™
MAY 2025
COLTON LAWSON Photo by Clint Kison
MAY 2025
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FLORIDA TRAIL RIDERS™
MAY 2025
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WHO TO CONTACT
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CHAPLAIN’s CORNER
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WHAT’s NEW 12 25-26 SCHEDULE 13 ARMADILLO TOP 20
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SAFETY GEAR ARTICLE
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FEATURES
PREZ SEZ 8
MotoPT 20 TECH TIP 22 ALORA RIDING TIPS
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EVENT SCHEDULE 31
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 Photo by Clint Kison
FLORIDA TRAIL RIDERS™
MAY 2025
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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
FLORIDA TRAIL RIDERS™
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 & OFFICERS 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
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
AA/A HARE SCRAMBLE Troy Gardner (561) 329-7866 troyracing41@gmail.com
HARE SCRAMBLE CHAIRMAN Randy Rash (954) 931-5709 hschair@floridatrailriders.org
B/C HARE SCRAMBLE VACANT SPECIALTY A/B HARE SCRAMBLE Paul Lucas (305) 244-7531 happytimesamuse@msn.com
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
MAY 2025
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PRES SEZ. WORDS: RANDY FAUL
Not Done Yet
of riding, especially the off-road scene. Say what you want, but As we wind down the Hare Scram- when you line up with one minute ble events, we still have several to go, the same butterflies from Enduros left on the schedule to get doing motocross 50-60 years ago that last minute ride in before it are still fresh and alive as we wait gets too hot to do anything. Howto hear the ten second warning ever, there’s some of us out there and then its game on. There must that just like to be punished and be something to this dirt bike will continue to visit our secret thing as I’ve witnessed young kids locations along with a few trips grow up through the FTR, go to to Miami MX, MotoBros and Dade college, be part of the workforce, City to keep from getting rusty. get married, have a family and Riding is about having fun with come back with their children and a little bench racing to go along make the weekend out of riding with it. I had that opportunity to their bikes/quads with the endo some of that at the last Hare tire family riding. We are a very Scramble event, the Melon Bash ll unique family that a lot of today's event. Long time friend and fearworld is missing out on as we try less competitor Roland Lyons and and navigate the world's punches myself had probably the best time that are thrown at us daily. My during our entire career of racing hats off to all of you reading this each other as we were talking to as you and your family are part of each other going across the fields the success that makes our sport side by side and even touched fists great! From the parents, grandas neither one of us cared about parents, friends and relatives, you who finished where at the end. all are part of an ever-growing opportunity to make memories, tell Stuff like this is what makes our stories and bench race, just don’t sport as great as it is, as both of do it going across a pasture at race us have been racing since we were speed as these two old guys did! youngins and we are still doing it into our 70’s. There’s not much Thanks for listening, else that keeps my mind young like being involved with any type Randy Faul
FLORIDA TRAIL RIDERS™
CHAPLAIN’s CORNER WORDS: JIM EDLESTON Starting Line to Checkered Flag… “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” 2 Timothy 4:7 This weekend is the Melon Bash hare scramble put on by Old School Dirt Riders. The club has put on a stellar event. When you see them at the banquet, please give them the “thank you!!!s they deserve. This upcoming week is Holy Week with the most wonderful climax next Sunday… Resurrection Day!!!!! The whole meaning of Resurrection Day (Easter) can best be described in one famous scripture…
Desde la línea de salida a la bandera de cuadros... "He peleado la buena batalla, he terminado la carrera, he mantenido la fe". 2 Timoteo 4:7 Este fin de semana se celebra el “Melon Bash”, organizada por Old School Dirt Riders. El club ha organizado un evento espectacular. Cuando los vean en el banquete, por favor, denles las gracias que se merecen. Esta semana que viene es Semana Santa y su momento más importante y maravilloso será el próximo domingo… ¡¡¡El Día de Resurrección!!!! El significado completo
John 3:16, “This is how much God loved the world: He gave his Son, his one and only Son. And this is why: so that no one need be destroyed; by believing in him, anyone can have a whole and (ever)lasting life.” God… Our Creator (Gen.1:1, In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth), our Provider (Psalm 145:16, You open Your hand and satisfy the desire of every living thing.), our Protector (Isaiah 41:10 - Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.)
Loved the world…(1 John 4:16 - So we have come to know and to believe the love that God has for us. God is love, and whoever abides in love abides in God, and God abides in him.) He gave His Son, His one and only Son… (Romans 8:32 He who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all, how will he not also with him graciously give us all things?) And this is why, so that no one need to be destroyed; by believing in Him anyone can have a whole and (ever)lasting life… (Romans 6:23, For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ
del Día de la Resurrección (Pascua) se describe mejor en una famosa escritura: Juan 3:16: «Tanto amó Dios al mundo, que dio a su Hijo, su único Hijo. Y esta es la razón: para que nadie tenga que ser destruido; creyendo en él, todos pueden tener vida plena y eterna».
mi justicia).
Dios … Nuestro Creador (Gén. 1:1, En el principio creó Dios los cielos y la tierra), nuestro Proveedor (Salmo 145:16, Abres tu mano, y sacias el deseo de todo ser viviente), nuestro Protector (Isaías 41:10 - No temas, porque yo estoy contigo; no desmayes, porque yo soy tu Dios que te esfuerzo; siempre te ayudaré, siempre te sustentaré con la diestra de
Él dio a su Hijo, a su único Hijo… (Romanos 8:32 - El que no escatimó ni a su propio Hijo, sino que lo entregó por todos nosotros, ¿cómo no nos dará también con él todas las cosas?)
Amó al mundo… (1 Juan 4:16 - Y nosotros hemos llegado a conocer y creer el amor que Dios tiene para con nosotros. Dios es amor, y el que permanece en amor permanece en Dios, y Dios permanece en él.)
Y por esto, para que nadie tenga que ser destruido, creyendo en Él cualquiera puede tener vida plena y eterna… (Romanos 6:23 -
MAY 2025
Jesus our Lord.) As you are reading this Resurrection Day will have passed. The wonderful guarantee from Jesus is His love for us who believe in Him will never end. That free gift is waiting for you to accept. Call out to Jesus, HE WILL ANSWER!!!!! Blessings on and off the road, Jim and Betty Edleston (386) 235-1022 Porque la paga del pecado es muerte, mas la dádiva de Dios es vida eterna en Cristo Jesús Señor nuestro.) Mientras lees esto, el Día de la Resurrección habrá pasado. La maravillosa garantía de Jesús es que su amor por quienes creemos en él nunca terminará. Ese regalo gratuito espera que lo aceptes. Clama a Jesús, ¡ÉL TE RESPONDERÁ! Bendiciones desde la carretera y el monte, Jim y Betty Edleston Capellán de FTR (386) 235-1022
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FLORIDA TRAIL RIDERS™
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MAY 2025
CONTACT US
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WHAT’s NEW?
SAVE THE DATE
NEW WEBSITE!
The FTR Awards Banquet will be held on July 12, 2025 at the Doubletree Hilton at Sea World Orlando.
Have you seen the new website? After many years the FTR website received an update!
More info to come...
Check it out at floridatrailriders.com
FLORIDA TRAIL RIDERS™
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
MAY 2025
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winner winner.
Holly Langford grabbed her fourth win of the season at the Armadillo Enduro in Lake Butler. Holly is looking to close out the Women’s class title at the next two races.
Photo by Photoman386
FLORIDA TRAIL RIDERS™
RACER
CLASS
BRAND
TIME
1
Scott Gawler Jr.
AA
HSQ
2:13:07
2
Gavin Sievenpiper
AA KTM 2:18:40
3
Mitchell McRee Vet A KTM 2:20:12
4
Alexander Ashworth
AA YAM 2:23:02
5
Corey Pierce
A 250
6
Mark Anthony Vet A YAM 2:26:21
7
Josh Tolken AA KTM 2:26:39
8
Mose Howard Sen A YAM 2:28:19
9
Michael Russell Vet A KTM 2:30:37
10
Sebastian Riguard
Schoolboy KTM
2:31:03
11
Nick Tallaksen
A Open
KTM
2:31:09
12
Clark Myers
A Open
KTM
2:31:24
13
Derek Folle B 250
14
Joslie Cutillas
15
Kurt Lucas A 200
16
Nicklas Lohe Schoolboy KTM 2:32:04
17
Sean Sweeney
18
AJ Davis Vet A GAS 2:32:15
19
Benjamin Fricks
A Open
KTM
2:32:45
20
Benjamin Wacha
A 250
YAM
2:32:59
YAM
KAW 2:31:36
Sup Sen A GAS
A Open
2:24:39
ARMADILLO ENDURO TOP 20 OVERALL
2:31:42
KAW 2:31:55
KTM
MAY 2025
2:32:10 * Gold lettering denotes FTR member
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FLORIDA TRAIL RIDERS™
RIDER: LEONARDO ROSA PHOTO: TYLER MILLER
MAY 2025
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WHAT IS IN YOUR GEAR BAG? Words: Donny Richardson It doesn't matter if you're the smoothest rider or you're having an out of control moment, pain doesn't discriminate when crashing and having the proper gear could minimize a painful experience from a get off or crash. We all know that it is not a matter of if it will happen but when it will happen. Riding / racing can be dangerous, we all know that but we don’t let that stop us, so let’s do all we can to make our body’s as protected as possible. First let’s take a look at what FTR/AMA requires. 1. A helmet must be worn in all events. Helmets must carry a Safety Helmet Council of America seri alized sticker and be on the SHCA approved list. All helmets must be full coverage or full facial units (no shorties). 2. It is recommended that footwear, a minimum of eight inches high and either laced, multi-buckled, zippered or especially designed and constructed for leg and foot protection be worn. Boots must be worn at all events. 3. It is recommended that shatterproof goggles or face shields be worn. Some type of eye protection must be worn by all riders. 4. It is recommended that protective pants be worn. These may be of leather or other durable material subject to approval by the referee. No shorts. It is also recommended that long-sleeved shirts be worn. 5. Youth riders per AMA requirements (added in 2023) must wear chest/back protectors. You will not be allowed to compete without it. I am not here to debate whether we agree with these rules, just that these are the rules in our current rule book. With that said, there are many other pieces of equipment that can provide us added protection. Yes, I realize that many of these pieces of equipment can be expensive and when buying gear for a family of racers it can add up very quickly. However let me ask you this, what is more important than you and your family’s safety? You wouldn’t send your racer out on his motorcycle with a front tire ready to fall off, that’s dangerous, so why would you send a racer out
without the most readily available protective gear possible? The Basics 1. Helmet - helmet should be appropriate size, should be the latest safety standards, and should be replaced any time the integrity of it has been compromised. Remember this protects your brain. 2. Goggles - obviously these protect your eyes. Many times I see riders with their goggles off due to weather etc. however remember you only get 1 set of eyes and it only takes 1 piece of debris to lose an eye permanently. 3. Boots - protect the foot, ankle and lower leg from everything from rocks thrown at you off the tire of the racer in front of you to burns from your exhaust in the event you end up under the bike. 4. Pants and shirt – no brainer here. You cannot ride in your underwear. Appropriate pants and shirts provide minimum protection to your skin from all the elements. 5. Gloves - Like pants and shirts these protect your hands from the elements. Some even have rubber like palms that help with gripping the handle bars. The Extras (1 & 3 should be no brainers) 1. Neck brace - the premise is to redirect the forces that stress the neck onto other parts of the body. This is known as axial loading. An example of this would be going over the bars and landing on you head. Braces also work to limit the extreme range of motion in the neck during a crash known as hyperextension or hyperflexion. There are many types available from the race collar which is inexpensive to the neck brace that can cost several hundred dollars. So, I ask you how much money a trip to the ER is and potentially the wheelchair and rest of your life care cost as compared to the cost of a brace? The bottom line here is, again, you only have 1 spine and spinal cord, I suggest you do everything you can to protect it. A properly fitted brace will not cause limited visibility as some riders think. And if your friends say that you will break your collar bone because of it they are
FLORIDA TRAIL RIDERS™
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! wrong. Here is the study - https://www.actionsportsems.com/case-study-neck-brace 2. Adults - Chest protector / roost guard – protect your chest area from debris coming off the tires of the riders in front of you, also take the impact when hitting the soil and spread it out over the entire chest area instead of a specific point of impact thus hopefully lessening the insult to the body. Trust me your ribs will thank you. These come in many styles and costs to fit everyone and your budget. 3. Knee guards / knee braces – guards are just that. They are usually made from a hard plastic designed to protect the knee and shin from rocks etc. and offer NO protection from a hyperextension or hyperflexion type injury. They are very inexpensive and are at the least a good start for all riders. Knee braces provide the hyperextension and hyperflexion protection as well as the majority of them have the knee cup for added protection to the front of the knee. Yes these can be very expen-
sive so keep this in mind, anything is better than nothing, you get what you pay for and lastly they are cheaper than an MRI and the potential surgery post a knee injury. Remember we all take care of our motorcycles so that they perform flawlessly during a race, so why not make sure your body has the most protection to take you to the checkered flag safely. Feel free to reach out to me anytime if you want / need more information on injury prevention and the gear we ride/race in. See you all at the next race, Donny Richardson Rider Safety Coordinator RN EMT/P
MAY 2025
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The Elbows Up Dilemma: Why the Classic Attack Position Might Be Hard on Your Shoulders
MOTO
PT
IMPROVE
YOUR MOVE WORDS: DR. MATT DAUGHERTY Orthopedic Physical Therapist and Racer
If you’ve spent any time at the track or on the trail, you’ve heard it a thousand times: “Elbows up!” It’s a foundational cue in dirt bike and ATV riding, especially when you're learning or trying to go faster. And don’t get me wrong—it has its place. The elbows-up attack position helps with control, leverage, and quick body positioning when riding aggressively. Internal Rotation and the Shoulder Joint When you bring your elbows up and out in that aggressive riding stance, you’re putting your shoulder into a position of internal rotation, especially if your wrists are rolled forward and your elbows are flared outward. This is common when gripping wide bars, sitting in a forward crouch, or loading into corners. Internal rotation, by itself, isn’t a bad thing. Your shoulder needs to rotate inward for tons of movements—throwing a ball, reaching across your body, and yes, riding a dirt bike. But prolonged internal rotation under tension, like when gripping handlebars while absorbing vibration, shock, and impact, can add up—especially if your shoulder mechanics aren’t perfect to begin with. Why Internal Rotation Can Hurt There are a few key musculoskeletal reasons why this position might start to hurt your shoulder over time: 1. Impingement of the Rotator Cuff Tendons Your rotator cuff is a group of four small but mighty muscles that keep your shoulder joint centered and stable. When your shoulder is in internal rotation— especially when combined with elevation (like your elbow lifted out to the side)—it reduces the subacromial space, where these tendons pass through. Less space = more chance of these tendons getting pinched or rubbed raw, especially the supraspinatus. This is one of the top causes of chronic shoulder pain in racers. 2. Tight Posterior Shoulder Capsule Many riders (especially those who train hard, lift weights, or ride often) develop a tight posterior capsule—the back part of the shoulder joint. When this tissue gets stiff, it forces the head of your humerus (upper arm bone) forward during internal rotation, which further increases impingement and restricts clean movement. It can feel like a dull ache
FLORIDA TRAIL RIDERS™
or deep pinch at the front of the shoulder. 3. Overuse of the Internal Rotators Muscles like the subscapularis, pec major, and latissimus dorsi are strong internal rotators. If these muscles are overactive or tight from riding, gym work, or even poor posture, they can overpower the smaller external rotators (like the infraspinatus and teres minor). This muscle imbalance sets the stage for instability, poor scapular control, and, eventually, pain. So What Can You Do? Here’s the deal—I’m not telling you to throw away the elbows-up position. It is just a position you might need to address the cause of pain to make sure it is healthy for you. Try mixing it up. Let your elbows drop and your shoulders externally rotate when you don’t need to be in full attack mode. Also, if you’re dealing with shoulder discomfort, take it seriously early. A few simple changes and exercises can make a huge difference. MotoPT’s Quick Shoulder Tips: Post-ride mobility: Use a lacrosse ball or foam roller to release your pecs and lats. Stretch the posterior shoulder with a cross arm stretch. Strengthen your external rotators: Add banded external rotations, prone YTWs, and scapular control drills to your weekly routine. Check your cockpit setup: Bars that are too wide, or controls angled too far forward, can exaggerate internal rotation and make things worse. Riding doesn’t have to hurt. If your shoulders barking at you, it might be time to rethink that elbows-up habit. As always, if you need help tailoring your strength or rehab plan, hit me up. I’m MotoPT— keeping you in the saddle, strong and pain-free. 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
MAY 2025
21
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
FLORIDA TRAIL RIDERS™
ALORA Riding Tips with Alex Lugar
Hey guys hope you’re all doing well! Since we’ve reached the end of the season, I wanted to talk about starting your preparation for the next one! Obviously with the end of the season it’s nice to take a little break from the long year and reflect on how it went. Trying to figure out how you can get better and possibly reflecting on some of the good and some of the bad. I always found that as I transitioned into “off-season” I was just getting started. In all my years I’ve always felt my best towards the end of each season, so it was always frustrating when it came to a close. With that said, one thing that I recommend is taking a little break. Granted if you are like me it’s very difficult but you don’t want to peak over the off-season and be burnt out come the start of the following. Whether this be rolling back on your training or just going to ride strictly for fun. It’s good to take a week or two, but after that it’s time to start planning a structured off-season program. Whether it be
riding every weekend, going to the gym, or even just trying to get any seat time. Take the time to sit down and come up with yours. When you start to build your program you can start by reflecting on your season and pinning down what you felt you struggled with most. If it was fitness, maybe it’s time to start working with a coach. If it was raw speed, take to the moto tracks and work on your intensity. Or if it was riding technique/skills induced, look for a riding coach. Everyone’s program will be different but it’s good to hone in on your biggest struggles. Starting with our fitness base, finding a good gym is key. The importance of proper strength on the bike has been undersold over the last few decades. It’s not all about riding a bicycle, as much as that helps with cardio, what good is it when it’s not paired with strength? Adding a proper weight lifting routine is just as important as getting that cardio off the bike. If you don’t know where to start, find a
good trustworthy coach. Whether it be an online program or at a local gym. Looking for speed can be a very tricky one. Breaking through a plateau can be extremely difficult. You have to step out of that comfort zone. Something my coach once said was you must raise your race pace or your “95%”. Well to raise that 95% without just racing at 100%, you must raise your 100%. Elevating the pace while training or during practice is crucial. Putting yourself in local moto racing, GP events, or even just getting in some high intensity drills are a few great ways to do it. Keep it fun and keep it safe though, as good as sprints are, they can be very taxing and somewhat risky. So always go to the track with a plan. Now maybe it comes down to your technique. Technique is not a very difficult thing to learn, but you have to put in the hours and be okay with slowing down to get better. You also have to be okay with knowing there will always be
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more to learn. Breaking bad habits and learning new techniques can be very tedious. It takes months of practice to break habits. You also have to make sure you're riding at a pace that is safe to learn at. That said, it might be the most important part here. Poor technique leads to bad efficiency which affects fitness. It also leads to slower riding as well as puts us at risk for more crashes. Taking the time to work corner drills, brake drills, single track drills, or whatever it may be. Pro, A, B, C, Vet, or Youth, anyone can improve over this off-season if you take the time to have a plan and do it right. So make sure you all get to know yourselves and figure out what you need to do. It can seem like a lot but I can guarantee the end results will be worth it! I also hope you all enjoy the off-season and be sure to keep it fun. For more content, be sure to check out @alexlugaroffroadacademy on Instagram. Hope to see you all at banquet!
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THE ARCHIVES Excerpts from the April 1992 issue of the Florida Trail Riders Magazine.
Established 1971
FLORIDA TRAIL RIDERS™
813-502-1228 sclark@mosaicfingroup.com mosaicfingroup.com We are winding down on the FTR series. After finishing up the harescramble series and just a couple enduros to go, the 2025 FTR season is coming to a close. As we reflect on the last year, maybe some of you are proud of your accomplishments. Maybe for others you are ready to work hard to improve. No matter how you feel about your 2025 season, the offseason is a great time to prepare. Get the oil changed in your suspension, get in better physical shape, and work on those problem areas of your game. These are all great ways to use the off season effectively. We always tell our clients that about 5-10 years before retirement is the time to get prepared. This the time where goals start changing. As goals change, investments should change as well. The amount of risk you took when you are 30 is not he same when you are age 60. You have less time so it is time to reevaluate risk. If you are interested in seeing how much risk you are taking with your investments, give my office a call and we can schedule a complimentary consultation. 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
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FLORIDA TRAIL RIDERS™
RIDER: SPENCER ST. JOHN PHOTO: CLINT KISON
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FLORIDA TRAIL RIDERS™
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FLORIDA TRAIL RIDERS™
2024-2025 EVENT SCHEDULE 9-1-2024
Enduro #1
Little Brown Jug Enduro
Union, SC
9-15-2024
Enduro #2
Diamondback Enduro
New Augusta, MS
9-14/15-2024
HS #1
Big Scrub Trail Riders
Lake Butler, FL
9-29-2024
Enduro #3
Orange State Enduro
Croom, FL
11-3-2024
Enduro #4
Gobbler Getter Enduro
Maplesville, AL
11-9/10-2024
HS #2
Central Florida Trail Riders
Bartow, FL
11-24-2024
Enduro #5
St. Mary’s Shoals Enduro
Glen St. Mary, FL
12-7/8-2024
HS #3
Sarasota Area Dirt Riders
Bartow, FL
1-4/5-2025 HS #4 Suncoast Trailblazers Brooksville, FL 1-18/19-2025
HS #5
Palm Beach Track & Trail
Okeechobee, FL
2-1/2-2025
HS #6
Treasure Coast Trail Riders
Indiantown, FL
2-15/16-2025
HS #7
Daytona Dirt Riders Ormond Beach, FL
3-6-2025 Enduro #6 Alligator Enduro Ormond Beach, FL 3-15/16-2025
HS #8
Nature Coast Trail Blazers
Dade City, FL
4-12/13-2025
HS #9
Old School Dirt Riders
Punta Gorda, FL
4-27-2025 Enduro #7 Armadillo Enduro Lake Butler, FL 5-18-2025
Enduro #8
Straight Arrow Enduro
Richloam, FL
5-25-2025 Enduro #9 Cherokee Enduro Greensboro, GA
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FLORIDA TRAIL RIDERS™