Florida Trail Riders - March 2022

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JESSIE COX

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VOL. 21 BLACK ON WHITE

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TCTR & DDR PHOTO REPORTS LIVE LIKE AIDYN & MORE March 2022

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Photo by Tyler Miller

FLORIDA TRAIL RIDERS

TABLE OF CONTENTS AREA DIRECTORS & CLUB INFO 4 WHO TO CONTACT 5 EDITOR’S NOTE 7 ON THE COVER 7 PREZ SAYS 9 CHAPLAIN’S CORNER 11

WHAT’S NEW? 12 THE GRIM REAPER 14 TCTR PHOTOS 16 LIVE LIKE AIDYN 20

DDR PHOTOS 22 2021-2022 EVENT SCHEDULE 30

Photos in this issue provided by: TYLER MILLER

BRIANNA AVIRETT March 2022

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AREA DIRECTORS & CLUB INFO

AREA DIRECTORS AREA #1 - Out-of-State, Panhandle Brandon St. John (912) 729-1089 ktm21brandon@yahoo.com AREA #2 - Hamilton, Suwannee, Columbia, Baker, Union, Bradford, Nassau, Duval, Clay, Putnam, St. Johns James Benton (904) 589 0093 bentonracing116@yahoo.com AREA #3 - Gilchrist, Alachua, Levy, Marion, Citrus, Sumter, Lake Wiliam Toreki (352) 372-1135 stillbill@cox.net AREA #4 - Flagler, Volusia Mike McGuire (386) 871-0666 makmcguire@yahoo.com AREA #5 - Hernando, Pasco, Pinellas, West Hillsborough Shane Hitz (747) 213-4399 shane.hitz@yahoo.com AREA #6 - East Hillsborough, Polk Trey Heath (863) 326-3009 treyheath@hotmail.com

AREA #7 - Seminola, Osceola, Orange

Jason Ennis (321) 615-8227 jason.ennis@mypowersports. net AREA #8 - Brevard, Indian River Shaun Foutch (386) 214-4878 eastflorida234@yahoo.com AREA #9 - Manatee, Sarasota, Hardee, DeSoto, Highlands Michael Hall (941) 920-5288 mhall11525@gmail.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) 2907-7170 reford_kenny@yahoo.com AREA #12 - Palm Beach Kyle McAfee (561) 722-1318 rkyle914@aol.com AREA #13 - Borward, Dade, Monroe Adam Cohen (954) 881-4211 adams.cohen.c@gmail.com

CLUB CONTACTS

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

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

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

Perry Mountain M/C Brad Belcher (205) 340-4298 perrymountainmotorcycleclub@gmail.com

Big O Trail Riders Derek Tremain (863) 634-8183 derektremain@gmail.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 rswann222@gmail.com Old School Dirt Riders Ben Kelly (941) 650-1473 ftr90racer@yahoo.com

FLORIDA TRAIL RIDERS

River City Dirt Riders James Benton (904) 589-0093 bentonracing116@yahoo.com Sarasota Area Dirt Riders Randy Faul (863) 244-3709 randt817@gmail.com Southeast Florida Trail Riders Frank Campbell (561) 951-3732 flawoods35@yahoo.com Sumter Enduro Riders Johnny McCoy (803) 481-5169 serma@ftc-i.net Suncoast Trail Blazers Scott Doerr (352) 238-0337 doerr66@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 VICE PRESIDENT Pete Rose (941) 270-1189 vicepresident@floridatrailriders.org SECRETARY Kelsey Saltar (386) 315-4713 secretary@floridatrailriders.org

AA/A ENDURO Don Chriss (407) 694-5614 decorlando@gmail.com B/C ENDURO Sam Boydstun (407) 467-3951 woodsracercfl@rr.com

SPECIALTY A/B ENDURO Peter Magee (352) 472-6932 cr250@bellsouth.net SPECIALTY C/WOMEN ENDURO Jimmy Pitts (321) 234-5086

TREASURER Kayla Vawter (863) 381-2649 treasurer@foridatrailriders.org HARE SCRAMBLE CHAIRMAN Randy Rash (954) 931-5709 hschair@floridatrailriders.org

ENDURO CHAIRMAN George Tolson (863) 698-3837 endurochair@floridatrailriders.org HARE SCRAMBLE REFEREE Dan Aitken (407) 461-8595 hsref@floridatrailriders.org

ENDURO REFEREE Glenn Hunt (678) 231-4100 enduroref@floeidatrailriders.org BUSINESS MANAGER Darlene Riggs (352) 538-6291 businessmanager@floridatrailriders.org

March 2022

AA/A HARE SCRAMBLE Ryan McCarthy (941) 234-5086 ryanmccarthy90@gmail.com

B/C HARE SCRAMBLE Roy Culbertson (407) 446-7993 roy.culbertson337@gmail.com SPECIALTY A/B HARE SCRAMBLE Danny Kittell (727) 244-7299 kittell@verizon.net SPECIALTY C/WOMEN HARE SCRAMBLE Kerri Chambers (863) 956-9140 jekchambers@aol.com SATURDAY CLASSES HARE SCRAMBLE Kurt Lucas (786) 385-7771 kurtlucas101@gmail.com SATURDAY CLASSES HARE SCRAMBLE Pete Rose (941) 270-1189 pwrracingktm@gmail.com PAGE 5

FLORIDA TRAIL RIDERS

Photo by Tyler Miller

ON THE COVER Jessie Cox made her return to racing aboard her new KTM. Jessie finished third in Women A at the Alligator Hare Scramble presented by the Daytona Dirt Riders.

EDITOR’S NOTE Well it had been awhile but I have been bitten by the injury bug yet again.

Something us racers know all too well. But hey, all fun things come at a cost right?

Luckily for me it was just a small fracture in my ankle, no big deal at all. This small mishap allowed me to spend some quality time with our lovely Safety Crew and I just wanted to give a big thank you to everyone who helped me that day.

Photo by Tyler Miller

We are very lucky to have a group of individuals who care so much about the riders, and their safety. Next time you see March 2022

any of the Safety Crew be sure to say thank you, I know they would appreciate it!

Wow, by the time this issue comes out we will have just one Hare Scramble and one Enduro left. Where does the time go?

Thank you guys so much for reading this magazine, it means so much to me when I hear your thoughts, praises, criticisms and anything else at the races Thanks again!

Kurt Lucas

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No purchase necessary, see official rules for details.

GO TO ENGINEICE.COM/CROSSWORD TO PLAY FLORIDA TRAIL RIDERS

PREZ SAYS the final event. Our season has been blessed with some awesome events, great competition and the opportunity to meet a lot of new families as our camping areas are full to the max. Speaking of being full, some of our starting lines are from one side to the other of the starting grid and our membership is knocking on the 3k mark.

A Strong Finish We’re not done yet, but our season is nearing completion with a few enduros and just one or two scrambles left. I honestly don’t know where the season has gone but the old saying; time flies when you’re having fun sure makes you think. Along with winding down our season comes the planning for our main event, our annual banquet.

Plans are already in motion for our July 23rd event and a few surprises are in store for

The way we look at a potential opportunity to secure a new location for an event has changed, instead of focusing on the course and how much woods or a variety of sections the land has, it now requires us to first look at the parking. As our membership grows and the opportunity to get away for a long weekend has caught on, the influx of campers has dictated that our clubs now have to plan for everyone arriving on Friday evening, so parking is a premium.

It’s a great time to be involved with our sport with no signs of anything slowing down as our dealers are finally receiving

March 2022

a much needed inventory to meet the demands of today’s families and first timer buyers.

Supporting your local dealers as well as checking out your local clubs is one sure way to keep our sport alive and well.

Any of you can take a look behind the scenes by taking a look on our website or in our magazine to find a club near you. From start to finish, it takes a lot of manpower to host an event. Clubs are always looking for new members, fresh ideas and to share the knowledge and help preserve the sport of dirt bike riding.

Please consider being part of these awesome events and help preserve every opportunity for our children as well as yourself.

See you at the next event.

Thanks for listening Randy Faul

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Want to advertise with us? Email ftreditor@floridatrailriders.org for more info

HI-PERFORMANCE PRODUCTS

FLORIDA TRAIL RIDERS

CHAPLAIN’S CORNER was at work among them. They were quietly worshipful—and then noisily grateful, calling out among themselves, “God is back, looking to the needs of his people!”

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 As Easter is approaching, this scripture touched my heart.

Only son… I am an only child myself. When my Dad died, I was the one, the only one, to take care of my mother. I understand the grief, the loss, even the fear this mother must have had. And then Jesus came to her. His heart was broken, not just for her, but that death had taken a young life.

What joy she must have felt when she saw her son sit up out of the coffin alive!

I have a friend whose only son Luke 7:11-17 was stricken with a life-threatNot long after that, Jesus went ening illness. He was close to to the village Nain. His disciples death two or three times with were with him, along with quite little to no hope of recovery. a large crowd. As they apThen, with many prayers lifted proached the village gate, they in his behalf, Jesus touched met a funeral procession—a the young man, gave the Docwoman’s only son was being tors supernatural wisdom, and carried out for burial. And the lifted him out of his deathbed. mother was a widow. When Je- He is restoring and the family is sus saw her, his heart broke. He praising God for the miracle. said to her, “Don’t cry.” Then he went over and touched the Jesus understood the pain and coffin. The pallbearers stopped. sacrifice of being an only Son. He said, “Young man, I tell you: His Father had to watch His Get up.” The dead son sat up one and only Son carry the sins and began talking. Jesus preof the world to a cross. Jesus sented him to his mother. died on the cross by choice so that those who believe in Him They all realized they were in a would never have to pay the place of holy mystery, that God price for their sins.

March 2022

On this upcoming Easter, take the time to ponder… could you love someone so much you would give up your only son for them? That is what our loving God did for us!

John 3:16 “This is how much God loved the world: He gave his Son, his one and only Son. And this is why: so that no one need be destroyed; by believing in him, anyone can have a whole and lasting life.

Jesus overcame death once and for all and forever by being raised from the grave. He walked out of the tomb, just like He raised that young son out of the casket. That guarantee of eternal life with Him is a standing invitation. Please take it. Your life will be changed forever!

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

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WHAT’S NEW? Hare Scramble Committee Meeting Minutes from 02/05/22 Old business None New business Motion was made to move the Vet women starting row from row 9 to row 14.

Motion Randy Rash Second Ryan McCarthy Vote 0 for 17 against Motion was made to move vet women from row 9 to row 11 Motion Randy Rash Second Dan Aitken Vote 17 for 0 against Motion was made to change the FTR starting procedure from a lemans style run to the bikestart to adead engine siting on the bike type start.

The reasoning being to try and elevate some of the congestion on the starting line.

Motion Randy Faul Second Ben Kelly Vote 9 for 7 against A motion was made to change the Saturday race schedule as follows 8-8:30 Quad practice 9-9:30 bike practice 10-12 sportsman and beginners 12:15 – 1:45 MINI’S 2 – 3:30 Jr’s EVO Vintage Pre Mod 3:45 – 5:15 Quads Motion Randy Faul 2nd Pete Rose Vote 10 for 7 against

FLORIDA TRAIL RIDERS

A motion was made as an emergency rule change to separate the Quad pee wee 4-8 50cc A/B classes into two separate races this is a safety issue because of the wide variance of both ages and machines.

Motion Kyle Mcafee 2nd Dan Aitken Vote 17 for 0 against George Edwards came before the committee to protest his DQ at the Suncoast event.

After hearing explanations, the committee overturned the DQ by a vote of 10-5 Mark Cochran came before the committee to protest his advancement to A class After discussion it was determined that due to points not being corrected timely, he was not aware of his total points at the half way point. The committee voted 14-2 to to allow him to stay in B class for the rest of the season.

A discussion was had about the Pee wee A/B race times.

When the A and B classes were combined as an emergency rule change during this season it extended the B class race time from 20 min to 25 min this was just enough to make it to long for the electric bikescompeting in the B class we decided to look into if the B class timing could be stopped at 20 min.

No decision as of this time.

March 2022

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THE GRIM REAPER

by Tim Campbell On January 23rd I was on the starting line at the Hare Scramble #6, which was sponsored by Palm Beach Truck and Trail in Okeechobee, FL. It was a nice cool morning, a little damp, but otherwise perfect weather for a Hare Scramble Race. I had a good start man holding my bike; he had started me several times before, helping me get a good start every time. I was told it worked that day, too.

I had gotten the hole shot!

I was a little way down the trail, I don’t know how far down, when I started ghost riding, unconscious. This was because the Grim Reaper had once again found his way into my chest and was attacking my heart.

The first time he tried to do this to me was two years ago at the same track. I was running 5th that day when I started breathing strange, and I saw a small black spot at first; then I saw another bigger one. I found myself laying on the track, dreaming that

I was taking my boat out to the inlet.

Another rider stopped and woke me up. I went to see a track official who showed me to the closest ambulance.

I had them check me out. They ran a mobile EKG. They told me my heart was in rapid defibrillation. So, as soon as possible, I went to see a cardiologist and had a cardiovascular ablation done. When I had this done, I was told that I would have to stop drinking alcohol, smoking cigarettes, and change my diet. I stopped drinking alcohol and was working on my diet, but I did not stop smoking cigarettes. Despite the advice of my doctors, and encouragement from all the close people in my life including my wife, my FLORIDA TRAIL RIDERS

employer, my close racing friends, my daughter’s former Green Team teammate, and my dive partner, I did not stop smoking.

What I did not realize at the time was that every cigarette I smoked was slowly opening the door for the Reaper to get back inside my chest this last time, giving him full access to my heart. Thankfully, FTR has Donniy and his crew of EMS professionals. They went to work immediately on me beating and shocking

the Reaper out of my chest.

Two and a half days, later I woke up in state of confusion, not remembering anything that had happened. I did not remember my good start in the race, my ghost ride, the ambulance ride, or the helicopter flight. The only thing I remember is waking up in the Intensive Care Unit at Cleveland Clinic in Vero Beach. I was told about my experience with the Reaper.

The medical professionals at the hospital told me that if I were anywhere else other than at the FTR race with highly trained EMTs close by then my chances of seeing my friends and family again would have been very slim.

I have seen, first-hand, the crew of EMTs work on other racers. I always had a great deal of respect for them, but now that this happened to me, it has further deepened my respect for them. I am grateful for Donny and the “Reaper Removal Crew”. I, as well as family, friends, and

employees, thank you for giving me a second chance at life.

Tim Campbell Silver Master B # 328

Over the years of racing FTR

March 2022

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TCTR PHOTOS Photos by Brianna Avirett

FLORIDA TRAIL RIDERS

March 2022

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FLORIDA TRAIL RIDERS

RIDER: DYLAN WALRAVEN PHOTO: BRIANNA AVIRETT

March 2022

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LIVE LIKE AIDYN

by Jamey “Photoman” Perdue

It was a sunny afternoon at the races. As I stood on the side of the trail watching bikes pass I saw a group of guys approach. I couldn’t help but notice the tall kid walking in the back of the pack with a big smile on his face wearing a Hawaiian shirt. This was the first time I remember running into Aidyn Walsh at the races. This was your average South Florida kid that loved the beach, boats and of course….dirt bikes. Aidyn had three uncles that always encouraged his love of two wheels. Uncle Jim bought him his first bike and it wasn’t long before he was off to the races. Uncle James and Uncle Ross al-

ways took time to make sure their long lanky nephew got the seat time he needed to improve his skills on the bike.

This family had been in FTR racing for years. Also a major part of his life was his good friend Landon Hershey. He also raced in the FTR series.

The two did everything together, almost like brothers.

The weekends at the races were always fun surrounded by family and fellow riders.

On October 22, 2021 the two friends planned a trip. They spent their time at an event on a four-wheeler cruising from one camp to the next. As they were making the rounds tragedy struck.

FLORIDA TRAIL RIDERS

Both boys were thrown from the machine and seriously injured. Landon’s injuries required surgery and an extended stay in the ICU. Aidyn arrived at the hospital via helicopter and had no pulse upon arrival. Later that night his heart stopped on three different occasions.

It was looking like a worst case scenario. The doctors performed several tests and concluded there was no brain function. A few years earlier Aidyn’s dad Joey had discussed being a donor with him as he was getting his drivers license. Aidyn’s choice was to check yes and be a donor. The path from here was clear for the family.

The family pushed his bed down a hall lined with hospital staff to an operating room where they said their final goodbyes. Aidyn successfully donated his heart, kidneys and lungs. In the act of passing, he saved three separate lives.

After several months the family started to make plans.

They wanted to return to the races and honor the many memories they had with him.

Uncle James said before leaving the hospital that he was going to ride Aidyn’s bike in a race. February 5th

and 6th, 2022 FTR visited Indiantown. This place had long been a favorite venue of Aidyn. His mom Heather and best friend Landon returned to the races for the first time since the accident.

Friends and family from home and FTR surrounded them.

There were lots of laughs and tears shared. Aidyn had a grandfather that he would fly with every year to a big air show in Wisconsin. They would always wear Hawaiian shirts claiming it made them go faster. He had carried this tradition with him to FTR as well. So for this weekend all

March 2022

the riders out of their camp wore Hawaiian shirts. Just before Uncle James put that shirt on and rode Aidyn’s bike, a large group of people gathered in their pits. They all lined up to spell out “LLA’’ so he could see it from the heavens. “Live Like Aidyn”, a slogan the family has taken on since his passing. Aidyn Walsh, he was a rider, a son and a best friend. While he no longer physically walks with us he will forever hold a very special place in our hearts.

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DDR PHOTOS

Photos by Jamey Perdue & Tyler Miller

FLORIDA TRAIL RIDERS

March 2022

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FLORIDA TRAIL RIDERS

WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU! THIS IS YOUR MAGAZINE, WE WANT TO HEAR YOUR STORIES! IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO SUBMIT CONTENT TO THE FTR MAGAZINE PLEASE EMAIL FTREDITOR@FLORIDATRAILRIDERS.ORG

YOUR AD HERE!

March 2022

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FLORIDA TRAIL RIDERS

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!

March 2022

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RIDER: CLARK MYERS PHOTO: TYLER MILLER

FLORIDA TRAIL RIDERS

PIT DOG OF THE MONTH LUNA OWNER: MAX McNARY

March 2022

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2021-2022 EVENT SCHEDULE DATE RACE # CLUB LOCATION

NOVEMBER 11-07 Enduro #3 Perry Mtn Maplesville, AL 11-21 Enduro #4 River City Macclenny, FL DECEMBER 12-11/12 HS #4 Old School Punta Gorda, FL JANUARY 1-08/09 HS #5 Suncoast Brooksville, FL 1-22/23 HS #6 PBT&TR Okeechobee, FL FEBRUARY 2-05/06 HS #7 TCTR Indiantown, FL 2-19/20 HS #8 DDR Ormond Beach, FL 2-27 Enduro #5 CFTR Richloam, FL MARCH 3-10 Enduro #6 DDR Ormond Beach, FL 3-19/20 HS #9 Nature Coast Dade City, FL APRIL 04-30/05-01

HS #10

FTR Benefit

Bartow, FL

JUNE 06-05 Enduro #7 Cherokee Greensboro, GA

FLORIDA TRAIL RIDERS

March 2022

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FLORIDA TRAIL RIDERS