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BACK IN ACTION
OCTOBER
2026
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OCTOBER
SEPTEMBER 2026
Area Directors & Club Info AREA #1 - Out-of-State, wPanhandle
AREA #7 - Seminola, Osceola, Orange
VACANT
Will Busick (317) 507-6636 willb763@gmail.com
AREA #2 - Hamilton, Suwannee, Columbia, Baker, Union, Bradford, Nassau, Duval, Clay, Putnam, St. Johns James Benton (904) 589-0093 bentonracing116@yahoo. com
AREA #8 - Brevard, Indian River John Happel (321) 759-1474 ftrforester@gmail.com
AREA #3 - Gilchrist, Alachua, Levy, Marion, Citrus, Sumter, Lake
AREA #9 - Manatee, Sarasota, Hardee, DeSoto, Highlands
Brandon Underhill (352) 339-1169 brandsonsunderhill@gmail. com
Brian Dugre (941) 893-7898 brian@mycentec.com
(AREA #4 - Flagler, Volusia
AREA #10 - Okeechobee, St. Lucie, Martin
Corey Pierce (386) 453-9056 corey23pierce@gmail.com
Ken Harris (772) 370-4434 khei9862@gmail.com
AREA #5 - Hernando, Pasco, Pinellas
AREA #11 - Charlotte, Lee, Glades, Hendry, Collier
Tyler Miller (813) 210-1710 yamahatyler@yahoo.com
Chuck Schomann (717) 324-9606 schomanninc@yahoo.com
AREA #6 - Hillsborough, Polk
AREA #12 - Palm Beach
Shawn Clark (812) 617-0272 sclark@mosaicfingroup.com
Todd Hallman (561) 346-6663 bushwagon@aol.com AREA #13 - Borward, Dade, Monroe Max Rash (954) 609-1812 maxr@rivaracing.com
Big Scrub Trail Riders Curtis Bell (386) 679-8201 curtbell@rocketmail.com Central Florida Trail Riders AJ Stagg ajstagg@gmail.com (407) 929-2114 Daytona Dirt Riders Ronnie Hames (386) 547-2397 ronnie@hbdmotografx. com Greenville Enduro Riders Chris Poole (864) 617-4342 info@greenvilleenduroriders.com Nature Coast Trail Blazers Rob Swann (813) 731-5552 naturecoasttrailriders@ gmail.com Old School Dirt Riders Ben Kelly (941) 650-1473 ftr90racer@yahoo.com Palm Beach Track & Trail Randy Rash (954) 931-5709 motodadfla19@aol.com
Perry Mountain M/C Brad Belcher (205) 340-4298 perrymountainmotorcycleclub@gmail.com River City Dirt Riders James Benton (904) 589-0093 bentonracing116@yahoo.com Sarasota Area Dirt Riders Randy Faul (863) 244-3709 randt817@gmail.com Suncoast Trail Blazers Mark Scalzi (352) 601-6917 suncoastbiz1@gmail. com Sunrunners Dirt Riders West Anderson (863) 604-1868 jetster220@gmail.com Treasure Coast Trail Riders Ken Harris (772) 370-4434 khei9862@gmail.com
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RIDER REPS AA/A ENDURO Mark Mannschreck (813) 310-2067 hondamm61@aol.com B/C ENDURO Sam Boydstun (407) 467-3951 woodsracercfl@rr.com SPECIALTY A/B ENDURO Ronnie Hames (386) 547-2397 ronnie@hbdmotografx.com SPECIALTY C/WOMEN ENDURO Elesa Berard (407) 376-7115 AA/A HARE SCRAMBLE Troy Gardner (561) 329-7866 troyracing41@gmail.com B/C HARE SCRAMBLE Manny Fellouzis (727) 204-7378 elf_288@hotmail.com SPECIALTY A/B HARE SCRAMBLE Paul Lucas (305) 244-7531 happytimesamuse@msn.com SPECIALTY C/WOMEN HARE SCRAMBLE Holly Langford (954) 504-2659 hollylangford10@gmail.com SATURDAY CLASSES HARE SCRAMBLE Derek Tremain (863) 634-8183 derektremain@gmail.com QUADS Pete Rose (941) 270-1189 pwrracingktm@gmail.com
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OFFICERS PRESIDENT Randy Faul (863) 244-3709 president@floridatrailriders.org VICE PRESIDENT Landon Lynn (772) 494-3305 vicepresident@floridatrailriders.org SECRETARY Bill Toreki (352) 372-1135 secretary@floridatrailriders.org TREASURER Brandon Bloomquist (503) 707-1744 treasurer@foridatrailriders.org HARE SCRAMBLE CHAIRMAN Randy Rash (954) 931-5709 hschair@floridatrailriders.org ENDURO CHAIRMAN George Tolson (863) 698-3837 gjtolson63@gotmail.com HARE SCRAMBLE REFEREE George Pollard (772) 349-6534 hsref@floridatrailriders.org ENDURO REFEREE Peter Magee (352) 262-4974 cr250m@bellsouth.net BUSINESS MANAGER Darlene Riggs (352) 538-6291 businessmanager@floridatrailriders.org
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OCTOBER
SEPTEMBER SEPTEMBER 2026 2026
TABLE TABLE TABLE OF TABLE OF OF CONTENTS OF CONTENTS CONTENTS CONTENTS WHO TO CONTACT WHO TO CONTACT
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PREZ SEZ PREZ SEZ
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CHAPLAIN’s CORNER CHAPLAIN’s CORNER
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OCEAN 2 OCEAN SAME FRIENDS, DIFFERENT PASTURE
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BUILT BY THE RIDE MotoPT
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MotoPT LBJ RACE REPORT
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TECH TIP SAFETY SxS ARTICLE
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VINTAGE EXCERPTS VINTAGE EXCERPTS
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EVENT SCHEDULE CROOSSWORD
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EVENT SCHEDULE
EDITOR: KURT LUCAS EDITOR: KURT LUCAS ftreditor@floridatrailriders.org ftreditor@floridatrailriders.org All content herein is copyrighted © by Florida Trail Riders, Inc. with all rights reserved, and may content herein is copyrighted © “FTR” by Florida Riders, with all reserved, may not All be reproduced without permission. andTrail “Florida TrailInc. Riders” arerights trademarks of and Florida notTrail be reproduced permission. “Floridatrademarks Trail Riders” are trademarks of Florida Riders, Inc. without Unauthorized use of“FTR” these and registered is prohibited by law. Trail Riders, Inc. Unauthorized use of these registered trademarks is prohibited by law. Florida Trail Riders, Inc. Trail Riders, Inc. FL P.O. BoxFlorida 198 Keystone Heights, P.O. Box 198 Keystone Heights, FL (352) 538-6291 (352) 538-6291
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EDITOR’s NOTE EDITOR’s NOTE After a long summer break, racing is finally back. For a lot of us, that first race back is about knocking off a little rust, getting comfortable on the bike again, and reminding the body what it feels like to race for a couple of hours. The Little Brown Jug Enduro got the second half of the season rolling with another outstanding event, followed by the return of the Hare Scramble Series at a familiar venue, Hog Waller. Daytona Dirt Riders put together an excellent weekend as racers battled some brutal Florida heat. This second half of the season is going to feel a little different than what we’re used to. With the next season beginning in January, we will not have the traditional long offseason separating one season from the next. By the time January rolls around, everyone should already be in midseason form. Bikes will be dialed, racers will be sharp, and we will essentially roll straight from one season into another. It is a huge change from the normal FTR schedule and should make for an interesting finish to 2026 and start to 2027. There is plenty to dig into in this month’s issue as well. Kyle McAfee breaks down the differences between racing an enduro and a hare scramble, while also highlighting one of the things that makes the Enduro Series so unique: the travel. Unlike our Hare Scramble Series, following the enduro
schedule can take racers outside of Florida and across the Southeast. The road trips, new riding areas, and time spent with the same group of racers become a big part of the experience. We also get the perspective of someone trying an enduro for the first time, as Troy Gardner gives us his race report from the Little Brown Jug. In this month’s Moto PT column, Dr. Daugherty discusses the importance of hydration, a fitting topic after the conditions racers faced at Hog Waller. Jamey Perdue also gives us a look at FTR’s new side-by-side and how much it has already helped the Safety Team get where they need to be and do their jobs more effectively on race weekends. Finally, 2027 FTR nominations are currently underway, with the deadline to vote set for October 15. Be sure to take a few minutes to participate and have a say in the future of the organization. Summer break is behind us, the rust is coming off, and the bikes are back in the woods. Before we know it, we will be wrapping up this season and lining up to start another one. It is good to be back. See you at the races, Kurt Lucas Managing Editor
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PREZ PREZ PREZ SEZ PREZ SEZ SEZ SEZ Words: Words:Randy RandyFaul Faul
SEPTEMBER SEPTEMBER 2026 2026
Thoughts and Memories # On the Countdown
truethank friendyou over thegoes summer. But rest assured, Rock will be A big also to racing in the morning, and I was HBD for handling the wrap and approached by several riders there in spirit, guiding the crew We to inch and closer to graphics so us our vehicles asking FTR. fact,live they Ascontinue the excitement preparaThose of who knew will Rickbe and about making sureInthey up to hearing those famous “10 Secclearly visible. Down South Cusalready knew how big we are tions build for the final part of “Rock” Graley knew what a great his standards. onds!” We still have some will he be handling lightshis and that FTR is one of the largour extended season, it’stime import- toms person was. Rockthe poured to get all our ducks in a row beand installing the new skid/box AMA-sanctioned off-road ant to remember that we are an heart and soul into the sport and estHe will be deeply missed by fore we go all-in when Septemon our new Yamaha Viking SxS. series around. Yes, even way up off-road competition series, and took great pride in being the guy everyone who had the privilege ber rolls around and we travel Thank you to everyone who here in Minnesota! part of our mission is promoting who behind constructed the starting to Hog Waller, courtesy of DDR. works the scenes and grid of knowing him. the sport we all love. at all of the PBTT events at and the As you may have heard, I’ve also continually gives their time Okeechobee property. I hope to see everyone at the As we try to bear this summer support to this organization! made contact with the former Along with competition final fourin rounds. heat, some ofthe us just can’t sayand landowner Ona, and we’re no. We continue cleaning filAsRock I write this the fun of racing our dirtair scootwas onefrom of a Millville, kind. He truly working on plans to revisit the ters, changing oil, and keeping way up here in Minnesota, I’mbeen property. lines have been ers comes the responsibility of loved what he did and had ThanksFence for listening, fresh tires on our weapons. We once again wearing an FTR shirt mapped, gates have been noted, keeping our FTR family safe and involved in the motorcycle world must be a special kind of addict or hat while attending another and a preliminary plan has been being responsible motorcyclists. for a long time. His shoes will be Randy Faul because once those ride dates hit event. It’s unbelievable how established for the start, scorJust a reminder to everyone that hard to fill, and it may take severthe calendar, the weekly chores many people up here know who ing, and fuel locations. Nothing a race weekend is not Disneyal people to accomplish what he and appointments somehow we are and tell me they wish is set in stone yet, but it’s a good land or your local park. Children didhad on an hisorganization own. take a back seat. Well, almost. they like start. More to come as we get and pets should not be You still have to keep theallowed better FTR providing events for their closer. to roam around without knowing families and riders. half on board so you can drag where they aretoor what they are her all the way Millville! LOL. riding on.
As I’ve mentioned before, the wheels of FTR to turn Headlights oncontinue all bicycles are during the summer break. a must. Allowing our littleOur ones Safety/Medical Team and Fire to ride their Stacycs around the Safety Team are now on fresh property is also a major NO-NO equipment thanks to Central unlessPowersports, they are traveling and Florida JasontoEnfrom the Stacyc course with a nis, and Yamaha!
parent.
We had some special requests for outfitting the SxS, andfor I bring this up asnew a reminder CFPS made it happen immediall of us to stay aware and take ately while also secure action if we seehelping something un-a loaner agreement with our good safe. We are all family, and lookfriends at Yamaha. Yamaha has ing out for one another is part of continually supported FTR by what we do. keeping our Safety Team in the latest vehicles, allowing them of family, it is within a toSpeaking support our membership deep sadnessand thatprofessional we lost a fammore efficient ily member, club member, and Case in point: Friday was media way. day, along with some amateur
I also visited another potential location just south of Arcadia,
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Words: Rodney Boyette
TEN SECONDS!!!
writing to Timothy in 2 Timothy 4:7: “I have Christianity teaches that we have a choice fought the good fight, I have finished the tothankaccept the gift of and salvation through Hey FTR Fam!! tomorrow when we have enough to We often tell our families to be ourselves, if he can keep us Christ, FTR family, it’s just about that time again! I’ve race,with I have Paul was life as an atoning sacrifice keep us entertained ourkept ownthe faith.” ful for what wewriting have. But let’swho be gave His entertained and distracted, we lose We’re going toquestion start this month offAre you desires, wants,as and goals for today? honest: should learn, study, and grow got just one for you: ready? his season on this earth wasWhy coming towe anbe thankful for us. Godthe is urgency fully justtoand fully loving, and with a pretty bold statement: The when we know somebody is going to in our relationship with God, one end, looking forward to the reward and fruit through Jesus, Christians believe He providbeating and death of Jesus brought Mark 13:32 says, “But concerning that provide? And that’s what we’re called distracted day at a time. Every month during our summer break, I’ve of no eternal life with Jesus. In a much ed the way for us to be reconciled to Him. Jeus peace. day or that hour, one knows, not Christ to do as parents. even the angelssmaller in heaven, nor the So place be on guard! talked about preparing, conditioning, using sense, those of you who spent the sus took our and became the sacrifice Crazy to think about. Separation but only the Father.” 1 Timothy have 5:8 says, “Anyone who this time effectively, and training forSon, when summer training and preparing fought on our behalf. I know that’s deep, but that is from God was far worse than the does not provide for their family, and God gave us a sword against the it’s finallyJesus go time. Well, guess Now we notyour good or fight. You continued striv-own household, what Jesus enemy, did forand you and me. is the Word of atrocities had to endure, evenwhat?So we must walkown in laziness especially for their that sword find who with it. That ing, day pursued improvement, and resisted unto out death. He stuck endured things morefirst race sloth,back but live each in expectahas denied the faith the and is worse than God. It’s incredible how, as you read horrendous can and an unbeliever.” deeper into connections always tellsthan thewe tale ofimagine, how you spenttion. your temptation to keep pushing things off until So, as we prepare forthe thisWord, nextthe season of racthat brought us PEACE. and truths start lining up and things offseason. There has been a pattern Matthew through-25 talks tomorrow. ing, I challenge you to look at the season of about the 10 bridesOur goal is to make sure our families begin jumping off the pages at you. out these articles, and each one beenwaiting for the bridegroom. life you’re With in. Look further ahead, lookthe deepHow? Because we now know that Je- has maids never know what it’s like to be withdiscernment and context, sus paid the debt we all owed. Owed. Five were wiseOf and five were foolish. out. IPaul know it can be difficult,er and picture clear. pointing toward both an end and a begincourse, the “good fight” speaks about within, and askbecomes yourself the same question The price Five were prepared expecting, is plenty of need all around us, ning. It’s has thebeen endpaid. of our preparation season goesand much deeper thanthere racing or training. we started with: Are you ready? while the other five didn’t bring but we have it so much easier in this Jesus loves us so much that He could andhave theitstart of our favorite season: FTR It islamps about living Christ than has called We so incredibly easy now, extrarace oil for their and then the lifecountry so many others around not stand to see us suffer for our season! us to live, being the hands and feet of Jesus, I sure love decisions. you all and cannot wait was to see and I believe that’s what trips us up. took a nap. the world. So He took what due Especially in this country, where to us upon Himself and clothed and holding onto the faith He has given us. everyone again soon! As always, we’llus bein there are so many distractions and so Guess what? They missed it. As believers in Jesus, we may not His righteousness. Blameless. All for Throughout this series, I’ve tried to connect Ephesians 2:8 reminds us, “For it is by grace around throughout race weekends. If you much entertainment. Because of that, have to look over our shoulders wonthose who receive and accept the gift the different of our racing lives through faith that you are saved.” is the orgiven would I believe we’ve seasons lost the understanding By the time they woke up to the dering if weThat will lose our livesever for have questions He has freely us. like prayer, of persecution sound coming, ourbecause faith, butwe “the enemy is prowling to the ourextreme walk with Christ. others Keeping with that of the bridegroom life we are calledthey to walk don’t please pull aside any of us wearing a Fuel face all across the world because of were They had allowed around like over a roaring lion, looking for shirt. LoveWe y’all! Can’t be waithonored. to see everyone theme, I’m reminded of the Apostle Paul out of oil.get another chance to do this life again. Ministry would one thing: faith in Jesus.
Why do we need to think about
¡DIEZ SEGUNDOS!
themselves to become distracted, lazy, and unprepared.
anyone he can devour.” — 1 Peter 5:8
in September!
He knows us better than we know
empo en esta tierra estaba llegando a su fin Así que, mientras nos preparamos para esta y esperaba la recompensa de la vida eterna próxima temporada de carreras, los desafío ¡Hola, familia FTR! sino vivir cadacon día con expectativa y unanecesidades a nuestro alrededor. Sin la etapa de la vida en la que se en¡Familia FTR, ya casi es hora otra vez! Solo Cristo Jesús. De manera mucho más a mirar estar preparados. Mateo 25 nos habla embargo, la realidad es que aquí viviY en el centro de todo encontramos a tengo una pregunta para ustedes: ¿Están lissencilla, quienes aprovecharon el verano cuentran. Miren hacia adelante, miren más Vamos a comenzar este mes con una de las diez vírgenes que esperaban al mos con comodidades que gran parte Jesús. Jesús nos ama tanto que tomó tos? Durante cada mes de nuestro descanso para entrenar y prepararse también han profundamente dentro deelustedes mismos declaración bastante fuerte: la golpiza esposo. Cinco eran prudentes y cinco del mundo no tiene. sobre Sí mismo castigo que nos coryde la muerte Jesús nos trajeron insensatas. Laspeleado prudentessu estaban Pagó nuestra y nos veranodehe hablado sobrepaz. la importancia propia batalla. Siguieron esy háganse larespondía. misma pregunta condeuda la que Es pensar que la separación preparadas y llevaron aceite buscando para sus Como creyentes en Jesús, quizá no vistió con Sulistos?” justicia.Los El precio ya fue deincreíble prepararnos, mantener nuestro acondiforzándose, mejorar y resistiendo comenzamos: “¿Están quiero de Dios era mucho peor que todo lo lámparas, mientras que las otras no se tengamos que mirar constantemente pagado. Sin culpa y sin condenación cionamiento, aprovechar este tiempo de la tentación de dejar las cosas para mañana. muchísimo a todos y no puedo esperar para que Jesús tuvo que soportar, incluso prepararon y se quedaron dormidas. por encima del hombro preguntánpara todos los que reciben y aceptan manera efectiva y entrenar cuando Sin embargo, la “buena donos batalla” de la quela vida verlos muy pronto. siempre, estarehasta la muerte. Él sufrió más de para lo ¿Y saben qué pasó? Se lo perdieron. si perderemos por el regalo Como gratuito que Él nos ha dado. que podemos imaginar y, así, de ¿Adivinen Cuando despertaron escuchar que nuestra Pero eso no significa llegue el momento deaun competir. habla al Pablo va mucho más alláfe. del entremosque presentes durante los fines de semana ese sufrimiento vino nuestra paz. el esposo venía, ya era demasiado no exista una batalla. 1 Pedro 5:8 nos quiero mucho a todos! ¡No puedo qué? Ese momento ha llegado. Ahora vamos namiento o las carreras. Se trata de vivir la de carreras.¡Los Si alguna vez tienen preguntas ¿Cómo? Porque Jesús pagó la deuda tarde. No estaban preparadas. advierte: “Su adversario el diablo esperar para verlos en septiembre! a descubrir quiénY aprovechó el descanso vida a la que Cristo nosanda ha llamado, lasleón rugiente, o les gustaría que oremos por ustedes, que todos teníamos. digo teníamos alrededorser como porque el precio yaprimera fue pagado. historia debería hacernos pensar buscando a quién devorar.” El eney quién no. Esa carrera de Esa regreso manos y los pies de Jesús y aferrarnos a la acérquense a cualquiera de nosotros que nuestra propia vida.Él Esnos muyha fácil migo conoce nuestras debilidades, y siempre cuenta la historia de cómoen pasaste fe que dado. Como nos recuerda lleve una camiseta de Fuel Ministry. ¡Será un Hoy vivimos con una comodidad que permitir que la comodidad, las dissi logra mantenernos entretenidos, tu tiempo la sentada, temporada baja. 2:8: “Porque gracia ysois salvos poco ahonor muchas vecesdurante damos por y tracciones y laEfesios rutina nos quiten ese porcómodos distraídos, poco para nosotros! por medio la fe.” creo que eso mismo puede hacernos sentido de urgencia. Muchasde veces les podemos perder la urgencia de tropezar. Especialmente este país, de estos decimos a nuestras familias que sean aprender, estudiar y crecer en Ha habido un patrónen a lo largo donde estamos rodeados de distracagradecidas por todo lo que tienen. nuestra relación con Dios. No artículos, y todos han estado apuntando Ahora pongámonos serios por un momento. ciones, entretenimiento y cosas que Pero, siendo sinceros, puede ser difícil necesariamente sucede de una hacia un final,compiten pero también hacia un nuevo verdaderamente Esta es la vida estamos llamados constantemente por nuescomprender el que valortodos sola vez. Puede suceder un día tra atención. Estamos A veces perdemos de al finalde algo cuandoasiempre sabido otra distraído a la vez. para comienzo. llegando de vivir, yhemos no tenemos oportunidad vista la realidad de muchos creyentes que ahí a para proveer. Y nuestra temporada de preparación y alalguien estará volver vivirla. El cristianismo enseña que alrededor del mundo que enfrentan precisamente ese es nuestro llamado Así que ¡manténganse alerta! Dios comienzo de nuestra temporada favorita: tenemos la decisión de aceptar elespada regalopara luchar una persecución extrema por una sola como padres. nos dio una ¡la temporada de ¿Por carreras de FTR! A lo de la salvación a través contra de Cristo, quieny esa espada es razón: su fe en Jesús. qué pensar el enemigo, en el mañana cuando tenemos sufici1 Timoteo 5:8 dice: “Porque si alguno la Palabra de Dios. Es increíble lo largo de estos meses, hemos relacionado dio su vida como sacrificio expiatorio por ente para mantenernos ocupados hoy no provee para los suyos, y mayorque sucede cuando realmente prolas diferentes etapas de nuestra vida como nosotros. Dios es completamente justo y con nuestros propios deseos, metas y mente para los de su casa, ha negado fundizamos en las Escrituras. Las corredores con nuestro caminar con completamente y a través de Jesús ambiciones? la Cristo. fe y es peor que un incrédulo.” amoroso, conexiones comienzan a aparecer, meta es que nuestras familias las verdades empiezan Siguiendo con ese tema, me viene aNuestra la nos dio el camino para reconciliarnos con a alinearse Marcos dice: “Pero de aquel nuncaen sepan loÉl. que significa pasar y, versículo tras versículo, la Palmente13:32 el apóstol Pablo cuando escribió Jesús tomó nuestro lugar y se convirtió día y de la hora nadie sabe, ni aun necesidad. Pero esa misma seguridad abra cobra vida. Cuando la estudi2 Timoteo 4:7: “Heenpeleado laelbuena batalla, el sacrificio porlonosotros. Sé discernimiento que esto es y dentro los ángeles que están el cielo, ni también puedeen hacer que olvidemos amos con he acabado la carrera, he Por guardado la fe.” queprofundo, pero Jesús hizo por Hijo, sino solamente el Padre.” eso bendecidos somos. Sé que la esto vida es lo deque su contexto, el panorama se no debemos vivir con pereza ni apatía, puede ser difícil y que ti y porexisten mí. muchas vuelve cada vez más claro. Pablo escribió estas palabras cuando su ti9
OCTOBER
2026
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FTR 2027 NOMINATIONS NOW OPEN
SEPTEMBER SEPTEMBER 2026 2026
Want to get more involved with Florida Trail Riders? Now is your chance. Nominations are now open for the 2027 FTR election. FTR is currently accepting nominations for President, Secretary, and Area Directors. FTR depends on members who are willing to step up and help keep our organization and sport moving forward. If you know someone who would be a great fit for one of these positions, or if you’re interested in serving yourself, now is the time to get involved. Before nominating someone, please contact them first to make sure they understand the responsibilities of the position and are willing to serve. Self-nominations are also accepted. OPEN POSITIONS PRESIDENT Term: Two years Nominees must have been FTR members in good standing for a minimum of three years. SECRETARY Term: Two years Nominees must have been FTR members in good standing for the past two years. AREA DIRECTOR Term: 2027 calendar year Nominees must have been FTR members in good standing for a minimum of two years. The person submitting the nomination and the nominee must reside in the same FTR Area. HOW TO NOMINATE Official nomination forms, including the county-by-county breakdown for Area Director positions, can be downloaded at FloridaTrailRiders.com. Complete and sign the appropriate form, then submit it by mail or email. Mail: FTR Elections 3150 47th Street Sarasota, Florida 34234-5012 Email: wdrymon@verizon.net Emailed nominations must include a scanned copy of the completed form with the required signature. Area Director nominations must also include the member’s FTR membership number.
RIDER: GAGE STRONG NOMINATION DEADLINE PHOTO: CLINT KISON OCTOBER 15, 2026
Step up. Get involved. Help shape the future of FTR.
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SAME SAME SAMEFRIENDS, SAME FRIENDS, FRIENDS, FRIENDS,
DIFFERENT DIFFERENT DIFFERENTPASTURE DIFFERENT PASTURE PASTURE PASTURE
SEPTEMBER SEPTEMBER 2026 2026
Words: Words:Kyle KyleMcAfee McAfee
Racing the Clock vs. Racing When I first started racing One thing I really enjoy about Each Other enduros, they were traditionreset sitting format isoutside the camasaid how fortunatethe we More Than Just We recently al timekeeping events. Every raderie. You finish a test and goodbye to Ricky are simply to be campers. Friends a Race It’s no secret that enduro partic- section was assigned an aversuddenly you’re sitting in the Graley,age affectionthere. stopping by long ipation is significantly smaller speed, and you were given woods with a group of riders ately known to all after As we closer than hareinch scramble participaa specific time to enter it. The waiting for yourthe rowmotorcyto come of us as “Rock,” We work on mocles have been put to the end of sumtion within FTR, and honestly, goal wasn’t simply to go as fast back up. You talk, joke around, and now, most retorcycles. We load We rememmer break and sense. Florithat makes perfect as possible. You had to maintain catch up away. with people you cently,the Tom Miller, average trailers. We drive ber in helping da Trailinto Riders butters its bread prescribed speed haven’t seen a while someand back racing, with the Hare without phoknowing exactly whereWe sometimes meet somebody our resident for hours. set one repair a bike I know we Scramble are all Series. It’s our largest series, it offers the next check was going to be. new. Of course, when it’s 95 detographer Tyler up camp and talk late at night, sharlooking forward classes for just about everyArrive late and you were penalgrees outside, your heart rate Miller’s father. about weather, ing tools and food, to pulling into body, forfield a lot of FTR famiized. Arrive and thesuspension, penis through the roofstories, and you’re Their passing is aearly tires, telling and thatand first lies, a hare scramble weekend alty was even worse. Eventually sitting there in full riding gear painful reminder trail conditions, more than a few again. Seeing fais what brought them into the trail computers did most of the waiting to go again, I could of just how quick- points, and finlaughs at one anmiliar faces, un-first place. organization in the math for you, but there was still probably survive with a little ly life can change ishing positions. other’s expense. loading the motorBut the Enduro Series provides plenty of strategy involved. It less camaraderie. Lol. moment, We remember the cycles,great catching another opportunity and to how waseasily a unique styleIn ofthe racing, we canbut take for necessarily all of those things people. up with friends, ride and race a motorcycle— it wasn’t the That’s when the sprint format granted the people seem important. and getting back and it’s a completely different easiest format for a new rider starts looking pretty attractive. we simply expect But when we step That is what experience. to understand. Sprint enduros give you more to something that control over your day. The to see at the next back and look at makes FTR dif-tests has become such I aget asked often by hare remain open for afrom blocksimof time, race. Today’s enduros are themuch years we have ferent big partfairly of our scramble racers who have simpler. Most of our events and once you finish one, you spent together, the ply showing up lives. never tried an enduro, “What use either a reset format or, can take a break, grab a drink Whenever someracing itself is only somewhere to exactly is involved in racing increasingly, a sprint format. In we and catchrace yourabreath—or, if one within our part of what motorcycle. But as much as one?” The simple answer is that either case, you can leave the you’re feeling good, keep movcommunity passremember. The motorcycles we are looking you’re stillall riding a dirt bike calculator at home. In a reset ing. Personally, that suits my es, it causes all of give us a reason forward getting through the to woods as fast as enduro, riders leave on asstyle a little better. even We remember to gather, but the back racing, you can.to The longer answerus is to stop, signed rowsifand race through a only for a moment, arriving on Friday relationships are it is hard not to that it’s a very different kind of series of timed tests, with reset For somebody coming from and think about afternoon see-scrambles what make enterEnduros this season racing. are motorcycle periods in between to get to andhare who hasus always what these weeking the same familwant to return. events, primarily focused on the next one. Usually, you’ll ride wondered whether enduros still with a little heavithe bikes, and the racing five or six tests totaling rough- pulling involve a bunch of clocks, calends truly mean. iar trailers er big heart. format itself is completely We spend ly 60so ground miles. At the end culationsDifferent and confusing rules, much through the gate. homedifferent from what you expeof the day, your test times are they really don’t anymore. Show time preparing for Kids running and towns. Different The FTR family rience during a hare ascramble combined and thelaughing lowest total up, get your packet and row the next race that through backgrounds. Difhas experienced weekend. time wins. number, make your waylevels. to the it is easy to forget camp. Families ferent skill great deal of loss. first test before your start time
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and, when it’s your turn, go as fast can all be part of the same weekas you can from the start of the test There’s another pretty significant end. to the finish. It’s really that simple. difference these days, especially You don’t even need numbers or for those of us living in South Flori- Enduros don’t necessarily offer backgrounds on your da:to geography. Series samewill experience, but they evDifferent reasons for bike. motorcycle work Our inEnduro the first place.that Call not remember has gone from being primarily an offer something different. They being there. Yet, on on. Another trail to your friends during ery finishing position For me, though, the biggest differin-state series with an occasional challenge you differently. A hare those weekends, we ride. Another result the week. Tell the or how many points enduros haredoes out-of-state essentially thethescramble asks, “Can you all ence find between ourselves in and that not go ex- race to stories. Take picseparated onerace rider scrambles isn’t the rules or the opposite. This year we’re racing these people for two hours?” An the same pasture, actly the way we tures. Make the mem- from another. The format. It’s what happens between twice in Alabama, Georgia and enduro asks, “Can you race yoursharing something hoped. But none of us ories while the peotrophies will collect my ears. Enduros have never been South Carolina. From South Floriself?” Can you create your own that has become a disciplines. are promised another ple trips. whoSomehelp create The motorcyone of my stronger I da, those are serious urgency?dust. Can you sprint when meaningful part of season. them are still beside cles will be But enjoy them, and I’ve been working times the riding-to-driving ratio nobody is pushing you?sold. Can you ouronlives. you. we test will remember getting better at them, but I’ve gets downright ridiculous. You put together after test without Eventually, every onethree or four hours the weekends. The realized over the years that I’m might spend somebody else’s pace determinmore motivated motorcycle yours? Formuch many of us, FTR by headsof us will actually attend riding our your The loss of Rock ing and, friendships. racing. part of 20 or 25 hours sitting behind a Mr. hasup become last ridersand meeting. most recently, steering do it. When youabsencI’m still trying to figure that part the rhythm of our We will start ourwheel last toMiller leaves We will remember At a hare scramble, somebody is put it on paper, it’s pretty hard to out, and maybe that’s exactly why families. Our chilrace, ride our last es their families, who helped us when right there. Maybe I’m chasing justify. So I don’t put it on paper. I keep going back. After all these dren have grown section, and pack the friends, and those we were broken them. Maybe they’re chasing me. years of racing motorcycles, it’s up at these events. trailer for the final who knew them down. Who stood at Maybe I can hear another bike Enduros are also generally onepretty cool to find another disciThey have learned to time. Mostday of events us will will continue to pline feel. thatthe finish cheering behind me and have absolutely centered around the exposes weaknesses ride, compete, win, never realize it is the Nothing we say can for us. The know voices no idea whether they’re even in big bikes. Some clubs offer youth you didn’t necessarily you lose, time while it which is around the myhelp class.others, It doesn’t really last matter. enduros, isremove great, butthat com-loss.had and gives you camp, something andThere’s get back back up sense happening. weweekcan do is laughter from an immediate of pared with a hareWhat scramble completely differentcoming to work on. after a crash. They allow it to remind us the kids, and the urgency. If the rider in front starts end, family participation is still pulling away, I need to pick it up.could If pretty limited. me, that makes Hare scrambles probably have formed lifelong That make this Forhow much the familpeoplewill who made an I’m catching somebody, I all know mysad, traveling to an enduro a somewhat always feel more natural to me.feel friendships simply feel but I do iar faces we see year ordinary pasture pace is good. If somebody catches selfish endeavor. I’m basically I love the heads-up competition, because their families not believe that is the after year become like home. me, I’m immediately motivated to asking my family to spend an enthe full weekend and the fact that happened to pull into lesson loss teaches us. part of our own lives. The motorcycles are find another gear. tire weekend traveling so Dad can the whole family can be part of the same field with The lesson is to appre- The person parked simply what brings ride his dirt bike for a few hours. it. But there’s something about an a motorcycle in the ciate it now. a few trailers down. us together. An enduro doesn’t give me that enduro too—even if it occasionally truck. The family you sit same feeling. You’re racing the A hare scramble weekend is requires driving 12 hours, racing Weclock, all come for requires the the pits. around Thethen people around and that a Look differ- around different. For a lotwith of us, it starts thefor four, and driving 12 hours racing at first, but YouStop by the trailer pit area. ent kind of discipline. have to Friday evening when we pullThe in, friend home. you are the reason it over time, it becomes youpush normally who always matters. create your own urgency and set uppass camp and see people we has the about much more without saying yourace. forgot. The yourself when there isn’t another haven’t hello. seen sincetool the last Nobody ever said any of this had rider right there forcing you to do Saturday is filled peewees, to make than crossing a finish Help the rider who is with person you expect to sense. it. At a hare scramble, come youth, bikes, and line. It becomes aboutI can struggling. Spend a quads see atspecialty the next race off the start absolutely charging. In classes. Then Sunday morning, Same friends. Different pasture. having a place to befew more minutes sit- because they have an enduro, sometimes I’ll get halfthe big bikes get their turn. It isn’t long and a reason to ting with your family simply always been way through the first test before just aisrace—it’s entire weekend, spend time together. after the day over. anthere. my brain finally figures out, “Hey, and more importantly, it’s someLet a disappointing Until one day, they knucklehead, we’re actually out thing the whole family can particThere will always result go and rememare not. here racing.” I’m a work in progipate in. Different ages, different be another race to ber how fortunate ress. machines and different skill levels
prepare for. Another
you were to line up
Years from now, we
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OCTOBER
2026
MotoPT: MotoPT: MotoPT: IMPROVE MotoPT: IMPROVE IMPROVE IMPROVE
YOUR YOUR YOUR MOVE YOUR MOVE MOVE Part 2: Hype, Hope, or the Real Deal MOVE SEPTEMBER SEPTEMBER 2026 2026
Words: Words:Dr. Dr.Matthew MatthewDaugherty, Daugherty, Welcome back, FTR Family. Orthopedic OrthopedicPhysical PhysicalTherapist Therapistand andRacer Racer
In Part 1, we covered what BPC-157 and TB-500 are, how they work, and why riders are paying attention to them. Heat,Heat, Cramps & Hydration: is a call-911 situation, and your fluid riding. Butdilutes Cramps & Hydration: This cold-water immersion the tion excessive intake Now let’s talkisabout the other side of the conversation: What the Science Actually but here’s the part almost you can also drink too much What the Science Actually Says single most blood sodium to aof potentially the effective risks, thetreatment regulations, and the reality where this all Says nobody in the FTR paddock — and that can be genuinely for exertional heat stroke. dangerous level. It tends to stands today. dangerous. Anybody who runs FTR knowsknows: cold-water immeroccur during longer sessions Anybody who runs FTR sion is the single most effecwhat August does to you. The The guidance is simple: cool when someone continually The Research Gap Is Real knows what August does forsecond. exertionOverdrinking during long track is baked hard, the air tive treatment first, transport pounds fluids. to you. The track is baked al heat stroke. efforts can cause exerwon’t move, and by the last The biggest issue with both BPC-157 and TB-500 is simple: hard,race theofair won’t move, cise-associated hyponatrethe day your forearms Get the rider into cold water, The answer isn’t a magic numand by lastup race the buddy The guidance is simple: cool mia, ber where excessive fluid arethe locked andofyour roughly 35–59°F, keep the of bottles. We still do not have strong human data. day your forearms are first, transport second. intake dilutes blood sodium is sitting in the shade looking water moving, and continue locked up and your buddy is to a potentially dangergray. cooling through treat- on BPC-157 The evidence points anlabMost of the thefull research comes fromtoward a single sitting in the shade looking Get the rider into cold ous level. It tends to occur plan. ment window before transport. individualized hydration oratory in Croatia. That does not automatically make the gray.A lot of what gets passed water, roughly 35–59°F, during longer sessions Minutes spent cooling on-site Know your own sweat rate science invalid, but it does mean the findings haveand not yet keep the water moving, and when someone continually around the FTR pits about can be more valuable than a use your first morning been independently replicated on a large scale.urine as A lotbeating of what gets cooling through fluids. the heatpassed — “just drinkcontinue fast ride to a hospital without pounds a quick hydration gauge. Pale around the FTR pits about the full treatment window more water and take some effectiveTB-500 cooling faces underway. is generally a good sign; darkanimal a similar situation. There is extensive beating heat — “just before transport. Minutes The answer isn’t a magic salt”the — is either incomplete or urine can mean you’re starting research, but almost no completed human clinical trials. drink morewrong. water and take spent on-site can be of bottles. flat-out If cooling your event runs races in thisnumber behind. some salt” — is either inmorekind valuable than a fast of heat, stock tank of ice Thatamatters. complete or flat-out wrong. ride to a hospital without toward Here’s what two decades of water at the medical rig isn’t The evidence Drink to a points plan built around effective cooling underway. an individualized hydration treating riders, along with overkill. These It’s partcompounds of the plan.appearyour body, not whatever your to promote angiogenesis (new Here’s decades ofyou plan.fastest Knowbuddy your in own sweat thewhat actualtwo research, says the FTR class In blood vessel formation) and accelerated cell growth. treating riders, If your event in rate and use your first should do. along with Think of healing itruns like araces seized tissue,engine: that may is bedoing. exactly what you want. But the actual research, says this kind of heat, a stock morning urine as a quick you don’twithout tow it tolong-term the shop human studies, we do not fully underyou should do. tank of ice water at the hydration gauge. Pale is THE HEAT IS THE REAL DANwhile it’sstand still smoking. You kill IT’S PROBABLY the potential risks.CRAMPS: The same pathways thatNOT help medical rig isn’t overkill. generally a good sign; dark GER the heat healing right now. YOUR ELECTROLYTES could theoretically create problems in unhealthy THE HEAT IS THE REAL It’s part of the plan. urine can mean you’re starttissue or undetected disease processes. DANGER ing behind. Respect it like an overheating HYDRATION IS A GOLDIThis is the myth I most want to Think of it like a seized motor. LOCKS PROBLEM bust the FTRlong-term crowd. evidence Right now, there simply is notfor enough Respect it like an overheatengine: you don’t tow it Drink to a plan built to say otherwise with certainty. ing motor. shop while it’sbetter. still around your body, not at salt Cramps are annoying. Exer- to the More isn’t always Riders throw money smoking. You kill the heat whatever your fastest budtional heat stroke can kill you, pills and pickle-brine shooters The Product Quality Problem Cramps are annoying. Exerright now. dy in the FTR class is doing. and it can do it fast. Here’s where the pit wisdom believing cramps are always tional heat stroke can kill can go sideways. dehydration-and-electrolyte This is where things get aserious. Most people currently you, Ifand it can do itoff fast. IS A GOLDICRAMPS: IT’S PROBABLY a rider comes the track HYDRATION problem. Although using peptides are purchasing them online dehydraas “research LOCKS PROBLEM NOT YOUR ELECTROLYTES hot, confused, stumbling, or Yes, showing up dehydrated tion or electrolyte may chemicals.” That means there is essentiallylosses no oversight on If a rider comes thethat altered hurts your thermoregulation simply actingoff “off,” contribute in some circumwhat is actually inside the vial. track hot, confused, isn’t always better. is the myth I most behavior is the redstumflag — notMoreand your riding. But you can This stances, modern research sugbling, or simply acting want to bust for the FTR just how much they’re sweatalso drink too much — and that gests there’s more to the FDA testing on gray-market peptide products hasstory. shown: “off,” that altered behavior Here’s the pit dangerous. wiscrowd. ing. canwhere be genuinely is the red flag — not just dom can go sideways. When researchers examined Incorrect dosages howThis much they’re sweatRiders money at the is a call-911 situation, but Overdrinking during long thethrow issue prospectively, Unlisted ingredients ing. here’s the part almost nobodyYes, efforts showing up dehydrated salt pills and pickle-brine can cause exercise-astraditional dehydration and Contamination your thermoregulashooters believing cramps in the FTR paddock knows: hurts sociated hyponatremia, where electrolyte-depletion theories Entirely different compounds than what the label claimed
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21 FLORIDATRAILRIDERS.COM
are always a dehydration-and-electrolyte problem. Although dehydidn’t fully hold up. Those ideas dration or electrolyte losses may were based largely on older case contribute in some circumstances, reports and anecdotal evidence. modern research suggests there’s more to the story. A better-supported explanation is neuromuscular fatigue. When researchers examined the issue prospectively, the traditional An overworked, fatigued muscle dehydration and electrolyte-deplecan throw off the balance between tion theories didn’t fully hold up. the “go” signal from the muscle Those ideas were based largely on spindles and the “stop” signal from older case reports and anecdotal the Golgi tendon organs. The motor evidence. neuron keeps firing, and the muscle locks into a cramp. A better-supported explanation is neuromuscular fatigue. In plain English:
Acclimatize on purpose. Don’t have a complete evaluation by a go from an air-conditioned week qualified physical therapist or than copying someone else. Let’s IMPROVE YOUR MOVE so you straight into a brutal race day. physician. can ride pain-free with MotoPT. Ease into training in the heat over Train for the end of the race. Lateone to two weeks so your body has Questions or comments? Email race fatigue is where cramps tend Dr. Matthew Daugherty time to adapt. contact@motopt.com or call/text to show up. Build the conditioning PT, DPT, OTR/L, MOT, DBA 904-395-5379. and muscular endurance to handle Associate Professor and Director of Hydrate for your body. Build a it. Residency Programs plan around your own sweat rate Let’s IMPROVE YOUR MOVE so you Board Certified Orthopaedic Clinirather than copying someone else. can ride pain-free with MotoPT. Cool down between races. Get out cal Specialist of the sun, lower your body temFellow, American Academy of OrTrain for the end of the race. LateDr. Matthew Daugherty perature, and recover instead of thopaedic Manual Physical Therarace fatigue is where cramps tend PT, DPT, OTR/L, MOT, DBA baking in staging. pists to show up. Build the conditioning Associate Professor and Director Manual Therapy Certified and muscular endurance to handle of Residency Programs Know the emergency signs. ConfuIntramuscular Dry Needling Cerit. Board Certified Orthopaedic Clinision, stumbling, or unusual behavtified cal Specialist ior in a hot rider should immediCool down between races. Get out Fellow, American Academy of ately raise concern for exertional REFERENCES An overworked, fatigued muscle of the sun, lower your body temOrthopaedic Manual Physical TherCramps are often a fatigue and heat stroke. McDermott BP, Anderson SA, can throw off the balance between perature, and recover instead of apists conditioning problem, not simply a Armstrong LE, et al. National the “go” signal from the muscle baking in staging. Manual Therapy Certified hydration problem. The rider who is confused and Athletic Trainers’ Association spindles and the “stop” signal Intramuscular Dry Needling Cerstumbling may not be able to adPosition Statement: Fluid Replacefrom the Golgi tendon organs. The Know the emergency signs. Confutified That changes what actually works. vocate for himself. Everyone in the ment for the Physically Active. J motor neuron keeps firing, and the sion, stumbling, or unusual behavpits should know what to look for. Athl Train. 2017;52(9):877–895. muscle locks into a cramp. ior in a hot rider should immediREFERENCES In the moment, gently stretch and doi:10.4085/1062-6050-52.9.02 ately raise concern for exertional McDermott BP, Anderson SA, hold the cramping muscle. You’re FROM MOTOPT Casa DJ, DeMartini JK, Bergeron In plain English: heat stroke. Armstrong LE, et al. National helping feed the nervous system MF, et al. National Athletic TrainAthletic Trainers’ Association the “stop” signal it has lost. Don’t forget: I have become an ers’ Association Position StateCramps are often a fatigue and The rider who is confused and Position Statement: Fluid Replaceaffiliate for FastWay/ProMoto ment: Exertional Heat Illnesses. J conditioning problem, not simply a stumbling may not be able to advo- ment for the Physically Active. J Long term, prevention means being Billet because I believe in their Athl Train. 2015;50(9):986–1000. hydration problem. cate for himself. Everyone in the Athl Train. 2017;52(9):877–895. conditioned for the end of the race, products. If you need high-quality, doi:10.4085/1062-6050-50-9-07 pits should know what to look for. doi:10.4085/1062-6050-52.9.02 not just the start. Build enough made-in-America hard parts — Schwellnus MP. Cause of exercise That changes what actually works. Casa DJ, DeMartini JK, Bergeron durability that your grip, forearms, including ankle-saver footpegs, associated muscle cramps (EAMC): FROM MOTOPT MF, et al. National Athletic Trainand legs aren’t completely cooked handguards, or a kickstand — use altered neuromuscular control, deIn the moment, gently stretch and ers’ Association Position Statewhen it counts. code MOTOPT15 at ProMoto Billet. hydration or electrolyte depletion? hold the cramping muscle. You’re Don’t forget: I have become an ment: Exertional Heat Illnesses. J Br J Sports Med. 2009;43(6):401– helping feed the nervous system affiliate for FastWay/ProMoto Athl Train. 2015;50(9):986–1000. Salt and fluids still matter for heat Before acting on any information in 408. doi:10.1136/bjsm.2008.050401 the “stop” signal it has lost. Billet because I believe in their doi:10.4085/1062-6050-50-9-07 management and performance. this article, I recommend consultNelson NL, Churilla JR. A narraproducts. If you need high-qualSchwellnus MP. Cause of exercise Just don’t expect them to be your ing a physical therapist or physitive review of exercise-associated Long term, prevention means ity, made-in-America hard parts associated muscle cramps (EAMC): anti-cramp insurance policy. cian for a general health and physi- muscle cramps: factors that conbeing conditioned for the end of — including ankle-saver footpegs, altered neuromuscular control, decal-activity readiness screening. tribute to neuromuscular fatigue the race, not just the start. Build handguards, or a kickstand — use hydration or electrolyte depletion? YOUR FTR AUGUST GAME PLAN and management implications. enough durability that your grip, code MOTOPT15 at ProMoto Billet. Br J Sports Med. 2009;43(6):401– If you are experiencing pain while Muscle Nerve. 2016;54(2):177–185. forearms, and legs aren’t complete408. doi:10.1136/bjsm.2008.050401 Acclimatize on purpose. Don’t riding, it is always beneficial to doi:10.1002/mus.25176 ly cooked when it counts. Before acting on any information Nelson NL, Churilla JR. A narrago from an air-conditioned week have a complete evaluation by in this article, I recommend contive review of exercise-associated straight into a brutal race day. Ease a qualified physical therapist or Salt and fluids still matter for heat sulting a physical therapist or muscle cramps: factors that coninto training in the heat over one to physician. management and performance. physician for a general health and tribute to neuromuscular fatigue two weeks so your body has time to Just don’t expect them to be your physical-activity readiness screenand management implications. adapt. Questions or comments? Email anti-cramp insurance policy. ing. Muscle Nerve. 2016;54(2):177–185. contact@motopt.com or call/text doi:10.1002/mus.25176 Hydrate for your body. Build a plan 904-395-5379. YOUR FTR AUGUST GAME PLAN If you are experiencing pain while around your own sweat rate rather riding, it is always beneficial to
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OCTOBER
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
2026
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2026
OCTOBER
LBJ LBJ LBJ----A LBJ AA ANEW NEW NEW NEW
TAKE TAKE TAKEON TAKE ON ONENDURO ON ENDURO ENDURO ENDURO
SEPTEMBER 2026 SEPTEMBER 2026
Words: Words:Troy TroyGardner Gardner This weekend turned into a great adventure as my buddy and I hopped in his Nissan Frontier, loaded up the bikes, and hauled butt north to Union, South Carolina, for the Little Brown Jug Enduro. We made the drive up Saturday, checked into a local motel for the night, and got some rest before heading out to the race Sunday morning. Both of us are still pretty new to the enduro scene, so we weren’t exactly sure what to expect going into the weekend. Most of our racing experience comes from the hare scramble format back home in Florida, where you line up, take off, and race until the checkered flag. Enduro is a completely different style of racing, so we made sure to pay close attention at the riders’ meeting and get a better understanding of how the day was going to work. Once Test 1 started, though, it didn’t take long for us to realize we were in for a good day. The single-track was awesome. It was tighter than most of the hare scramble loops we’re used to riding in Florida, and the terrain offered something different around seemingly every corner. Between
the hills, roots, technical sections, and tight woods, there was plenty to keep you on your toes. It was challenging without taking away from how much fun the trail was to ride. One of the things I enjoyed most about the enduro format was the rhythm of the day. Instead of racing nonstop for a couple of hours, you go out and give it everything you have for a test, then get a chance to regroup before heading back out. Between tests, we could catch our breath, talk about what we had just ridden, joke around with our buddies, grab some fuel, and get ready to do it all over again. The lunch break was another nice change of pace. We had plenty of time to top off the bikes, grab a snack, rehydrate, and get ourselves ready for the second half of the day. There’s something pretty cool about being able to race hard while still having some downtime throughout the event to hang out and enjoy the weekend. Test 6 was definitely the highlight for me. With only the AA and A classes riding it, we knew it was probably going to offer something a little
extra, and it definitely delivered. The terrain was some of the gnarliest I’ve ever ridden. Between the elevation changes and technical sections, it was a serious challenge and completely different from what we normally encounter racing back home. Coming from Florida, the elevation change throughout the entire event was probably the biggest adjustment for us. We’re used to sand, palmettos, roots, mud, and plenty of tight woods, but legitimate hills are a different story. The climbs, descents, and natural features throughout the property made the riding incredibly fun and gave us an experience we simply don’t get very often in Florida. The adventure wasn’t over once we loaded the bikes, either. After finishing the enduro, we headed over to Darlington Raceway to catch the NASCAR race. Going from racing dirt bikes through the woods to sitting in the stands at one of NASCAR’s most historic tracks made for a pretty awesome way to finish the weekend. Neither of us gets to experience something like that every Sunday, and seeing a race at Darlington was definitely something we’ll remember.
Overall, I was really impressed with the Little Brown Jug and how everything was put together. A huge thank you goes out to everyone who spent their time preparing trails, organizing the event, working checkpoints, and doing all of the behindthe-scenes work required to make a race like this happen. Being new to enduro, we weren’t sure what to expect when we made the drive north. By the time we pointed the Frontier back toward Florida, we had raced some incredible trails, tackled terrain we don’t normally get to see, experienced a completely different style of racing, and even squeezed in a NASCAR race at Darlington. That’s a pretty solid weekend in my book. I’d absolutely recommend that other FTR riders make the drive and give an enduro a shot. If you’re used to racing hare scrambles, it’s a different experience, but that’s part of what makes it so much fun. I know we’ll be back!
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READY TO READY TO RESPOND: RESPOND: FTR’s FTR’s
NEW SAFETY NEW SAFETY MACHINES MACHINES Words: Jamey Perdue
Off-road racing has experienced many changes over the years. Advances in technology have continually pushed the sport forward, bringing faster bikes, more capable suspension, and improved performance. As speeds continue to increase, so does the risk taken by the rider. For Florida Trail Riders preparing to race, safety must remain an essential part of every decision—from preparation and equipment to riding technique and race-day choices. Many participants at the races may not realize just how much effort goes into keeping everyone safe throughout a race weekend. One person who is a common sight at FTR events
is Donny Richardson, who heads up FTR’s safety crew. Some of you may have already seen the new safety side-by-sides that were rolled out at Hog Waller. When asked about the new units, Donny kept it pretty simple:
and a pump to move water as needed. A bike fire in the woods last year at one of the Bartow races really highlighted the need for this addition. A special thank you goes out to Ronnie Avirett for operating this unit on race weekends.
“With the new assets, we are able to shrink the operating area, which brings down response times. This gets injured riders off the trail quicker. The new safety machines are also equipped with the latest technology to enable our people to get there faster than ever.”
While many things change in racing, one thing remains the same: no one can do it alone. From putting on the races to operating the safety crew, everyone has a role to play. Three companies that many of us know stepped up to do their part to help ensure everyone can enjoy a safer racing experience.
Donny also pointed out that one of the units is equipped for fire suppression, featuring a 125-gallon tank
A collaboration between Central Florida Power Sports and Yamaha helped
make these new safety side-by-sides a reality. The first machine was purchased at a discounted rate, while the second is a loaner that will be replaced annually by Yamaha. HBD Motografx also stepped up to help in the style department. A fresh set of graphics leaves the racing public with no doubt about who is pulling up when the safety crew arrives. These partnerships have helped put FTR at the forefront of race safety, and we are grateful for the support. If you have an opportunity to support these companies, please do. They are supporting the racing community when it matters most.
25
OCTOBER
2026
THE ARCHIVES Excerpts from the September 1973 issue of the Florida Trail Riders Magazine.
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OCTOBER
2026
floridatrailriders.com
29
2026
OCTOBER Strong Roots Fitness
SEPTEMBER 2026
Built for Riders. Back by Results
@strong_roots_fitness_llc trainwithstrongroots@gmail.com
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31 FLORIDATRAILRIDERS.COM
2025 -2026 FTR Competition Schedule *dates and locations subject to change
FTR’s BOD has voted to transition to a Calendar-Year (January to December) Season. So, for the 2025-2026 season, we will have a ONE-TIME 18-month schedule. After that, we will run from January through December. This was done to comply with AMA promotion rules. The approved preliminary schedule of 15 Hare Scrambles and 13 Enduros. August 31, 2025 Enduro #1 Litlle Brown Jug Clinton, SC September 28, 2025 Enduro #2 Orange State Croom, FL October 10-11, 2025 HS #1 CFTR Bartow, FL October 25-26, 2025 HS #2 SADRA Bartow, FL November 2, 2025 Enduro #3 Gobbler Getter Maplesville, AL November 8-9, 2025 HS #3 Sunrunners Bartow, FL December, 6-7, 2025 HS #4 OSDR Punta Gorda, FL January 3-4, 2026 HS #5 SCTB Brooksville, FL January 17-18, 2026 HS #6 PBTTR Okeechobee, FL Jan/Feb 31-1 2026 HS #7 TCTR Indiantown, FL February 8, 2026 Enduro #4 Sumter National Wedgefield, SC February 14-15, 2026 HS #8 BSTR Lake Butler, FL February 22, 2026 Enduro #5 St. Mary’s Shoals Macclenny, FL March 8, 2026 Enduro #6 Straight Arrow Richloam, FL March 14-15, 2026 HS #9 NCTB Dade City, FL April 11-12, 2026 HS #10 OSDR Punta Gorda, FL April 19, 2026 Enduro #7 Armadillo Lake Butler, FL May 24, 2026 Enduro #8 Cherokee Greensboro, GA September 6, 2026 Enduro #9 Little Brown Jug Clinton, SC September 12-13, 2026 HS #11 DDR Palatka, FL September 20, 2026 Enduro #10 GCSB Robertsdale, AL September 27, 2026 Enduro #11 Orange State Croom, FL October 10-11, 2026 HS #12 CFTR Bartow, FL October 24-15, 2026 HS #13 SADRA Bartow, FL November 1, 2026 Enduro #12 Gobbler Getter Maplesville, AL November 7-8, 2026 HS #14 Sunrunners Bartow, FL November 15, 2026 Enduro #13 St. Mary’s Shoals Macclenny, FL
RIDERS: DAVID ECKHARDT & SETH ROBBINS PHOTO: MARIAH ROBBINS 29
OCTOBER
2026