to the final. Toni [Bou] opened the sections, but this trial was very difficult and this time it did not do me any favors. The important thing is the result, a second place that puts us back in the championship with one event to come, a month away in Andorra.”
TONI’S TRIUMPH
Toni Bou’s thirteenth world X-Trial title sees the rider grab a twenty-fifth outright title triumph, including the twelve outdoor titles achieved in TrialGP. The feat amounts to thirteen consecutive seasons of victories since winning the first crown back in 2007 – all of them aboard the Montesa Cota 4RT. The Repsol Honda Team rider sealed the championship title at the first available opportunity with one event still to run before the end of the season. After starting the campaign with a victory in the first event of the calendar in Budapest, Bou went on to take victory in Bilbao and Granada, as well as a runner-up podium spot in Barcelona.
“This thirteenth title has been more complicated than some of the others, since my rivals have really pushed hard all season and I have never been able to relax. But I have gradually been improving and tonight has been the culmination of my hard work,” said Bou. n
MARSEILLE X-TRIAL PHOTO GALLERY
PHOTOS COURTESY REPSOL HONDA, GASGAS
FAST TRACK
Mark Moon Youth Trial Rockcrusher Farms
March 23, 2019
By: Curtis and Dewanna Comer
Youth C Podium – all Pettitts with Jesslyn 1st, little Brother Jonah 2nd and Cousin Bethany 3rd
Sunshiny weather greeted riders for the first round of the 2019 STRA Mark Moon Youth Trials series held at Rockcrusher Farms off-road park in North Georgia. After weeks of rain for many riders, the kids were excited to be back on their bikes. On Friday afternoon, the Trials Masters were greeted by a group of kids that were ready to learn about section layout and they travelled from section to section, clearing and helping to put up markers. Carrying on with the theme from 2018 of “making friends for a lifetime” with the Trials Family, it was fun to witness.
Photos by: Rob Fox
Runner up Youth A Sherman Smith III
With a total entry of 11 riders, there were three first-time competitors, some moved up to the next class, and some of also participated in the STRA adult event(s) over the weekend – we are so proud of these kids, their skills development and attitudes. Youth C was the largest class with five competitors sharing the last name of “Pettitt” and one bike! In the end Jesslyn got the win followed by her brother Jonah while Cousin Victoria, on her first ever trails competition rounded out the podium with third. Some exciting backand-forth competition unfolded in Youth B between the “Battling Blonds” SaraBeth Smith and Layla Paul. Layla came out on top this time with the class win. Youth A provided an exciting competition between Sherman Smith III and Sawyer Stewart. In the end, it was Sawyer with the win by a three point margin. Rounding out the podium was Ethan Pettitt in his first-ever trials with some goods rides and improving scores each lap. The next events for the kids in the STRA Mark Moon Youth Trial Series will be a double-header April 13 & 14 at Henry Hills in Lenoir City, TN.
Youth B winner Layla Paul
ONE MORE FOR BOU IN
2019 FIM X-TRIALS WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP
ROUND 4
FEBRUARY 23, 2019
GRANADA, SPAIN
IN GRANADA
TONI BOU
Toni Bou was again victorious in Granada as the world championship reached its fourth round. The Repsol Honda Team rider takes his tally of top flight victories to sixty in the indoor competition. This third victory of the season sees Bou distance himself further at the head of the overall championship leader board.
It has been over ten years since the Municipal Sports Palace of Granada hosted an FIM X-Trial World Championship event. On the previous two occasions it was also Bou who took top honors in the competition. Bou arrived in Granada as overall leader, after having retaken the overall top spot seven days ago in Bilbao.
Bou made short work of the first phase to comfortably qualify for the second round, after taking the best score on the first run through sections, collecting just two penalty marks.
GasGas riders Jaime Busto and Jeroni Fajardo were second and third positions respectively. This put the GasGas riders in the same group as Benoit Bincaz. This made for an exciting threeway duel in which the Basque rider came out on top and gave him his direct pass to the grand final. Unfortunately, a mistake in the last zone left Jeroni Fajardo out of the fight for the podium. In the final Jaime Busto finally came second, getting the best result for GasGas so far this season.
TONI BOU
The Final turned out to be a tighter, more closely fought group as Bou faced Adam Raga (TRRS) and Miquel Gelabert (Shr). However, the current champ prevailed, guaranteeing a place on the podium before competing in the Super-final.
Bou performed brilliantly in a thrilling Super-final, riding to a third victory of the season. The result means that the Repsol Honda Team ace retains the world championship leadership with a 13-point advantage over the nearest second place rival, Raga. Meanwhile, Busto and Fajardo occupy third and fifth places in the general classification with 45 and 31 points respectively.
“I’m super happy; today was a very hardfought victory,” said Bou. “It was very important to go all out and finally I was able to get the victory after a very difficult semi-final where there was no margin for mistakes. Technically I was very good and I performed well in the final. I will go back home having recovered the good feelings and I want to continue fighting for this championship. We will try to give everything in the two events that we have left.”
The fifth and penultimate event of the X-Trial World Championship will be held next Saturday, March 9th at the Palais des Sports in Marseille. Prior to this, however, Toni Bou will take part in the opening of the Spanish Trial Championship which will be held on Sunday March 3rd in the town of Arnedillo, La Rioja.
JAIME BUSTO - 2ND
“I am happy because I rode well in the first two rounds and made the final for the first time this season,” said Fajardo. “In the final I did not ride as I wanted and also had to change my bike so I did not feel comfortable. I hope this good result marks a turning point for the rest of the season.”
TONI BOU
PHOTOS COURTESY X-TRIAL, GASGAS, VERTIGO
FAST TRACK
On The Pegs 130
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
Nov 3
Bedford, KY
Pickerington, OH