Florida Trail Riders - December 2023

VOL. 42

ST. MARY’S PHOTOS MEETING MINUTES & MORE BOBBY HENDERSON Photo by Jamey Perdue

DECEMBER 2023

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Established 1971

FLORIDA TRAIL RIDERS

DECEMBER 2023

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FEATURES WHO TO CONTACT 6 PREZ SEZ 8 CHAPLAIN’s CORNER 10 WHAT’S NEW? 12 MotoPT: IMPROVE YOUR MOVE 18 ST. MARY’S SHOALS PHOTOS 20 MY FIRST ENDURO 24 2023-2024 EVENT SCHEDULE 29

Photo by Jamey Perdue

Established 1971

FLORIDA TRAIL RIDERS

Photos by Jamey Perdue

DECEMBER 2023

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Area Directors & Club Info AREA #1 - Out-of-State, Panhandle

AREA #8 - Brevard, Indian River

Brandon St. John (912) 674-6127 ktm21brandon@yahoo.com

Charles Conte (361) 523-8464 chuckrconte@gmail.com

AREA #2 - Hamilton, Suwannee, Columbia, Baker, Union, Bradford, Nassau, Duval, Clay, Putnam, St. Johns

AREA #9 - Manatee, Sarasota, Hardee, DeSoto, Highlands

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

Bruan Dugre (941) 893-7898 brian@mycentec.com AREA #10 - Okeechobee, St. Lucie, Martin Ken Harris (772) 370-4434 khei9862@gmail.com AREA #11 - Charlotte, Lee, Glades, Hendry, Collier Ken Redford (239) 297-7170 redford_kenny@yahoo.com AREA #12 - Palm Beach

AREA #5 - Hernando, Pasco, Pinellas, West Hillsborough

Kyle McAfee (561) 722-1318 rkyle914@aol.com

Shane Hitz (747) 213-4399 shane.hitz@yahoo.com

AREA #13 - Borward, Dade, Monroe

AREA #6 - East Hillsborough, Polk

Adam Cohen (954) 881-4211 adams.cohen.c@gmail.com

Jerry Curtis (813) 917-9885 jcurtis@4tbs.net

AREA #7 - Seminola, Osceola, Orange Austin Lasure (407)773-3596 austinlasure5@gmail.com

Established 1971

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 Elesa Berard (407) 376-7115 elesa@embarqmail.com 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

Apollo M/C Mark Bordelon (321) 794-0993 markbord115@gmail.com

Old School Dirt Riders Ben Kelly (941) 650-1473 ftr90racer@yahoo.com

Azalea City M/C Gary Wyatt (386) 684-2698 wyattg1@windstream.net

Palm Beach Track & Trail Randy Rash (954) 931-5709 motodadfla19@aol.com

FLORIDA TRAIL RIDERS

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 Luis M Rodriguez (772) 801-9777 luisabx@hotmail.com

Who to Contact OFFICERS

RIDER REPS

PRESIDENT Randy Faul (863) 244-3709 president@floridatrailriders.org

AA/A ENDURO Don Chriss (407) 694-5614 decorlando@gmail.com

VICE PRESIDENT Pete Rose (941) 270-1189 vicepresident@floridatrailriders.org

B/C ENDURO Sam Boydstun (407) 467-3951 woodsracercfl@rr.com

SECRETARY Bill Toreki 352-372-1135 secretaryfloridatrailriders.org

SPECIALTY A/B ENDURO Peter Magee (352) 472-6932 cr250@bellsouth.net

TREASURER Kayla Vawter (863) 381-2649 treasurer@foridatrailriders.org

SPECIALTY C/WOMEN ENDURO Jimmy Pitts (321) 234-5086 AA/A HARE SCRAMBLE Ryan McCarthy (941) 234-5086 ryanmccarthy90@gmail.com

HARE SCRAMBLE CHAIRMAN Randy Rash (954) 931-5709 hschair@floridatrailriders.org

B/C HARE SCRAMBLE Roy Culbertson (407) 446-7993 roy.culbertson337@gmail.com

ENDURO CHAIRMAN George Tolson (863) 698-3837 endurochair@floridatrailriders.org

SPECIALTY A/B HARE SCRAMBLE Paul Lucas (305) 244-7531 happytimesamuse@msn.com

HARE SCRAMBLE REFEREE Jeff Hazeltine 941-468-7204 hsreffloridatrailriders.org ENDURO REFEREE Glenn Hunt (678) 231-4100 enduroref@floeidatrailriders.org

SPECIALTY C/WOMEN HARE SCRAMBLE Holly Langford (954) 504-2659 hollylangford10@gmail.com SATURDAY CLASSES HARE SCRAMBLE Kurt Lucas (786) 385-7771 kurtlucas101@gmail.com

BUSINESS MANAGER Darlene Riggs (352) 538-6291 businessmanager@floridatrailriders.org

QUADS Pete Rose (941) 270-1189 pwrracingktm@gmail.com

DECEMBER 2023

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PREZ SEZ Words: Randy Faul Behind the Goggles As we have concluded four hare scrambles and five enduros already, things are happening fast and keeping up with the weekends has become a full-time job but before I get into those events, I must congratulate the membership, parents and clubs for stepping up. The last three hare scrambles as I write this have proven that our pit riding has declined in a positive way with total cooperation and we are grateful.

Our families are safer and the traveling to and from in the pits are in order. Sometimes we have to reach the bottom before we see progress and that was where we were last year with things like vehicles, SxS, mini’s and one wheels etc. Rounds two and three had our children playing football, tag and just running around having a great time.

Friday and Saturday there were more bicycles out with kids riding in groups like they used to do and that it was like a new era had arrived, keep doing what you’re doing kiddos as is a pleasant sight to see them all playing and having fun like it used to be. Continue doing what you’re doing with teaching your children what it’s like to go back to the real fun times of hanging out and talking to each other, Thank You parents!

Case in point, the ranch manag-

Established 1971

er from Clear Springs stopped by just to see how we were doing and commented on how many people, campers and kids were there and how well things looked with so much calmness. As Clear Springs has multiple events yearly on this same piece of property from the Tough Mudder events to Jeepin with Judd with hundreds of jeeps, campers and people coming out to have a good time, she commented that she wished that their other events could be as well organized and calm like the FTR events. So there we have it, even an outsider notices our actions with positive comments.

Moving on to the SADRA and Sunrunners events, things looked good on paper but with two crews going at the same time and with two new trail bosses for both clubs it could have went south, but Brian Dugre and West Anderson stepped up respectively and with a little guidance both handled the job, with the only items being used twice was the starting line, pits and the scoring.

Both our clubs were praying for rain with any amount accepted but it didn’t happen which led to very dry dusty conditions. As the clubs know, it takes a village to pull one of these events off with every hand on deck to cover all the bases.

With two very different courses, they both challenged the riders as it’s been awhile since we have had

FLORIDA TRAIL RIDERS

anything this extreme but the riders handled it with a few collarbones and a lot of sore blistered hands.

We hope that everyone enjoyed our weekends as much as we enjoyed putting these events together. I can say it is a lot of work, and when everyone goes home Sunday evening, the clubs are still there doing teardowns and packing things up.

Again, I can’t emphasize the response the members have shown in responding to getting our house back in order, great job members and parents. It is much appreciated and please continue exercising good judgment with our children as they are the future of our sport!

Thanks for listening, Randy Faul

DECEMBER 2023

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CHAPLAIN’s CORNER Words: Jim Edleston

the ship to turn broadside, thereby facing the enemy with all guns at the ready. The film shows the anchor dragging along the floor of the ocean until it strikes and lodges on a large rock. This forced the ship to turn.

Starting Line to Checkered Flag…\ “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” 2 Timothy 4:7 Some of you know that I enjoy pirate movies, especially the “Pirates of the Caribbean” series. While watching the original movie for the “umpteenth time”, I found something that applies to all of us who know, or want to know Jesus.

There is a scene in which the “good guys” sailing the Interceptor, “the fasted ship in the fleet” are being chased and caught by the “bad guys”, who are sailing the cursed ship, The Black Pearl. What touched me was instead of running in fear, they chose to fight. The captain performed a maneuver called “club hauling” where one anchor is dropped on the same side, forcing

Established 1971

King David in Psalm 31 stated, “In You, O Lord, I have taken refuge; Let me never be ashamed; In Your righteousness deliver me. Incline Your ear to me, rescue me quickly; Be to me a rock of strength, A stronghold to save me. For You are my rock and my fortress; For Your name’s sake You will lead me and guide me.”

Also, in Psalm 19:14, David wrote, “Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, O LORD, my rock and my redeemer.”

In 1 Peter 2:6, the apostle Peter wrote, “For this is contained in Scripture: “Behold, I lay in Zion a choice stone, a precious corner stone, And he who believes in Him will not be disappointed.” It is not coincidence that Peter’s name means “rock” because Jesus told him in Matthew 16:16-18, “ Simon

FLORIDA TRAIL RIDERS

Peter answered, “You are the [a] Christ, the Son of the living God.” 17 And Jesus said to him, “Blessed are you, Simon because flesh and blood did not reveal this to you, but My Father who is in heaven. 18 And I also say to you that you are [c]Peter, and upon this [d]rock I will build My church; and the gates of Hades will not overpower it.”

Just as the rock anchored the ship and made it ready for battle, Jesus, our rock, our redeemer, our fortress, our protector, provider, provisioner, our LORD and Savior, will strengthen you, making you ready for any battle you are facing or will face. He loves you so much and He is waiting for you to accept that love.

Friends, have a very blessed 2024!

Betty and I look forward to seeing you at the races.

Blessings on and off the road, Jim and Betty Edleston CMA

Photo by Tyler Miller DECEMBER 2023

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WHAT’S NEW?

Hare Scramble Committee Meeting Minutes 10/28 (condensed)

Old Business Elect committee members.

A post requesting nominations for committee positions was made in August and none were received Motion was made to reelect the present members of the committee.

Chairman: Randy Rash AA/A Discplacement: Ryan McCarthy B/C Discplacement: Vacant Specialty A/B: Paul Lucas Specialty C/Women: Holly Langford Saturday Classes: Kurt Lucas Quad: Pete Rose HS Referee:Jeff Hazeltine Vote 14 for 0 against New Business The Chair brought a petition to allow Kyle Mcafee and Joey Madina to not be required to move to the AA class after finishing in the top 10 overall last year.

Vote 14 for 0 against Proposal 1/24 A motion was brought by the chairman to modify the Top 10 AA advancement rule to exclude all age specific classes.

Vote 14 for 0 against A proposal was made to split Women Vet into A and B No motion was made and it was dropped.

Proposal 2/24 A proposal was made to allow 85 cc bikes to compete in the Junior A/B/C classes Vote 12 for 3 against

Established 1971

Proposal 3/24 A proposal was made to create a Women C class for Saturday Vote 14 for 0 against A proposal was made to create aVet AA class for the Top 10 from the Sunday morning classes.

Vote 0 for 14 against A proposal was made to create a Pre Modern AA class Vote 0 for 14 against A proposal was made to change the machine eligibility rules for vintage and evo bikes to vintage 40 years or older and evo 30 years or older.

Vote 3 for 9 against A proposal was made to create an open class for first responders on Saturday No motion was made and it was dropped Mikel Pares petitioned the committee to overturn his son Nicolas DQ for pit riding at the CFTR event.

It was determined that Nicolas was riding while helping in an official capacity the vote to overturn the DQ was 12 for and 2 against Both Randy Faul and Donny Richardson spoke about the efforts to contain pit riding and the need to keep it up.

Darlene Riggs handed out AMA charter applications to all the clubs.

FLORIDA TRAIL RIDERS

Enduro Committee Meeting Minutes 9/23 (condensed) NEW BUSINESS: 1. Need to fill AA/A Rider Rep. 2. Enduro equipment 1. 8 scan guns 2. Newly donated HS laptops 3. Event preparation 1. FTR radio system can be utilized by contacting Tim Nordle prior to event 2. Club works will need to be ‘trained’ on check/scoring procedures with new equipment 3. Events can be:

i. National format

ii. Sprint format 4. All riders must be verified as either: 1. Current FTR 2. Current SETRA (co-sanctioned) 3. Or 1 Day membership 4. ALL MUST BE AMA CURRENT 5. HS property to host Sprint Enduro 1. 2 6–8-mile woods sections 2. 1 5–6-mile grass/woods test RULE CHANGE PROPOSAL: Summary: Elimination of Evo Class in Enduro Reason: Very limited participation during the past six years in Evo. Benefits: Remove class with limited participation from Year End Awards and event awards that the clubs provide.

DECEMBER 2023

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2023–2024 AMA Florida Hare Scramble State Championship Series

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HTTP WWW MOTO TALLY COM &42 (3 0RE%NTRY ASPX • ARMBANDS MUST BE WORN BY ALL PARTICIPANTS AND SPECTATORS AT ALL TIMES. • NO GROUND FIRES. • ALL DOGS MUST BE ON LEASHES. • 96 db MAX sound limit.

• Tether switches required for all Quads.

• FTR transponders are required for scoring.

They are available at signup.

• NO PIT RIDING • Riders are responsible for correct colors. numbers. and letters — see Hare Scrambles Section of the FTR rulebook.

Riders and Guests are responsible for following all FTR rules.

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Above Ground Campfires Only!!!

Food Vending All Weekend GPS Coordinates N28.55291 W82.34427 23400 Mondon Hill Rd, Brooksville, FL 34601

SATURDAY Bikes Riders Meeting 12:00p Signup 7:30a–10:30a ` Race 8 12:15p–1:45p Pee Wee Track Practice: Row 1 Mini A 9:00a-9:05a Pee Wee A & B Row 2 Mini B 9:05a–9:10a Pee Wee C & Beginner Row 3 65A 9:10a–9:15a Quad Super Pee Wee A & B Row 4 Mini C & Mini Girls 9:15a–9:20a Quad Pee Wee A & B Row 5 65B Pee Wee Races Row 6 65C, 65 Girls ` Race 1 9:25a–9:40a Row 7 Mini Beginner 1 Pee Wee Beginner Row 8 Mini Beginner 2 ` Race 2 9:45a–10:00a ` Race 9 2:00p–3:30p Pee Wee C Row 1 Pre-Modern A ` Race 3 10:05a–10:30a Row 2 Junior A Pee Wee A & B Row 3 Junior B ` Race 4 10:40a–11:00a Row 4 Pre-Modern B Quad Pee Wee B Row 5 Evo, Pre-Modern, ` Race 5 11:05a–11:25a Super Senior Quad Pee Wee A Row 6 Junior C & Junior Girls ` Race 6 11:30a–11:55p Row 7 Evo Senior & Vintage Quad Super Pee Wee B Row 8 Beginners ` Race 7 12:00p–12:30p Sunday Race Signup 3:30–5:30p Quad Super Pee Wee A ` Race 10 3:45p–5:15p Big Track Practice: Row 1 Quad AA 9:00a–9:30a Quads Row 2 Quad A Row 3 Quad B Open 10:00a–10:30a Bikes ŹŹ

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Row 4 Quad Plus 30 & Quad Veteran Row 5 Quad Senior & Super Senior Row 6 Quad Utility Open Row 7 Quad Women & Quad Master Row 8 Quad C Open Row 9 Quad Junior Row 10 Quad Women Master, Quad Women Vet, Quad Golden Master, Quad Silver Master SUNDAY Signup 7:30a–9:30a Practice 8:30a–9:30a Riders Meeting 10:15a ` Race 1 10:30a–12:30p Row 1 Senior A Row 2 Super Senior A Row 3 Master A Row 4 Silver Master A Row 5 Senior B, Women A Row 6 Super Senior B Row 7 Golden Master A Row 8 Master B Row 9 Silver Master B Row 10 Elite Master A/B, Legends Row 11 Golden Master B Row 12 Senior C, Women Vet

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FTR, AMA and AMR (Annual Minor Release) Numbers Required — Available At Signup Name

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THIS IS A RELEASE AND INDEMNITY AGREEMENT - READ IT BEFORE SIGNING I HEREBY GIVE UP ALL MY RIGHTS TO SUE OR MAKE ANY CLAIM FOR DAMAGES DUE TO NEGLIGENCE OR ANY OTHER REASON WHATSOEVER AGAINST THE PROMOTERS, SPONSORS, AND ALL OTHER PERSONS, PARTICIPANTS OR ORGANIZATIONS CONDUCTING OR CONNECTED WITH THIS EVENT FOR INJURY TO PROPERTY OR PERSON I MAY SUFFER, INCLUDING CRIPPLING INJURY OR DEATH WHILE PARTICIPATING IN THE EVENT AND WHILE UPON EVENT PREMISES. I KNOW THE RISKS OF DANGER TO MYSELF AND MY PROPERTY WHILE PREPARING FOR AND PARTICIPATING IN THE EVENT AND WHILE UPON THE EVENT PREMISES AND, RELYING UPON MY OWN JUDGMENT AND ABILITY, ASSUME ALL SUCH RISKS OF LOSS AND HEREBY AGREE TO REIMBURSE ALL COSTS TO THOSE PERSONS AND ORGANIZATIONS CONNECTED WITH THIS EVENT FOR DAMAGES INCURRED AS A RESULT OF MY NEGLIGENCE.

THIS IS A RELEASE SIGNATURE OF PARTICIPANT

THIS IS A RELEASE

SIGNATURE OF PARENT (REQUIRED OF ALL PARTICIPANTS UNDER 18 YEARS OF AGE) CLUB USE ONLY

CLUB $ 23-24 v1.5 Established 1971

MEMB $

TRANS $

AMA$

T-SHIRTS $

FLORIDA TRAIL RIDERS

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PIT RIDING RULES Subject: FTR Pit-Riding Rule Enforcement for Coming Season The Board of Directors of FTR has decided that Pit Riding has become out of control, despite repeated warnings.

The existing rules are being ignored, but starting IMMEDIATELY, all Pit Riding rules will be strictly enforced.

Penalties will be issued, and no warnings will be given. Please see this link for the complete Pit Riding Rules, per FTR rulebook: (http://www.floridatrailriders.org/uploads/2023-2024_docs/Pit-Riding-Rules.pdf).

Some Key Points to remember: • Unlicensed persons (includes anyone under 16) may NOT operate ANY motor vehicle at the event – EXCEPT their own race bike traveling to and from their competition event (including practice), AND they MUST be accompanied by a licensed person.

• Use of “one-wheels” and other motorized scooters and pit bikes by unlicensed persons, or anyone under 16, is NOT allowed. The only motorized vehicles which can be operated by someone under 16 are electric bikes WITH PEDAL-ASSIST. • Speed limit for ALL vehicles (includes golf carts, competition bikes, and bicycles) is “FIRSTGEAR WALKING SPEED”.

• ALL vehicles (including bicycles) MUST have a Headlight after dark.

• PENALTIES may include required Disqualification which cannot be dropped for season points.

• See this link for COMPLETE Pit-Riding Rules: (http://www.floridatrailriders.org/uploads/2023-2024_docs/ Pit-Riding-Rules.pdf).

• We ask ALL FTR Members to please help enforce these rules. If you see somebody in violation, please tell them to cease, or report them immediately to an FTR official.

Asunto: Aplicación de la norma FTR para la próxima temporada La Junta Directiva de FTR ha decidido que Pit Riding se ha vuelto fuera de control, a pesar de las repetidas advertencias. Las reglas existentes están siendo ignoradas, pero a partir de INMEDIATO, todas las reglas de Pit Riding se aplicarán estrictamente. Se emitirán sanciones y no se darán advertencias. Por favor, consulte este enlace para ver las Reglas de Pit Riding completas, por FTR (http://www.floridatrailriders.org/uploads/2023-2024_docs/PitRiding-Rules.pdf).

Algunos puntos clave a recordar: • Las personas sin licencia (incluye a cualquier persona menor de 16 años) NO pueden operar ningún vehículo de motor en el evento - EXCEPTO su propia bicicleta de carreras que viaja hacia y desde su evento de competencia (incluyendo la práctica), Y DEBEN estar acompañados por una persona con licencia.

• El uso de "una rueda" y otros scooters motorizados y bicicletas de boxes por personas sin licencia, o cualquier persona menor de 16 años, NO está permitido. Los únicos vehículos motorizados que pueden ser operados por alguien menor de 16 años son bicicletas eléctricas CON PEDAL-ASSIST. • El límite de velocidad para TODOS los vehículos (incluye carritos de golf, bicicletas de competición y bicicletas) es "FIRSTGEAR WALKING SPEED".

• TODOS los vehículos (incluidas las bicicletas) DEBEN tener un faro al anochecer.

• Las PENALIDADES pueden incluir Descalificación requerida que no puede ser eliminada por puntos de temporada.

• Vea este enlace para las Reglas COMPLETAS de Pit-Riding (http://www.floridatrailriders.org/uploads/2023-2024_docs/Pit-Riding-Rules.pdf).

• Pedimos a todos los miembros de FTR que por favor ayuden a hacer cumplir estas reglas. Si usted ve a alguien en violación, por favor dígales que cesen, o repórtelo inmediatamente a un funcionario de FTR. Gracias, Junta Directiva de FTR.

DECEMBER 2023

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RIDER: ADRIAN GARCIA PHOTO: TYLER MILLER

Established 1971

FLORIDA TRAIL RIDERS

DECEMBER 2023

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MotoPT: IMPROVE YOUR MOVE Words: Matt Daugherty

Mastering Long Stretches: A Comprehensive Guide to Proper Technique and Benefits Hello FTR Family,

or injury.

Last month we spoke about the benefits and effects of long duration stretching. Now lets take a pragmatic approach and discuss how to actually perform a long stretch. It may seem simple enough on the surface but I am willing to be there is at least one new tip you will pick up from this months article.

3. Breathe Deeply: Deep and controlled breathing plays a crucial role in maintaining a long stretch. Inhale slowly and deeply through your nose, allowing your lungs to fill with air, and exhale through your mouth. Focus on your breath to promote relaxation, and use it as a tool to gradually deepen the stretch. Consistent, rhythmic breathing also helps prevent muscle tension and allows for a more comfortable and sustained stretch.

1. Warm-Up Before Diving In: Before attempting any long stretches, it's essential to warm up your muscles to increase blood flow and flexibility.

Engage in light cardio exercises such as walking, jogging, cycling or the row machine for 5-10 minutes to prepare your body for the stretching session.

This helps reduce the risk of injury and ensures your muscles are ready to embrace the elongation. Better yet, stretch post ride or workout.

2. Focus on Proper Alignment: Achieving the correct body alignment is fundamental to holding an effective and safe long stretch. Think about where the muscle or tendon start and end. Don’t think about adopting a specific position but rather taking both anchor points and gradually pulling them apart. Pay close attention to your posture, ensuring that your spine is straight and your joints are properly aligned i.e. don’t round your back when stretching your hamstrings.

Misalignment can lead to discomfort

Established 1971

4. Gradual Progression is Key: Attempting to reach your maximum stretch right from the start can lead to strain or injury. Instead, ease into the stretch gradually, reaching a first stopping point of mild tension and holding it. As your muscles begin to relax, you can gently push a little further. Take what your body gives you but always stay at the barrier the whole two minute duration. This will ensure you get maximal effect of the golgi tendon organs which respond to tension created in tendons, which help decrease muscle tone and aid in elongation.This progressive approach not only enhances flexibility but also minimizes the risk of overstretching.

5. Utilize Props and Support: Incorporating props such as yoga blocks, straps, or a sturdy chair can provide additional support during long stretches. These aids can help you maintain

FLORIDA TRAIL RIDERS

proper alignment and allow for a more comfortable and controlled stretch.

As you become more flexible, you can gradually reduce your reliance on props.

Remember, it's crucial to maintain proper form and not push your body beyond its limits while holding a stretch. Always listen to your body and consult with your physical therapist or a healthcare professional to ensure you're performing stretches safely and effectively.

If you have any questions or comments, please email me at contact@ motopt.com, or call/text 904-395-5379.

Let's IMPROVE YOUR MOVE so you can ride pain-free with MotoPT. I will see you at the races!

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

Photos by Jamey Perdue

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ST. MARY’S SHOALS PHOTOS Photos: Jamey Perdue

Established 1971

FLORIDA TRAIL RIDERS

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Established 1971

FLORIDA TRAIL RIDERS

DECEMBER 2023

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MY FIRST ENDURO Words; Dustin Kato

I’ve been riding dirt bikes since 2012, starting out with local motocross tracks and races. After going to college in Fort Myers and meeting some friends that raced FTR, I decided to give hare scrambles a try. I raced my first hare scramble at Gatorback in 2016 and didn’t really have the right equipment and funds to continue racing. I spent the next couple of years working, riding, and dreaming of the days where I would be able to complete a full FTR hare scramble season alongside my buddies.

Fast forward to 2022, I finally had a reliable bike, and a steady job that could fund a full FTR hare scramble season and attended every race possible that year. I enjoy camping out at the races all weekend long with your buddies, watching other racing, and getting to put all that hard work to the test on Sunday at 1PM. For me, FTR racing has been nothing but great experiences; getting the opportunity to race and ride properties that you normally wouldn’t be able to, meeting great people and creating life-long friendships, progressing your riding skills, and offering opportunities for you to give back to the community.

Established 1971

One night, over a couple beers, a buddy of mine invited me to race the St. Mary’s Shoal’s Enduro. I had never raced an enduro before and had only experience with racing hare scrambles and motocross.

After hyping up how awesome the enduros were, I decided I had to line up for the race that weekend.

Test 1 was 8.3 miles long. I was amazed at how many turns and how tight the enduro trails can be compared to a hare scramble. It took a few miles to warm up, but after a while I started to find a flow and was having a blast. A majority of the first test was higher speed and flowed very well. After the first test, I was able to meet up with some friends before the second test where we got to share a couple laughs about some sketchy moments.

Test 2 was the longest test of the day at 9.3 miles. This test had quite a variety of tight turns, fire roads, technical, and fast trails. I struggled a bit on this one in some of the tight technical sections but managed to pull it together. Some areas had brush so high that you couldn’t see more than 50

feet ahead, making it hard not to override the motorcycle against the clock and limited visibility.

Test 3 was the shortest of the day at 7.5 miles, but felt the longest. This one seemed to have drastic changes in variety where you would be moving on fast trails and going right into tight technical sections within a few hundred yards.

One area felt like we were riding in the African deserts with trails and scenery I have never seen in Florida.

Despite the perfect conditions all day, there was a small mud section on this test swallowing riders. As I approached, I saw a few other riders pushing their bikes through the mud and made a quick decision to find a line around the mud and kept trucking on.

After Test 3, the riders head back to the parking area for a lunch break and time to fix anything on their motorcycles. We stopped by the truck for some food, hydration and refueling the bikes and were on our way back out to Test 4.

Test 4, 5, and 6 were re-runs of the first three tests. This meant that there would be more lines on the course

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and some areas may be better or worse when going back out. The first test was my favorite, so I decided to give it all I had on Test 4. I ended up finishing 4th in my class on this test for my best finish of the day.

Moving on to the next test, I started to feel tired and decided to ride smart, knowing that I struggled on this test previously and didn’t want to make any costly mistakes. Lining up for the last test of the day, I reminded myself of that mud hole that was swallowing riders earlier in the day so I could avoid it again. The event staff rerouted the trail so that the mud section was no longer an obstacle in the last test. After pushing on through the last test, there was no better feeling than seeing the checkered flag at the end.

The St. Mary’s Shoal’s Enduro was one of the most fun times I’ve had riding my dirtbike. Overall, the trails were phenomenal, offering a little bit of something for everyone and the event was organized perfectly. If you have never raced an enduro, I highly recommend attending one!

RIDER: DUSTIN KATO PHOTO: JAMEY PERDUE

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Photo by Jamey Perdue

Home of SADRA Established 1971

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THANK YOU ROCKY MOUNTAIN ATV M/C FOR YOUR CONTINUED SUPPORT OF FLORIDA TRAIL RIDERS OVER $150,000 IN RACE GAS GIFT CARDS EACH YEAR!

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FLORIDA TRAIL RIDERS

2023-2024 EVENT SCHEDULE 09-03-2023

Enduro #1

Little Brown Jug Enduro

Union, SC

09-24-2023 Enduro #2 Croom Enduro Croom, FL 9-30/10-1 2023 HS #1

Central Florida Trail Riders

Bartow, FL

10-28/29-2023

HS #2

Sarasota Area Dirt Riders

Bartow, FL

10-29-2023

Enduro #3

Gobbler Getter Enduro

Maplesville, AL

11-11/12-2023

HS #3

Sunrunners Motorcle Club

Bartow, FL

11-19-2023

Enduro #4

St. Mary’s Shoals Enduro

Glen St. Mary, FL

12-03-2023

Enduro #5

Big Scrub Enduro

Lake Butler, FL

12-9/10-2023

HS# 4

Old School Dirt Riders

Punta Gorda, FL

01-6/7-2024 HS #5

1-20/21-2024 HS #6

Suncoast Trail Blazers

Brooksville, FL

Palm Beach Track & Trail

Okeechobee, FL

2-3/4-2024

Treasure Coast Trail Riders

Indiantown, FL

HS #7

2-17/18-2024 HS #8 Daytona Dirt Riders

2-25-2024 Enduro #6 Straight Arrow Enduro

Ormond Beach, FL Richloam, FL

3-7-2024 Enduro #7 Alligator Enduro Favoretta, FL 3-16/17-2024

HS #9

Nature Coast Trail Blazers

Dade City, FL

4-13/14-2024

HS #10

Old School Dirt Riders

Punta Gorda, FL

06-9-2024 Enduro #8 Cherokee Enduro Greensboro, GA

DECEMBER 2023

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FLORIDA TRAIL RIDERS

DECEMBER 2023

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Established 1971

FLORIDA TRAIL RIDERS