WARHORSEWILLIAMSPORT GEARINGUPFORGRANDOPENING
ByLORENABENIQUEZ lbeniquez@sungazette.com
CorbinLeibystartedracinggo-kartsatsixyears oldandthengraduatedtomicrosprintcars.“I haveracedallovertheworld,”saidLeiby.So,it makessensethatmotorsportsarestillinhis bloodyearslater.“Formeithasalwaysbeen aboutsport.Somepeoplelovebaseballorfootballtheir wholelives.Thisisthatforme.Anythingwithamotorismy thing,”Leibyadds.
LeibyisnowgeneralmanagerofWilliamsportWarhorse, locatedat2091LycomingCreekRoad,whichis Williamsport’snewestpowersportsdestinationsellingHonda andHusqvarnavehiclesandparts.Warhorseiscurrently openforsalesandservicebut,sinceitisundergoingrenovations,itsgrandopeningwillnotbehelduntilthissummer. “ThishasbeenaHondadealershipsincethe80sandthisis thefirsttime,sincethen,thatithasbeenrenovatedtobea state-of-the-artdealershipthatonewouldexpectin2023.It isdesignedtohaveamuchbetterflowandeaseofaccessfor customers,”saidLeiby.
Thenewrenovationsofthe10,000squarefootfacility meantherewillbemorespaceformotorcycles,ATVs,side bysides,partsandaccessories.Forinstance,Leibysaysthat thepreviousdealershipstockedaround150modelsperyear, whileWarhorsewillscaleuptoover300ayear.“Oneof
2WestBranchLife
theHondaandHusqvarnadealershipinWilliamsport.
LORENABENIQUEZ/RIDE
Top,WarhorseWilliamsporthasexpandeditsinventory.Bottom,CorbinLeibyisthegeneralmanagerat
ourgoalswiththerenovationistobecomemoreagileand havemoreabilitytonavigatethroughpost-covidinventory problems.Wecanphysicallycarrymoreinventoryanditis importanttoustokeepmoreheresothecustomerdoesn’t havetosearchforitonline,”saidLeiby.
Withsummer’sgrandopening,amuchbiggershowroom willbeunveiled.Leibysays,“Whentheoldmuseumwas here,thebuildingwasverysegmented.So,weremovedall ofthepartitionstocreateabiggerspaceinthebuilding.”
Thefamilyrundealershipandservicecenterhasalso addednewstaff,whoarealsopowersportsriders,which meanstheyhavetheexperiencetoanswerquestionsabout performance,customizationandrepairs.“Wehavestaffedup tocreateabettercustomerexperience,”saysLeiby.
Asridersawaittheprimeridingseason,theWarhorsestaff willbebusyhelpingcustomersgearupfortheride.“Theend ofFebruaryyougetthatpre-seasonpickup,”saysLeiby.
Checkoutwarhorsewilliamsport.comforthedealership's grandopeningdatesandstopinbeforethatforallthings powersports.Liebysays,“Weareofferingthesameproduct andservicesthathavebeenofferedatthislocationforyears. WearethesameHusqvarnaandHondadealershipwitha newnameandbiggerinventory-justbiggerandbetter.”
Above,theWarhorseteamfromlefttoright,Andrew Gerould,DevinBailey,DominickBraceyandJayClawson.Below,JeremyHallmanstherepairdepartmentas itschiefmechanic.
WestBranchLife3
CHERYLJOHNSON/RIDE
GRAVELRIDING.
·Beforeyougo,talktootherswho enjoythesport.Sincegravelroutes arenʼtnecessarilymarkedbyobvioussignsanddistancemarkers, upfrontplanningandguidancecan saveyoufromgettinglost.Gravelmap.comcanhelpfindroutesto ride.
·Bringthenecessarytoolstofixor changeaflattire.Thiswilldepend onthetypeoftireyouhave,but couldinvolveatirelever,CO2cartridgesorapump,anextratube, and/orasmallbottleofsealant.The longerandmoreremoteyourroute, themoreimportanttheseitemsbecome.
·Rememberthatsomegravel roadsareinremoteplacesandcell phoneservicemaynotbeavailable.
“Ourregionisahiddengemfor gravelriding,”saidJohnLavelle,deputy directorforLycomingCountyPlanning andCommunityDevelopment.“Igot intogravelridingin2019andhaveriddensomeofthelocalorganizedevents. Eachhasasimilarvibe.It’sabouthaving fun,challengingyourself,andenjoying thetimeonandoffthebike.Regardless ofyourabilityorthebikeyouride, you’llbesupportedandcheeredon.”
Therearedozensoforganizedgravel racestakingplaceeachyear,inaddition toanysolojourneysyoumighttake,so thereareplentyofopportunitiesto enjoytheridebothnearandfar.
Forinstance,inLewisburg,more thanonethousandpeoplegatheredin October2022fortheunPAvedevent, sponsoredbytheSusquehannaRiver ValleyVisitorsBureau.Withracelengths of50,90,and120miles,andcategories forparacyclistsandnon-binary/gender expansiveindividuals,theeventwasinclusiveandaccessibletopeopleofall agesandskilllevels.Inadditiontothe ride,participantsinthe90and120mileraceshadtheoptiontocamp overnightinPoePaddyStateParkin Woodward,PAtoenjoydowntimecamaraderie.Thevisitorsbureaumeasures theevent’sannualimpactat$750,000.
“Sincethestartofthepandemic,outdoorrecreationlikecyclinghasgrown
byleapsandbounds,”addedMowery. “Theeconomicbenefitstocommunities aroundourstateparksandforestsare great,aspeoplestoptobuygas,souvenirs,meals,andovernightlodging.”
Anotherorganizedgravelrideis RothrockGRITGravelGrinder,whichis sponsoredbyHappyValleyWomen’s Cycling.ItwilltakeplaceSaturday,June 3,2023inRothrockStateForestinCentreCounty.Women,men,andnon-binaryindividualsofallagesandabilities areencouragedtoregisterandparticipateina25,49or65-milegravelride.
“EventslikeunPAvedandRothrock GRIThaveputPennsylvaniaonthemap forgravelriding,”saidBrianAuman, BoardMemberoftheBaldEagleMountainBikeAssociation.“Itisgreattosee whatoutdoorrecreationcandoforthe economyoftheregionandforsmall townslikeLewisburg.Ithasalsogotten manylocalresidentstobetterappreciateourregionalassets,recognizingthe recreationalandeconomicpotentialofferedbyournetworkoflow-volume backroadsandgravelroads,setina beautifulruralandforestedlandscape.”
Pennsylvania’svisitorsbureaualso providesalistof42must-ridegravel biketrailsathttps://www.visitpa.com/article/42-must-ride-gravel-bike-trails-paget-you-movingonontheirwebsite. Includedonthelististhe62-milePine
·Alwayscarryplentyofwater,a snack,andafirstaidkit.Ofcourse, helmetsarehighlyrecommended, nomatteryourage.
·Havefunanddonʼttakeyourself tooseriously!Afterall, ridingissupposed tobeenjoyable, notunbearable. So,getoutside andride!
CreekRailTrailinLycomingandTioga counties,whichpassesthroughTioga andTiadaghtonstateforestsand LeonardHarrisonandColtonPointstate parksinPennsylvania’sGrandCanyon. Otherfeaturedtrailsarethe9.5-mile BuffaloValleyRailTrailinUnion County,the12.3-mileSusquehanna WarriorTrailinColumbiaandLuzerne counties,andthemanytrailswithinthe 200,000-acreBaldEagleStateForest spanningCentre,Clinton,Mifflin,SnyderandUnioncounties.
“Therearealotmorepeopleenjoyingthetrailsandgravelroadstoday,” addedAuman.“Thesecretisout,but thegoodnewsisthereissomuchtoexplore.Thereisroomforeveryone!”
WestBranchLife5
GETSTARTEDWITH
HERE’SHOWTO
Upperleft,oneoftheareaʼsbiggestgravelridingeventsisunPAved,which takesplaceeachOctoberinLewisburg.Lowerleft,AriderʼsbikeonArmstrongRoadinLycomingCounty.Above,JohnLavellepedalsduringtheIron Crossrace.
By Lorena Beniquez lbeniquez@sungazette.com
Jason McCahan is now planning for another thunderous season at the Clinton County Speedway in Mill Hall as they prepare to celebrate their 35th anniversary this year As its promoter, McCahan schedules, manages, and serves as race announcer throughout the racing season RIDE caught up with McCahan, to find out what to expect for this year’s racing,
RIDE: When did you become the promoter?
McCAHAN:I returned as the promoter in 2019 I also promoted the speedway 2000-2002
RIDE: Can we expect some changes at the speedway with this new partnership?
McCAHAN: The fair has done a great job of reinvesting in the speedway. Since 2020, they have installed new bleachers and a new safety fence and, [in November 2022], they added over 800 tons of clay to resurface the speedway.
RIDE: Why is the speedway so significant to the area's drivers and fans?
McCAHAN: Dirt track racing is a staple in many communities in Central Pennsylvania Since 1989, Clinton County has offered weekly racing events and attracts drivers and fans from all across the Commonwealth as well as surrounding states Clinton County is a 1/3 mile dirt oval that allows for some of the area’s best short track racing
Fans love the family environment at the Clinton County Speedway We have fans of all ages Our general admission pricing makes it an affordable night of family entertainment.
action
RIDE: Do you have a race schedule yet for 2023?
McCAHAN: The schedule is currently in the works Our 35th anniversary season will begin on Sunday afternoon, April 16th at 1pm We will then switch to Friday evenings and compete through September.
RIDE: What cars race at the speedway?
McCAHAN: Sprint Cars and Late Models are our primary headlining divisions. We also feature the Pro Stocks, 270 Micro Sprints, 600 Micro Sprints and the 4 cylinder stock cars Most nights, it is a four or five division racing program. We also feature special races for various traveling racing groups
RIDE: What are the biggest attended races?
McCAHAN: The August 12th Phil Walter Classic is our most prestigious event The Pennsylvania Posse with their 410 cubic inch Sprint Car come to Clinton County annually for this event
We also run a two day show on the 4th of July weekend, 6/30 & 7/1, featuring the RaceSaver Sprint cars We will soon have an announcement on a few other special events for our 35th anniversary season
RIDE: Why is there such a passion for racing locally?
McCAHAN: It’s competitive and exciting The local drivers also have an established, strong contingent of local fans who come weekly to cheer them on It is affordable fun for the entire family and I encourage all to come enjoy the experience
6 West Branch Life
Kids 12 and under are free with a paid adult admission of $12 for a regular show Fans also rave about our concession stands When it comes to the racing, fans enjoy the exciting
RIDE: Whatdoyou loveaboutthesport?
McCAHAN: It’stheexperienceandtheexcitement.It’sonebighappy family.Racecardriversare competitiveandcravethe needforspeed.Thefansare passionateabouttheirdrivers.Butnomatterwhowins theyareexcitedtoseea closerace!Ilovetotalkto peoplewhohaveexperiencedaraceforthefirst timeandtohearhowmuch theyenjoyedcomingtoa race.
CheckoutClinton CountySpeedway’supcomingeventscheduleatclintoncountyspeedway.com.
TheClintonCounty SpeedwayinMillHallis planningforits35thanniversaryseasonthis year.
CLINTONCOUNTYSPEEDWAY
PHOTOSPROVIDED
1988West Third Street, Williamsport, PA 17701 570-772-6800 7W. Main Street, Lock Haven, PA 17745 570-748-3211 It’s Simple... We Just Market Your Home Better! BRADY CARNAHAN MANAGING BROKER 570-295-8233 SCOTTCAVINEE BROKEROF RECORD 724-322-1983 KELBYMULLEN 570-419-8703 JERRIYOUNG MANAGING BROKER 570-660-3437 CORRINE BIERLY 570-660-5774 THERESAHAFTL 201-787-3595 BROOKEFRAVEL 570-377-0730 ERICAMANCINI 570-660-8707 SARAHKITCHEN 570-660-3011 BRAD REIDER 570-660-5907 LAURIEWELLS 570-447-5485 JANINEBRUNO 570-295-2574 JENSTEINBACHER 570-660-6272 JANBOTTORF 570-263-0155 ALEX MAHFOOD 570-295-4110
PHOTO PROVIDED
The Baja SAE car takes laps on Penn Collegeʼs test track near Allenwood.
The Bicycle Center TheBicycleCenter 909 Main Street, S. Williamsport, Pa 909MainStreet,S.Williamsport,Pa 570-323-1153 570-323-1153 SeasonHours SeasonHours CallAhead CallAhead Inbusinesssince1928 withafamily-run,4th generationbusiness! (570) 308-3015 • BestLinePowersports.com Exit 15 Off I-180 890 Lycoming Mall Drive in Muncy, PA BestLinePowersports.com (570) 308-3015 • Find Us On: NEW! 2023 INDIAN PURSUIT DARK HORSE This is the next generation in American V-twin touring performance. Let Best Line Powersports get you ready for any route you can dream up with even more amenities and comfort. CALL ORSTOPBY TOORDER! NOWHIRING! CALLTODAY! NEW! 2023 SLINGSHOT SLR SLI NGSHOT Best Line Powersports has everything you need to create a ride all your own. Start out stylish and upgrade performance with countless combinations and limitless possibilities. WA RN ING: Pol aris® off road vehicles can be hazardous to operate and are not intended for on-road use. Driver must be at least 16 years old with a valid driver’s icense to operate Passengers, if permit ted, must be at lea st 12 years old. All riders should always wear helmets, eye protection, and protective clothing. A lways use seat belts and cab nets or doors (as equipped ). Never engage in stunt driving and avoid excessive speeds and sharp turns. Riding and alcohol /drugs don’t mix. All riders should take a safety training course. C al 800 -3 42-376 4 or additional nformation Check ocal laws before riding on trails. ©202 2 Polaris ndustries Inc 23BLS S-IQC-W SG- RideMaga zineAd-B WA RN ING: Pol aris® off road vehicles can be hazardous to operate and are not intended for on-road use. Driver must be at ea st 16 years old with a valid driver’s icense to operate Passengers, if permit ted, must be at lea st 12 years old. All riders should always wear helmets, eye protection, and protective clothing. A lways use seat belts and cab nets or doors (as equipped ). Never engage in stunt driving and avoid excessive speeds and sharp turns. Riding and alcohol /drugs don’t mix. All riders should take a safety training course. C al 800 -3 42-376 4 or additiona nformation Check ocal laws before riding on trails. ©202 2 Polaris ndustries Inc 23BLIM -IQC -W SG- RideMaga zineAd-B
PHOTOPROVIDED
Above,membersofPennsylvaniaCollegeofTechnologyʼsBaja SAEteambaskinvictoryafterwinningBajaSAERochesterinJune. Firstrow(fromleft):IsaacH.ThollotandMarshallW.Fowler.Secondrow:DhruvSingh,DominicJ.Lepri,AlexE.Flores,facultyadviserJohnG.Upcraft,CalebJ.Harvey,ArjunL.Kempe,MorganR. Bagenstose,DakotaC.HarrisonandAlecD.Rees.Standingoncar: TylerJ.Bandle.Right,inRochester,N.Y.,thecardrivenbyBandle goesairborne.
ByLORENABENIQUEZ lbeniquez@sungazette.com
Don’tcallitabuggyanddefinitelydon’tcallitago-kart. ThevehiclesusedinBajaSAEracingarebestdescribed ascustombuiltATV’s.TheBajaSAE(SocietyofAutomotiveEngineers)racingteamatPennsylvaniaCollege ofTechnologyhasbeencompetinginthesportforalmosttwentyyearsandtheyareinthemidstofawinningstreak. SowhatexactlyisBajaSAE?“Itisacollegeengineeringcompetitionwherestudentsaretaskedtobuildaoneperson,off-roadvehicledesignedtogooverobstacles,”saysJohnG.Upcraft,advisorto PennCollege’sBajaSAEteamandalsoamanufacturingandmachininginstructoratthecollege.“BajaissaferthananATV.IthandlesalittledifferentlyandIlikeourengineeringbetterthanthe off-marketATVs,”saysMarshallFowler,whoistheteamleaderof PennCollege’sBajateam.
Thecollegiatecompetitiondrawsteamsfromaroundtheworldto compete.So,whenPennCollege’steamfinallytooktwomajor wins,thatmadethevictorythatmuchmoreimpressive.
BAJASAE PHOTOPROVIDED
LastMay,thetwelvememberteam competedatBajaSAETennessee Tech.TheybestedteamsfromCornell,RochesterInstituteofTechnology,VirginiaTech,Michigan, MichiganState,OhioStateandWisconsinandmoretowintheirfirstenduranceevent,whichisagrueling, four-hourraceoverruggedterrain.
Threeweekslater,theycaptureda secondendurancewininPalmyra, NewYorkina77-carinternational field.“Weweregoingupagainsttop schoolswithhugebudgets.Maybe wejusthadagoodraceinTennessee andmaybewegotlucky.Butthesecondrace[win.Ithought],‘Maybewe havesomethinghere.Wehaveawinningstreakhere,’”saysFowler.
FowlerisquicktocreditPennCollege’spriorBajateamsformaking thosewinshappen.“Thisclubisa17 yearculminationofknowledge.John wouldtellusifsomethingwasn’t goingtoworkbecauseofpastdata. Wearestandingonalargeteamand westillreachouttoouralumniwith questionsorissueswearerunning into.Theydidalotofthehardwork forus.Thisisthebestiterationofour carnow,”Fowlerreveals.
TheirwinningATVis311pounds withtwowheeldrive.“WemakecustomCVT,gearboxes,chassis,axles, hubs,steeringrack,steeringwheel, arms,trailingarms,uprightsandthe seat,”Fowlerexplains.Upcrafts adds,“TheCVTorcontinuouslyvariabletransmissionisacustommade snowmobileclutch.”Thepartsthat theydonotcustomdesigninclude tires,rims,engines,shocks,seatbelts andgastanks.
Fowlerisnowlookingtowardsthe 2023seasonandthechangesthat willcomewithit.Firstoff,fourwheel drivewillbeadded,whichwillintroduceanewvariableforengineering. “Wewilltakedatafromthatandthen nextyearwewilllightenupand makethecomponentsbetter,”said thejunior,whoismajoringinengineeringdesigntechnologyandwill headintohissenioryearinAugust 2023.
Anotherchangefortheteamwill includeFowlertakingthewheelin races.Hesays,“Itcanbescary.For twoyears,Ihavereallywantedtohit thedriver'sseatandrace.It'sawhole differentexperience.”
LORENABENIQUEZ/RIDE TheBajaSAEteamunloadstheirATV.Fromlefttoright,DanBuics,IsaccThol-
Monday-Friday9am-5pm 221SeminaryStreet JerseyShore,PA17740 jscustoms1@gmail.com 570-337-1751 Wespecializein HarleyDavidson Repairs& Customization YourAuthorizedDealerforDrag Specialties,S&SCycle,AMSOIL, RiveraPrimo,Wild1,First Manufacturing,Magnum Shielding,DNASpecialty,Inc.and yourlocalDunlopPRODealer
lotandMarshallFowler,teamleader.
CELEBRATE THE SOUNDS OF LIFE Artisan Hearing Technologies, LLC adding quality to life every day
services
evaluation,
Technologies stands out for their outstanding customer service, and professionalism. The Most Advanced Technology In Hearing Aid Evaluation and Fitting 508-BW. Southern Ave., South Williamsport, PA 17702 JenniferBurget Owner Board CertifiedHearingInstrumentSpecialist FREEHearingEvaluation 570-979-4248 •www.artisanhearing.com
Improving hearing is an act of making patient’s life‘s more enjoyable. Artisan Hearing Technologies offers a variety of
related to
treatment and prevention of hearing loss as well as specialized diagnostic testing related to hearing disorders. Artisan Hearing Technologies is always at the top of technology using state-of-the-art equipment, and the newest technology available. Artisan Hearing Technologies does not only work with one hearing aid manufacturer. You’re welcome to come in and explore the options using our free two week trial experience.
ByJESSICAAIELLO PennsylvaniaParksandForestsFoundation(PPFF)