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GEORGE MOULTON
NOTLUOM EGROEG
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PHOTO: CLINT KISON
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WHO TO CONTACT WHO TO CONTACT
FEATURES
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PREZ SEZ PREZ SEZ
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CHAPLAIN’s CORNER CHAPLAIN’s CORNER
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OCEAN 2 OCEAN SAME FRIENDS, DIFFERENT PASTURE
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BUILT BY THE RIDE MotoPT
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MotoPT TECH TIP
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TECH TIP VINTAGE EXCERPTS
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VINTAGE EXCERPTS CROSSWORD
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EVENT SCHEDULE EVENT SCHEDULE
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EDITOR: KURT LUCAS EDITOR: KURT LUCAS ftreditor@floridatrailriders.org ftreditor@floridatrailriders.org All content herein is copyrighted © by Florida Trail Riders, Inc. with all rights reserved, and may content herein is copyrighted © “FTR” by Florida Riders, with all reserved, may not All be reproduced without permission. andTrail “Florida TrailInc. Riders” arerights trademarks of and Florida notTrail be reproduced permission. “Floridatrademarks Trail Riders” are trademarks of Florida Riders, Inc. without Unauthorized use of“FTR” these and registered is prohibited by law. Trail Riders, Inc. Unauthorized use of these registered trademarks is prohibited by law. Florida Trail Riders, Inc. Trail Riders, Inc. FL P.O. BoxFlorida 198 Keystone Heights, P.O. Box 198 Keystone Heights, FL (352) 538-6291 (352) 538-6291
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EDITOR’s NOTE Well, we made it. Summer break is just about in the rearview mirror, the second half of the season is ready to fire back up, and this is officially our last online-only issue. Starting in September, FTR Magazine is headed back to print! So for everyone who likes actually holding the magazine, throwing it on the coffee table, or letting it ride around in the truck until the next race, we’re back. Hopefully all that summer training is about to pay off. Whether you’ve been putting in miles on the bike, hitting the gym, sweating through motos in 95-degree heat, or just telling everyone you’ve been training, it’s almost time to find out. The reset is over, the bikes are getting prepped, and before we know it we’ll all be lined back up waiting to hear those famous words: “10 seconds!” As much as we all love the racing, this month’s issue is also a good reminder that FTR has always been about a lot more than who gets to the checkered flag first. Kyle McAfee talks about what it means to be part of the FTR family, and with some of the recent passings in our community, his words hit a little harder. We spend a lot of weekends together throughout the year, and somewhere between the racing, camping, broken bikes, campfires,
and giving each other a hard time, the people parked next to us become family. We’ve also got Dr. Daugherty diving into something just about every Florida racer has experienced: heat, hydration, and cramps. He gets into the actual science behind why we cramp, what the heat is doing to our bodies, and what we can do about it. Turns out the answer might be a little more complicated than pounding a Gatorade, eating a banana, and hoping your legs cooperate for another hour. So enjoy the last digital-only issue, soak up whatever is left of the summer break, and get those bikes ready. The back half of the season is here, the magazine is going back into your hands, and race weekends are about to take over the calendar again. See everyone at the races! Thanks for reading! Kurt Lucas FTR Magazine Editor
River Stichter | Photo by Garren Wright
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Area Directors & Club Info AREA #1 - Out-of-State, Panhandle
AUGUST 2026
VACANT AREA #2 - Hamilton, Suwannee, Columbia, Baker, Union, Bradford, Nassau, Duval, Clay, Putnam, St. Johns James Benton (904) 589-0093 bentonracing116@yahoo. com AREA #3 - Gilchrist, Alachua, Levy, Marion, Citrus, Sumter, Lake Brandon Underhill (352) 339-1169 brandsonsunderhill@gmail. com (AREA #4 - Flagler, Volusia Corey Pierce (386) 453-9056 corey23pierce@gmail.com AREA #5 - Hernando, Pasco, Pinellas Tyler Miller (813) 210-1710 yamahatyler@yahoo.com AREA #6 - Hillsborough, Polk Shawn Clark (812) 617-0272 sclark@mosaicfingroup.com
AREA #7 - Seminola, Osceola, Orange Will Busick (317) 507-6636 willb763@gmail.com AREA #8 - Brevard, Indian River John Happel (321) 759-1474 ftrforester@gmail.com AREA #9 - Manatee, Sarasota, Hardee, DeSoto, Highlands Brian Dugre (941) 893-7898 brian@mycentec.com AREA #10 - Okeechobee, St. Lucie, Martin Ken Harris (772) 370-4434 khei9862@gmail.com AREA #11 - Charlotte, Lee, Glades, Hendry, Collier Chuck Schomann (717) 324-9606 schomanninc@yahoo.com AREA #12 - Palm Beach Todd Hallman (561) 346-6663 bushwagon@aol.com AREA #13 - Borward, Dade, Monroe Max Rash (954) 609-1812 maxr@rivaracing.com
Big Scrub Trail Riders Curtis Bell (386) 679-8201 curtbell@rocketmail. com Central Florida Trail Riders AJ Stagg ajstagg@gmail.com (407) 929-2114 Daytona Dirt Riders Ronnie Hames (386) 547-2397 ronnie@hbdmotografx. com Greenville Enduro Riders Chris Poole (864) 617-4342 info@greenvilleenduroriders.com Nature Coast Trail Blazers Rob Swann (813) 731-5552 naturecoasttrailriders@ gmail.com Old School Dirt Riders Ben Kelly (941) 650-1473 ftr90racer@yahoo.com Palm Beach Track & Trail Randy Rash (954) 931-5709 motodadfla19@aol.com
Perry Mountain M/C Brad Belcher (205) 340-4298 perrymountainmotorcycleclub@gmail.com River City Dirt Riders James Benton (904) 589-0093 bentonracing116@yahoo.com Sarasota Area Dirt Riders Randy Faul (863) 244-3709 randt817@gmail.com Suncoast Trail Blazers Mark Scalzi (352) 601-6917 suncoastbiz1@gmail. com Sunrunners Dirt Riders West Anderson (863) 604-1868 jetster220@gmail.com Treasure Coast Trail Riders Ken Harris (772) 370-4434 khei9862@gmail.com
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RIDER REPS AA/A ENDURO Mark Mannschreck (813) 310-2067 hondamm61@aol.com B/C ENDURO Sam Boydstun (407) 467-3951 woodsracercfl@rr.com SPECIALTY A/B ENDURO Ronnie Hames (386) 547-2397 ronnie@hbdmotografx.com SPECIALTY C/WOMEN ENDURO Elesa Berard (407) 376-7115 AA/A HARE SCRAMBLE Troy Gardner (561) 329-7866 troyracing41@gmail.com B/C HARE SCRAMBLE Manny Fellouzis (727) 204-7378 elf_288@hotmail.com SPECIALTY A/B HARE SCRAMBLE Paul Lucas (305) 244-7531 happytimesamuse@msn.com SPECIALTY C/WOMEN HARE SCRAMBLE Holly Langford (954) 504-2659 hollylangford10@gmail.com SATURDAY CLASSES HARE SCRAMBLE Derek Tremain (863) 634-8183 derektremain@gmail.com QUADS Pete Rose (941) 270-1189 pwrracingktm@gmail.com
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OFFICERS PRESIDENT Randy Faul (863) 244-3709 president@floridatrailriders.org VICE PRESIDENT Landon Lynn (772) 494-3305 vicepresident@floridatrailriders.org SECRETARY Bill Toreki (352) 372-1135 secretary@floridatrailriders.org TREASURER Brandon Bloomquist (503) 707-1744 treasurer@foridatrailriders.org HARE SCRAMBLE CHAIRMAN Randy Rash (954) 931-5709 hschair@floridatrailriders.org ENDURO CHAIRMAN George Tolson (863) 698-3837 gjtolson63@gotmail.com HARE SCRAMBLE REFEREE George Pollard (772) 349-6534 hsref@floridatrailriders.org ENDURO REFEREE Peter Magee (352) 262-4974 cr250m@bellsouth.net BUSINESS MANAGER Darlene Riggs (352) 538-6291 businessmanager@floridatrailriders.org
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PREZ SEZ PREZ SEZ Words: Randy Faul
AUGUST 2026
# On the Countdown We continue to inch closer to hearing those famous “10 Seconds!” We still have some time to get all our ducks in a row before we go all-in when September rolls around and we travel to Hog Waller, courtesy of DDR. As we try to bear this summer heat, some of us just can’t say no. We continue cleaning air filters, changing oil, and keeping fresh tires on our weapons. We must be a special kind of addict because once those ride dates hit the calendar, the weekly chores and appointments somehow take a back seat. Well, almost. You still have to keep the better half on board so you can drag her all the way to Millville! LOL. As I’ve mentioned before, the wheels of FTR continue to turn during the summer break. Our Safety/Medical Team and Fire Safety Team are now on fresh equipment thanks to Central Florida Powersports, Jason Ennis, and Yamaha! We had some special requests for outfitting the new SxS, and CFPS made it happen immediately while also helping secure a loaner agreement with our good friends at Yamaha. Yamaha has continually supported FTR by keeping our Safety Team in the latest vehicles, allowing them to support our membership in a more efficient and professional way.
A big thank you also goes to HBD for handling the wrap and graphics so our vehicles will be clearly visible. Down South Customs will be handling the lights and installing the new skid/box on our new Yamaha Viking SxS. Thank you to everyone who works behind the scenes and continually gives their time and support to this organization! As I write this from Millville, way up here in Minnesota, I’m once again wearing an FTR shirt or hat while attending another event. It’s unbelievable how many people up here know who we are and tell me they wish they had an organization like FTR providing events for their families and riders. Case in point: Friday was media day, along with some amateur racing in the morning, and I was approached by several riders asking about FTR. In fact, they already knew how big we are and that FTR is one of the largest AMA-sanctioned off-road series around. Yes, even way up here in Minnesota!
I also visited another potential location just south of Arcadia, in the small town of Nocatee along the Peace River. I spent three hours touring the property with the owner, and the results were very promising. He has attended several of our events and even has a son who has ridden a couple of beginner races. He was very impressed with the entire race weekend, how organized our events are, and especially the opportunity they provide for families to gather and spend time together. As we move forward with this season, who knows what next season might bring? We may just find ourselves down by the river taking airboat rides, horseback rides, and maybe even swamp buggy rides, all right there at the property. And, of course, doing some racing in the woods. Time will tell if we have a new venue to visit. Thanks for listening,
As you may have heard, I’ve also made contact with the former landowner in Ona, and we’re working on plans to revisit the property. Fence lines have been mapped, gates have been noted, and a preliminary plan has been established for the start, scoring, and fuel locations. Nothing is set in stone yet, but it’s a good start. More to come as we get closer.
**Randy Faul**
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Words: Rodney Boyette
Hey FTR Fam!! We’re going to start this month off with a pretty bold statement: The beating and death of Jesus brought us peace. Crazy to think about. Separation from God was far worse than the atrocities Jesus had to endure, even unto death. He endured things more horrendous than we can imagine, and that brought us PEACE. How? Because we now know that Jesus paid the debt we all owed. Owed. The price has been paid. We have it so incredibly easy now, and I believe that’s what trips us up. Especially in this country, where there are so many distractions and so much entertainment. Because of that, I believe we’ve lost the understanding of the extreme persecution others face all across the world because of one thing: faith in Jesus.
tomorrow when we have enough to keep us entertained with our own desires, wants, and goals for today? Mark 13:32 says, “But concerning that day or that hour, no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father.” So we must not walk in laziness or sloth, but live each day in expectation. Matthew 25 talks about the 10 bridesmaids waiting for the bridegroom. Five were wise and five were foolish. Five were prepared and expecting, while the other five didn’t bring extra oil for their lamps and then took a nap.
Our goal is to make sure our families never know what it’s like to be without. I know it can be difficult, and there is plenty of need all around us, but we have it so much easier in this country than so many others around the world.
Guess what? They missed it.
As believers in Jesus, we may not have to look over our shoulders wondering if we will lose our lives for our faith, but “the enemy is prowling around like a roaring lion, looking for anyone he can devour.” — 1 Peter 5:8
By the time they woke up to the sound of the bridegroom coming, they were out of oil. They had allowed themselves to become distracted, lazy, and unprepared.
Vamos a comenzar este mes con una declaración bastante fuerte: la golpiza y la muerte de Jesús nos trajeron paz. Es increíble pensar que la separación de Dios era mucho peor que todo lo que Jesús tuvo que soportar, incluso hasta la muerte. Él sufrió más de lo que podemos imaginar y, aun así, de ese sufrimiento vino nuestra paz. ¿Cómo? Porque Jesús pagó la deuda que todos teníamos. Y digo teníamos porque el precio ya fue pagado. Hoy vivimos con una comodidad que muchas veces damos por sentada, y creo que eso mismo puede hacernos tropezar. Especialmente en este país, donde estamos rodeados de distracciones, entretenimiento y cosas que constantemente compiten por nuestra atención. A veces perdemos de vista la realidad de muchos creyentes alrededor del mundo que enfrentan una persecución extrema por una sola razón: su fe en Jesús. ¿Por qué pensar en el mañana cuando tenemos suficiente para mantenernos ocupados hoy con nuestros propios deseos, metas y ambiciones? Marcos 13:32 dice: “Pero de aquel día y de la hora nadie sabe, ni aun los ángeles que están en el cielo, ni el Hijo, sino solamente el Padre.” Por eso no debemos vivir con pereza ni apatía,
ourselves, and if he can keep us entertained and distracted, we lose the urgency to learn, study, and grow in our relationship with God, one distracted day at a time. So be on guard!
1 Timothy 5:8 says, “Anyone who does not provide for their family, and especially for their own household, has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.”
Why do we need to think about
¡Hola, familia FTR!
We often tell our families to be thankful for what we have. But let’s be honest: Why should we be thankful when we know somebody is going to provide? And that’s what we’re called to do as parents.
God gave us a sword against the enemy, and that sword is the Word of God. It’s incredible how, as you read deeper into the Word, the connections and truths start lining up and things begin jumping off the pages at you. With discernment and context, the picture becomes clear. Jesus loves us so much that He could not stand to see us suffer for our decisions. So He took what was due to us upon Himself and clothed us in His righteousness. Blameless. All for those who receive and accept the gift He has freely given us. Love y’all! Can’t wait to see everyone in September!
He knows us better than we know
sino vivir cada día con expectativa y estar preparados. Mateo 25 nos habla de las diez vírgenes que esperaban al esposo. Cinco eran prudentes y cinco insensatas. Las prudentes estaban preparadas y llevaron aceite para sus lámparas, mientras que las otras no se prepararon y se quedaron dormidas. ¿Y saben qué pasó? Se lo perdieron. Cuando despertaron al escuchar que el esposo venía, ya era demasiado tarde. No estaban preparadas. Esa historia debería hacernos pensar en nuestra propia vida. Es muy fácil permitir que la comodidad, las distracciones y la rutina nos quiten ese sentido de urgencia. Muchas veces les decimos a nuestras familias que sean agradecidas por todo lo que tienen. Pero, siendo sinceros, puede ser difícil comprender verdaderamente el valor de algo cuando siempre hemos sabido que alguien estará ahí para proveer. Y precisamente ese es nuestro llamado como padres. 1 Timoteo 5:8 dice: “Porque si alguno no provee para los suyos, y mayormente para los de su casa, ha negado la fe y es peor que un incrédulo.” Nuestra meta es que nuestras familias nunca sepan lo que significa pasar necesidad. Pero esa misma seguridad también puede hacer que olvidemos lo bendecidos que somos. Sé que la vida puede ser difícil y que existen muchas
necesidades a nuestro alrededor. Sin embargo, la realidad es que aquí vivimos con comodidades que gran parte del mundo no tiene. Como creyentes en Jesús, quizá no tengamos que mirar constantemente por encima del hombro preguntándonos si perderemos la vida por nuestra fe. Pero eso no significa que no exista una batalla. 1 Pedro 5:8 nos advierte: “Su adversario el diablo anda alrededor como león rugiente, buscando a quién devorar.” El enemigo conoce nuestras debilidades, y si logra mantenernos entretenidos, cómodos y distraídos, poco a poco podemos perder la urgencia de aprender, estudiar y crecer en nuestra relación con Dios. No necesariamente sucede de una sola vez. Puede suceder un día distraído a la vez.
Y en el centro de todo encontramos a Jesús. Jesús nos ama tanto que tomó sobre Sí mismo el castigo que nos correspondía. Pagó nuestra deuda y nos vistió con Su justicia. El precio ya fue pagado. Sin culpa y sin condenación para todos los que reciben y aceptan el regalo gratuito que Él nos ha dado. ¡Los quiero mucho a todos! ¡No puedo esperar para verlos en septiembre!
Así que ¡manténganse alerta! Dios nos dio una espada para luchar contra el enemigo, y esa espada es la Palabra de Dios. Es increíble lo que sucede cuando realmente profundizamos en las Escrituras. Las conexiones comienzan a aparecer, las verdades empiezan a alinearse y, versículo tras versículo, la Palabra cobra vida. Cuando la estudiamos con discernimiento y dentro de su contexto, el panorama se vuelve cada vez más claro.
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RIDER: TRENTON HEADRICK PHOTO: TYLER MILLER
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SATURDAY NIG
Some of the best racing at an FTR weekend happens before Sunday even gets started. to 6-year-olds ripping around on STACYC bikes. The racing is seri
But the best race of the night might just come after the kids are done. That’s when the sprinting around a course built for kids, tripping over themselves and doing everyth
AUGUST 2026
Photo: Tyle
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GHT RACING
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Saturday night brings out the future of FTR, from 2-year-olds pushing their Striders ious, the crowds get into it, and the kids always put on a show.
adults take over the course for the annual foot race. Picture a bunch of grown men hing they can to claim bragging rights. It’s about as entertaining as you’d expect.
er Miller
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SAME FRIENDS, SAME FRIENDS,
DIFFERENT PASTURE DIFFERENT PASTURE
AUGUST 2026
Words: Kyle McAfee
More Than Just a Race As we inch closer to the end of summer break and back into racing, I know we are all looking forward to pulling into that first field again. Seeing familiar faces, unloading the motorcycles, catching up with friends, and getting back to something that has become such a big part of our lives. But as much as we are all looking forward to getting back to racing, it is hard not to enter this season with a little heavier heart. The FTR family has experienced a great deal of loss.
We recently said goodbye to Ricky Graley, affectionately known to all of us as “Rock,” and now, most recently, Tom Miller, our resident photographer Tyler Miller’s father. Their passing is a painful reminder of just how quickly life can change and how easily we can take for granted the people we simply expect to see at the next race. Whenever someone within our community passes, it causes all of us to stop, even if only for a moment, and think about what these weekends truly mean. We spend so much time preparing for the next race that it is easy to forget
how fortunate we are simply to be there. We work on motorcycles. We load trailers. We drive for hours. We set up camp and talk about weather, tires, suspension, trail conditions, points, and finishing positions. In the moment, all of those things seem important. But when we step back and look at the years we have spent together, the racing itself is only part of what we remember. We remember arriving on Friday afternoon and seeing the same familiar trailers pulling through the gate. Kids running and laughing through camp. Families
sitting outside campers. Friends stopping by long after the motorcycles have been put away. We remember helping someone repair a bike late at night, sharing tools and food, telling stories, and more than a few laughs at one another’s expense. We remember the people. That is what makes FTR different from simply showing up somewhere to race a motorcycle. The motorcycles give us a reason to gather, but the relationships are what make us want to return. Different hometowns. Different backgrounds. Different skill levels.
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Different reasons for being there. Yet, on those weekends, we all find ourselves in the same pasture, sharing something that has become a meaningful part of our lives. For many of us, FTR has become part of the rhythm of our families. Our children have grown up at these events. They have learned to ride, compete, win, lose, help others, and get back back up after a crash. They have formed lifelong friendships simply because their families happened to pull into the same field with a motorcycle in the truck. We all come for the racing at first, but over time, it becomes about much more than crossing a finish line. It becomes about having a place to belong and a reason to spend time together. There will always be another race to prepare for. Another
motorcycle to work on. Another trail to ride. Another result that does not go exactly the way we hoped. But none of us are promised another season. Eventually, every one of us will attend our last riders meeting. We will start our last race, ride our last section, and pack the trailer for the final time. Most of us will never realize it is the last time while it is happening. That could make this all feel sad, but I do not believe that is the lesson loss teaches us. The lesson is to appreciate it now. Look around the pits. Stop by the trailer you normally pass without saying hello. Help the rider who is struggling. Spend a few more minutes sitting with your family after the day is over. Let a disappointing result go and remember how fortunate you were to line up
in the first place. Call your friends during the week. Tell the stories. Take the pictures. Make the memories while the people who help create them are still beside you. The loss of Rock and, most recently, Mr. Miller leaves absences their families, friends, and those who knew them will continue to feel. Nothing we say can remove that loss. What we can do is allow it to remind us how much the familiar faces we see year after year become part of our own lives. The person parked a few trailers down. The family you sit with around the pit area. The friend who always has the tool you forgot. The person you expect to see at the next race because they have simply always been there. Until one day, they are not.
will not remember every finishing position or how many points separated one rider from another. The trophies will collect dust. The motorcycles will be sold. But we will remember the weekends. The friendships. We will remember who helped us when we were broken down. Who stood at the finish cheering for us. The voices around camp, the laughter coming from the kids, and the people who made an ordinary pasture feel like home. The motorcycles are simply what brings us together. The people around you are the reason it matters.
Years from now, we 19
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YOUR MOVE YOUR MOVE Part 2: Hype, Hope, or the Real Deal AUGUST 2026
Words: Dr. Matthew Daugherty, Welcome back, FTR Family. Orthopedic Physical Therapist and Racer Heat, Cramps & Hydration: What the Science Actually Says Anybody who runs FTR knows what August does to you. The track is baked hard, the air won’t move, and by the last race of the day your forearms are locked up and your buddy is sitting in the shade looking gray. A lot of what gets passed around the FTR pits about beating the heat — “just drink more water and take some salt” — is either incomplete or flat-out wrong. Here’s what two decades of treating riders, along with the actual research, says you should do. THE HEAT IS THE REAL DANGER Respect it like an overheating motor. Cramps are annoying. Exertional heat stroke can kill you, and it can do it fast. If a rider comes off the track hot, confused, stumbling, or simply acting “off,” that altered behavior is the red flag — not just how much they’re sweating.
In Part 1, we covered what BPC-157 and TB-500 are, how they work, and why riders are paying attention to them. This is a call-911 situation, tion and your riding. But Now let’s talk about the other side of the conversation: but here’s the part almost you can also drink too much the risks, the regulations, and the reality of where this all nobody in the FTR paddock — and that can be genuinely stands today. knows: cold-water immerdangerous. sion is the single most effecThe Research Gap Is Real tive treatment for exertionOverdrinking during long al heat stroke. efforts can cause exerThe biggest issue with both BPC-157 and TB-500 is simple: cise-associated hyponatreThe guidance is simple: cool mia, where excessive fluid We still do not have strong human data. first, transport second. intake dilutes blood sodium to a potentially dangerMost of the research on BPC-157 comes from a single labGet the rider into cold ous level. It tends to occur oratory in Croatia. That does not automatically make the water, roughly 35–59°F, during longer sessions science invalid, but it does mean the findings have not yet keep the water moving, and when someone continually been independently replicated on a large scale. continue cooling through pounds fluids. the full treatment window TB-500 faces a similar situation. There is extensive animal before transport. Minutes The answer isn’t a magic research, but almost no completed human clinical trials. spent cooling on-site can be number of bottles. more valuable than a fast That matters. ride to a hospital without The evidence points toward effective cooling underway. an individualized hydration These compounds appear to promote angiogenesis (new plan. Know your own sweat blood vessel formation) and accelerated cell growth. In If your event runs races in rate and use your first healing tissue, that may be exactly what you want. But this kind of heat, a stock morning urine as a quick without long-term human studies, we do not fully undertank of ice water at the hydration gauge. Pale is stand the potential risks. The same pathways that help medical rig isn’t overkill. generally a good sign; dark healing could theoretically create problems in unhealthy It’s part of the plan. urine can mean you’re starttissue or undetected disease processes. ing behind. Think of it like a seized Right now, there simply is not enough long-term evidence engine: you don’t tow it Drink to a plan built to say otherwise with certainty. to the shop while it’s still around your body, not smoking. You kill the heat whatever your fastest budThe Product Quality Problem right now. dy in the FTR class is doing. This is where things get serious. Most people currently HYDRATION IS A GOLDICRAMPS: IT’S PROBABLY using peptides are purchasing them online as “research LOCKS PROBLEM NOT YOUR ELECTROLYTES chemicals.” That means there is essentially no oversight on what is actually inside the vial. More isn’t always better. This is the myth I most want to bust for the FTR FDA testing on gray-market peptide products has shown: Here’s where the pit wiscrowd. dom can go sideways. Incorrect dosages Riders throw money at Unlisted ingredients Yes, showing up dehydrated salt pills and pickle-brine Contamination hurts your thermoregulashooters believing cramps Entirely different compounds than what the label claimed
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are always a dehydration-and-electrolyte problem. Although dehydration or electrolyte losses may contribute in some circumstances, modern research suggests there’s more to the story.
Acclimatize on purpose. Don’t go from an air-conditioned week straight into a brutal race day. Ease into training in the heat over one to two weeks so your body has time to adapt.
When researchers examined the issue prospectively, the traditional dehydration and electrolyte-depletion theories didn’t fully hold up. Those ideas were based largely on older case reports and anecdotal evidence.
Hydrate for your body. Build a plan around your own sweat rate rather than copying someone else.
A better-supported explanation is neuromuscular fatigue. An overworked, fatigued muscle can throw off the balance between the “go” signal from the muscle spindles and the “stop” signal from the Golgi tendon organs. The motor neuron keeps firing, and the muscle locks into a cramp. In plain English: Cramps are often a fatigue and conditioning problem, not simply a hydration problem.
Train for the end of the race. Laterace fatigue is where cramps tend to show up. Build the conditioning and muscular endurance to handle it. Cool down between races. Get out of the sun, lower your body temperature, and recover instead of baking in staging. Know the emergency signs. Confusion, stumbling, or unusual behavior in a hot rider should immediately raise concern for exertional heat stroke. The rider who is confused and stumbling may not be able to advocate for himself. Everyone in the pits should know what to look for.
That changes what actually works. FROM MOTOPT In the moment, gently stretch and hold the cramping muscle. You’re helping feed the nervous system the “stop” signal it has lost. Long term, prevention means being conditioned for the end of the race, not just the start. Build enough durability that your grip, forearms, and legs aren’t completely cooked when it counts. Salt and fluids still matter for heat management and performance. Just don’t expect them to be your anti-cramp insurance policy. YOUR FTR AUGUST GAME PLAN
Don’t forget: I have become an affiliate for FastWay/ProMoto Billet because I believe in their products. If you need high-quality, made-in-America hard parts — including ankle-saver footpegs, handguards, or a kickstand — use code MOTOPT15 at ProMoto Billet. Before acting on any information in this article, I recommend consulting a physical therapist or physician for a general health and physical-activity readiness screening. If you are experiencing pain while riding, it is always beneficial to
have a complete evaluation by a qualified physical therapist or physician. Questions or comments? Email contact@motopt.com or call/text 904-395-5379. Let’s IMPROVE YOUR MOVE so you can ride pain-free with MotoPT. Dr. Matthew Daugherty PT, DPT, OTR/L, MOT, DBA Associate Professor and Director of Residency Programs Board Certified Orthopaedic Clinical Specialist Fellow, American Academy of Orthopaedic Manual Physical Therapists Manual Therapy Certified Intramuscular Dry Needling Certified REFERENCES McDermott BP, Anderson SA, Armstrong LE, et al. National Athletic Trainers’ Association Position Statement: Fluid Replacement for the Physically Active. J Athl Train. 2017;52(9):877–895. doi:10.4085/1062-6050-52.9.02 Casa DJ, DeMartini JK, Bergeron MF, et al. National Athletic Trainers’ Association Position Statement: Exertional Heat Illnesses. J Athl Train. 2015;50(9):986–1000. doi:10.4085/1062-6050-50-9-07 Schwellnus MP. Cause of exercise associated muscle cramps (EAMC): altered neuromuscular control, dehydration or electrolyte depletion? Br J Sports Med. 2009;43(6):401– 408. doi:10.1136/bjsm.2008.050401 Nelson NL, Churilla JR. A narrative review of exercise-associated muscle cramps: factors that contribute to neuromuscular fatigue and management implications. Muscle Nerve. 2016;54(2):177–185. doi:10.1002/mus.25176
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For over 50 years, TF Racing has been elevating the off-road riding and racing experience for countless enthusiast while building champions on and off the track. Contact us today for a custom quote
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THE ARCHIVES Excerpts from the August 1991 issue of the Florida Trail Riders Magazine.
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RIDER: JAMES CHAMBERS PHOTO: GABRIELA GAMPERL
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RIDER: KEN YARBROUGH PHOTO: TYLER MILLER 27
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AUGUST 2026
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MAY Strong Roots Fitness Built for Riders. Back by Results
@strong_roots_fitness_llc trainwithstrongroots@gmail.com
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2025 -2026 FTR Competition Schedule *dates and locations subject to change
FTR’s BOD has voted to transition to a Calendar-Year (January to December) Season. So, for the 2025-2026 season, we will have a ONE-TIME 18-month schedule. After that, we will run from January through December. This was done to comply with AMA promotion rules. The approved preliminary schedule of 15 Hare Scrambles and 13 Enduros. August 31, 2025 Enduro #1 Litlle Brown Jug Clinton, SC September 28, 2025 Enduro #2 Orange State Croom, FL October 10-11, 2025 HS #1 CFTR Bartow, FL October 25-26, 2025 HS #2 SADRA Bartow, FL November 2, 2025 Enduro #3 Gobbler Getter Maplesville, AL November 8-9, 2025 HS #3 Sunrunners Bartow, FL December, 6-7, 2025 HS #4 OSDR Punta Gorda, FL January 3-4, 2026 HS #5 SCTB Brooksville, FL January 17-18, 2026 HS #6 PBTTR Okeechobee, FL Jan/Feb 31-1 2026 HS #7 TCTR Indiantown, FL February 8, 2026 Enduro #4 Sumter National Wedgefield, SC February 14-15, 2026 HS #8 BSTR Lake Butler, FL February 22, 2026 Enduro #5 St. Mary’s Shoals Macclenny, FL March 8, 2026 Enduro #6 Straight Arrow Richloam, FL March 14-15, 2026 HS #9 NCTB Dade City, FL April 11-12, 2026 HS #10 OSDR Punta Gorda, FL April 19, 2026 Enduro #7 Armadillo Lake Butler, FL May 24, 2026 Enduro #8 Cherokee Greensboro, GA September 6, 2026 Enduro #9 Little Brown Jug Clinton, SC September 12-13, 2026 HS #11 DDR Palatka, FL September 20, 2026 Enduro #10 GCSB Robertsdale, AL September 27, 2026 Enduro #11 Orange State Croom, FL October 10-11, 2026 HS #12 CFTR Bartow, FL October 24-15, 2026 HS #13 SADRA Bartow, FL November 1, 2026 Enduro #12 Gobbler Getter Maplesville, AL November 7-8, 2026 HS #14 Sunrunners Bartow, FL November 15, 2026 Enduro #13 St. Mary’s Shoals Macclenny, FL
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