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florida trail riders.
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Trevor Brown | Photo by Garren Wright
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2025
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JULY
2025
FEATURES WHO TO CONTACT
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PREZ SEZ
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CHAPLAIN’s CORNER
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25-26 SCHEDULE
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BOD MEETING MINUTES
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FROM WATER TO DIRT
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5 THINGS
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MotoPT
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TECH TIP
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ALORA RIDING TIPS
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EDITOR: KURT LUCAS ftreditor@floridatrailriders.org All content herein is copyrighted © by Florida Trail Riders, Inc. with all rights reserved, and may not be reproduced without permission. “FTR” and “Florida Trail Riders” are trademarks of Florida Trail Riders, Inc. Unauthorized use of these trademarks is prohibited by law. Florida Trail Riders, Inc., P.O. Box 462 Yulee, FL 32041-0462
(352) 538-6291
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David Eckhart | Photo by Dirt Bike Dream
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2025
Area Directors & Club Info AREA #1 - Out-of-State, Panhandle Brandon St. John (912) 674-6127 ktmbrandon21@yahoo.com AREA #2 - Hamilton, Suwannee, Columbia, Baker, Union, Bradford, Nassau, Duval, Clay, Putnam, St. Johns
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
James Benton (904) 589-0093 bentonracing116@yahoo. com
AREA #9 - Manatee, Sarasota, Hardee, DeSoto, Highlands
AREA #3 - Gilchrist, Alachua, Levy, Marion, Citrus, Sumter, Lake
Brian Dugre (941) 893-7898 brian@mycentec.com
Allen Pearce (352) 339-5644 Allen.Pearce17@gmail.com
AREA #10 - Okeechobee, St. Lucie, Martin
AREA #4 - Flagler, Volusia Mike McGuire (386) 871-0666 makmcguire@yahoo.com AREA #5 - Hernando, Pasco, Pinellas Dale Ellis (407) 467-1196 dellis117ktm@gmail.com AREA #6 - Hillsborough, Polk West Anderson (863) 604-1868 jetster220@gmail.com
George Pollard (772) 349-6534 ktmgeorge811b@gmail.com AREA #11 - Charlotte, Lee, Glades, Hendry, Collier Ken Redford (239) 297-7170 redford_kenny@yahoo.com AREA #12 - Palm Beach Austin McAfee (561) 337-0998 amcafee379@aol.com AREA #13 - Borward, Dade, Monroe Max Rash (954) 609-1812 maxr@rivaracing.com Apollo M/C
Mark Bordelon (321) 794-0993 markbord115@gmail.com
Randy Rash (954) 931-5709 motodadfla19@aol.com
Big O Trail Riders Tommy Clay (863) 532-1952 tommy_clay@yahoo.com
Perry Mountain M/C Brad Belcher (205) 340-4298 perrymountainmotorcycleclub@gmail.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 Columbia Enduro Riders Ricky Dennis (803) 786-0051 mastercraft@bellsoth.net Daytona Dirt Riders Joe Carrasquillo (386) 615-0722 secretary4ddr@gmail.com Family Riders, Inc. Johnny Thomas (843) 553-1463 familyriderssc@bellsouth.net 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
River City Dirt Riders James Benton (904) 589-0093 bentonracing116@yahoo. com Sarasota Area Dirt Riders Randy Faul (863) 244-3709 randt817@gmail.com Southeast Florida Trail Riders Frank Campbell (561) 951-3732 flawoods35@yahoo.com Sumter Enduro Riders Johnny McCoy (803) 481-5169 serma@ftc-i.net Suncoast Trail Blazers Cary Hunt 727-635-6228 suncoastbiz1@gmail.com Sunrunners Dirt Riders West Anderson (863) 604-1868 jetster220@gmail.com Tallahassee Trail Riders Mikey Rainey (350) 591-5386 trailriderstallahassee@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 VACANT SPECIALTY A/B HARE SCRAMBLE Paul Lucas (305) 244-7531 happytimesamuse@msn.com
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OFFICERS PRESIDENT Randy Faul (863) 244-3709 president@floridatrailriders.org VICE PRESIDENT Pete Rose (941) 270-1189 vicepresident@floridatrailriders.org SECRETARY Bill Toreki (352) 372-1135 secretary@floridatrailriders.org TREASURER Kayla Vawter (863) 381-2649 treasurer@foridatrailriders.org HARE SCRAMBLE CHAIRMAN Randy Rash (954) 931-5709 hschair@floridatrailriders.org ENDURO CHAIRMAN George Tolson (863) 698-3837 gjtolson63@gotmail.com
SPECIALTY C/WOMEN HARE SCRAMBLE Holly Langford (954) 504-2659 hollylangford10@gmail.com
HARE SCRAMBLE REFEREE Jeff Hazeltine 941-468-7204 hsref@floridatrailriders.org
SATURDAY CLASSES HARE SCRAMBLE Derek Tremain (863) 634-8183 derektremain@gmail.com
ENDURO REFEREE Peter Magee (352) 262-4974 cr250m@bellsouth.net
QUADS Pete Rose (941) 270-1189 pwrracingktm@gmail.com
BUSINESS MANAGER Darlene Riggs (352) 538-6291 businessmanager@floridatrailriders.org
JULY
2025
PRES SEZ. X WORDS: RANDY FAUL Pointed in the Right Direction
more effective and united.
As we move into the hottest months of the year, our need for fun just got a major boost with the 2024–2025 Banquet. Earning an A+ for the weekend was our banquet team, led by the one and only Darlene Riggs—the woman who always makes things happen. I don’t know how she does it, but this event was off the charts. Wrapping things up by 9:00 PM was a record— and an impressive one at that.
The season will be here before you know it, and we’re hopeful about returning to a familiar venue. This would be my third time working with these landowners, and things are looking promising. We know each other well enough now to sit on the back deck, feed the catfish (hint hint), and share ideas about teaming up again. I don’t plan on striking out—so stay tuned for an announcement.
Setting the bar this high means the next banquet will be tough to top, but with extra time to plan, I have no doubt it’ll be another unforgettable event.
In addition, I’ve run an ad in my local newspaper and agricultural publication, which has generated a lot of interest. However, none have met all three requirements we need:
Speaking of epic events, our Banquet Board of Directors meeting was both productive and informative, with outstanding participation from your area directors. FTR is already working on many of the ideas discussed during the meeting and is committed to supporting them as we kick off the season. One major focus is the need for new land opportunities—we must be proactive in helping clubs secure future venues.
Entry road access suitable for our rigs
Communication was another key topic, as strengthening connections within our membership will only make us
Thanks for listening, Randy Faul
Parking for 30–40 acres (+/-) Enough wooded property to get the mileage we need If you have any leads—or know someone who might—please reach out to your area director, any member of the BoD, or myself. Any possibility could turn into our next great venue.
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CHAPLAIN’s CORNER
X WORDS: RODNEY BOYETTE
Hey FTR Fam!! Rodney and Dani with Fuel Ministry here in the Chaplain’s Corner this month! We’re fresh off Florida Fuel Camp 2025 and wanted to share a little about the incredible experience we had. What a humbling opportunity it was to invest in these kids for an entire week—not only through pro-level instruction on the bike, but also by pouring into their spiritual walk off the bike. This leads right into what we want to share with you: Do what you love and live it for Christ. What better way to show the love of Jesus than to reflect it in our everyday lives? Proverbs 3:6 says,
¡Hola, familia de FTR! ¡Rodney y Dani del Ministerio “Fuel”, aquí en la sección de capellanes este mes! Acabamos de salir del Campamento “Fuel” de Florida 2025 a principios de mes y queremos compartir un poco de la increíble experiencia que tuvimos. ¡Qué gran oportunidad de dedicar una semana entera a estos chicos, no solo en instrucción profesional sobre la motocicleta, sino también en su camino espiritual! Esto nos lleva directamente a lo que queremos compartir con ustedes: hagan lo que aman y vívanlo para Cristo. ¿Qué mejor manera de mostrar el amor de Jesús que en nuestro día a día? Proverbios 3:6 dice: «Reconócelo en todos tus caminos, y él (Cristo) enderezará
“In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight.” This verse encourages us to bring everything to the One who gives life and every good thing. He will lead us in the direction we should go. That means everything— whether it’s grabbing the holeshot at Bartow to stay ahead of the dust cloud, hitting the step-up at Mondon Hill, making a business decision that affects your family, or stepping out in faith to trust your life to Jesus.
you, hand out waters, create a safe and fun place for the kids on Saturday nights, and lead a camp with 140 people to Jesus... and dirt bikes!!
We’re here to tell you: it’s worth it. He always comes through in ways you could never imagine.
We’ll leave you with this verse: Matthew 6:33 – “Seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.”
Five years ago, we were racing for ourselves at FTR, and we asked, “How can we do this with greater purpose?” Now, five years later, we get to see you all at every race—to love on you, pray with and over
tus veredas». Este versículo nos anima a entregarle todo a Aquel que da vida con toda clase de bienes, y él nos guiará por el buen camino. ¡Eso es todo! Ya sea conseguir el primer puesto en Bartow para adelantarse a la nube de polvo en la salida, subir el escalón en Mondon Hill, tomar una decisión empresarial que afectará a tu familia o dar un paso de fe para confiar tu vida a Jesús. Estamos aquí para decirles que vale la pena y que Él siempre cumple de maneras que jamás imaginarían. Hace cinco años, competíamos por nosotros mismos en FTR y dijimos: "¿Cómo podemos hacer esto con mayor propósito?". Ahora, cinco años después, los vemos a todos en cada carrera para amarlos, orar
We are living proof that trusting in Him works.
We’ll see you soon—TRACKSIDE!! With love, Rodney and Dani Boyette
con ustedes y por ustedes, repartirles agua, brindarles un ambiente seguro y divertido el sábado por la noche para que los niños se relajen y dirigir un campamento con 140 personas para Jesús y las motos. ¡Somos ejemplos vivientes de que confiar en Él funciona! Un versículo que les dejaremos es Mateo 6:33: "Buscadlo primeramente en toda su justicia, y todas estas cosas os serán añadidas". ¡Nos vemos pronto en la PISTA! Con apreciación, Rodney y Dani Boyette
JULY
2025
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JULY
2025
Josh Tolken | Photo by Tyler Miller
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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, 13-14, 2025 HS# 1 DDR Ormond Beach, FL September 28, 2025 Enduro #2 Orange State Croom, FL October 10-11, 2025 HS #2 CFTR Bartow, FL October 25-26, 2025 HS #3 SADRA Bartow, FL November 2, 2025 Enduro #3 Gobbler Getter Maplesville, AL November 8-9, 2025 HS #4 Sunrunners Bartow, FL November 23, 2025 Enduro #4 St. Mary’s Shoals Macclenny, FL December, 6-7, 2025 HS #5 OSDR Punta Gorda, FL January 3-4, 2026 HS #6 SCTB Brooksville, FL January 17-18, 2026 HS #7 PBTTR Okeechobee, FL Jan/Feb 31-1 2026 HS #8 TCTR Indiantown, FL February 14-15, 2026 HS #9 BSTR Lake Butler, FL March 1, 2026 Enduro #5 Straight Arrow Richloam, FL March 5, 2026 Enduro #6 Alligator Ormond Beach, FL March 14-15, 2026 HS #10 NCTB Dade City, FL April 11-12, 2026 HS #11 OSDR Punta Gorda, FL April 19, 2026 Enduro #7 Armadillo Lake Butler, FL May 31, 2026 Enduro #8 Cherokee Greensboro, GA September 6, 2026 Enduro #9 Little Brown Jug Clinton, SC September 20, 2026 Enduro #10 Diamondback New Augusta, MS 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 November 21-22, 2026 HS #15 OSDR Punta Gorda, FL
JULY
2025
Florida Trail Riders Board of Directors Meeting Highlights July 12th, 2025
President’s Report The meeting opened with a reminder that pit riding rules must be strictly enforced—no electric throttle bikes for anyone under 16. A big thank-you was given to our Safety Crew for their continued hard work, and shoutouts went to several FTR supporters: - Scott Dawson and East Coast Printing for years of generous scholarship support. - Austin Lasure of Freedom Cleaning Solutions and Ronnie Hames of HDB Graphics for their ongoing contributions to the FTR community. A prototype of new weather-resistant FTR arrows was presented. Clubs were reminded that AMA insurance requires endurocross sections to be closed off with solid barriers when not in use. Vice President’s Report The upcoming 18-month season was a key topic. Clubs are urged to plan ahead and ensure proper staffing for spectator area enforcement, especially armband checks and pit riding. The pit riding rule handout
should be distributed at the main gate. Also, members are encouraged to stay alert for potential new race property opportunities. Treasurer’s Report FTR's financials are in solid shape. Notable updates include:
Sarah Redford – FGCU, Nursing Lance Rainey – FAMU, Agricultural Science Peter Churukian – Nova Southeastern, Biology
- Approval of $1,759.79 for Motorola radio service and repair.
Julia Churukian – Broward College, Aeronautical Science
- Purchase of new radios and accessories for $10,739.58 approved by the BOD.
Rylie Howard – LSU, Construction Management
Secretary’s Report Congratulations to our award winners: Pit Mom of the Year: Jessica McAfee Sportsman of the Year: Gage Strong Participation was down this year— look for more promotion next season! FTR Scholarship This year, 11 applications were received, and five $3,000 scholarships were awarded to standout FTR youth:
Other Key Updates: - The new FTR website is live at FloridaTrailRiders.com (.net and .org also work). - The RM Race Gas Program is a success and will continue next season. - FTR has officially secured U.S. trademarks for “Florida Trail Riders” and “FTR”! - Plans are underway to file for an ISSN number for our magazine. - All members should review AMA’s updated Roadside Assis-
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tance policy, especially changes to vehicle eligibility and membership requirements. Recent EC Actions: - Approved Motorola radio repair and replacement costs. - Appointed Austin Lasure as Peewee Hare Scrambles Race Steward.
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in July, citing its alignment with the off-season and family availability. Safety/Medical Team Report Donny Richardson confirmed the FTR Safety Team is ready for next season. He emphasized that all club members wearing official shirts must help enforce rules, particularly around pit riding. Also discussed:
Enduro Chairman’s Report This past season hosted 9 successful enduro events. The MotoTally system continues to perform well. We now have 15 working scanners and are in the process of building new clock stands.
- Media and photographers must be registered and wear numbered vests on the racecourse.
Hare Scrambles Chairman’s Report Reinforced pit riding concerns— again, no electric throttle bikes for riders under 16. A proposal to allow two work credits per rider for the extended season was debated but ultimately not approved.
- The SxS water tank unit (with firehose) is fully functional and will be present at all HS events.
Business Manager’s Report Discussion was held on the 2027 banquet location—Daytona was ruled out due to higher costs. The board agreed to keep the banquet
- FTR will provide official media vests—thank you to Corey Pierce for the suggestion.
Motions & Proposals Old Business: March 2025 BOD Meeting Minutes – Approved Race Entry Fee Adjustment – Passed (14-3) Race Steward Position Creation –
Passed (Unanimous) Tear-Off Ban Proposal – Failed (6-5) Sunday PM Rider Cash Awards – Passed (15-1) Calendar Year Season Shift (Onetime 18-Month Season) – Passed (Unanimous) New Business: Approved up to $5,000 for sign-up trailer repairs requested by Tim Nordle – Passed (Unanimous)
JULY
2025
From Water to Dirt: The Championship Journey of “Mad Dog” Dawn Wood At 63 years old, most people are slowing down. Dawn “Mad Dog” Wood is speeding up…on a 450, no less. Her latest title as the Quad Master Women’s Champion is just the most recent chapter in a wild racing journey that began nearly four decades ago. It all started in 1986 when Dawn jumped on a stand-up Jet Ski for the first time, she had no idea she was launching into a lifetime of adrenaline, grit, and championship racing. “I was just doing it for fun,” she laughs, reflecting on that first ride. But fun quickly turned into fierce competition and success. In 1987, just a year after her debut, she made history by winning the first-ever Novice Women’s World Cup at the Busch World Cup. That same year, she received a letter encouraging her to go pro. “I was shocked!” Dawn recalls. “I hadn’t even thought about going pro. But something clicked, and the next thing I knew, I was jumping in my truck and heading out on the national tour.” From that moment on, Dawn lived and breathed Jet Ski racing. At a time when only five women lined up at the start, she pushed boundaries and helped grow the sport. By the time she retired from Jet Ski racing in 1994, there were sixteen women on the line, more than triple the
number when she began. Dawn’s story didn’t stop at shoreline, racing may have taken a pause, but Dawn’s competitive spirit never faded. Years later, she found herself immersed in a new sport—hare scrambles dirt bike racing—through her husband. “In 2007, I was just the holder and the photographer,” she explains. But the thrill of the race was too much to resist. “I decided to try a few races here and there, but I didn’t take it seriously until 2022.” That year marked a turning point. Riding a Yamaha 350, Dawn recommitted to the sport, determined to test her limits again. Her comeback wasn’t without setbacks. At Palm Beach Track and Trail, Dawn suffered a major crash, breaking both wrists, a painful reminder of how
floridatrailriders.com unforgiving the sport can be. “It could’ve ended my racing right there,” she says. “But I wasn’t done yet.” After healing, she did the unthinkable: she upgraded to a 450, a true race bike that requires serious skill and strength. “Mad Dog” wasn’t backing down. She was leveling up. Now, in 2025, that perseverance has paid off. Dawn Wood is the Quad Master Women’s Champion,
17 a title that reflects not just her talent, but decades of resilience, evolution, and drive. Her journey is more than a tale of titles and trophies. It’s a testament to what’s possible when passion meets perseverance. From making waves on the water to dominating the dirt, Dawn Wood has proven that champions are made not just in the moments of victory but in every fall, every comeback, and every choice to keep going. What
sets her apart isn’t just her speed or skill, t’s her unshakable spirit. She’s battled water and dirt, crashes and comebacks, proving that age is no limit when the fire still burns. Her journey is a powerful reminder that it’s never too late to chase the next win, or ride a little harder, a little faster, and a little bolder. Dawn Wood is a force of nature— and at 63, Mad Dog is just getting started.
Photo by Photoman386
JULY
2025
5 Things Every FTR Racer Should Check on Their Bike This Summer The off-season isn’t just for resting up—it’s prime time to get your bike dialed in before race chaos returns. Here are five things you should definitely inspect (and probably replace) before the first horn blows: 1. Air Filter & Intake If you’re still running the same filter from last season… we’re concerned. Clean or replace it, check your airbox for dust and seal leaks, and make sure your bike can breathe again. 2. Chain & Sprockets Worn teeth and a loose chain will wreck your power transfer and your weekend. Check for “shark fin” wear, adjust tension, and lube it up—or replace the whole set if it’s sketchy. 3. Suspension Seals & Settings Has your fork been weeping more than a DNF? Time to service it. Summer’s also a great time to dial in clickers and sag for your riding weight and style before the season starts. 4. Brake Pads & Rotors You’d be shocked how many riders show up with mushy brakes. If your lever’s soft or your pads are cooked, handle it now. A little bleeding and a pad swap can save you from disaster. 5. Nuts, Bolts & Safety Wire Give your whole bike a bolt check. Use threadlocker where needed and safety wire your grips and drain bolts like a pro. Don’t let a 50¢ bolt ruin a $50 race weekend.
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THANK YOU ROCKY MOUNTAIN ATV M/C FOR YOUR CONTINUED SUPPORT OF FLORIDA TRAIL RIDERS OVER $100,000 IN RACE GAS GIFT CARDS EACH YEAR!
Photo by Zach Hodges
JULY
2025 Protect Your Menisci - The Unsung Heroes of Your Knees Hello FTR Moto fam,
MOTO
Dr. Matt here. Today I want to talk about something that’s crucial to your performance and longevity on the trail: your menisci.
PT
Whether you’re blasting through ruts, dabbing a foot in a tight woods section, or taking a hard landing after a jump, your menisci are working overtime to keep your knees functional and painfree. But most riders have no idea what they are—until they’re torn.
YOUR MOVE
Why Should You Care?
IMPROVE
WORDS: DR. MATT DAUGHERTY Orthopedic Physical Therapist and Racer
What Are Your Menisci? Each knee has two menisci – the medial (inner) and lateral (outer). These are crescent-shaped wedges of cartilage that sit between your femur (thigh bone) and tibia (shin bone). Think of them as your knee’s version of suspension bushings: shock absorbers, stabilizers, and load distributors.
Your menisci are critical for off-road riders because: They absorb impact when you land a jump or ride through a rock garden. They distribute force evenly across the knee joint, preventing bone-on-bone wear. They provide joint stability, especially when you’re twisting and turning through tight woods sections. They help with proprioception – your body’s ability to sense where your joints are, even when you’re focused on the next obstacle. Tear one, and you'll know it fast: swelling, locking, instability, and pain result. Worse, once torn, menisci don't heal well on their own – especially the inner two-thirds, which has no blood supply. Common Meniscus Injuries in Racers Twisting under load – like when your foot sticks on a root but the rest of your body keeps going. Hyperflexion or extension, often from deep ruts, cased
floridatrailriders.com landings, and foot dabs. Repetitive microtrauma from hours of rough riding without good mobility or joint prep. How to Protect Your Menisci 1. Strengthen Your Posterior Chain Glutes, hamstrings, and calves all work to stabilize the knee. Weak links here = more load on your meniscus. 2. Improve Hip and Ankle Mobility Stiff hips or ankles force your knee to rotate or flex more than it should. Mobility upstream and downstream = less stress on the knee. 3. Train Deceleration & Balance Practice drills like step-downs, lunges, and single-leg RDLs. These improve your body's ability to control movement under pressure. 4. Warm Up Before Every Ride A 5-minute dynamic warm-up reduces injury risk more than any gear upgrade. (Don’t worry—I’ve got a MotoPT warm-up for you-just reach out.) 5. Use Proper Footwear and Peg Position Riding with stiff boots and poor peg placement increases rotational torque through the knee. Get your stance dialed. Final Lap You only get two menisci per knee, and replacements don’t work like OEM. Protect them like you would your suspension. Rehab and prehab aren’t just for broken riders—they’re for racerswho want to keep charging hard without surgery. Before acting on any information in this article, I recommend that you consult 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 physical therapist or physician. If you have any questions or comments, please email me at contact@motopt.com or call/text 904-395-5379. Let's IMPROVE YOUR MOVE so you can ride pain-free with MotoPT. Stay strong, stay mobile, and ride smart. 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
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JULY
Race tech tip
with Jesse Ansley Summer Bike Refresh: Get Ready for Next Season Summer’s the perfect time to show your dirt bike some love—especially in Florida, where many riders take a break from racing to escape the heat. Whether you’re grinding through the summer or parking it for a bit, here are a few key maintenance tips to get your bike dialed for next season:
Top-End Rebuild
Logging extra hours? Your engine’s likely due for a top-end refresh. A new piston and rings restore compression and power, setting you up for solid performance when racing picks back up.
Bearings Check
Bearings often get overlooked, but they take a beating from dirt and water. Summer’s a great time to inspect and replace them to keep things running smooth and prevent bigger issues down the road.
Suspension Service
Whether you're getting faster, gaining/losing weight, or just need a routine refresh, now’s the time to let your local suspension shop get things dialed while you're off the bike.
New Tires
Still running last season’s rubber? Fresh tires improve traction, handling, and control. In sandy Florida conditions, consider the Dunlop MX34 front or MX14 rear. Not every tire fits every track, so do your homework.
Fresh Look with HBD Graphics
New plastics and HBD graphics can give your bike that factory look. Perfect if you’re switching classes, picking up new sponsors, or just want a clean, updated style. Take advantage of the summer slowdown to get ahead. A little work now means less stress later—and more time doing what you love: racing.
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
2025
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ALORA Riding Tips with Alex Lugar Hey all, Hope you’ve been enjoying the offseason! The first round is fast approaching, and we’re gearing up for a long season ahead. For this month’s entry, I wanted to go a little more off-bike and talk about race preparation—a crucial piece of having a strong, healthy season. For many, race prep means tossing in a clean air filter and changing the oil. But in reality, it’s so much more than that. Racing dirt bikes is one of the most physically and mentally demanding sports out there. Showing up on race day anything less than 100% is a recipe for underperformance—or worse, injury. Now, there will always be things outside of our control. But that doesn’t mean we shouldn’t do everything possible to be ready. Race prep boils down to two key areas: the bike and the body. A couple months ago, I wrote about developing a proper training program—if you missed it, I highly recommend going back to read that entry. Let’s start with the bike.
sprockets, and fresh tires. Then, go through the bike and check every bolt—tighten or torque to spec as needed. Before the first round, it’s smart to tear the bike down and grease all the important parts. That’ll help avoid mid-season issues like bad bearings or seized linkage. From one very unprofessional mechanic to another: it’s not as hard as it sounds! If you’re not confident, take it to someone who is. It’ll save you headaches down the line. Next, check your suspension. Make sure the seals and fluids are fresh. The last thing you want is a leaky fork seal ruining your brakes—or your race day. Once that’s done, assess the engine. Keep track of hours on your piston, valves, or whatever components your bike runs. It’ll keep you on the track and protect your wallet from major motor failures. I highly recommend keeping a maintenance log with hours and notes on what’s been done. Body Prep Your body is just as important as your bike. A well-prepped bike is worthless without a rider in top form.
water and add electrolytes throughout the week—especially with how hot the early rounds are. There are a ton of drink mixes out there; I won’t say one is the best, but look for ones low in sugar and high in quality ingredients. I personally use Liquid I.V. and Skratch—they provide quality carbs and calories. A good rule of thumb is one bottle of electrolyte mix for every bottle of water. Carry that routine into the weekend and race day. During the race, take in carbs through your CamelBak or bottles. We burn 2,500–3,500 calories during a 2-hour race, so fuel accordingly. Nutrition Keep it clean throughout the week, but don’t drastically change your diet just for the weekend—your body won’t respond well to surprises. Avoid fried, processed, or junk food, but don’t feel like you need to live off salads either. Focus on nutrient-dense, easily digestible meals. Midweek, I start tapering off high-fiber and dairy-heavy foods to avoid stomach issues on race day. No one wants to need a bathroom break midrace.
Bike Prep Take it from me—get your bike dialed in early. Showing up last-minute scrounging for parts or hoping the bike holds together is a great way to add stress—or wind up with a DNF.
We’ve already talked about what a good training program looks like, so I won’t go deep into that here—but seat time, cross-training, and consistency during the week are key. Let’s focus on race week prep.
Breakfast (race weekend): eggs, some meat, and a solid carb.
Start simple: clean air filter, fresh oil, tight chain, good
Hydration Start early. Drink plenty of
Lunch: chicken and rice—simple and effective.
My go-to meals:
Dinner: steak, potatoes, and greens. Nothing heavy, and skip the rich sauces or pasta. On race day, make sure you’re waking up early enough to eat a full breakfast and space out your meals. I aim for at least 2,000 calories before I hit the starting line—between breakfast, protein shakes, granola bars, and lunch. Fuel matters. Sleep The most overlooked piece of the puzzle. We all love caffeine and late nights, but sleep is crucial. Even if everything else is perfect, poor sleep can wreck your performance. Aim for 7–9 hours of sleep each night during race week—especially if you’re waking up early to travel. Final Thoughts: None of this works if you only start Friday or Saturday. A strong race weekend starts Monday. Keep your body on a schedule and stick to it. Everyone’s a little different, but if you’re anything like I used to be, covering all your bases will make a massive difference in your results. Can’t wait to see you all at the races! As always, you can find more info and tips at @alexlugaroffroadacademy on social media, and feel free to reach out with any questions. Best of luck, stay safe, and most importantly—have fun.
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THE ARCHIVES Excerpts from the June 1994 issue of the Florida Trail Riders Magazine.
Established 1971
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Mose Howard | Photo by Jonny Simpkins | 2009 Carlton Ranch Hare Scramble
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Martin Cox | Photo by Tyler Miller
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Mike Jones | Photo by Dirt Bike Dream
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