Photo by Tyler Miller
Photo by Bri Avirett
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
James Benton (904) 589-0093 bentonracing116@yahoo. com
AREA #3 - Gilchrist, Alachua, Levy, Marion, Citrus, Sumter, Lake
Allen Pearce (352) 339-5644 Allen.Pearce17@gmail.com
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
AREA #7 - Seminola, Osceola, Orange
Will Busick (317) 507-6636 willb763@gmail.com
AREA #8 - Brevard, Indian River
John Happel (321) 759-1454 ftrforester@gmail.com
AREA #9 - Manatee, Sarasota, Hardee, DeSoto, Highlands
Brian Dugre (941) 893-7898 brian@mycentec.com
AREA #10 - Okeechobee, St. Lucie, Martin
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
Big O Trail Riders
Tommy Clay (863) 532-1952 tommy_clay@yahoo.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
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
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
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
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
OFFICERS RIDER REPS & 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
HARE SCRAMBLE REFEREE
Jeff Hazeltine 941-468-7204 hsref@floridatrailriders.org
ENDURO REFEREE
Peter Magee (352) 262-4974 cr250m@bellsouth.net
BUSINESS MANAGER
Darlene Riggs (352) 538-6291 businessmanager@floridatrailriders.org
PRES SEZ.
WORDS: RANDY FAUL
Staying Off the Couch
I can’t believe we are into the last quarter of our schedule with only a couple hare scrambles left and a few enduros on the schedule as I guess the old saying of “time flies when you’re having fun” applies to FTR also. Speaking of having fun, this year I have actually lined up at several events and had a big time with my fellow riders. As some of these legends guys still have the spark and motivation to compete on a different level than where we were 50-60 years ago, I have to keep reminding myself that the famous saying from the one and only Clint Eastwood certainly applies to us 70 + guys is that “A man has to know his limitations”. The days of being a young buck and jumping on anything and racing the wheels off of it are sadly gone. Staying healthy and somewhat in shape is top priority for us blind, death and grey hairs! LOL.
Now, I have to have the right tires, bibbs, bars, grips, throttle tube, FMF exhaust, seat and last but not least is the suspension set up or it just doesn’t work for me. Then to add more confusion and uncertainty, switch from a 2
stroke PDS suspension bike to a 4 stroke linkage bike in the middle of the season and start all over again. I know, what is this old guy thinking! As my parts bill is off the charts along with learning the characteristics of a different brand, size and suspension setting, I’m having fun with my senior citizens friends and were not playing cards in an old folk’s home! As there’s a few of us “Last of the Mohicans” left that can remember racing through mud two feet deep, turning your bike upside down and pumping the water out of the engine, spraying the points/condenser area with CRC and using a roll of duct tape to waterproof your bike, which didn’t work half of the time, only adds pain to know how long some of us have been doing this. For all of us that continue to put ourselves through this you have to ask yourself, am I having fun? I say as long as I can spend time with my family and friends and get to ride my dirt scooter, I’m all in and will continue to abuse myself.
Thanks for listening Randy
CHAPLAIN’s CORNER
WORDS: JIM EDLESTON
“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” 2 Timothy 4:7
Disciple, Noun: A dedicated follower of Jesus who learns from Him and imitates His teachings and way of life. The term emphasizes a close relationship with the teacher, involving both belief in His doctrine and practical adherence to His example.
Since the beginning of the year, I have been challenged and encouraged in my walk with Jesus. My desire is to be even bolder as His disciple.
In Matthew 28: 18-20, His Words touched me. “Jesus, … gave His charge: “God authorized and commanded me to commission you: Go out and train everyone you meet, far and near, in this way of life, marking them by baptism in the threefold name: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Then instruct them in the practice of all I have commanded you. I’ll be with you as you do this, day after day after day, right up to the end of the age.”
As His disciples, we need to be bold and share His love by our actions as well as our words. We need to share this good news with a lost and hungry generation.
"He peleado la buena batalla, he terminado la carrera, he mantenido la fe". 2 Timoteo 4:7
Discípulo (sustantivo): Un seguidor dedicado de Jesús que aprende de Él e imita Sus enseñanzas y manera de vivir. El término enfatiza una relación cercana con el maestro, que implica tanto la creencia en Su doctrina como la adhesión práctica a Su ejemplo.
Desde principios de año, he sido desafiado y animado en mi caminar con Jesús. Mi deseo es ser aún más audaz como Su discípulo.
En Mateo 28:18-20, Sus Palabras me tocaron. “Jesús… dio su mandato: “Dios me autorizó y me ordenó a comisionarte: sal y capacita a todos los que encuentres, lejos y cerca, en esta manera de vivir, marcándolos mediante el bautismo en el triple nombre: Padre, Hijo y Espíritu Santo. Luego instrúyelos en la práctica de todo lo que te he mandado. Estaré contigo mientras haces esto, día tras día tras día, hasta el fin de los tiempos”.
Como Sus discípulos, debemos ser audaces y compartir Su amor tanto con nuestras acciones como con nues-
I am witnessing a “seeking for something more”. Friends, families and strangers are asking “Is this all there is?”. People are more open than ever to Good News of Jesus.
In Acts 16:31 all are encouraged to “Put your entire trust in the Master Jesus. Then you’ll live as you were meant to live.” By having a personal relationship with Jesus and believing in His death, burial and resurrection from the dead, our sins are forgiven. We have a new life in Him.
If you do not know Jesus as your Savior, please reach out to me, or Fuel ministries, at the races or anytime. We would love the share the Good News with you and have the privilege of making you a disciple of Jesus!
Blessings on and off the road,
Jim and Betty Edleston Chaplain FTR (386) 235-1022
tras palabras. Necesitamos compartir esta buena noticia con una generación perdida y hambrienta.
Soy testigo de una “búsqueda de algo más”. Amigos, familiares y extraños se preguntan: "¿Es esto todo lo que hay?". La gente está más abierta que nunca a la Buena Nueva de Jesús.
En Hechos 16:31 se anima a todos a “poner toda vuestra confianza en el Maestro Jesús. Entonces vivirás como debes vivir”. Al tener una relación personal con Jesús y creer en Su muerte, sepultura y resurrección de entre los muertos, nuestros pecados son perdonados. Tenemos una nueva vida en Él.
Si no conoce a Jesús como tu Salvador, comuníquese conmigo o con “Ministerios Fuel”, en las carreras o en cualquier momento. ¡Nos encantaría compartir la Buena Nueva contigo y tener el privilegio de hacerte discípulo de Jesús!
Bendiciones desde la carretera y el monte,
Jim y Betty Edleston
The FTR Awards Banquet will be held on July 12, 2025 at the Doubletree Hilton at Sea World Orlando.
stepping up.
Carter McAfee and Moises Pita navigate a very challenging peewee track at the Alligator Hare Scramble. The course featured tight trails, deep sand, jumps and slick mud.
Photo by Clint Kison
FTR SCHOLARSHIP WINNERS: PAST AND PRESENT
Words: Larry Kuhn, DMD, MD
Over the years, the leadership of Florida Trail Riders has made a sincere effort to support the families of the local club members who promote sanctioned race events. One of the most visible ways FTR has done this is through the awarding of the FTR Scholarship.
The FTR Scholarship began many years ago and has become a fixture of the organization. Several years ago, President Randy Faul led the charge to move funding of the scholarship from a purely donation basis to a designated amount of $1 per racer head tax from each sanctioned race. This has increased the money available in the fund. Last year the Scholarship Committee was able to award 4 individuals with a scholarship of $4500 each.
Prior to a June deadline, applications are collected by the Scholarship Chair(person) who redacts any identifying markers and sends them to committee members who individually evaluate each application. The application process is similar to applying for any financial award and applicants are evaluated based on 5 categories: who you are, what you are doing, where you are going, and your academics.
One last category, and the most heavily weighted, is the applicant’s involvement in a local club and FTR. Why? Well, FTR
values family involvement and, most importantly, individual involvement in support of the local club and FTR. More than 35% of the total scoring weight of the application applies directly to things like the individual’s participation in local club activities, working at FTR events with the local club, or serving on local club leadership.
After the scholarship is awarded, most frequently, the local clubs don’t get feedback that shows how their money has affected the recipient. With that in mind, I’ve collected a sampling of some recent scholarship winners. I sent out a questionnaire, with some prompts, and asked folks to provide a narrative in an effort to provide a little feedback on how the scholarship has impacted the winners.
Below is a sampling of the narratives from recipients and the year they received the award, starting with the most recent. As you read the narratives, notice the common themes of gratitude from each of the recipients and how the motorcycle club/FTR experience helped develop character in their lives.
Julia Churukian, 2024
I've been riding motorcycles since I was three years old, but I started racing about four years ago. I first raced on a Yamaha YZ 85 in my first season and have since moved up to a YZ 125.
I'm a proud member of the Palm Beach Track and Trail Riders Club, where I've had the opportunity to help with various projects like cutting trail, handing out trophies, and creating the peewee course for our club's events. Through my involvement in the club, I've gained a deep appreciation for the amount of hard work and dedication that goes into preparing for a race. It's clear that everyone works hard together to make these events happen, and I’ve learned a lot about teamwork and the racing community.
FTR has had a significant impact on me, providing unwavering support that has been invaluable in my journey. I always look forward to FTR race weekends, as it’s an escape from all the stress with school and allows me to have so much fun with friends and family.
I graduated from Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School this past summer and am now working towards my bachelor’s degree in Aerospace Sciences at Broward College. Along with my studies, I am training at Phoenix East Aviation to become a professional pilot. The scholarship money I received last season was a great help, covering a significant amount of the textbook and flight training fees. Currently, I have my private pilot’s license and am working on my instrument rating. Once
that’s complete, I’ll move on to my commercial pilot’s license and, eventually, become a certified flight instructor to teach others how to fly.
As for racing, I’m still actively racing in the Women’s C class that was made this season and plan to advance up to Women’s B next season. I am so grateful for the clubs and their work, as well as the scholarship fund that has made a big difference in my education and training. I look forward to continuing my journey both in aviation and racing with the support of FTR!
Rylie Howard, 2024
I started riding a dirt bike as soon as I was able to ride a bicycle. I had to start on a bicycle with training wheels because Striders and Stacycs weren’t around yet. I went from a bicycle to racing Pee Wee C on a Yamaha PW50. When we were heavily in the races, we were members of Sunrunners, Suncoast Trailblazers and Apollo Motorcycle Clubs. We recently got back into FTR in 2021 after taking a break from dirt bikes, during which time we had been racing mountain bikes. We rejoined the Suncoast Trailblazers in 2022, and I became Secretary in 2024. My family and I have been a part of setting up and taking down both the Orange State Enduro and Coyote Hare Scramble. We’ve
been out working just about every work weekend for both races. I’ve learned from being in the club and from racing to never give up no matter what. FTR has taught me to be consistent and think outside of the box.
I graduated high school in 2022 and started college in the fall of 2022. I’m majoring in Construction Management at LSU and should graduate with my Bachelor’s degree in 2026. The scholarship helped me pay for two semesters of classes, which was a major help and extremely appreciated. I am currently working as an intern at Ajax Paving in Tampa and competing in the 2024-2025 Hare Scrambles and Enduros. This is my first full season racing dirt bikes in Women B, from which I have been promoted to Women A starting next season.
I look forward to many more seasons racing both Hare Scrambles and Enduros with FTR.
Kassie Stoner, 2023/24
With my dad’s biggest passion in life being dirt bikes, he couldn't wait to share it with his family. Worried he might end up at cheerleading competitions or dance recitals, he decided to try his luck by getting my sister and me on some mini bikes. He never even thought that racing was in the picture, he just wanted us to know how to ride. But when my sister and I showed an interest in racing he didn’t hesitate to sign us up. To his surprise, racing became something he
passed down to me but not so much for my sister.
From my first Peewee race at age six to my most recent season in women A, Florida Trail Riders (FTR) has given me so much. FTR brought my family closer together by providing an environment we all enjoy. I’ve met numerous role models that I strive to emulate. I have learned resilience, as everyone knows racing dirt bikes is a challenging sport. But from my father it was ingrained in me “If the bike is still running and the bone isn’t sticking out, you finish the race. “There have been many races where I wanted to quit or pull over due to heat, rain, deep mud, or a bad crash. I’m proud to say I’ve finished every FTR race I lined up for (except for a few due to mechanical errors caused by DAD).
To me, FTR is so much more than a sport, it’s both community and family. FTR is a group I was born into. My uncle Frank Bush and my grandfather Tom Stoner were some of the founding members of the Azalea City Motorcycle Club, created in 1974. My family and I, living in Daytona Beach, became part of the Daytona Dirt Riders. From a young age, I can remember helping to organize races. I recall hanging around the properties while my dad built the peewee course and being roped into helping. To this day, we are still members of DDR & ACMC and are involved with their events.
Now, as an adult racer, I enjoy seeing how our sport has grown and being a role model for
younger riders. Our DDR property hosts Fuel Ministry’s Summer camps, which I’ve been fortunate to participate in. Not only was that an amazing experience to help new upcoming riders, but it also allowed me to work with children and prepare for my future goals in pediatric medicine.
After graduating Mainland High School in Daytona and receiving my AA degree from Daytona State College in 2023, I was fortunate to have been an FTR scholarship recipient in 2023 & 2024. This has been a life changing award as it has allowed me to pursue my goal to be a pediatric nurse. Since January, I have been enrolled at the Florida State University School of Nursing in Tallahassee. This is the most challenging thing I’ve ever attempted. But I know from racing, “If the bike is still running and the bone isn’t sticking out, you finish the race” …if I keep pushing and don’t quit, I will finish.
I miss my former routine of riding my motorcycle and attending FTR and club events, but everyone says “The dirt bike will be waiting for you” and “There is always another race”. I plan to ride / race some when I can, but FSU is my focus right now. I would like to thank the FTR organization, members, and clubs for supporting the FTR scholarship program and allowing myself and other recipients achieve their career goals.
Abigail White, 2023
I’ve been coming to FTR races since I was first born. I used to joke that I was partially raised in a cow pasture. My club and family are Central Florida Trail Riders. Although I do not race myself, I have helped the club in many ways including tee shirt design, handing out trophies, making the trails that our riders race on and more. The club has taught me a ton throughout the years. It has taught me the meaning of community, hard work, and dedication. My parents have been a part of the club as long as I can remember.
I graduated high school in May of 2023 and knew I wanted to go to college but didn’t have the funds. FTR was gracious enough to give me that opportunity. Today, I study at Valencia college on an A.S. to B.S. program for hospitality in Hotel Management and Tourism. With the FTR scholarship I am able to afford the classes I’m attending and the books for homework and assignments.
FTR has had a huge impact on my life and who I am today and I’m honored to have been able to receive the scholarship.
Corey Pierce
Corey Pierce, 2021
I have been racing FTR since I was 12 years old. Currently in year 10, I’m still enjoying it a ton. I'm contending for the A250 championship in both enduro and hare scramble. I won the scholarship during the year that FTR had a benefit race at the end of the season. Funny enough, at the benefit race, I got 3rd in AA which was my best AA finish in the class.
I graduated high school in 2021 which meant covid affected my junior year of high school and senior year was the year of masks and chaos. I received somewhere around $4,000 from FTR and I used that to pay for my firefighter and EMT certifications which I now use every day during my career as a firefighter paramedic. I put myself through the paramedic program after completing EMT (EMT is about 3 months of emergency medical training and paramedic is 1.5 years of emergency medical training on top of EMT.) So, I received my associates at the end of all these programs plus some college I had done from dual enrollment in high school.
The job has been very rewarding and I am so thankful for FTR to have this program and all the clubs who contributed to the program. I am still planning to re-apply so that I can go back and get my bachelors which will be needed for promotion later down the road.
I am still active in FTR
and my job allows for time trades so I am able to get time off work for race weekends and not use any vacation time. I plan to keep racing for a long time as I enjoy the series very much. I will be promoted back up to AA next year so I am looking forward to being back up on the front line and maybe if all the stars align, I can try for an overall finish. Currently the best I've had was 4th overall. But between enduros and GNCC conflicting weekends anything is possible with enough time.
Katie Stoner, 2020/21/22
Florida Trail riders is more of something I was born into rather than joining. My dad likesto tell my sister and I that dirt bike riding is in our blood. My grandpa Tom Stoner owned a motorcycle shop, so my dad, Wade Stoner, grew up riding dirt bikes. My uncle Frank Bush and grandpa were part of the original members of the Azalea City Motorcycle clubin 1974. Having two daughters did not stop my dad from putting us on four wheelers and dirt bikes as soon as my mom would let him (probably before, honestly). When I was 5, I got my first four-wheeler for Christmas. I can remember learning to ride in the backyard with my dad chasing me around. Eventually, I upgraded to a real motorcycle with a clutch. My sister wasn’t far behind me when she got her first four-wheeler. Growing up, many weekends were spent driving to Palatka to go dirt bike riding with my sister and
dad. We would always start our day with McDonalds and finish it with peanut M&Ms or Dairy Queen. Even now, being at the races makes me want peanut M&Ms. When I actually began racing, I started in the Mini girl’s class but I ended up racing for Only one season before “retiring.”
Although my career was short in racing, FTR taught me about resilience and never giving up even when it gets hard. To me when I think of FTR I think of family, FTR is something my whole family has been involved in from setting up trails together or just going out together for a race weekend.
When I “retired” from racing I was busy with being dual enrolled, taking high school and college class, involved in many clubs and sports, and played competitive soccer. I graduated high school in 2020, ranked 7th in my graduating class, and with my AA degree. From a young age I always knew I wanted to go into the medical field. I was in a pre-med degree when I began at the University of Central Florida. Beginning a pre-med degree at the height of COVID was hard, all of my classes were online and I didn’t feel as though it was the right fit for me. I ended up moving home and attended nursing school at Daytona State College in Daytona Beach.
Since graduating DBSC School of Nursing in May 2024, I have become am an intensivecare unit
(ICU) nurse at Halifax Hospital in Daytona Beach. My long-term plan is to become a nurse anesthetist.
The FTR scholarship has been a big asset for paying tuition, books, and uniforms in nursing school. I want to thank all of the FTR members, clubs and sponsors of the FTR scholarship. As a recipient I was able to earn my nursing degree and continue to work towards my goals.
Jacob Berard 2020
I started riding on a peewee 50 when I was 5-6 years old. My parents, my brother and I were part of CFTR as long as I can remember…spending most of our weekends either at the Bartow hare scramble property or Richloam enduro property. I remember riding on my 65 and my parents lifting my bike over the logs on the enduro trail. Most of what I know came from CFTR and FTR. The hard work, selflessness, kindness, and strength it takes to race and host races are all core values i have in my life. FTR has helped shape me to be, well, me. I don’t know where I would be without FTR and the people and friends I met along the way. Both my best friends are from racing and it had greatly opened my connections to all types of people.
I graduated from Windermere High and then UCF with the help of the scholarship money. The money helped me get a degree in finance from UCF. GO KNIGHTS! I currently own my own business and just
got married to my beauti ful wife! I ride occasionally but mainly just ride during club work days on the enduro or hare scramble courses. I raced competitively for 12 years, all the way from losing my 65c championship by one point to racing the best racers in Florida on Sunday afternoon. I may have broken way too many bones through the years but I wouldn't trade it for anything.
Ian Finnerty, 2014 and 2018
I have been involved with CFTR since I could walk, I was fortunate enough to receive the FTR scholarship twice to help me pay for schooling. As a High School teacher and wrestling coach, I see many kids that struggle to figure out how to manage the world both workload and money. I am so grateful for the opportunities that have come my way through the hard work, and values I picked up from my FTR experience. The network of members created a web of invaluable assets, from lifelong friends to acquaintances that will jump to help you in a pinch. The club has
helped show me how to overcome any challenges by having faith in my abilities and preparedness, as well as how to take pride in work without being complacent in mediocrity. Putting on events year after year, I've learned the importance of putting the best product forward that we can, whether it's a challenging course or a fun-filled weekend.
This scholarship was a big part of putting myself through college, and it took a lot of stress off my shoulders. I am grateful for everything FTR has done to help me build a successful life through lessons or financial assistance. I try to pass along these lessons at our school and wrestling program, and hope to get back into racing eventually.
Lacey Nordle, 2013
I started riding when I was roughly 9 years old on a XR 70 and belonged to Big Scrub Trail Riders for many years. Being a part of a club showed me how much work goes on behind the scenes. It helped me realize that some people just show up to the track and race while club members show up every weekend for 2+ months to put a race together. BSTR and FTR have always had a big impact on my life. The people you meet become friends…then family.
I graduated high school in 2013, finished my Associates of Arts degree in 2016, and earned my Bachelor’s degree in 2024. The scholarship paid for a semester of my class tui-
tion when I was finishing my AA degree.
After completing my education, I entered law enforcement and have been a deputy sheriff for 8 years. I took a break from riding when I began with the sheriff’s department and am growing my family now but plan on returning to riding and racing in the near future.
Bryce Griffin, 2007
My first off-road experience was riding a quad with a large group of folks in the Ocala National Forest. I moved to an XR100 at age 12. A year later, I jumped up to a KX125 and began racing in the FTR series. I’ve been a member of Daytona Dirt Riders for almost 20 years and have spent many hours on club work days setting up our hare scrambles and the Alligator Enduro. One year, I was in charge of laying out, cutting trails, and monitoring the checkout for the enduro and served as club secretary, taking notes and reporting on our race results.
I graduated high school in 2007 and earned my bachelor’s degree in Business Management from UCF in 2013. The scholarship money covered the balance of my books and school supplies after Florida Bright Futures. It allowed me to graduate from UCF debt-free while focusing entirely on my studies without worrying about loans.
I am currently working as a Buyer/Planner for L3Harris, where we manufacture aerospace equipment for space shut-
tle engines. DDR was a great learning experience for me. I learned that teamwork is everything—many hands make light work. I also learned how to take constructive criticism, apply feedback, and improve myself.
FTR taught me that preparation is key. If you fail to prepare, then you’re preparing to fail. Taking care of your motorcycle and making sure it’s in top shape is just as important as training for the race. The discipline and perseverance I developed in racing helped me push through one of the biggest challenges of my life—my double lung transplant journey.
Unfortunately, due to medical reasons, I have to stay away from dirt riding. But I’m incredibly grateful to have regained enough strength to enjoy riding on the street—I still get to experience the joy of two wheels.
I want to give a huge thank you to all the clubs that continue to give to the scholarship fund for students. That support made a big difference in my life, and I hope it continues to help others achieve their goals, just
Jacob Berard
Bryce Griffin
like it did for me.
Travis Kuhn, 2007
I started riding a 1992 Honda Z50 in the woods of our backyard in first grade. We had a great little trail, my dad cut for me and my brothers, that wound through the trees, dropped down next to a creek, and had a couple hill climbs that felt giant to my pint-sized self. My brothers never really stuck with riding. I don't know if it was the time that one of them ran into the side of the house, or when one of them ran over the other at age 5, but they just didn't have the drive. I feel like I was out there burning laps on my XR80 all the time but looking back, I'm sure I didn't fully appreciate being able to start a bike, head out the garage door, and zip into the woods!
FTR was a formative part of my development. I've been a member of, or supported races including layout, staffing, signup, and breakdown for Apollo, Central Florida Trail Riders, Daytona Dirt Riders, and most recently, Sunrunners. FTR clubs have always reminded me of how racing is important, but the friendships, and shared experiences a club brings, are what make FTR so great. The colossal lift required by a group of volunteers to turn woods and pasture into a race course, fields into a parking lot, and make it all disappear when it's over, is something I hope everyone experiences at least once to understand and appreciate how incredible the organization is.
Character is built through doing hard things. And I did a lot of hard things racing dirt bikes. My first race ever was in Mini C in Scottsmoor on a '99 YZ80. It was 54 degrees and raining. I'd never ridden dirt bikes with anyone I wasn't related to and I was on the line with 59 other kids. It was a little intimidating. I came in 54th place (I think). I was the last one that finished all the laps, but most importantly, I finished! It's a lesson I've carried with me through the rest of my life - no matter how tough it is, finish what you started. I raced off and on through middle and high school in between playing competitive basketball and soccer but my favorite was always going to the races with my dad. Over the years I raced Minis, Juniors, Super Vintage (now Evolution) Enduros, Displacement, and Vet classes.
I finished high school in 2007, sold my last bike, a KX250, and went off to college. I graduated from the University of Florida in 2011 with a degree in Food & Resource Economics. I immediately went to work in the produce industry and spent the first 10 years climbing the proverbial corporate ladder. I put in a lot of overtime to make it to a role that has allowed me to return to racing. I'm now the Vice President of Sourcing and manage blueberry, blackberry, and raspberry programs spanning North and South America for Wish Farms. I live in Lakeland with my wife and two children.
We bought my son a dirt bike at age 4. He's now 7 and just within the last 3 months, has really shown an interest in getting out and riding. I'm hopeful that the joy of riding and the character-building experiences, so important to me, will carry on for another generation in him. On the other hand, my 5 y.o. daughter is the wild one… so even if he never takes it up, I can imagine that she will want to feel the rush of twisting the throttle.
I returned to racing in 2020 with pretty limited attendance. In the last couple years, I've been able to make it to most of the races but have struggled with some wrist issues which have allowed me to put in a lap or two at each race before having to pull off. Hopefully that gets resolved this year and I can be competitive again in the Vet classes. Regardless of if I ever turn in another good result, I look forward to every race, being out there with friends, giving it what I've got for as long as I've got.
Paying for continued schooling past high school is no small thing. Regardless of whether it's at a college or a trade/professional school, trying to fit in course work, personal and pre-career development, pay for housing, expensive textbooks, food, car, and everything else, is a big burden. I was fortunate and thankful to be awarded the top scholarship in 2007 and it was enough to pay for the entire first year of tuition for me! I'm hugely
thankful to all those who donated and supported my education through the scholarship program. It takes a village to raise a man of character and FTR was an important part of my village. I'm thankful to still be a part of the FTR village.
Kyle McAfee, 1998
“FTR has a scholarship?” That was my initial response when I was first told by Jenni Lamb that I should apply. The year was 1998 and I was a senior in high school chasing a championship in the 200A class. I would win the scholarship that year, and two of my children have also won it since. Three years before that happened, I started racing with FTR in 1995. Frank Campbell, who lives just down the street, had convinced my parents to let me go with him to race the Wild Hare Hare Scramble in Reddick. I was
fairly new to the sport and only fell into the hobby the year before because my dad received payment for a job in the form of a 1992 KX 80 Big Wheel. From the first time that I saw that bike sitting in the garage I was immediately drawn to it.
A couple laps around the dirt lot across the street, which included several stalls, falls, and humiliating attempts to try and figure out how to control the bike in the sand, and I was hooked.
I didn’t last long on the KX80 as I was already too big for it at 15 years old. So, I begged, pleaded, and lawn-mowed my way onto
a brand new 1995 KX 125. My dad also bought himself a bike, and we started racing. A lot! For the majority of the next two years we chased the amateur motocross scene. I quickly progressed on the bike and started to finish well at some of the bigger amateur MX events. There was only one problem… my dad didn’t enjoy the motocross side of the sport. He much preferred the woods racing over an MX track. So, we started to alternate weekends between hare scrambles and MX. This became the beginning of our relationship with FTR. Although I preferred to be racing MX, I always tagged along and raced wherever I had the opportunity…and FTR provided a lot of seat time. Fast forward nearly 30 years, and not only am I still racing FTR, but I have also raised my four children in the organization.
Winning the FTR scholar
ship back in 1998 meant a lot to me. Not because it was a lot of money, I think I received around $800 back then, but because I was so new to the organization. I remember sitting at the awards ceremony waiting to be presented as a scholarship winner, my very first that I attended, and thinking about how awesome the organization was to have such a great program for its young and aspiring members. That has stuck with me all these years. It has also been the foundation of my desire to give back to the organization. Over the past 30 years I have been a member of SEFTR, Big O, and TCTR. I have served multiple years as an area director, BOD member, EC member, Pee Wee coordinator, and social media manager.
The FTR scholarship helped me earn a Bachelor of Arts degree, and a minor from Florida State University. But, as much
as I would like to credit that education and those degrees for my success in life, it would be remiss of me to not credit FTR and its impact on my life. I like to consider myself a “fountain of useless knowledge” because of all my time invested in those degrees. I learned that gravity pulls objects to earth at 9.8m/s, the chemical composition of table salt is NaCl, and thunderstorms are composed of cumulonimbus clouds. You can argue the importance of that knowledge, but you can’t argue the importance of what woods racing teaches you. The basics are fundamentals like hand/eye coordination, balance, reaction time, finesse, and decision-making skills. The physical side is strength, conditioning, endurance, hydration, recovery, and technique. Some benefits that you may not even consider, like the ability to process and avoid objects at speed, appreciation for how quickly things can go wrong when you are least expecting it, and racing really helps you understand how much it hurts when you make a bad decision or take an unnecessary risk while traveling at that speed. These are especially beneficial for kids when they get their driver's licenses.
But where I feel FTR has benefitted me the most is on the mental side. Learning from and overcoming the challenges that we encounter out on the track pays huge dividends in life. From the nervous anticipation leading up to the horn blowing, to the mental fortitude required to endure a hare scram-
ble, racing prepares you for almost any challenge in life. It is both physically and mentally exhausting. You have good days, and you have bad days. Sometimes the difference between the two is your attitude about it. It is not a team sport. You, and you alone are responsible for your success or failure out on the track. You will learn that even on your best days you won’t win everything in life, luck favors the prepared, and the bitterness of losing is often a much bigger motivator than the sweetness of winning. Someone told me long ago that racing motorcycles is an addiction that leads to a life sentence behind bars…handlebars. For me that has been true, and FTR has been a big part of that. But I wouldn’t want it any other way.
Special thanks to the folks who responded to the call for this article. As a member of Daytona Dirt Riders, it’s great to see how my club’s contribution to the FTR scholarship has benefited the education process of young people involved in our local clubs. In addition, it is eye-opening to see what character qualities they attribute to their experiences with their families and motorcycle clubs.
The scholarship is available to any member or dependent of an FTR member and is intended to cover educational costs. In general, the application can be found on the FTR website under the “More Links” tab and applications for the scholarship are due by June of each calendar year.
Kyle McAfee
MOTO PT IMPROVE YOUR MOVE
WORDS: DR. MATT DAUGHERTY
Why Dorsiflexion Matters More Than You Think
As an orthopedic manual physical therapist who works closely with moto athletes, I’ve seen firsthand how much your performance and injury risk hinge on the small details—like your ankle’s ability to move. Specifically, I’m talking about ankle dorsiflexion, or the ability of your foot to move upward toward your shin.
You might not think about dorsiflexion much when you’re flying through a section or hammering through a rhythm lane, but trust me—it plays a critical role in your ride. Whether you’re shifting gears, braking, standing in the attack position, or absorbing impact on rough terrain, your ankle has to move efficiently. And when it can’t? You compensate somewhere else… which often leads to reduced performance, early fatigue, or even injury.
What’s “Normal” Dorsiflexion?
In a healthy ankle, we expect about 35-40 degrees of dorsiflexion in a weight-bearing position (knee over toe when your foot is on the ground). That gives you enough range to handle normal weight shifts on the footpegs during tight woods sections to absorbing impacts through your legs when blitzing the whoops. Less than that, and your body starts to adapt in ways that put strain on the rest of your lower extremities.
Why It’s Crucial on the Bike
Shock Absorption: When your ankle dorsiflexes properly, it helps your body absorb impact forces— especially important during landings, sudden changes in terrain, and hard braking.
Foot Controls: Whether you’re operating the rear brake or the shifter, dorsiflexion is necessary to maintain precise control without fatiguing your foot or lower leg.
Body Position: In the standing attack position, lack of dorsiflexion can cause you to shift weight awkwardly, pulling your knees forward or hips back, compromising your center of gravity.
What Can Limit Dorsiflexion?
It’s not just about tight calves. There are several structures that can restrict dorsiflexion:
Gastrocnemius & Soleus: Tight calf muscles are
the most obvious culprits.
Tibialis Posterior & Flexor Hallucis Longus: These deeper muscles can limit ankle mobility when overworked or tight.
Talocrural Joint: This is the main ankle joint. If it’s stiff or not gliding properly, dorsiflexion takes a hit.
Talocalcaneal Joint (Subtalar): Limited motion here can cause compensations up or down the chain.
1st Tarsometatarsal (TMT) Joint Pathology: This one surprises a lot of riders. If your midfoot isn’t stable or mobile, it can block proper foot mechanics during dorsiflexion.
Quick Self-Test
Here’s an easy screen you can do right now: the Knee-to-Wall Test.
- Knee in a lunge position facing a wall with your bare front foot 4 inches away from your longest toe.
- Try to touch your front knee to the wall while keeping your heel down.
- If you can’t touch the wall without your heel lifting, you have limited dorsiflexion and need to address it.
What You Can Do
Manual therapy, joint mobilizations, soft tissue release, and targeted stretching can work wonders. As a PT, I often combine those with strength and neuromuscular control drills to help riders not just move better, but ride longer, with more precision, and less risk of injury.
Don’t ignore your ankles—they’re doing more work than you think.
Need help figuring out what’s holding your dorsiflexion back? Hit me up for a session or mobility screen. Your performance—and your joints—will thank you. 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 904-3955379. 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
race TECH TIPS with JESSE ANSLEY
The Importance of Chain Tension on a Dirt Bike
When it comes to maintaining and setting up your bike, many suspension. However, one of the most crucial yet often overlook tension. Proper chain tension plays a key role in performance, safety, and the longevity of both the b and its components. Let’s explore why chain tension matters and how to keep it properly adjus
A loose chain can cause sluggish acceleration, inconsistent power delivery, and even slipp other hand, an overly tight chain creates excessive friction, reducing power and making the to control. Incorrect tension doesn’t just affect the chain; it impacts the sprockets and components. A loose chain can lead to premature sprocket wear, while a tight chain can put u strain on the engine and transmission. Maintaining the correct tension also results in a smoo a properly adjusted chain absorbs bumps and provides better traction and handling. Enginee design the ideal chain tension not just for durability but because it significantly affects ho handles.
Before each ride, always check your chain tension. Some riders prefer t he old-school measuring with three fingers behind the chain slider, while others opt for a modern measure from companies like Works Connection. The best approach is to consult your bike's owner’s the manufacturer's recommended specifications and adjust the tension accordingly. In our sh with a wide variety of makes and models, so we custom-cut and label aluminum bar stock fo ensuring the chain is set perfectly every time. Contact us to get yours custom made today!
For more information on suspension and fine-tuning, please visit our TFsuspension.com to learn more about this race tech tip.
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
ALORA Riding Tips with Alex Lugar
What’s up guys, hope you’re all doing well and I hope you all enjoyed the last entry! With some faster races coming up, I wanted to talk about how to approach those tracks and maybe give some insight on how to get yourself more confident in the high speeds! This entry, we’re going to discuss how to set yourself up to carry more speed through the fields, free time, and overall technique for these situations!
For starters, let’s talk about the basics. When you think of speed in a straight away, what’s the first thing that comes to mind? For me, it’s drag racing. When it comes to drag racing, more specifically drag bikes, think of how they set themselves up to go as fast as possible. Smooth throttle delivery and on the seat. If you’ve ever done a motocross start or even just watching pro racing, there’s a reason these guys sit down when they’re accelerating hard. It’s easier! Standing up takes a lot of energy, as well as a lot more control to achieve the same speeds. That’s given you can keep the front end down.
Granted it’s all situational, but generally speaking, we want to get as much speed and as much drive as efficiently as possible. So starting from the “ground” up, we focus on driving our weight into the pegs through our feet. This allows us to maximize traction into the rear wheel while also helping to keep us planted in our seated position. Next, we move up to the hips/back area. Being sure to have our spine nice and neutral to really allow for us to fully use those muscles as well as engage our core if needed. As we get to the arms, we shouldn’t be holding on for dear life. We don’t want to death grip as that will lead to more energy wasted and in most cases, arm pump. From there, it’s all about the head. Being sure to drive that head forward to really help keep our weight moving in the right direction is key. So putting that chin almost directly over the handlebars is what we’re looking for.
All of that said, sometimes you are forced to stand. Whether it be rough conditions, an upcoming obstacle, or something else. When standing it’s almost the exact same set up. Head driving forward, feet planted, arms not too tight, but now being sure to be in a nice neutral position with the majority of our body. Getting too far over the front will lead to the rear kicking and getting too far off the back can lead to a loop out. Being sure to stay aware of what is coming up by looking far ahead is a great way to know when it’s time to sit or when it’s time to stand.
Now let’s talk corners. When coming into our corners, we want to have a nice wide berth. Think of F1 or road racing. Those riders open up the corner as much as possible to set themselves up towards to get to the middle/inside of the track by the apex of the corner. Now this is where a lot of guys go wrong. Most riders ride straight down the middle/inside on entry which creates for a tighter angle, a rougher track, and just an overall slower set up.
By opening up our corner and coming in from the outside we’ll be able to carry more speed, dodge more bumps, and have the option to cut out early or ride the main line through the turn.
Free time. You might’ve read that and wondered what I could possibly be talking about. Well, “free time” to me, is time that is able to be made up on the track with little to no effort. You can take any person no matter the skill level and they can go fast in a straight away. So when you are on the race course or riding at the track, there’s absolutely zero reason to ever treat our straight sections as anything less. Lots of guys will cruise down these sections when if you stuck them in an open field or on a road they’d have no problem holding it wide open. This leaves a lot of time on the table. Whether it’s a 20 Ft straight between turns in the woods, or a 100 yard straight out in the fields. There’s almost always time left on the table by just pure laziness or lack of intensity. So making sure that we are maximizing our speed in each straight section is a super easy way to get “free time” and cut your lap times down with nothing but a simple twist of the throttle!
A big thing to be mindful of as I mentioned earlier is looking ahead. The faster the section, the quicker things will come up on you, so the further ahead you need to look. We never want to get surprised by a bump, root, stump, or anything that might be in the trail that could lead to a mistake or even worse, a big crash. So being sure to respect the track, even in these faster easier sections is huge. Never get too comfortable and relaxed in fast sections because you never know when you might not see a bump and at those speeds, it’s almost impossible to save it!
Now remember, don’t go try to be a hero, make sure you ease into things and practice it before trying to go wide open on lap one of a race! Best of luck to you all at these closing rounds, enjoy the fun fast flowy tracks and stay safe! You can find more tips and tricks as well as schedules for upcoming camps on my Instagram @alexlugaroffroadacademy!
March is a great time for racing in Florida. Although the harescramble series only has one race in March, there are lots of options for other series and races. In March alone, there is the Florida round of GNCC at Hogwaller, Red Bull Day in the Dirt at Dade City, and the popular midweek Alligator Enduro. Out of these three races, I elected to race the GNCC. It was a rough one. I raced the morning race in the Sportsman A class but the track was still brutal with the deep sand whoops, monster mud holes and big roots.
This race is always difficult because the sand is deep and the whoops are the biggest I’ve seen at any track I’ve ever visited. It’s the constant up and down that makes the race so taxing physically. Speaking of up and down, have you looked at your 401K or investment accounts lately? Coming off two great market years in a row, 2025 has started a little bumpy.
The market has taken a big dive in March and we are uncertain about what the near-term future holds for the market. If you are getting close to retirement, these are the kinds of corrections that can cause retirement plans to get derailed. If you would like a second opinion on your investment strategy or retirement plan, give me a call.
Investment Advisory Services offered through Continuum Advisory, LLC, a Registered Investment Advisor, located at 873 E. State Street, Eagle, ID83616. Mosaic Financial Group is not an affiliate of Continuum Advisory, LLC but is a DBA (doing business as) of Continuum Advisory. For More information on Continuum Advisory, visit https://adviserinfo.sec.gov/firm/summary/283155
Photo by Photoman386
RIDER: JOHN ELLISON
PHOTO: GARREN WRIGHT
Photo by Photoman386
9-1-2024
9-14/15-2024
2024-2025
EVENT SCHEDULE
2-1/2-2025
