October 2025 On the Pegs Magazine

Gear: helmets, jerseys, pants & protectors

Parts: Jitsie, OEM plus various aftermarket parts

Bikes: Beta, Electric Motion, Vertigo & TRS

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Mar 8-9: Trials Training Days

Mar 14-16: Downhill Southeast Mtn Bike Race

June 23-26: Family Camp

June 27-29: AMA/NextGen Mototrials Youth & Women's Regional Championship

June 30 - July 3: Invitational Teen Camp

Aug 8-10: 15th Annual Red Bull Kenda

Tennessee Knock Out Extreme Enduro

Oct 18-19: 33rd Annual 58K Fall Trial (STRA)

Dec 6: Xmas Toy Trial - Fun Gate Trial

July 26-27 September 13-14

November 1-2

www.ryanyoungtrialsschools.com

* All dates are subject to change Ryan Young Trials Schools at TTC: January 25-26 February 22-23 April 12-13 May 3-4

EDITORIAL

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF / ADVERTISING MANAGER: STEPH VETTERLY

STEPHANIE@ONTHEPEGSMAGAZINE.COM

CONTRIBUTORS

Pep Segales

Bill de Garis

Brian Pierce

Kayla Bolton

Mack Faint

Team USA TdN Team

Abigail Buzzelli John Mrakovcich Future7Media

Heather Wilson Schiltz

facebook.com/ onthepegs @onthepegsmagazine www.on-the-pegs.com

On the Pegs is covering the events, personalities, and machinery of GNCC, enduro, trials and more with beautiful photography in a free monthly digital magazine.

To get involved or send content, email stephanie@onthepegsmagazine.com

HONORING THE MEMORY OF DALE MALASEK

Dale Malasek, age 81, passed away peacefully on October 4, 2025, in Phoenix, Arizona.

A pillar of the motorcycle trials community, Dale dedicated decades of his life to the sport he loved. As Chairman of the Board of Directors for the North American Trials Council (NATC), he helped shape the direction and growth of trials riding across the country. Through his work with Mecatecno, and as a former GasGas importer, Dale played a key role in bringing world-class equipment to riders nationwide. Not only was he a formidable competitor in the National series, with multiple championships to his name, but he was also a dedicated supporter of numerous local and regional events.

Dale’s influence reached far beyond the podium. He was a mentor, advocate, and friend to generations of trial riders. His presence, leadership, and unwavering commitment to the sport will be deeply missed.

The trials world has lost a true champion—but Dale’s legacy will continue to ride on in every section, every event, and every rider he inspired.

Remembering Dale Malasek

by Bill de Garis

Somewhere around 1970 I crushed my left foot between the 1/2” steel peg on my CZ Scrambler and a big rock at the Jaribuini Trial in the quarry just outside Nairobi, roughly opposite from the main entrance to the Nairobi game park. We just rode our scramble bikes in Trials in those days. The CZ’s didn’t have folding pegs and that 1/2” thick solid steel really hurt.

Fast forward 10 years or so to 1983 at Fort Huachuca in Arizona and I had just done the same thing but on a 200 Montesa and my foot hurt like hell again.

But what really hurt was the guy who won the class I was in (Senior 35 I think) - I didn’t know the guy he was just this really good bloke from Missouri.

I recognised him for the first time on my last loop at Fort Huachuca while paddling my way through the last section desperately trying to save it for a three. Dale had already finished (and won) the class and he was out filming. And there I was making an ass of myself in something I really should have cleaned.

I’d ridden against him the year before and asked someone who this guy who was so good was. “He’s an airline pilot” was the reply.

In the following years I saw him fly out from an event in Texas or New Mexico I think, in an Ultra-Light.

Fly in, win, fly out. Just like that.

Over the years I got to be friends with Dale and the main problem with being beaten by him was, he was such a nice person. Damnit why couldn’t he have at least one failing. But no, in addition to being a gifted trials rider was a really nice person.

It took me 18 years of trying every year before I beat him for the championship. It was at Duluth and I had a really good day, flying on wings over the black rock slippery creeks and dancing lightly through the other sections. Afterwards when I was alone looking at

the score board a young lass came up and asked me how I’d done.

I was so choked up I couldn’t reply. I must have looked like a real dummy.

Now Dale's gone. Hey there old buddy, it was real good while it lasted. Bye.

Your friend Billy.

Click or scan to watch Brian's YouTube video

Enduro Setup Mistakes: How Tire Height Affects Suspension Sag

WORDS PHOTOS

BRIAN PIERCE

BRIAN PIERCE & MACK FAINT

I put on a new Dunlop AT82 with fresh mousse balls before the Muddobbers National Enduro, and my bike felt weird in the front end. Not terrible, but off. I couldn’t figure out what was wrong

until I saw a few comments on an Instagram post by Steward Baylor Jr and Precision Powersports explaining that a taller tire affects how your weight impacts sag on the bike.

The problem was that I didn’t act on this information before the race started. I spent the first two test sections fighting the front end, wasting energy shifting between 3rd and 4th gear with the wrong gearing, and having a complete comedy of errors in Test 2 that required me to reset my race expectations.

At the gas stop, I finally made the correct adjustments: reset my clickers and removed half a turn of preload from the shock. Suddenly I had a brand new feeling motorcycle. The last three test sections were competitive, and I beat Ryan Moss by 8 tenths of a second in Test 5. That’s the difference proper setup makes.

THE TIRE HEIGHT PROBLEM

When you install a taller tire, it changes the geometry of your bike. The AT82 is taller than what I had been running, and with new mousse balls inside, the overall diameter increased even more. This affects your weight bias and how the suspension compresses under load.

Think about it: if the tire is taller, your static sag numbers change. What felt dialed in with your old tire is now off because the bike is sitting higher. The front end can feel vague or disconnected, and the bike doesn’t settle into corners the way it should.

I only learned this recently from comments by Steward Baylor Jr and Precision Powersports on a post I made about this very subject. Their comments were gold. I just needed to be better at testing and trying this information in

real time instead of racing first and learning later.

THE GEARING MISTAKE

The other setup mistake I made was running the wrong rear sprocket. I had a 51T DDC rear sprocket on the Adventure Moto GasGas EX350F because I ran it in the hills of Missouri at the previous race. Indiana was flatter, so I should have put the 50T back on.

I was wasting energy shifting between 3rd and 4th gear all day, and I kept needing to “make it work” when I didn’t find myself in the right gear. It’s a small change, one tooth, but it makes a difference when you’re trying to minimize mistakes and save energy.

THE MID-RACE FIX

At the gas stop, I made two adjustments:

I reset my clickers after attempting quick fixes in the first three test sections. I removed half a turn of preload from the shock. This dropped the bike back down closer to

where it should be with the taller tire.

The difference was immediate. I had a brand new feeling motorcycle for the second half of the race. My times in the last three test sections were very competitive with Ryan Moss. He beat me by 3 seconds in Test 6, but I beat him by 8 tenths in Test 5. That’s close enduro racing, and it wouldn’t have happened without the mid-race adjustments.

It’s good to know Stu and Precision Powersports know what they’re talking about. I just need to be better at testing and trying this information before race day instead of learning lessons the hard way.

THE RACE STORY: PUTTING IT ALL TOGETHER

The Muddobbers Enduro was the penultimate round of the 2025 National Enduro Series, and it was a great event to test the merit of us enduro racers. The enduro was held at the Cumberland Covered Bridge, which I have seen in many dirt bike pictures over the years, but this was my first time making the trek to ride through the historic landmark.

The Muddobbers Motorcycle Club knows what they are doing when it comes to laying out a challenging, technical enduro. The Indiana area didn’t have much moisture in the ground this time around, which let the club add in trails they haven’t been able to get riders to in awhile. Some of the singletrack was powdery and the dust would hang in the air (not as bad as Leadbelt though), while other areas of the trail were very hard packed, allowing less dust to hang in the air. Regardless for me, row 22 was stacked and I was eating faster riders’ dust all day.

One thing that’s new to me is all the water crossing. This Indiana enduro has a lot of river and creek crossings, as well as a few jaunts down the creeks themselves. The chance for a quick bath was high if you weren’t paying attention. I was hesitant as I would start my way into the water, only gassing it a little as I was 75% of the way through a crossing. I didn’t see anyone completely underwater, but I did see a few riders sitting on the banks of the river.

The test sections that dropped us into the technical gullies didn’t have any water in them. They did have a rocky bottom though that kept you on your toes. I had a mishap in Test 2 while following Hunter Smith that had me needing to refocus and reset my race expectations. It was truly a comedy of errors. I hope you giggle a bit watching that part of the video.

The Adventure Moto GasGas EX350F did have those setup issues that held me back. Indiana was flatter than Missouri, so I should have put the 50T DDC rear sprocket back on over the 51T I ran in the hills of Missouri. I was wasting energy shifting between 3rd and 4th gear, while also needing to “make it work” when I didn’t find myself in the right gear.

The bike also felt weird in the front end. As it turns out, the

new Dunlop AT82 I put on, with a few new mousse balls, did affect the weight bias of the bike. It’s a taller tire, and that taller tire affects how my weight affects sag on the bike.

At the gas stop, I reset my clickers, removed half a turn of preload from the shock, and I had a brand new feeling motorcycle.

I finished 4th in the 45A class, having very competitive times with Ryan Moss in the last three test sections. I beat him by 8 tenths of a second in Test 5 and he beat me by 3 seconds in Test 6. That’s some close enduro racing.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

When you install a new tire or new bib mousse, recheck your sag numbers and adjust preload accordingly. The geometry change affects how the suspension works under your weight.

Match your gearing to the terrain. One to two teeth on the rear sprocket can make a bigger difference than you think, especially over a full day of racing.

Mid-race adjustments can save your day. Clicker settings and preload adjustments don’t require much time at a gas stop, and the improvement is worth it. Even if a quick

adjustment made the bike worse, in an enduro, you can go back before the next test section.

Test setup changes before race day. Don’t learn lessons during test sections when you could have figured them out before race day.

Pay attention to advice from fast riders and experienced suspension tuners. They’ve already made these mistakes so you don’t have to.

LOOKING AHEAD

We only have Gobbler Getter National Enduro left on the NEPG schedule. I’m a bit saddened that this enduro

journey is coming to an end. It’s been a heck of a fun year. Thank you to everyone who has helped make it so awesome and memorable.

But the lessons from this season will carry forward. Every mistake is a chance to learn, and every race teaches you something about setup, technique, or mental game. The tire height and sag issue was an expensive lesson to learn mid-race, but now I know what to watch for next time.

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breaking through the fog

KAMAKANA'S FIRST USHE VICTORY

The fog clung low over Wildwood Lake Raceway as dawn cracked through the trees, soaking the leaves and turning the dirt to clay. The moisture hung heavy, and even before engines fired, it was clear the seventh round of the AMA East Hard Enduro Series presented by IRC Tire would demand more than just throttle control. This was Fallen Timbers — a race carved into the hillsides of Ohio where every creek, cave, and boulder seemed ready to test both man and machine.

Promoter Jeff Husted, alongside property owner Brent, has earned a reputation for building races that balance punishing difficulty with genuine fun. Their courses are technical and unpredictable, but they’re also the kind that

STEPH VETTERLY WORDS & PHOTOS

leave riders smiling — or shaking their heads — at the finish line. For 2025, Fallen Timbers split the schedule to give Amateurs and Pros their own spotlight: B- and C-class racers in the morning, followed by A-class and Pros in the afternoon. The design let every competitor experience the terrain at its best — or perhaps its worst.

The course stretched seven miles, winding up steep, wooded ridges and plunging through rock gardens with names like Brent’s Diner and Brent’s Appetizer. Those signature sections were as treacherous as they were photogenic — the kind of

places where bottlenecks could form instantly and destroy a lap’s momentum. The route even passed through the venue’s famous caves, damp and echoing with the sound of engines bouncing off stone.

By the time the first riders lined up, the fog had yet to lift. The opening laps of the morning amateur race were a masterclass in patience, traction control, and persistence.

THE MORNING CHARGE

Davin Shike, who entered the weekend leading the AMA East Regional Amateur Championship, wasted no time cementing that advantage. Lining up on the fourth row, he rocketed off the start to claim the holeshot and immediately began carving through traffic.

“It was really fun; I enjoyed myself a lot,” Shike said afterward. “There were some spots that definitely got slick on the last lap. I couldn’t get up the hill right before the finish and had to push it, but I had a lot of fun. There were a couple bottlenecks, but I was able to weave in and out of them. People were kind and

let me by them; I was pretty fortunate for that.”

His opening lap was nearly flawless. “The first lap was perfect riding conditions; it was nice and tacky and you could get around everything,” he recalled. “The second lap, I could tell it was a lot slicker but still manageable.”

Behind him, Gage Hill was mounting a charge of his own. Starting deep in the field — fourteenth on the first lap — Hill powered forward, picking off riders until he found himself in second by the time lap two began.

“I felt good the second two laps,” Hill explained. “The first lap was pretty rough, but the course was nice and it felt good. The long uphills were probably my favorite part of the course. There was one hillclimb that I really liked because you could really get on the throttle the whole way up.”

Even with traction improving, the terrain had a way of biting back. “I got in a few bottlenecks on my second and third laps in the rock sections, but it wasn’t bad at all,” Hill

continued. “The course got tore up pretty good after the bottlenecks happened. The best thing to do in that case is just keep the momentum going and you’ll get better traction.”

Third-place finisher Paco Suazo also found himself battling the terrain as much as the competition.

“I really enjoyed the whole track,” Suazo said. “I got stuck a lot on the hills; that’s where I saw a lot of the bottlenecks, but I was able to work my way through the riders and get ahead.”

For Shike, victory wasn’t just another win — it was one more step toward locking in the East Regional Amateur title. His smooth lines and relentless pace gave him a commanding gap at the finish, completing three laps in just over three hours. “There were definitely some spots that were difficult,” he admitted, “but overall it wasn’t that bad.”

By the time the final amateur crossed the line, the fog had burned off and the ground began to dry. The course, once slick and dark, started to

take on that dusty, sun-baked texture typical of a Ohio afternoon. The change would play a major role in the Pro race later in the day.

AFTERNOON SUN, PRO SPEED

As the Pros and A-class riders rolled to the line, the energy shifted. Engines barked in the open field start area, and spectators lined the edge of the woods, knowing the first few turns could decide the tone of the race. When the flag dropped, it was Beta USA's Danny Lewis who snagged the holeshot, with Rieju USA's Quinn Wentzel close behind and Champion Brick's Tobin Miller spinning out in the first turn, losing precious seconds before even reaching the trees.

From there, the tempo never let up.

“I got a P2 start, followed Danny for a while,” Wentzel recalled. “I think he led lap one, but I was right on him and passed him shortly after and pulled away. I took command there for a while. I knew Kana-Boy was probably coming. I could see him a bit –I’d get to the top of a hill and he was lurking.”

That “Kana-Boy” was none other than Kamakana Waiwaiole-Kahalepuna, and he was about to make history. Starting in neutral instead of first gear cost him dearly off the line, but his comeback through the pack became the story of the day.

“I had a pretty rough start – I started in neutral instead of in gear,” he laughed afterward. “It took me a while to fight through the pack. These guys didn’t make it easy for me, for sure. That was a good earned win. The first lap, I don’t know, it seemed like I had never seen rocks before. Then I got it together and felt like I was making time through the rocks. The course definitely got a lot tackier from this morning’s race.”

Lap by lap, the Hawaiian rider chipped away at the leaders.

His precision through Brent’s Diner and his relentless pace in the creek crossings set him apart, and by the final lap he was within striking distance of Wentzel.

Wentzel, riding strong despite limited preparation, managed to hold the lead until the closing moments.

“I just tried to stay solid, but was starting to get tired – I haven’t ridden in months, really. I did TKO, and I've been prepping for my race since then,” Wentzel admitted.

“I was only maybe ten seconds behind him at the end. I caught him right at the end – there’s a creek just before the finish. I knew whoever got out of the creek was winning. He was up one line stuck wide open, I went up another way and was

TOP : IRC Beta's James Flynn (55)

wide open, and he just edged me out. It was that last creek.”

And just like that, Kamakana Waiwaiole-Kahalepuna claimed his first-ever US Hard Enduro Pro victory, a breakthrough moment after years of dedication and travel from his home in Hawaii to chase the mainland series. The cheers at the finish line matched the disbelief on his own face.

“That was a good earned win,” he said again, shaking his head with a grin. “I’ve been working so hard for this. These guys are fast, man — it means a lot.”

Wentzel, gracious in defeat, knew how close it had been. “Coming up short’s always a bummer,” he said, “but I didn’t know what to think coming into this. My expectations were just to try and get on the podium because I haven’t been riding. It was a fun course, but

it was easy. I think a couple more spots out there would’ve made it pretty good. There was maybe two make-or-break spots: the rock garden and another little rocky uphill. We were just motoing it. I think it could’ve been a bit tougher, but conditions were perfect –I’m glad we got that rain.”

THE BATTLE BEHIND

IRC Beta's James Flynn rounded out the Pro podium, a mix of satisfaction and selfreflection in his voice after crossing the line.

“That was rough,” he said bluntly. “Not to sound negative on myself, but there’s definitely some core issues with my riding as far as slick riding goes, especially in the fast stuff. Here on the east coast when I come out to ride with everybody, we’re usually just going to the slickest creeks possible and the gnarly hillclimbs, and getting out

on the fast single track when there’s roots and rocks and things like that, I definitely struggle a good bit. So I’ll just have to work on that.”

Flynn’s pace improved dramatically once the course dipped back into technical terrain. “I noticed in the more technical sections, I was able to put some time on those guys or pass some guys,” he said. “Then in the single track, I was just trying to get through it, honestly. It felt like the single track was harder than the actual difficult sections in some ways.”

Right behind him, Tobin Miller delivered one of his strongest performances to date, finishing fourth and showing poise well beyond his years.

“Today went really good,” he said. “This was one of my best finishes yet and I was really happy because I got to cruise with James for a lot of the race and see what he was doing, which was a great learning experience for me. Kana-Boy was sending it so hard and I couldn’t keep up. I didn’t want to risk it like that.”

Miller rode smart, limiting mistakes and relying on

consistency. “It’s one of the only times I’ve felt like this the entire race. I felt really smooth and tried not to push it. I rode kinda slower than I normally would, actually, and just stuck to the same exact lines in every rock garden because I knew that they worked and I felt good and safe on them.”

In Brent’s Diner — the signature boulder garden — Miller and Flynn both used patience to move forward

as others faltered. “Danny Lewis was cramping up really bad through there and was struggling,” Miller explained. “James and I both passed him. I actually passed James and then got behind Danny. I didn’t know he was feeling so bad, so I stuck in his line on the high line; James took the low line and took a risk – because the low line looked quite a bit harder – and passed us both. I caught pretty close to James at the end. I thought we had one more lap, so I wasn’t pushing very hard, but it’s ok, I’m still happy.”

Lewis’s early lead dissolved under physical strain. “Second lap, I don’t know if I’m sick – my ears are all clogged up right now – my nose was running really bad the whole time,” he said. “I could not keep my heart rate down; every time I’d look down at my watch, it would say 195-200. I was scared a couple times that I was going to just stroke out.”

Still, he finished inside the top five. “I wish I could’ve kept that pace up, because I think it definitely would’ve been a win,” Lewis said. “But it was still fun – I made it through

without getting passed by too many people.”

Further back, veteran Nick Fahringer rolled across the line in seventh, his trademark humor intact.

“As far as the USHE series goes, this was my first round of the year, and I can definitely feel it,” he said. “My preparation was off – I’m not fit, I’m not practiced, but worst of all, I got my nutrition off and it feels like I have a cueball in my gut. I was wondering about starting a fourth lap, but the race is over, so I don’t have to ponder being a quitter,” he laughed. “It was a great track. I made all the passes for the day in Brent’s Diner, but I spiked my heart rate and just never recovered. One of these days I’ll learn how to stay calm.”

A-CLASS SHOWDOWN

Between the morning’s amateurs and the afternoon’s Pros, the A-class riders were the bridge between learning and mastery — fast, skilled, but still climbing toward the top. Their race was every bit as competitive.

“The first part was kind of rough,” said race-winner Boogie Rivera. “I couldn’t really find my flow. Once I caught up to some of the Pros, it gave me a boost of energy. I rode smooth after that. I made a couple mistakes in the beginning, but I tried to minimize them in the rest of the laps. I think I made up the most time in the rock gardens; they were slippery like back home [in Hawaii].”

Rivera’s victory came despite worsening bottlenecks. “The second lap was way worse,” he said. “It was dry out there, but I used a used JX8 tire and I think it played a big role, and made me make a lot of mistakes, but I was able to make up the time.”

Leiber Ponce rode consistently to claim second. “I really liked the race,” he said. “I had a few problems, but was able to push through them. I loved the race. Everything went really smooth; I didn’t have too many big issues with any of the sections. I was able to make some passes and get ahead in the rock gardens.”

Third-place Champion Brick's Tucker Miller spent much of his day battling cramps. “I just started cramping in lap two in my arms, my back, my legs, everything,” he said. “Leiber and Boogie got around me in one of the big rock gardens — I just couldn’t move for a little bit. I took my time to get through, and after that I just tried to keep it moving and on two wheels.”

For Tucker, the event’s balance of challenge and flow was spot-on. “I really liked the course,” he said. “I think the difficulty was about perfect because you could still ride everything by yourself, but it was definitely challenging.”

THE RHYTHM OF FALLEN TIMBERS

By late afternoon, sunlight slanted across the ridgelines and the course that had been slick and foggy at dawn was now dry and dusty, every rock traced by tire marks.

The crowd at the finish line watched as the pros streamed in, tired but smiling. Kamakana WaiwaioleKahalepuna’s late-race surge had carried him to his first career US Hard Enduro Pro victory, just seconds ahead of Quinn Wentzel, capping a day that showcased everything that makes the USHE scene thrive: camaraderie, grit, and an appreciation for terrain that fights back.

For promoter Jeff Husted and the crew at Wildwood Lake Raceway, the success of this year’s Fallen Timbers was about more than just results — it was about keeping the race’s spirit alive. The goal, as always, is to create a course that challenges without punishing, one that riders can look back on with equal parts pain and pride.

From the caves to Brent’s Diner, from fog to sun, the 2025 Fallen Timbers Hard Enduro delivered exactly that.

EVENT RESULTS

TWENTY YEARS TO TRIUMPH

A HISTORIC RETURN TO THE TOP

The significance of the win cannot be overstated. Prior to 2025, the United States had only won the International Trophy twice— first in 2000 with Geoff Aaron, Jess Kempkes, Ray Peters, and Cory Pincock, and again in 2005 with Aaron, Chris Florin, Cody Webb, and Keith Wineland. Since then, Team USA had come heartbreakingly close, most recently in 2024 when Roper, Alex Myers, and Alex Niederer took silver, finishing

At the 2025 FIM Trial des Nations in Tolmezzo, Italy, Team USA’s International Trophy Team did more than win a gold medal—they broke a twenty-year drought that had hung over American trials like a shadow. With a calm, precise, and emotionally charged performance, Josh Roper, Alex Myers, and Will Myers delivered the ride of their lives, conquering the rocky riverbeds and steep bankings of northern Italy to claim a victory that resonated across the entire U.S. trials community.

just three points behind Japan. That near miss lit a fire that burned throughout 2025, culminating in their return to the top of the podium in Tolmezzo with a score of just seven—four points clear of Japan and Germany.

“It’s been an amazing weekend and we have had such a good day today,” Roper said after the race. “We rode phenomenal all day and were able to cover for each other, even on sections we messed up, so that really helped our score”.

A COURSE BUILT FOR PRECISION

Tolmezzo was no stranger to the world’s best—it last hosted the TdN in 2011—and its rugged mountain landscape delivered a natural challenge perfectly suited to trials riding. Fifteen sections were plotted along an unforgiving mix of dry riverbeds, steep climbs, and loose stone bankings. Riders faced technical hazards that punished even the smallest lapse in balance. With the event run over two laps, consistency mattered.

The terrain featured everything from smooth, polished limestone boulders to deep gravel transitions and slick, off-camber dirt hillsides. “The beginning of the lap started in a dry creekbed of limestone, pretty steep, quite big rocks,” recalled Alex Myers. “The limestone made it pretty slippery in the first lap—the morning dew tracked up over all the limestone and it was actually pretty slick. I struggled in those sections, but then around section six and seven, we went up into more dirt hillsides and I think I rode a lot better there.”

That shift in terrain—from the riverbed’s cold, smooth rock to the warmer traction of Italy’s red clay—was the turning point for Alex. He found his rhythm as the day warmed, just as the sun crested the ridge and began drying the slick rock faces. “On the second lap, the sun cleared over the mountain and dried up most of the limestone, so I had a little more traction,” he said. “Going up through section six, I rode better; I still had a couple mistakes. Section seven through the end of the lap, I felt a lot better.”

For Roper, a six-time TdN veteran, the terrain was among the most balanced he’d seen. “This year, it was actually one of the harder TdNs that I’ve ridden,” he explained. “They had a good mix of everything; very natural sections—not many stadium sections—which suited all of our riding styles very well. I’ve been training out in Tennessee practicing slick stuff and hillsides, and it was nice to see that we had some of those sections like what I was practicing. I was able to clean them, so that was pretty rewarding.”

THE FLOW OF THE DAY

Each lap wound through fifteen sections that tested balance, throttle control, and mental endurance. The first half of the loop cut through the Tolmezzo river basin, where large boulders and flowing gravel demanded steady clutch work and precise body

movement. Later sections climbed into wooded hillsides, mixing loose loam, roots, and rock ledges that forced riders to find traction where none seemed to exist.

“The sections were tricky,” said Will Myers, “but it was one of those days where I felt confident in doing each section and I knew I could do it.” Confidence was key—on a day when the difference between a clean and a single dab could decide a nation’s fate, maintaining composure was half the battle.

Will’s smooth approach balanced Alex’s early struggles and Roper’s measured intensity. “We just covered for each other,” Alex explained. “I had a really slow start; I wasn't super happy with that. Will and Josh covered for me at the beginning—I was able to help cover for those guys if they made mistakes later. Ultimately, I think we worked together as a team really well.”

That teamwork showed in the scores. The Americans finished the first lap tied at four with Germany, Japan just one point behind. But on the second lap, while others faltered in the midday heat and fatigue, Team USA dropped only three additional points, sealing the win.

THE PRESSURE OF PERFECTION

Though the International Trophy’s difficulty sits below the elite World Championship level, it demands nearperfection. On low-scoring days like Tolmezzo, even a single mistake can destroy an entire lap’s work. “TdNs aren't generally very hard, but it’s hard to keep composure all day,” Alex said. “Our class has a wide range of skill, but that just means the top guys in that line have to be perfect. There can be some pressure there.”

Roper knew precisely where the event would be decided. “There were two sections—9 and 10—that were the tricky ones that I knew were going to be the deciders,” he explained. “On the second lap, once we got through those sections with a really good score, I could kind of keep track in my head, I knew that we put ourselves into a strong position of winning."

Both sections demanded exceptional control. Section nine was a blend of angled slabs and a long, rolling stepup where throttle modulation was everything; a wheel spin meant a five. Section ten combined a tight turn into a steep face with no runup—one wrong touch of the clutch and the bike would slide

backward on polished rock. Roper’s careful, unhurried approach in those decisive zones gave the U.S. the edge they needed.

Meanwhile, Will and Alex found success in the long, flowing sections that closed out each lap. “There was one section that was hard to five but hard to clean, if that makes sense,” Alex noted. “There were a lot of ones, twos, and threes in this section, so that was a critical one to clean. I think we got a point there both laps. And the next one was like a clean or five—almost like a pro section with three big splatters. On the first lap we took a line and Will five’d it, but luckily Josh and I cleaned it. On the second lap, the line changed a little bit, and I took a five, but Josh cleaned it, so we covered for each other.”

THE MOMENT IT HAPPENED

By the final section, the tension was thick enough to touch. “Once I finished up 14, the moment I knew was when all the Americans were standing there and started sprinting towards section 15,” Roper recalled. “Will went first and cleaned it. Alex went next and cleaned it. Once I got to the end, Daniel looks up at me and starts crying—he goes, ‘We did it! We won!’”.

Alex remembered the moment with disbelief. “Daniel was waiting there at the end of the last section. He just said ‘we won.’ Will had already ridden and I had just cleaned it. Josh was still in the section, but it didn’t matter because Will and I had both cleaned it. We ended up being four points ahead, which I couldn’t even believe.”

For Will, it was deeply personal. “I started tearing up, to be honest,” he said. “The past couple seasons have been rough for me… but it all kind of ran over me at once because we all worked so hard for this moment. After Josh came in the last section, it was like, Holy shit, we actually did it”.

THE TRUE MEANING OF TEAM

Behind the medals and the tears was the collective spirit of an entire community. “Last year, we were so dang close,” Roper said. “All three of us wanted to win that event so extremely bad, not just for our personal selves, but for the entire trials community in the U.S. Everyone in the U.S. has donated and put in so much time and effort and money into

supporting the TdN team—we knew it was about time for Team USA to win.”

Alex emphasized the role of those who made the trip possible. “The Sherco factory helped Will and I out tremendously,” he said. “They provided us with three brand new Raga Replica 300

Shercos, right out of the box. Eric and I went out to train three hours away before the event—that helped a lot. I wish I could’ve packed that bike in my bag and brought it home. We also got help from Marino Piazza, the wonderful owner of Piazza Moto - he lent us two Betas, one for Daniel and a 125 for Kylie [Glueck].”

Even the days leading up to competition reflected the quiet endurance of trials riders.

“People don’t understand how brutal it is off the bike,” Will said. “On Saturday, you’re on your feet for 12 hours, you’re walking sections, working on bikes, you have the parade, then it's 8pm. You drive 20 minutes to the hotel, have dinner, then go to bed. Then you get up at dawn to go ride. Half the battle is getting to the section; the other half is getting through it.”

A FULL-CIRCLE MOMENT

When the scores were finally posted—USA 7, Japan 11, Germany 11—the Americans stood at the top of the podium for the first time in two decades. For Roper, it was validation; for Alex, relief; and for Will, the culmination of a

dream that began when he was just a kid. “I thought, what would 13-year-old me think right now?” he said. “Winning the Trial des Nations—13year-old me would have thought that was pretty badass.”

Roper put it best: “It was the biggest victory for the sport of trials in the U.S. We’ve been fighting for that for a very long time; we finally achieved it. It’s very rewarding and honestly still doesn’t feel real.”

In Tolmezzo’s rocky river valley, amid the echo of

cheering fans and the clang of cooling engines, Team USA’s International Trophy victory became more than a result—it was a reminder that perseverance, teamwork, and faith in each other can carry a nation back to the summit of world trials.

EVENT RESULTS

WORLD TROPHY

- 30pts

Italy - 85pts

- 138pts

WOMEN'S WORLD TRO PHY

Spain - 54pts

- 62pts

United States - 7pts

Japan - 11pts

Germany - 11pts

Belgium - 36pts

Poland - 36pts

Czech Republic - 44pts

Australia - 49pts

Sweden - 74pts

Switzerland - 88pts

Austria - 89pts

CHALLENGE

1. Norway - 28pts 2. Great Britain - 38pts 3. Poland - 75pts 4. Italy - 76pts 5. Germany - 95pts 6. United States - 118pts 7. Belgium - 152pts

Portugal - 212pts

The Ride to Team USA

FROM BEGINNER LOOPS TO ALPINE SECTIONS, A PERSONAL STORY OF GROWTH AND COMMUNITY

WORDS PHOTOS

ABIGAIL BUZZELLI

PEP SEGALES & ABIGAIL BUZZELLI

Five years ago, on a cool September evening in North Carolina, we brought home a used 2009 Beta 125. Our property was flat and featureless — enough space to start the bike and buzz it around, but not really enough to ride. Still, I was buzzing with excitement: my first trials bike, finally mine. That little machine sat patiently while I learned the basics of balance, throttle, and clutch control in tiny loops around the yard.

My goal back then wasn’t to compete or chase championships. It was simple: I wanted to ride far enough to reach the sections at local events and watch my husband, Chris, ride. His skill and experience were inspiring, and simply being able to follow along was a thrill.

FIRST LESSONS AND EARLY INSPIRATION

About six weeks after getting my Beta, we drove to Tennessee for a clinic at Ray and Laura Peters’ house. Chris joined the advanced group, riding with the more experienced riders, while I took a half-day lesson with Laura to get a handle on the basics.

Even after my lesson, I remember sitting off to the side, watching Chris and the others tackle a rough rocky terrain. Ray leaned over and said, “You’ll be riding that stuff before you know it.” I stared at him like he had a third eye. At that point, I could barely make it around the parking lot, and driving up and

down their steep driveway was a huge operation for me.

Then life threw a curveball. A week after that first clinic, Chris had the first of two knee

replacements. He couldn’t ride for months, but he poured his love for trials into my journey. He set up cones in the flat yard beside our little patio, guiding my lines, offering

ABOVE: Abigail with minder Alex Niederer BELOW : Abigail circa September 18th, 2020

encouragement, and cheering on every small success as I learned to maneuver the bike. His energy, patience, and passion became my fuel. By the time he was back on the bike, I was ready to step into more serious riding.

Three years later, I was riding “the stuff” Ray had pointed out that day in Tennessee. Five years after that first clinic, I find myself riding lines far more challenging than I could have imagined — a journey that began with one small, humbling lesson and the encouragement of a mentor who could see my potential long before I did.

CONSISTENCY BUILDS CONFIDENCE

Coming into trials with no prior riding background meant every motion was new. My body knew rhythm and movement from years of ballroom dance, but not the feeling of balancing on two tiny platforms, controlling clutch, brake, and throttle all at once.

I always like to joke that while I truly enjoyed ballroom dancing, what I enjoy about trials is the individuality of the sport. I could practice as much as I could push myself and my “partner” (bike) is never late to practice or hard to deal with.

Progress came from consistency. I rode three or more days each week, repeating skills until the awkward became automatic. That dedication evolved into the 10×12 Challenge, a program encouraging riders to log consistent practice sessions over twelve weeks. Running that challenge expanded my world: I was just beginning to attend Nationals, and it connected me with riders across the country—and even internationally—who shared the same mindset of selfimprovement.

They weren’t chasing podiums; they were chasing progress. And through that consistency, I found both community and confidence.

COACHING, VISION, AND THE FIRST OBSTACLE

Ray Peters and Chris both saw potential in me long before I saw it in myself. During one practice session, Ray pointed to a small stump on a gentle incline and said, “You’re going over this today.”

At the time, I didn’t even see obstacles as something you

ABOVE : Abigail with minder Tom Fraser BELOW: Abigail with minder Alex Niederer

tried to go over—they were simply parts of the landscape. I immediately objected, and Ray refused my objection with a grin. “What part of this can’t you do? It just takes a basic wheelie, and you can do that now.”

He was right. I cleared the stump, awkwardly but successfully, and something clicked. That small moment

redefined how I looked at terrain. Every rock, log, and ledge since has been a conversation between skill and mindset.

Ray and Chris still remind me of that day whenever a new challenge looks impossible. We talk through technique, visualize the approach, and build a plan before committing. The visualization

process has become as essential as throttle control itself—a mental skill that carries far beyond the section tape.

FIVE YEARS LATER: TOLMEZZO, ITALY

Fast-forward to Tolmezzo, Italy, nestled in the Carnic Alps, where I stood with the U.S. Women’s Team preparing to ride in the 2025 Trial des Nations. The first day we arrived marked the exact fiveyear anniversary of bringing that little Beta home. The symmetry wasn’t lost on me.

I’d be riding a bike that wasn’t all that different- a few minor improvements set apart my 2025 Factory Beta 200 from the 2009 Beta 125 that carried me through my first national in Tennessee. The familiar setup and reliable performance allowed me to feel at home in this new place.

The sections wound through white-rock creek beds tucked into alpine ravines, with sweeping aqueduct views over the town. It was stunning— and humbling. My teammates, Maddie Hoover and Kylee Sweeten, immediately helped me break down lines, manage time, and strategize for the terrain ahead.

The men’s team, Team Manager Daniel BlancGonnet, and the entire Challenge Team were equally supportive. Our minders, Alex Niederer and Tom Fraser, kept the energy light with humor while pushing us to find our best in every section.

To stand there representing the United States was an indescribable honor—one made possible by the countless people back home who encouraged me from that first ride to this world-stage moment. At each challenging section, I was constantly inspired by all the people at home who prepared me with their support.

The American team is loved internationally- during the parade of nations we handed out every American flag to eager children watching. The joy and pride for our country was overwhelming as I watched the men’s team accept their gold medals and listened as the Star Spangled Banner played.

FULL CIRCLE

Trials has a way of shaping people as much as riders. What began as a simple goal—to make it to the sections and watch Chris ride—became a journey of discipline, confidence, and belonging.

Every coach, competitor, and friend along the way has left an imprint. I’ve learned that trials isn’t just about riding— it’s about people. Whether it’s hanging out at STRA campfires, connecting with ambitious riders at Nationals, or finding a sense of family within the Beta USA team, every corner of the trials world has shown me generosity and kindness. Riders from all over the country are willing to offer guidance, encouragement, or even just share a laugh, without hesitation.

While trials has become a huge part of my life- this community is open to anyone with a trials bike and a good attitude. There’s a camaraderie in trials that’s rare in any sport: strangers become mentors, teammates, and friends almost instantly.

For anyone thinking about trying trials: do it. Set up those cones, buzz around the yard, embrace the awkward first loops, and join your local club — you never know just how far your first tentative rides can take you.

THE LEGEND RETURNS AT THE PENTON RUSSELL'S GNCC COMEBACK

KAYLA BOLTON MACK FAINT WORDS PHOTOS

The Progressive Grand National Cross Country (GNCC Racing) Series presented by Specialized, an AMA National Championship, wrapped up its 12th round of racing in Millfield, Ohio, on Sunday, October 12, bringing an exciting weekend of offroad action to a close at the iconic Sunday Creek Raceway.

Named in honor of off-road legend John Penton, the event once again delivered challenging terrain, unpredictable conditions, and fierce battles across all classes. Fans were treated to intense racing as riders tackled the mix of fast fields, slick woods, and technical hills that make The Penton a true GNCC classic. As the checkered flag waved on Sunday, the event not only celebrated its deep racing heritage but also played a pivotal role in shaping the championship picture heading into the final round of the 2025 season.

AmPro Yamaha’s Kailub Russell would earn his 68th career overall win — and his first since July 12, 2020 — after coming out of retirement for the 2025 season. The eight-time GNCC National

Champion proved he still has the skill, endurance, and competitive fire that defined his dominant run from 2013 to 2020. In a thrilling display of speed and strategy, Russell battled through some tough conditions and a stacked field to claim the top spot once again, reminding fans and fellow riders why he’s considered one of the greatest off-road racers in history.

Kailub Russell: “I need to remember this one. These are getting harder to come by, and I learned my lesson this year. I just stuck with it and kept trying. There were times when I wanted to give up, but I just kept fighting. Man, I have to thank the whole team, Cory and Ryan and everybody underneath the tent. It’s been a struggle, trying to get used to this bike and dealing with some issues. I just chipped away, chipped away. I’m to the point where I’m riding my motorcycle and I’m having fun with it and I’m not just thinking about what the motorcycle is doing the whole time. I feel really good and comfortable on it. Then I honestly just willed myself to get that one. Even if I had

just won the XC1 class and the XC2 guys beat me, but man I’m so stoked to get that overall win.”

Russell’s teammate, AmPro Yamaha’s Liam Draper would put in another good race as he continued to battle at the front of the pack from start to finish. Draper would find himself up in the lead position for the second and third laps of the race, before going to battle with his teammate. Draper was unable to hold off a hard-charging Russell in Ohio but would hold onto second overall with just three seconds separating the teammates as they came through the finish line.

Liam Draper: “Yeah, I got an awesome jump off the start, I’m not normally an inside guy off the start but I went to the inside off the start, and it worked, and I was second into the woods behind BK (Ben Kelley). I got in behind him, and I was just going to follow him and figure the track out. I got into the lead in the Penton section and then he got me back. I made another pass on him and tried to sprint a way. I tried to build a gap, but I saw KR coming. He was

really good on this side of the track from the finish to the Penton section, I think I was better from the pits back to the finish, I think it kind of evened out. I was jammed in between two old boys today. Definitely excited to go to Ironman. Hopefully we get some rain there, this was by far the best Penton I’ve ever ridden.”

XC2 250 Pro competitor, Phoenix Racing Honda’s Cody Barnes continued to battle through the duration of the three-hour race, earning himself third overall on the day as the checkered flag flew, and his first XC2 250 Pro class win of the season. During the earlier laps of the race, Barnes found himself

holding the overall top spot in the race with the adjusted start row times. However, the XC1 front-runners would pick up the pace on the last lap, holding Barnes off by a couple seconds for the top spots.

Cody Barnes: “I got off to a good start and just tried to hang with Grant [Davis]. He made some passes. There was a bottleneck on a hill, and we took a different line and passed a bunch of guys. Then he went down pretty hard. I was like “Well, I guess we’ll just run with it and see what

we can do.” I got hooked up with Ben and Ben made a really good push at the two lap board. I tried to hang with him, then he got away a little bit. Last lap we got to the Penton section and took an alternate line around some briars, and we both came together. Man, I feel so bad, there was nothing I could do, neither of us could see each other. But we lost some time. That was a bummer. I’m super pumped to get my first XC2 win of the season. This place has always been good to me, all of my XC2 wins have been

here for whatever reason. To finally get my first XC2 win of this season, I’m happy. I’m not going to say I’m not bummed to not get the overall, but only being 3 seconds away, that’s pretty rad. Third overall I’m pretty pumped on it and pumped to win my class.”

Earning his second-straight podium finish was Liqui Moly Factory Beta Racing’s Josh Strang as he came through to take third in XC1, and fourth overall on the day. Strang would battle for majority of the race with Phoenix Racing Honda’s Michael Witkowski as they contested for the last podium spot in XC1. Strang would be able to hold off Witkowski after making the pass stick, but Witkowski was ready to try and make a last corner pass at the finish. Strang would once again hold his line and cross the line .7 seconds ahead of Witkowski who finished fourth in XC1 and fifth overall.

Josh Strang: “I pushed it hard today, but I felt good, and I felt comfortable for the most part. There was a gap with two laps to go, and I was able to catch back up in the Penton section. There was a big log through there and for some reason I saw the boys going high and right, so I just went over the top and passed Mike [Witkowski] through there. Was able to catch Liam and Kailub a little bit, but they put on a good push and pulled back away. Third in XC1, I’ll take it, happy. The last race at Beckley was quite dusty, I just got a good start, and it was hard for people to push and make passes. Today was a different story. I really feel like I had the speed of the front runners today and to get the Beta back up on the box, that’s what I’m here for. We want to show the bike is competitive and reliable and I think that’s what we’ve done.”

Coming through to finish second in the XC2 250 Pro class was FMF KTM Factory Racing Lander’s Angus Riordan. As the race got underway Riordan would find himself battling his way up

towards the front after coming through fifth on the opening lap. Riordan would try to keep the leader in his sights, but he was unable to make a serious push for the class win in Ohio. Riordan would still earn valuable points in the points standings and is looking to finish strong at Ironman in two weeks.

Rocky Mountain Red Bear Kawasaki Team Green’s Grant Baylor put in a good race as he finished fifth in XC1, and seventh overall on the day. FMF KTM Factory Racing’s Benjamin Kelley would hold the early lead, but after a fall during the race he would find himself trying to remount and make another push to the front. Kelley would ultimately cross the line eighth overall and sixth in XC1. As he heads in to the season finale, he sits just seven points behind Davis.

Rounding out the XC2 250 Pro class podium was Rocket Racing/Bonecutter Off-Road’s Brody Johnson at round

12. Johnson had a consistent race as he steadily made his way up to third in his class and ninth overall. Enduro Engineering Triumph Racing’s Ricky Russell put in a charge after coming through 12th on the opening lap. Russell would continue to put his head down and make his way up to seventh in XC1 and round out the top 10 overall finishers at round 12.

Unfortunately, FMF KTM Factory Racing Lander’s Grant Davis faced some misfortune this weekend in Ohio, crashing out of the race but still securing enough points to clinch the XC2 250 Pro National Championship. Despite the setback, his consistent performance throughout the season earned him the title, marking a major milestone in his young

career. Now, with the XC2 crown locked in, Davis turns his focus to the season finale at Ironman GNCC, where he has a shot at claiming the coveted Overall National Championship. His determination and resilience, even in the face of disappointment, showcase the heart of a true competitor and set the stage for an exciting showdown in Indiana.

In the XC3 125 Pro-Am class it was Philippe Chaine coming through to take the class win after three hours of intense battling. Jayson Crawford would come through to finish second in the class while Isaiah Brown came through to finish third after earning the $100 Lojak Cycle Sales Holeshot Award to start the day.

The Top Amateur honors at The John Penton would go to Ohio’s own, Joseph Cunningham as he came through to finish 16th overall and first in the 250 A class on Sunday afternoon. Lane Whitmer would come through to earn second on that Top Amateur podium as he finished 17th overall and second in 250 A, while Gavin Simon finished 18th overall on the day rounding out the top three Top Amateurs and 250 A competitors.

As the morning race got underway in Ohio, FMF KTM Factory Racing Lander’s Brandy Richards would get a good jump off the WXC line to start her day as she grabbed the $100 Landers KTM WXC Holeshot Award and led the racers into the woods. However, it wouldn’t take long for Rockstar Energy Factory Husqvarna Racing’s Korie Steede to ensue in a battle for the lead with Richards.

Steede would make a pass for the lead around the halfway mark in their two-hour race through the slick Ohio terrain. Richards would try

to fight back as she only sat 1.3 seconds behind Steede when coming through timing and scoring. Nevertheless, Steede would be able to hold off Richards through the last lap and earn her fifth WXC win of the season. Richards would continue to push and cross the line second with just 1.3 seconds separating herself from Steede.

Rocky Mountain Red Bear Kawasaki Team Green’s Rachael Archer put in a consistent race, finishing third in the WXC class after pushing at towards the front of the pack for the duration of the race. Archer and Steede will battle for the WXC National Championship at the season finale in just two weeks at Ironman Raceway.

EVENT RESULTS SEASON RESULTS

Overall

1. Kailub Russell (YAM)

2. Liam Draper (YAM)

3. Josh Strang (BET)

4. Michael Witkowski (HON)

5. Grant Baylor (KAW)

6. Ben Kelley (KTM)

7. Ricky Russell (TRI)

8. Jordan Ashburn (GG)

9. Stew Baylor Jr (KAW)

10. Thad Duvall (KTM)

XC2

1. Cody Barnes (HON)

2. Angus Riordan (KTM)

3. Brody Johnson (HON)

4. Nicholas Defeo (KAW)

5. Jhak Walker (BET)

6. Jason Lipscomb (KTM)

7. Grant Davis (KTM)

WXC

1. Korie Steede (HSQ)

2. Brandy Richards (KTM)

3. Rachael Archer (KAW)

4. Danielle McDonald (YAM)

5. Shelby Turner (GG)

6. Addison Harris (KTM)

7. Ellie Winland (YAM)

8. Carly Lee (KTM)

1. Grant Davis - 247pts

2. Ben Kelley - 240pts

3. Cody Barnes - 182pts

4. Angus Riordan - 181pts

5. Liam Draper - 175pts

6. Steward Baylor Jr - 157pts

7. Kailub Russell - 151pts

8. Jordan Ashburn - 148pts

9. Michael Witkowski - 135pts

10. Craig Delong - 126pts

WXC

1. Rachael Archer - 285pts

2. Korie Steede - 278pts

3. Shelby Turner - 194pts

4. Danielle McDonald - 186pts

5. Brandy Richards - 156pts

6. Carly Lee - 154pts

7. Addison Harris - 140pts

8. Tayla Jones - 130pts

9. Ellie Winland - 119pts

10. Addison Elliott - 103pts

AMANCIO CLAIMS VICTORY

LEWIS MOVES TO SECOND IN CHAMPIONSHIP

Round 12 of the 2025 NETRA Hare Scramble Championship Series, presented by Rhody Rovers MC, delivered high drama as fortunes shifted dramatically during the just over twohour epic. Ryan Amancio methodically worked through the field with consistent lap times to claim the overall victory, while Adam Lewis showed remarkable resilience

WORDS & PHOTOS

JOHN MRAKOVCICH

after multiple crashes threatened to derail his podium bid.

THE COURSE

Club president and racing veteran Pete Tanner designed the 6.7-mile mixed terrain layout with both challenge and enjoyment in mind. The course featured contrasting make-ups across its sections –

from "Pinball Alley," a densely wooded downhill gauntlet demanding pinpoint precision to avoid tree strikes, to the fast and flowing sections of "The Stadium" and "Middle Earth."

Sunday afternoon's pro/ expert/amateur race unfolded under ideal conditions with temperatures in the high 70s and a dry track surface.

LEWIS'S ROLLERCOASTER RACE

Adam Lewis exploded off the start line, narrowly beating Brian Dussault to claim the $200 holeshot premium sponsored by D&H Collision Center. Setting an ultrafast pace, Lewis established an 11-second advantage over Dussault through the opening lap.

"I got the holeshot off the jump, which was really nice. I needed some clean air," Lewis explained. "There was not much passing out there."

The clean air wouldn't last. Midway through lap two,

Lewis's front wheel deflected in an open section, sending him to the ground and allowing Dussault to slip past. Undeterred, Lewis mounted an aggressive counterattack, reducing a 19-second deficit to just 15 seconds over the next lap.

"I battled with Brian Dussault for the first two laps before my crash," Lewis recounted. "When I got back up, I tried to run him down. I was pushing with everything I had."

A second crash on lap four proved more costly, damaging Lewis's controls and dropping him behind both Tyler Rocha and Ryan Amancio. With a bent lever setup and missing handguard, Lewis found himself fighting just to maintain position.

"I was pushing but I think I was off a couple clicks of rebound on the front," Lewis said. "The track was really beat up and so it was tough to judge. My bike was a little beat up. I lost a handguard and my levers were all bent up."

The final laps became a defensive battle as Jonathan McDougal closed to within three seconds, launching a last-lap challenge, but Lewis managed to keep him at bay. Despite the setbacks, Lewis salvaged fourth in AA class and fifth overall in the race, enough to rise from third to second in the championship standings.

"It wasn't too bad of a day, all things considered," reflected Lewis. "I was hoping to do a little bit better…get a little bit closer to first, but it is what it is. I am happy with what we brought to the table."

AMANCIO'S STEADY CLIMB

While Lewis battled adversity, Ryan Amancio executed a model performance. Maintaining consistent lap times while capitalizing on his competitors' misfortunes Amancio went from 6th to 11th on lap 2 to a massive jump up to 1st place in lap 5. His steady approach would earn him a place on the top box, with Tyler Rocha and

Dussault rounding out the podium in second and third respectively.

PERO RETIRES EARLY

Kordana Electric-sponsored rider Spencer Pero made the difficult decision to retire from 22nd position as the physical demands mounted.

"It's tight out there. It gets really boney with the marbley rocks, and it's tough to pass," Pero explained. "I had wicked bad arm pump, and I have to go to work on Monday so it's not worth getting hurt. This isn't my forte of a track, so I decided to call it early. The bike's in one piece. I am in one piece and live to fight another day."

LOOKING AHEAD

Despite the challenging day, Lewis maintained his characteristic optimism about the remainder of the season.

"I had a lot of fun," Lewis said. "The course was good. I was looking forward to it…but just like any Hare Scramble

PREVIOUS: Ryan Amancio (360)

LEFT : Zacharey Zins (227), Matt Tovani (761)

TOP : Bob Santheson (29), Edward Leighton (531)

RIGHT : Dennis Leblanc (5), Paul Courville (132), RJ Roy (102), Ryan Amancio off the start line (360)

the track got super beat up by the time we were two laps in, and the track became pretty ferocious. A lot of learning lessons with the bike and getting the suspension to where it needs to be. I am happy with the results. I just have to make less mistakes and get myself back on the box."

With Lewis now a contender for the championship lead, the stage is set for an intense finish to the 2025 NETRA Hare Scramble Championship Series.

EVENT RESULTS

1. Ryan Amancio (KTM)

2. Tyler Rocha (KTM)

3. Brian Dussault (BET)

4. Gage Goralnik (KTM)

5. Adam Lewis (YAM)

6. Jonathan Mcdougal (KAW)

7. Nick Hunter (KAW)

8. Matt Tovani (YAM)

9. Garrett Bauer (KTM)

10. Bob Santheson (KAW)

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LETTENBICHLER CONQUERS MOUNT OLYMPOS

WORDS PHOTOS

STEPH VETTERLY

FUTURE7MEDIA & COURTESY SEA TO SKY

The turquoise waters of the Mediterranean lapped quietly at the sand of Kemer’s beach as chaos unfolded just meters away. Revving engines, churning sand, and a thousand horsepower worth of determination tore through the opening day of the 2025 Sea to Sky Hard Enduro — the fifth round of the FIM Hard Enduro World Championship. For the world’s best riders, this three-day Turkish epic

from beach to summit would demand everything they had. By the time the race reached the clouds atop Mount Olympos, Red Bull KTM’s Manuel Lettenbichler had once again proven why his name has become synonymous with dominance in modern hard enduro.

Day one belonged to Billy Bolt. Despite feeling under the weather, the Husqvarna

Factory Racing rider muscled his way through qualifying heats and the six-lap beach final with raw aggression and precision. The soft sand and endless sequence of logs, rocks, and tires demanded constant rhythm and balance — two things Bolt excels at. He powered to victory, edging out X-Grip Racing’s Mitch Brightmore and defending champion Lettenbichler, who had set the fastest qualifying time earlier in the day.

The competition was tight across the prologue. Teodor Kabakchiev, back on the bike after breaking his wrist earlier in the season, showed strong form alongside veterans Wade Young and Mario Roman. The Belarussian dark horse Artsiom Kuntsevich stunned spectators with a fourth-place finish, ahead of Sherco Factory teammates Kabakchiev and Roman. For Bolt, the win marked his second weekend in a row of beach success following his runner-up finish at the Weston Beach Race just days before.

But even that triumph came at a cost. Bolt was visibly sick, later admitting that he “struggled all through the three days.” He would not stand on the podium that night, leaving his team representative Francesca to collect the champagne on his behalf.

Friday’s Forest Race brought a new complexion to the event. Gone were the sandy obstacles and roar of the shoreline crowd — replaced by 45 kilometers of twisting singletrack, canyon climbs, and humid pine forests. Here, Lettenbichler came alive. Riding his KTM 300 EXC with characteristic smoothness, the German found a flow early and never let it go. He carved through the course one minute and twelve seconds faster than his nearest

rival, reclaiming control of the overall standings.

“I felt really good this weekend,” Lettenbichler said afterward. “The last two races I struggled with some health issues where I wasn’t feeling 100%, so to come here stronger was all I wanted. I had a good start position thanks to my Forest Race win, and I got the holeshot this morning — that was

important. I managed to pull a gap straight away without pushing too crazy. I got into a good flow early on and focused on saving my tire and kept building on my lead every checkpoint. I was really stoked to see the finish flag first and take the win today!”

That strategy would prove critical for Saturday’s grand finale — the Mountain Race — a 64-kilometer ascent from the beach to 2,365 meters above sea level at the summit of Mount Olympos. Riders began at sea level, charging through beach sand and forest trails before tackling a brutal string of checkpoints with names like “Mini Erzberg,” “Alcatraz,” and “Sorry Bro.” Each section presented new hazards: slick boulders, narrow ledges,

and uphill rock gardens that seemed to go on forever.

From the drop of the flag, Lettenbichler controlled the pace. He took the holeshot and never looked back, maintaining a steady rhythm that saw him lead at every checkpoint. According to official timing, his 3:49:24 total put him nearly six minutes ahead of Sherco’s Mario Roman and over thirteen ahead of Brightmore. At the first fuel stop, Letti was already two minutes clear. “I tried to keep calm and again save the tire,” he said. “That was one of the key points — we know from previous years how it destroys the rear. After that, there was a new section called Alcatraz, where there was no line at all. They just taped it and said, ‘You go up here.’ It was tricky being first, but I was stoked to see the flag first at the top.”

Roman, meanwhile, embraced the challenge. The Spanish Sherco rider has long thrived

PREVIOUS: Manuel Lettenbichler (304) THIS PAGE : Artsiom Kuntsevich (14), Ilya Voronin (252) OPPOSITE : Billy Bolt (57), Felix Bräuer (226)

on the grueling courses that reward consistency and stamina. Pacing himself during the forest stage, he was stronger late in the main event and clawed back time over the final climbs. He would finish second — his third consecutive Sea to Sky podium. “Another year on the podium and very satisfied,” Roman said. “Overall, the race went well, though I’m left with a bit of a ‘what if.’ I think I relaxed a bit from the middle of the race to the end, and that made the difference. You start on the beach and finish up in the mountains — that’s the tough day, the one I like the most.”

For Brightmore, the weekend confirmed his arrival as a consistent world-level contender. The young Brit, riding for X-Grip Racing, displayed balance and control across all three disciplines. After finishing second in the Beach Race and maintaining top pace through the Forest

and Mountain stages, his thirdplace overall cemented him as one of 2025’s breakout stars.

“I actually enjoyed Sea to Sky this year,” Brightmore said.

“From the beach race to the mountain, I rode probably the best I have for a long while.

I felt good the whole day and came home third.”

The top five was rounded out by Wade Young and Graham Jarvis, two names synonymous with toughness and experience.

Jarvis, the evergreen British veteran and team owner, piloted his Husqvarna to fifth — less than three minutes behind Young. Both men

capitalized on others’ mistakes during the punishing middle sectors of the climb, where the heat, altitude, and fatigue conspired to thin the ranks.

Bolt, meanwhile, was left to salvage what points he could.

Despite winning the Beach Race and starting strong in the Mountain Race, his illness and a costly navigation mistake dropped him to 11th — almost an hour behind Lettenbichler.

“It became a tough race for me,” he said afterward. “I

tried to hang with the leaders as long as possible, but I just struggled. Then I made a big navigation error and lost touch. As the course got harder and higher, I was done physically. Hopefully I can rest up and return to my best at GetzenRodeo.”

By the time the final rider crested Mount Olympos — nearly six hours after the leaders — only 33 Gold-class competitors had conquered the full route. From Lettenbichler’s near-flawless 3:49 to Alfredo Gómez’s top-10 finish, the results sheet read like a who’s-who of modern hard enduro. Teodor Kabakchiev finished eighth in his comeback ride, while James Moore and Matthew Green put in strong efforts inside the top ten.

In the overall championship picture, Lettenbichler’s win extended his lead to 143 points, with Bolt holding second at 108 and Brightmore

just one point behind at 107. Wade Young (91) and Mario Roman (85) completed the top five. With only two rounds left — Germany’s GetzenRodeo and South Africa’s Roof of Africa — the title picture now tilted heavily in Lettenbichler’s favor.

“I got into a good flow early and just focused on saving the tire,” Lettenbichler said, reflecting on his weekend. “Everything worked out — the bike, the rhythm, the strategy. I was really stoked to see the finish flag first and take the win today.”

The Sea to Sky has always been more than a race. It’s a journey from ocean to mountain, from chaos to calm — the kind of test that strips away everything but pure determination. For Lettenbichler, it marked another masterclass in control and composure. For Roman and Brightmore, it was proof that persistence pays off. And for Bolt, it was a reminder that even champions aren’t immune to the limits of the body.

As the sun dipped behind Mount Olympos and the clouds turned to gold, one thing was clear: the Sea to Sky remains one of the most breathtaking spectacles in hard enduro. From the roar of engines on the beach to the silence at 2,365 meters, it’s where legends climb — and where Manuel Lettenbichler, once again, stands tallest above them all.

EVENT RESULTS

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ROUND

THE MUDDOBBERS BELONG TO THE BAYLORS

GRANT DOMINATES, STEWARD TAKES THE CHAMPIONSHIP

WORDS PHOTOS

HEATHER WILSON SCHILTZ MACK FAINT

Alongstanding stop on the Redline Oil AMA National Enduro Series, presented by MSR and Beta Motorcycles, the Seat Concepts Muddobbers National greeted competitors with unseasonably warm temperatures.

The race was held on Saturday to allow competitors the opportunity to spectate the FIM Motocross of Nations the following day in nearby Crawfordsville, Indiana, and key time was pushed back to 10:00 a.m. to allow riders more travel time.

Racers started the day with two 7.5-mile tests before they tackled an 8.5- and 8-mile section. Test five was shorter at just 4.5 miles, and the

day ended with an 8.5-mile section. Trail conditions were largely ideal, despite a bit of dust in some sections.

2025 SERIES CHAMPION

Finishing fourth on the day, Steward Baylor Jr. collected the 2025 Redline Oil AMA National Enduro Championship with one round yet to go. Despite dealing with both injuries and illness throughout the year, along with stiff competition from teammate Josh Toth, the Rocky Mountain Red Bear Kawasaki Team Green rider overcame the challenges to secure his sixth AMA National Enduro championship. The 31-year-old previously won the title in 2012, 2017-2019 and 2021.

“It definitely was not easy, but I was always in the right place at the right time and able to answer anything that Josh [Toth] threw at me,” said Steward Baylor Jr. “Obviously, I’m super bummed that it went down like that with Josh getting injured. I kind of played out the rounds, and I knew this would be a round where he would be really good. But after test one in Missouri, I just knew I needed to ride consistent. I did the math today, and luckily Ricky [Russell] took a little while to get going. So, we were playing with numbers, and I was able to just ride it out and do what I needed to do. It was a relatively low-pressure situation. No crashes today; no issues… Obviously, I always want to be on the podium, but

today it was a little bit bigger picture. My dad texted me earlier in the week and said, ‘Are you going to go win the championship this week?’ I said, ‘I’m just going riding.’”

OVERALL PODIUM

The day started on a high note for Rocky Mountain Red Bear Kawasaki Team Green’s Grant Baylor and just kept getting better. He kicked off the day with a second place in Test 1. After that, he claimed victory in every remaining section of

the day. It marked his first win and fourth National Enduro podium of the year.

“I really do enjoy this place,” said Grant Baylor. “I think I’ve got six wins here now. The first test was pretty good. I just tipped over one time in there and stalled the bike once. Evan [Smith] got me by about a second there. After that, I was just kind of riding my day. I knew that this is one of those

places where you’ve got to ride your pace and let it come to you. So, that’s what I did. It all worked out… The first three tests, we were all right there together. But then I was able to creep away from them in test four. It was an awesome day. I’m really pumped to get this win and get back up on top. These last two years with injuries with the knee, it’s been tough. So, I’m stoked to be back up here.”

Evan Smith, mounted on an AmPro Yamaha, was the only one to top [Grant] Baylor in a test in Indiana. He opened the way with a test win and followed it up with second in the next section. Smith then went 4-2-4-4 on the remainder of the day.

“It was a great day,” said Evan Smith. “I’ve been waiting all year to be up here. I’ve been capable of it but had an injury at Sumter. It took

all year to kind of get over it and get everything working right. Happy to finally pull it together. I don’t like to know how I’m riding during the day, so I just kind of rode my pace and did what I could. I fell in the last test and did my best to give it to Ricky [Russell] but got up in time. It was a good day. It was fun.”

Entering this round fresh off his first-ever National Enduro win, Enduro Engineering Triumph Off-Road Racing Team’s Ricky Russell went 4-4

through the first two sections before powering his TF450-X to a second-place result in Section 3. The NE Pro1 rider then went 3-2-2 to round out the day.

“I came into the day pretty confident but struggled a little bit,” said Ricky Russell. “I had a small technical issue in test one that kind of put me back a little. I was riding good, but these guys were on it. Grant [Baylor] and Evan [Smith] started off hot and stayed hot all day. I was able

to creep a little bit toward the end there. Unfortunately, too little too late. Evan pulled it off by two seconds. Grant was gone, so the battle was kinda for second. Just two seconds between me and him. I’ll take third though.”

NE PRO2 PODIUM

It’s been an incredibly impressive season for Rocky Mountain Red Bear Kawasaki Team Green’s Nicholas Defeo. Landing on the podium five times prior to this event, the

NE Pro2 rider was determined to add another to his tally. He opened the day with a second place in NE Pro2, then made suspension changes before topping the class in the next four sections. He capped off the day by taking second in class. It earned him his fourth class-victory of the season, as well as the NE Pro2 championship.

Washington’s Jayden Dahners put his KTM on the NE Pro2 podium, in second, with 4-42-2-2 results before winning

the final test for NE Pro2. He noted that he lost his rear brakes in the last test, and that caused the front brakes to go too. However, he managed to cool them off in a creek crossing and get them back before finishing out the day.

Hunter Smith of North Carolina rounded out the NE Pro2 podium. He started the day with a third in class before going 6-4-6-4 and ending the day with another third-place result aboard his KTM. Like Dahners, Smith said that he struggled with not having rear brakes for probably four tests, as he kept losing them halfway through the tests, but he was still able to pull off a podium.

WOMEN’S ELITE PODIUM

Yet to finish off of the Women’s Elite podium this year, Rocky Mountain Red Bear Kawasaki Team Green’s Rachael Archer dominated the day, taking first in two tests and second through the next two. She ended the day with two first-place test results. Finishing nearly two minutes ahead of her nearest competitor, she notched her fourth class-win of the year.

Rieju’s Rachel Gutish has been challenging Archer throughout the season, and this round was no exception. She collected 2-2 results to get the day rolling before she won the next two tests. In her podium interview, she commented that something got caught in the rear brake caliper and tore it off in the second-to-last test.

She tried to keep going but boiled her front brakes. After that, she slowed down to play it safe. She finished fifth in Section 5 and was able to take second to finish out the day.

The points have been close for the top three in Women’s Elite this season, and Enduro Engineering’s Shelby Turner has been in the mix with Archer and Gutish. The Canadian took third in all but one test on the day, where she seized second. It marked her

EVENT RESULTS

OVERALL - NEPRO 1

1. Grant Baylor (KAW)

2. Evan Smith (YAM)

3. Ricky Russell (TRI)

4. Steward Baylor Jr (KAW)

5. Ben Kelley (KTM)

6. Thad Duvall (KTM)

OVERALL - NEPRO 2

1. Nicholas Defeo (KAW) 2. Jayden Dahners (KTM)

3. Hunter Smith (KTM) 4. Jhak Walker (BET)

5. Chase Landers (KTM)

6. Angus Riordan (KTM)

7. Layton Smail (KAW)

8. Will Sievenpiper (KAW) 9. Cole Whitmer (HON) 10. Hunter Bush (KAW)

sixth National Enduro podium aboard her GasGas in 2025.

TOP AMATEURS

James Jenkins has been in the spotlight, sweeping the 250A class this year aboard his Kawasaki and taking the class championship at the prior round. He stepped up to the AA class at this round and took that class win as well. Jenkins finished 14th overall at the Seat Concepts Muddobbers National with his 2-1-1-1-4-1

results in the AA class. Also in the AA class, Lane Whitmer took second on the day and clinched the 2025 class championship.

With Jenkins moving to the AA class, the door opened for Indiana’s Brody Amos to grab the 250A class win. The Husqvarna-mounted rider teetered between first and second in class throughout the day.

OVERALLWOMENS ELITE

1. Rachael Archer (KAW) 2. Rachel Gutish (RIE) 3. Shelby Turner (GG)

Brooke Cosner (KAW) 5. Ashlee Gage (KAW) 6. Emma Hasbell (BET)

7. Emma Sharpless (KTM)

8. Kylee Sweeten (TRI)

Perform at maximum potential.

weave effortlessly through the trees without sacrificing stability. with multiple technical updates to the 2025 range of cross country husqvarna motorcycles, you are sure to maintain maximum comfort and traction across the roughest terrain.

Racing Through the Colors

FLYNN TAKES MARQUETTE

Each October, the colors change first in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, and so does the atmosphere around Marquette. Riders and fans arrive for one of the most scenic rounds of the AMA East Hard Enduro Series, the Mad Moose Hard Enduro, hosted by the long-running UP Sandstormers Motorcycle Club. Just fifteen minutes from downtown Marquette and the shoreline of Lake Superior, the venue combines technical riding with the natural beauty of Northern Michigan’s fall season — a highlight of the calendar for both racers and spectators.

This marked the sixth year that the Sandstormers have put on the event, and it once again delivered a course that balanced challenge with flow. For 2025, organizers condensed the layout into roughly six-mile loop — slightly shorter than last year’s — with the intention of creating a tighter race with

an added bonus of being more spectator-friendly. Riders were tasked with completing four laps within a four-hour time limit. The format emphasized steady pace and smart linechoice more than all-out aggression, encouraging racers to find rhythm rather than simply survive the day.

Pro and A-class riders had their own, slightly more technical sections separate from the amateur course. The mixture of sand, dark dirt, and scattered rock formations made each lap feel fresh and different, and fall’s cooler temperatures provided nearideal riding weather. Rain had been in the forecast all week, but the skies held clear on race day, leaving the forest dry and fast. The trees stood in full color, and fans filled classic viewing spots like Tyler’s Outhouse, where the sound of revving engines echoed through the hillsides.

Among the favorites to watch was James Flynn, riding for IRC Beta. The Idaho-based rider entered the event as the defending Mad Moose winner, looking to repeat his success and strengthen his bid for the East Regional Championship. By day’s end, he’d do both — and celebrate his birthday with another win.

FLYNN’S MOMENTUM AND MEASURED PUSH

“The race went well,” Flynn said afterward, smiling through a layer of dust and leaf litter. “The first three laps I was a little tight and was just trying to loosen up and feel more comfortable out there. Going into the final lap I thought, ‘it’s now or never.’ I knew I was capable of

PREVIOUS: IRC Beta's James Flynn (55)

TOP LEFT: Michael Manuel (458)

BOTTOM LEFT: Darren Fesco (3469)

ABOVE RIGHT: Ben Meyer (2192), Robert Plotezka (3126), Wesly Ortiz (1037), Sam McGinley (1516) in Tyler's Outhouse

BOTTOM RIGHT : James Flynn and Rieju USA's Quinn Wentzel in Tyler's Outhouse

running a fast pace, so I just told myself, ‘let’s win or die trying.’”

That final lap surge made all the difference. Early on, the front group of five riders — Flynn, Beta USA’s Daniel Lewis, Rieju USA’s Quinn Wentzel, KRD’s Kamakana Waiwaiole-Kahalepuna, and Champion Brick’s Tobin Miller — ran closely together, swapping positions almost every checkpoint. “It was oneof-a-kind racing,” said Lewis, who finished second. “All five

of us were within a second of each other for the first three laps. Quinn would be in first, I’d be in first, James would be in first, then we’d all be in last. It was crazy — but that made it so fun. I was hootin’ and hollerin’ out there.”

Lewis admitted that small mistakes made the difference in the end. “I wrecked a couple times in the single track where I’d just clip a tree or get caught up with a lapper,” he explained. “It was always something small. If I would’ve

taken my time and picked a better line, I’d have been fine.”

Flynn found his rhythm right when it mattered most. “I learned the course during those first laps,” he said. “There were sections where I was stopping two or three times, but once I figured out how to carry momentum through, I was able to clean them. The Beta worked great — super nimble through the trees — and the IRC tires got incredible traction.”

He made the decisive pass for the lead midway through the final lap. “It was on a medium-techy hill,” Flynn said. “I think there was a lapper in front of Quinn, and I saw an alternate line and took it.” From that moment, he was gone. Lewis tried to respond but couldn’t close the gap. “When I was pushing pretty hard, I never even saw him,” Lewis said. “Seems like he learned how to ride on the East Coast that last lap.”

Crossing the finish line, Flynn earned his second-straight Mad Moose victory — and a perfect way to celebrate his birthday. “It’s definitely

special,” he said. “Everything came together today.”

The podium battle remained fierce behind Flynn. Quinn Wentzel brought his Rieju home in third after leading sections early in the race.

“There was a lot of new trail this year,” he said. “I enjoyed the technicality, but I think it was a bit easier than expected. All five of us were in a train until about halfway through the last lap. There was one tough section that got us off our bikes on lap one, but after that I just rode through it each time.”

Wentzel’s race hinged on a few seconds of bad luck. “I got stuck behind a lapper in one of the lines — maybe fifteen seconds — and that was it,” he said. “The other guys were gone. That little bit of time was all it took. I felt like I had command over most of that race, but sometimes it just doesn’t go your way. Still, happy to be on the podium.”

Tobin Miller rounded out the top five and echoed the same theme — close, respectful racing from start to finish. “The first three laps were epic,” Miller said. “We were battling back and forth the whole time. Me and Kanaboy [Waiwaiole-Kahalepuna] really put it on each other a couple of times — just good, clean racing. We had a lot of fun.”

His day took a turn after an incident on the third lap. “I crashed on the hill at Tyler’s Outhouse and broke my shifter pedal,” he said. “I fixed it with a spare that I carry on the bike and some tools — that saved the day — but after that I just couldn’t find the same flow.” Even with the setback, Miller appreciated the layout. “The organizers did a great job. I liked that Pro and

A-riders had their own course. We didn’t have to deal with lappers until later, which kept the racing fair. It still could’ve been a little tougher in spots, but overall it was a really good balance.”

By late afternoon, the top five finished within minutes of each other — a testament to how even the field has become. For spectators, it was a treat to watch multiple lead changes unfold in real time.

MAKANA BARGER LEADS THE A-CLASS

The A-class battle featured its own tight racing. Makana Barger claimed the win, showing patience and consistency after an early mistake. “I pulled a good start right off the bat and was leading,” he said. “Then I flipped my bike upside down in the first rock pit and about eight riders got past me. I just started ticking them off one by one.”

The lesson from his previous race guided his approach. “Last time I pushed too hard too early and got tired really fast,” he explained. “This time I just took it easy and kept steady laps. I’m stoked with how it went.”

Barger said the course had a good mix of obstacles. “I liked the hill climbs, but when we were riding along the water, I was trying not to make mistakes there. I fell offcamber once — just lost a little time — but overall I felt solid. The single track went better than I expected.”

He’d raced a GNCC the week before to sharpen that skill set. “It helped a lot with the tight trees,” he said. “I felt pretty comfortable.” Barger also credited his tire choice: “I was going to run a Dunlop, but I put on a Michelin and felt like I was just hooking up everywhere. I was super happy with that decision.”

Champion Brick's Tucker Miller finished second after leading part of the race and

praised both the terrain and organization. “It started off pretty good,” he said. “I made a couple passes early and found myself in the lead. Makana caught me about halfway through lap two, and after that I was mostly riding by myself. It was a really good course — everything was rideable, it just took some time.”

Miller admitted that Tyler’s Outhouse was his biggest mental hurdle. “Going up it was pretty intimidating,” he said. “You couldn’t see what was underneath your wheels, so I just worked my way up slowly each lap.” His only real setback came when his shifter gave out. “I ended up having to run the last lap in second gear,” he said. “It wasn’t ideal, but I made it through.”

Their steady, mistake-free approach reflected the maturing A-class field — fast, composed, and increasingly ready to make the jump into Pro ranks.

RISING STARS IN THE AMATEUR AND YOUTH DIVISIONS

The Mad Moose Hard Enduro also serves as an introduction for many newer riders entering the discipline. The feedback this year was overwhelmingly positive, with racers describing the course as tough enough to be rewarding but still approachable for developing riders.

In the Youth class, the duel between Graham Kobak and Bentlee Bredekamp continued to capture attention. Kobak once again came out on top. “Today was good,” he said. “I got out strong and tried to keep the same pace the whole way through. I ended up leading the whole race. I was just trying to get out of sight of Bentlee — if I can get out of his eyesight, then he won’t have motive to keep charging more than me.”

He credited his improvement to off-bike training. “Basically just fitness,” he said. “I’m working to be the fittest I can be so at the end of the race I’m

not cramping. If you’re fit, you can keep pushing the entire way through.”

Bredekamp, meanwhile, showed grit after an early mishap. “I got the holeshot, but I hit a tree right away — not sure if my fingers are broken or not,” he admitted. “Me and Graham were battling. It was really rough but fun. I went over the bars once on a log and got my bike stuck in a tree for a few minutes. I had to fight my way back up.”

Their rivalry has become one of the most exciting storylines of the youth series. Kobak’s win brought him within three points of Bredekamp for the championship lead, setting up a decisive finale at the RORR Coal Cracker Smacker in Good Spring, Pennsylvania. The Youth title — along with several class championships — will come down to that final weekend.

COMMUNITY AND CRAFT

What makes Mad Moose memorable isn’t only the

racing, but the shared sense of community that defines the weekend. The new layout gave spectators more chances to see the action, with laps averaging under an hour for the fastest riders. At popular spots like Tyler’s Outhouse, fans rang cowbells, cheered, and offered encouragement. For many locals, it’s as much a fall tradition as the changing leaves.

The blend of atmosphere and competition makes the Mad Moose distinct within the East Series — not the most brutal or extreme stop, but one of the most enjoyable and scenic. Riders come away tired, yes, but also smiling. It’s the kind of event that builds confidence rather than breaks it.

With the checkered flag waved and the smell of pine still in the air, James Flynn’s repeat victory reshaped the East Regional Championship. His win closed the points gap and kept the title battle alive heading into the finale. In the Youth division, Graham Kobak’s performance did the same.

As dusk settled over the Upper Peninsula, racers packed up under golden trees and cool northern air. The fatigue of the day gave way to laughter and stories from the trail — passes made, near-misses avoided, and lessons learned. For Flynn, it was a perfect birthday weekend. For everyone else, it was a reminder of why they love this sport: the camaraderie, the challenge, and the satisfaction that comes from a day well-ridden.

Next up, the series heads south for the season finale — the RORR Coal Cracker Smacker on October 26 in Good Spring, Pennsylvania — where both the East Regional and Youth championships will be decided. The Mad Moose may be behind them, but its autumn glow lingers, a final burst of color before the season’s end.

BELOW : Makana Barger (400)

RIGHT : John Kroll (105), Tobin Miller (117)

EVENT RESULTS

PRO/A OVERALL

1. James Flynn (BET)

2. Danny Lewis (BET)

3. Quinn Wentzel (RIE)

4. Kamakana WaiwaioleKahalepuna (KTM)

5. Tobin Miller (KTM)

6. Makana Berger (KTM)

7. Tucker Miller 9KTM)

8. Boogie Rivera (KTM)

9. John Kroll (KTM)

10. Leiber Ponce (GG)

AMATEUR OVERALL

1. Gage Hill (KTM)

2. Ryan Odom (KTM)

3. Graham Kobak (SHR)

4. Bentlee Bredekamp (HSQ)

5. Geiner Cordero (GG)

6. Chase Delong (GG)

7. Jake Campbell (BET)

8. Cameron Latulippe (KTM)

9. William Hanlon (KTM)

10. Brody Tober (SHR)