Hayden Stevens
Photo by Garren Wright
Photo by Tyler Miller
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) 759-1474 ftrforester@gmail.com
AREA #9 - Manatee, Sarasota, Hardee, DeSoto, Highlands
Brian Dugre (941) 893-7898 brian@mycentec.com
AREA #10 - Okeechobee, St. Lucie, Martin
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
Back in the Saddle – Again
Last month, I shared a little about the fun I’ve been having getting back in the saddle after a three-year layoff—along with the usual shenanigans that come with riding alongside one of my fellow racers and longtime friends. Seems like some of us just can’t get enough of the abuse. You’d think that in the middle of summer, numbers at places like Croom or private riding areas would be a little lower. Wrong!
While most folks stick to what they’re comfortable with, some of us apparently need to relive our teenage years by rolling up to the local motocross track. You’d assume all the number plates would be white or black since, well, it’s a moto track. Wrong again!
At one of the local facilities, I saw a whole rainbow of background colors and letters. I figured it being a weeknight, it might be quiet—but as I started unloading, familiar faces started rolling in with the same idea I had. Only difference? I didn’t see any “legends” or “elite riders” hanging around. But let’s be honest—did I really expect to see any grey hairs out that late?
Once I got back on the bike, I remembered that this is still a real workout, and the focus level required is no joke. Thankfully, I made it home in one piece—but let me tell you, the aches and pains came on strong, and I didn’t even hit the ground. Since this place is only 30 minutes from home, I have a feeling I’ll be making more regular visits. Time to get those aches in check and, if I keep Clint Eastwood’s words in mind—“A man’s got to know his limitations”—maybe I won’t have to break out the Medicare card.
Speaking of medical, how about the article in the April issue from Larry Kuhn on our Medical Team? That entire crew is second to none. Always on point. Always there for us. In all my years around this sport, I haven’t seen another organization with the same level of expertise, professionalism, and care that our FTR medical team provides. I’m incredibly proud and thankful to have this group supporting us at every event.
Thank you all for being there. You are truly appreciated.
As always,
Thanks for listening, Randy Faul
CHAPLAIN’s CORNER
A couple of weeks ago, I had a lab appointment for bloodwork. It was a rainy Monday morning, I had a hearing to prepare for, it was 7 a.m., and I hadn’t eaten. In other words, I was feeling sorry for myself.I grumbled to God about how bad I felt— tired, stressed, and discouraged—and told Him He really needed to do something to pull me out of this funk. But I’ll be honest: my mood and my doubts had me convinced that nothing was going to change.
There were just three of us in the waiting room. The first person called back was another gentleman, leaving a lady and me. I noticed she was visibly upset, quietly crying. I had no idea what she was going through. A lab assistant came over and tried
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
Hace un par de semanas tuve una cita para un análisis de sangre. Era un lunes lluvioso, tenía que prepararme para una audiencia, eran las siete de la mañana y no había comido. En otras palabras, me compadecía de mí mismo.
Me quejé con Dios de lo mal que me sentía y de que realmente necesitaba hacer algo para aliviar ese mal humor. Mi mal humor y mis dudas humanas me hicieron pensar que nada cambiaría.
Éramos tres esperando para
WORDS: JIM EDLESTON
to comfort her, but it didn’t seem to help.
Then I felt a gentle nudge from the Holy Spirit: “Go talk to her.” I walked over and asked if I could pray with her. I won’t share the details of her pain—that’s not mine to tell—but I will say this: what followed was powerful. I had the privilege of being there as Jesus met her in that moment. I watched her release her anxiety, her grief, and all the weight she was carrying.
When I was called back for my lab work, I asked the assistant to take her first instead. She was brought into another room, and I ended up with the same assistant who had tried earlier to console her. As it turned out, she was a believer too. We prayed
los análisis de laboratorio. El primero en ser llamado fue otro caballero. Quedamos una señora y yo. La vi visiblemente alterada, llorando en silencio por qué, no tenía ni idea. El auxiliar de laboratorio la vio e intentó calmarla, pero fue en vano.
Sentí que el Espíritu de Dios me decía: "Ve a hablar con ella...". Me acerqué y me ofrecí a orar con ella. Los detalles de su dolor y su situación no importaban. Lo que siguió fue maravilloso. Tuve el privilegio de dejar que Jesús brillara a través de mí al verla liberar todo el dolor y la ansiedad que sentía.
Cuando me llamaron de nuevo, le pedí a la asistente que la
together for the woman in the other room.
As I was getting ready to leave, the now-composed woman came back into the room. She gave both the assistant and me a heartfelt hug and thanked us for praying with her.
I walked out of that clinic feeling like I was on top of the world. God had answered my prayer—not by changing my circumstances, but by allowing me to be a vessel of His love.
Matthew 7:7-11 says it this way: “Don’t bargain with God. Be direct. Ask for what you need. This isn’t a catand-mouse, hide-and-seek game we’re in… If your child asks for bread, do you trick
atendiera primero. La enviaron a una segunda habitación, y yo estaba con la asistente que me había contactado antes. Descubrí que ella también era creyente. Oramos juntas por la señora de la otra habitación.
Cuando me disponía a irme, la señora, ya serena, entró en la habitación y nos dio a la asistente de laboratorio y a mí un abrazo grupal, agradeciéndonos por orar por ella.
Salí de allí sintiéndome en la cima del mundo. Dios respondió plenamente a mi oración, dándome el privilegio de dejar que su amor se manifestara.
Mateo 7:7-11 lo
him with sawdust? If he asks for fish, do you scare him with a live snake on his plate?... So don’t you think the God who conceived you in love will be even better?”
The point is this: when you cry out to Him, He will answer. It may not always look the way you expect—but you can trust that His way is better.
Blessings on and off the road, Jim and Betty Edleston (386) 235-1022
dice así: «No negocien con Dios. Sean directos. Pidan lo que necesiten. No estamos jugando al gato y al ratón ni al escondite. Si su hijo les pide pan, ¿lo engañan con aserrín? Si les pide pescado, ¿lo asustan con una serpiente viva en el plato? Con lo malos que son, no pensarían en tal cosa. Al menos son buenos con sus propios hijos. ¿No creen, entonces, que el Dios que los concibió en amor será aún mejor?»
Lo que quiero decir es que cuando le invoques, Él te responderá. ¡Confía en Él!
Bendiciones desde la carretera y el monte,
Jim y Betty Edleston Capellán de FTR
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
October 10-11, 2025
October 25-26, 2025
November 2, 2025
November 8-9, 2025
November 23, 2025
December, 6-7, 2025
January 3-4, 2026
January 17-18, 2026
Jan/Feb 31-1 2026
February 14-15, 2026
March 1, 2026
March 5, 2026
March 14-15, 2026
April 11-12, 2026
April 19, 2026
May 31, 2026
September 6, 2026
September 20, 2026
September 27, 2026
October 10-11, 2026
October 24-15, 2026
November 1, 2026
November 7-8, 2026
November 15, 2026
November 21-22, 2026
Enduro #2 Orange State Croom, FL
HS #2 CFTR Bartow, FL
HS #3 SADRA Bartow, FL
Enduro #3 Gobbler Getter Maplesville, AL
HS #4 Sunrunners Bartow, FL
Enduro #4 St. Mary’s Shoals Macclenny, FL
HS #5 OSDR Punta Gorda, FL
HS #6 SCTB Brooksville, FL
HS #7 PBTTR Okeechobee, FL
HS #8 TCTR Indiantown, FL
HS #9 BSTR Lake Butler, FL
Enduro #5 Straight Arrow Richloam, FL
Enduro #6 Alligator Ormond Beach, FL
HS #10 NCTB Dade City, FL
HS #11 OSDR Punta Gorda, FL
Enduro #7 Armadillo Lake Butler, FL
Enduro #8 Cherokee Greensboro, GA
Enduro #9 Little Brown Jug Clinton, SC
Enduro #10 Diamondback New Augusta, MS
Enduro #11 Orange State Croom, FL
HS #12 CFTR Bartow, FL
HS #13 SADRA Bartow, FL
Enduro #12 Gobbler Getter Maplesville, AL
HS #14 Sunrunners Bartow, FL
Enduro #13 St. Mary’s Shoals Macclenny, FL
HS #15 OSDR Punta Gorda, FL
STRAIGHT ARROW ENDURO RACE REPORT
Words: Kurt Lucas
The 47th annual Straight Arrow Enduro returned to the calendar on May 18th, 2025, after being postponed from its original February date due to extremely wet conditions. Held deep in the swamps and forests of the Richloam Wildlife Management Area in Webster, Florida, this year’s event lived up to its reputation as one of the most grueling stops on the Florida Trail Riders (FTR) schedule. With brutal heat, relentless roots, and technical terrain, the course pushed riders to their limits both physically and mentally
Hosted by the Central Florida Trail Riders club, this event is known for dishing out whatever central Florida’s wilderness is serving — blistering dry sugar sand, bottomless black mud, or roots so slick they might as well be frozen. The terrain at Richloam, part of the larger Green Swamp East Tract, is a uniquely brutal combination of pine flatwoods, oak hammocks, and swamp-bottom singletrack. In Florida enduro lore, Richloam is legendary: a place where
suspension is tested, hydration packs run dry, and survival often trumps speed..
The event followed a traditional format with six tests, split into two loops. Riders completed Tests 1 through 3, took a much-needed lunch break, and then headed back out to tackle the same three tests again as Tests 4 through 6. But with the midday Florida sun beating down and no letup in the terrain, the second half felt even more punishing.
Test 1 was arguably the toughest of the day. Riders were immediately thrown into slick, root-infested trail with little chance to find a rhythm or warm up. The combination of moisture still lingering from spring rains and shaded canopy made for slippery conditions, and many riders found themselves wrestling with traction—or lack thereof— right from the drop of the flag. “That first test had no warmup,” said Roy Culbertson, who finished 2nd in B 250. “It felt like I got dropped into the middle of a motocross sprint
without a sight lap. My arms were blown out by mile two.”
Test 2 started out as a fan favorite, offering flowy singletrack and sweeping corners that allowed riders to open it up and find some speed. But just as confidence began to build, the trail transformed about halfway in. What was smooth and fast turned into a choppy, whooped-out nightmare, sapping momentum and energy as riders battled for control over nearly 8 miles of trail. “I was just getting into a groove, then it turned into a war zone,” said Seth Robbins, who snagged 3rd in Vet A. “It was like two completely different trails mashed into one. You had to adjust fast or end up in the bushes.”
Test 3 delivered on all the fun the Straight Arrow is known for. Winding through clear-cut sections, this test was wide open in spots and rewarded riders who still had the gas to twist the throttle. However, most riders were already worn down from the first two tests and the rising temperatures,
making it a challenge to fully capitalize on the speed.
Test 3 turned into a turning point for a lot of riders — especially those who pushed hard early. Dustin Kato, who was leading B Open after the first two tests, felt the toll of the heat and brutality of the terrain. “Test 3 just broke me,” Kato admitted. “I came out swinging early and felt solid, but by halfway through that test, it was like someone flipped a switch. The sun was baking us, the track was blown out, and I started making dumb mistakes. I was holding on more than I was riding. It felt like survival mode.”
After the lunch break, Tests 4 through 6 repeated the first three, and for many, the second loop felt like a different race entirely. The heat had climbed into the 90s by mid-afternoon, and fatigue became a major factor. Mistakes added up. Riders who had managed clean runs in the morning were suddenly struggling to stay upright, and
hydration became the biggest priority for anyone hoping to finish.
As always, the Straight Arrow Enduro delivered a brutally honest test of endurance and skill. It was less about who was fastest and more about who could survive the conditions. For veterans, it was a familiar battle. For first-timers, it was a hard-earned education in Florida enduro racing. And for everyone, it was a reminder why this race has earned its spot as one of the toughest and most respected on the FTR calendar.
Mitchell McRee (Vet A) claimed the overall win with a total time of 3:01:40, delivering consistently fast test times and setting the pace early with a dominant performance in Test 3. McRee’s combination of smooth riding and race management proved decisive in the later stages of the event.
Finishing second overall was Jake Mitchell (A 250) with a total time of 3:04:12. Mitchell was particularly strong in the
flowy sections of Test 2 and maintained competitive pace throughout the day, despite increasingly difficult conditions.
Jamie Hickey (Senior A) rounded out the overall podium, finishing third with a time of 3:06:48. Hickey impressed with disciplined riding and clean lines through some of the event’s roughest sections.
The fourth and fifth place finishers included Sean Sweeney (A Open) and Derek Folle (B 250). Each showed strong speed in the technical terrain and managed the heat well during the second loop.
Notably, Gage Strong finished eighth overall, the highest placement for a Schoolboy 12–16 rider. His performance across all six tests stood out as one of the day’s most impressive, particularly given the physical demands of the course.
champ.
After a season-long battle, Nicholas Tallaksen takes the A Open Enduro crown by just 5 points over Benjamin Fricks.
Photo by Photoman386
5 Tips for Staying in Shape this Offseason
1. Cross-Train Like You Mean It
Mix in cycling, rowing, or running to keep your cardio sharp without burning out on the bike. Think endurance rides for aerobic base and sprints for race intensity. Bonus: you’ll still feel fast without having to clean a filthy air filter.
2. Hit the Gym — Smart, Not Heavy
Focus on functional strength: core, grip, and legs. Prioritize movements like kettlebell swings, squats, sled pushes, and TRX rows. You don’t need bodybuilder arms — you need to hang on for two hours of chaos.
3. Keep It on Two Wheels (Occasionally)
Even in the offseason, try to ride at least twice a month — even if it’s a trail loop or a chill day at the track. Time off the bike feels good until you show up to Round 1 with baby deer legs.
4. Fix the Weak Links
Offseason is the time to rehab nagging injuries, improve flexibility, and actually stretch for once. Mobility work, foam rolling, and yoga aren’t glamorous, but they’ll keep you racing instead of sidelined.
5. Dial In Nutrition and Recovery
Fuel like you’re still racing: lean proteins, carbs to recover, and hydration always. Sleep like it’s your job. You won’t out-train poor recovery — not even with 8 espresso shots and a gas station protein bar.
“Getting into mountain bike racing was a game changer,” said Nick Doerr. “It keeps me competitive, helps me stay in shape, and honestly—it’s just fun. I’ve dropped weight, my endurance is better, and it keeps that fire lit even when I’m not lining up for an FTR race.”
Photo by Essential Media Productions
Photo by Gabriela Gamperl
MOTO PT IMPROVE YOUR MOVE
WORDS: DR. MATT DAUGHERTY
Orthopedic Physical Therapist and Racer
Reintroducing MotoPT: How I Can Help You Ride Stronger, Longer
If we haven’t met yet, I’m a longtime FTR member and founder of MotoPT. Since my first race in 2009, I’ve been hooked on hare scrambles and enduros, working my way up from 250C to Senior A. Over the years, I’ve seen FTR grow in talent and size—and with that comes increased competition, injuries, and the need for performance support. That’s where I come in.
Professionally, I’m a Doctor of Physical Therapy with a background in both clinical practice and teaching. I earned my master’s in occupational therapy in 2006, my DPT in 2007, and completed a rigorous fellowship in orthopedic manual therapy in 2010. I’ve since gone on to earn board certification in orthopedics, become a certified dry needling practitioner, and serve as a professor and mentor to future PTs. I’ve written textbook chapters, published research, and presented nationally and internationally on orthopedic rehab—all while continuing to treat athletes, including Olympic triathletes, AMA motorcycle champions, and, most importantly, FTR and GNCC racers like you.
Through MotoPT, I provide performance and injury support tailored to riders. From rehab to hands-on treatment and personalized movement coaching, my goal is simple: help you ride better, longer, and with less pain. I offer discounted PT sessions at the races, telehealth consults between events, and educational content online. Think of me as your “suspension tuner” for the body.
This month, I want to shift the conversation from flexibility and mobility to value—specifically, the economic value of physical therapy. Most people associate physical therapy with recovery after injury, but its preventative value is just as important—and cost-effective.
PT can correct imbalances, improve mechanics, and prevent chronic conditions before they start. Studies show that early PT reduces the need for surgeries, injections, imaging, and medication—saving money and downtime. In fact, the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) reports that every $1 spent on outpatient PT can lead to $4 in healthcare savings.
A recent analysis by an international consulting firm revealed the net financial benefit of PT for several common conditions:
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: $39,533
Knee Arthritis: $13,981
Tennis Elbow: $10,739
Low Back Pain: $4,160
Fall Prevention: $2,144
Those numbers speak for themselves. PT isn’t just a recovery tool—it’s an investment in your long-term health, riding longevity, and financial well-being.
If you’re looking to reduce pain, improve performance, or just stay on the bike longer, let’s talk. You can find me at the races, email me at contact@motopt.com, or text/call 904395-5379. You can also learn more at MotoPT.com.
Let’s IMPROVE YOUR MOVE so you can ride pain-free.
Dr. Matthew Daugherty
PT, DPT, OTR/L, MOT, DBA
Associate Professor
Board-Certified Orthopaedic Clinical Specialist
Fellow, American Academy of Orthopaedic
Manual Physical Therapists
Manual Therapy Certified Dry Needling Certified
Race tech tip with Jesse Ansley
Summer Bike Refresh: Get Ready
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ALORA Riding Tips with Alex Lugar
Hey everyone, hope you guys have been enjoying the off season thus far. This entry I wanted to touch on something that a lot of you are probably all too familiar with, the “Jett Lawrence effect”. Over the last few seasons of pro motocross and Supercross Jett has proven to be the perfect rider. His ability to pick lines and dissect a track is like no other. Now you may not be a fan per say, but nobody can deny the kids’ ability. Jett has been completely changing the game, like me, many of you likely can’t wrap your head around how he is so good.
When watching Jett, it almost looks effortless. That doesn’t mean he’s not riding hard, but he is perfect proof of what textbook technique looks like. To me Jett is the smartest and most calculated rider on the track. He is constantly evolving with the track and is always finding the most efficient ways to navigate his way around. Whether it be hopping bumps, jumping quads, or just generally finding better lines.
When it comes to keeping the bike happy, Jett is a master. Many of you have probably heard the broadcast team mention how “light” on the bike he stays. What they mean by this is how high in the stroke he keeps his sus-
pension. Never bottoming, never over riding, and overall, just keeping the chassis compliant. When it comes to the suspension side, think of that initial hit. The first inch or two of travel is plush and almost unnoticeable. So when it comes to bumps, it has a way of absorbing them much nicer than when you slam down into the middle or even bottom of the stroke.
That initial plushness makes it feel like things aren’t even there, whether it be roots, rocks, or small chop. So, keeping the bike as high in the stroke as possible is in turn making the bike much more compliant with whatever conditions you are faced with. Now that doesn’t come from clickers or a revalve for somebody like Jett. That comes from knowing when and where to properly load and unload the bike. We can load and unload the bike in many ways. Putting weight down or pulling it up off the pegs is one super simple way to load your bike. You also can use your throttle, getting on the throttle aggressively will add more load to the rear and vice versa. Then the easiest and most obvious one, sitting and standing.
Now when it comes to loading the bike you must think, what goes down must come up. When you
load a spring, it’s going to rebound. Unloading the bike is where real magic happens. If we load into a bump, it’s going to unload even harder. This is where Jett has opened so many eyes. You constantly see him dropping into a braking bump or roller to load his bike, in turn allowing him to jump or hop over a bigger or rougher set of bumps. Not only does this save energy but it also settles the chassis through whatever section it may be, making it seem as if the section is much smoother than it is.
When loading and unloading through sections, the most important part aside from the loading itself, is the timing. If you miscalculate, you may unload more than wanted and end up putting yourself in a worse situation or you may just end up hitting more bumps than intended. Finding a break in the bumps or a smooth spot is always a good place to start. Typically loading into bigger and smoother bumps allows for a more controlled approach, whereas trying to do it in smaller/sharper bumps can lead to unpredictability and inconsistency.
When it comes to applying this in offroad, it has many more uses than just braking bumps. Lightening up for roots is something I’m always trying to do. Roots are unpre-
dictable and just flat out sketchy, so being able to “float” over them, keeping the suspension high in the stroke can make them feel like they’re not even there. This also applies for rocks, though as we all know, we won’t find many of those in Florida. So, whether it be getting on and off the throttle to load and unload or using a bump or initial root to do this, it can be a huge help when navigating a gnarly rooted section. Just keep in mind, landing into a set of roots might just get you into even more trouble. So be sure to time it right and don’t bite off more than you can chew!
Next time you’re watching the races I challenge you all to pay attention to the small things. Watch the way Jett or any of these pro’s ride, notice the subtleties with how they maneuver a rough section, I promise you there is a lot more to it than what meets the naked eye. As for applying it yourself, when you’re out on track, find a rough section with some bumps and play around with it! Try different ways of timing, hoping, and picking apart the section. Once you start to get the hang of it, it becomes second nature! Not only will this save you energy during a race, but who doesn’t want to look like Jett Lawrence?? Hope you all have a great summer, for more tips and content check out @alexlugaroffroadacademy on Instagram!
RIDER: CHUCK W. PIPER
WHERE: 2004 RODMAN HARE SCRAMBLE
PHOTO: JONNY SIMPKINS
RIDER: MARK GARRISON
PHOTO: CLINT KISON
