Responsibility of the trail leader

Riding season is upon us and of course we are all going to either participate in a group ride or organize a group ride ourselves.  For the latter it is important to be a responsible trail or group leader.  Leading riders into unfamiliar areas can be fun and rewarding.  What follows are some helpful tips to make the group ride a success and everybody gets back to the staging area in one piece.

1.  Communicate

Before anyone loads a single piece of gear, have a get together and talk about the 3 W’s Who, What, Where.  Who is all going with you on the ride, this is also a good time to get an idea of everyones skill level.   The skill level of the riders involved leads into the next question.  What type of terrain is the group going to be riding on?  Depending on everyones skill level will depend on the terrain you will want to take the riders on.   And lastly, Where are are the riders going to ride?  The what somewhat dictates the where.  For example, do the riders want a challenge or a leisurely ride.  As the leader you will need to respect the riders skill levels and desires, especially if they are new to the area.  Remember a trail that seems easy to you may be very difficult for others and vise-versa.

2. Bring the right gear

As the leader you need to set a good example and at least require the bare minimum of safety gear before you allow anyone on the trail.  Other than the obvious, be sure to take along extra specialty gear for the area or conditions you might face on the trail.  For example, if your riding in an area that sees frequent afternoon showers, pack extra rain ponchos.  Also even though the other riders might bring other gear, as the leader make sure you have a basic first-aid kit.  Plenty of water is always a good idea as well.

3.  Know your route

Know the area well.  Know where the parking is, how much parking and the route you will take to get to the trail head as well as the trails themselves.  Especially with new riders to the area you want to instill confidence that you know your way around.  Make sure if it is a complicated area be sure to provide maps for everyone just in case someone happens to get behind.  Be sure to discuss how to read the map.

4.  Don’t get too far ahead

This one is simple.  Keep track of your group.  Stop at every fork in the trail and make sure everyone is accounted for and that everyone can see the proper turn.  If there are difficult obstacles it might be a good idea to stop and make sure everyone clears the section before proceeding, this can also be a good time to take a break if people need it.

5.  Action plan

Have an action plan for the extreme case of someone getting lost, breaking down, or getting hurt.  A good plan is to have everyone meet at a certain well known landmark or area at the end of the day.  This way when someone comes up missing it is easier to plan your search of the trail to find that person.

Every situation will warrant different tactics.  These tips should only serve as introductory guidelines as the leader or organizer of a group ride.

350cc Race Quad, Will It Happen? Should It Happen?

After Mike Alessi’s exciting holeshots and moto win on KTM’s new 350SXF motocross bike, in my mind it begs the question. Should the quad world 350cc production race machines? Before you answer consider this.

I have always wondered for years now if there should be 250cc production race machines. If you want to read my complete opinion on these machines read THIS ARTICLE.  Now the biggest objection from people about 250cc machines is the (possible) lack of torque to propel a full sized race ATV effectively. My opinion is they have plenty of torque to do so.

Now that KTM has built a bike to legitimately compete in the premier (450) class that is only 350cc could the idea be translated to race ATVs as an entry level race class (ie. up to 350cc class). From the words of KTM , Stefan Everts (Europe’s Ricky Carmichael), and Mike Alessi, the idea behind

KTM’s new machine is simple; the reduction in displacement and horsepower is less fatiguing to a rider, especially in the late stages of a race. The bike is easier to manage by virtue of reduced power and weight.

It seems at this point that the idea is true, Mike Alessi was able to holeshot and win a moto on what some would call a “handicapped” machine. Mike Alessi has even said that the 450 (formerly on a Suzuki) definitely wears him out more to wards the end of the race (and he is one of the top out door riders in the class).  The concept is sound but it is yet to be seen if this will be true the whole season.

Now coming full circle.  Should the race ATV world have 350cc machines (or 250cc machines for that matter).  Would new racers want a 350cc machine?  And if so, which manufacturer would be the first to test the waters?

GNCC ATV Racing: Borich Wins At Muddy Loretta's

Mother Nature, mud bogs and even a class of fellow Pro Class racers couldn’t prevent Yoshimura Suzuki’s Chris “Big Finish” Borich from posting his third straight Pro class victory on the Can-Am Grand National Cross Country series. In using a style that has become more his trademark and not just a game of chance, the Pennyslvania-based pro came from behind and passed late in the race to secure the win the Round 5 overall at the Acerbis Loretta Lynn’s GNCC in Hurricane Mills, Tenn. GNCC Racing said the ATV racers described the course as “wet and muddy” and said an “all-day rain pummeled” the dude ranch in the middle of Tennessee. Despite the dismal conditions and three other riders contesting him, Borich proved his resiliency and also made it clear he is the man to beat in 2010.

Chris Borich was all smiles after posting his third consecutive GNCC ATV Pro class win. (Courtesy Acorn Woods)

Borich summed up his performance in a GNCC Racing press release, by saying, “I worked back up behind McGill, and I picked a line that he looked like he was going right and then he came back the other way and we kind of came together and I was able to get around him. It’s great to get another win, and I had a lot of fun battling these guys.”

Borich has now won four of the first five races and has extended his points lead over Yamaha’s Taylor Kiser by 22 points (145 to 123).

Rounding out the Pro class podium were Adam McGill (Can-Am) and Donald Ockerman (Yamaha). McGill led for two laps and held the leave before Borich passed him late in the race. Ockerman put in his best race of the year to find a spot on the podium. Kiser salvaged a fourth-place ride to stay within striking distance of Borich for the points overall and is 30 points ahead of McGill, who sits in third.

In a GNCC Racing press release, McGill summed up his day with, “It was crazy out there. Someone would go up a hill and the mud would fill in the ruts and you couldn’t tell how deep they were, so it was kind of scary, but it was good to get out front and be in the hunt.”

Biggest Movers 1:

As long as Borich keeps passing for the win on the final lap, he’ll always deserve a spot on this list. McGill deserves credit for charging from fourth place after lap one to first place during the final lap. Despite dropping a spot to Borich, he still put in one heck of a race to earn a podium visit. Two other pros get kudos from me for their late-in-the-race efforts. The first being Ockerman, who moved from fifth on Lap 2 to third on the final trip around the soaking-wet Loretta’s course. His 32:29.656 time on Lap 3 was the fastest of the day and ensured he made the podium!

Let’s not forget about Bicknell, Indiana’s Ryan Lane, who rode his Honda to fifth place in the horrible conditions. It was Lane’s first GNCC race of the year and he moved from ninth place after the second lap to fifth by the time the checkers flew. There’s one word for that: Awesome! Johnny Gallagher also gets a thumbs up for effort as he charged to sixth on his YFZ. He moved from ninth after Lap 1 to sixth place by the end of the race, which was good enough for his best finish of the season.

Biggest Movers 2:

This spot is usually reserved for those who go the other way, sadly, in the final results. Unfortunately, Can-Am’s Chris Bithell made the list. He sat in fourth place at the end of Lap 2, but couldn’t complete the final lap and had to settle for 12th in the class and 84 overall. It was his second finish out of the top 10 this year.

After putting in finishes of seventh, seventh, fifth and six in the first four races, Jeffery Pickens was in position (third place after first lap) to post his top finish of the year, but fell three places after another lap. By the end of lap three the pro dropped to eighth place, for his worse finish of the year. However, on the flip side, the Pennsylvania race has to be relieved with an eighth place (as opposed to a DNF) in a mud race. And that fact that he’s still in the top five in the Pro class points race.

5-for-5

Six racers have posted 100 points (perfect scores) by winning all five rounds in 2010. Four riders fell off the list after the Loretta’s mudfest.

• 90 Modified (12-15) – 1 PIT 003 LEVI COEN 1 1 1 1 1 100
• 4×4 Lites – 1 CAN 233 KEVIN TRANTHAM 1 1 1 1 1 100
• U2 – 1 CAN 206 CLIFTON BEASLEY 1 1 1 1 1 100
• Utility Senior (45+) – 1 CAN 709 FORREST WHORTON 1 1 1 1 1 100
• Schoolboy (13-15) A/B – 1 HON 239 BRADEN HENTHORN 1 1 1 1 1 100
• Women Novice (15+) – 1 HON 244 CHEYANNE SHADRON 1 1 1 1 80

Super Simmons

Dave Simmons just keeps impressing me. He’s in the 50+ class and has won four straight morning overall, including this sloppy race in Tennessee. And that’s with several classes of 4x4s breathing down his neck! Round 2, didn’t register because he won the Sportsman A/B class (non-points class). However, the last three event did, as the Ohio racer beat every other a.m. participant and 50+ competitor to the finish line. Had he raced in Florida, he may be on the “100 list” above. An interesting side note: Class points leader Donnie Pruett has yet to win the class in 2010, but still has 82 points and a 22 point lead over Simmons.

Another note from this class (according to Ken “Pappy” Hill on Facebook): You can help support Super Senior (50+) competitor Glen Pritchard (West Hamlin, W.Va.), who is dealing with an illness, by buying a T-shirts. They retail for $20.00. To order: Send an e-mail to: Cre8tivedesigns1@gmail.com (Brandon Sturdivant) Include: Name, quantity, sizes and shipping information. When order is received you will receive an e-mail giving you payment information. All Proceeds will go to Glen’s medical expenses.

Loretta’s XC1 Results (According to GNCCracing.com):

1. Chris Borich (Suz)

2. Adam McGill (CAN)

3. Don Ockerman (Yam)

4. Taylor Kiser (Yam)

5. Ryan Lane (Hon)

6. Johnny Gallagher (Yam)

7. Brandon Sommers (Yam)

8. Jeffrey Pickens (Yam)

9. Sloan Jackson (Hon)

10. Todd Demaree (Suz)

XC1 Standings:

1. Chris Borich (145/4 wins)

2. Taylor Kiser (123/1 win)

3. Adam McGill (93)

4. Don Ockerman (73)

5. Jeffrey Pickens (72)

6. Bryan Cook (69)

7. Johnny Gallagher (67)

8. Chris Bithell (66)

9. Bill Ballance (58)

10. Brandon Sommers (54)

Borich rode part of the three-lap race without goggles as the muddy course made for difficult racing conditions. (Courtesy of Acorn Woods)

XC2 Results:

1. Gabe Phillips (Yam)

2. Eric Hoyland (Yam)

3. Kevin Yoho (Yam)

4. Walker Fowler (Yam)

5. Josh Kirkland (KTM)

6. Mark Notman (Yam)

7. Ian Laufersweiler (Hon)

8. Blake Kramer (Suz)

9. Nathan Beyers (Hon)

10. Michael Lancaster (Hon)

XC2 Standings:

1. Brian Wolf (110/2 wins)

2. Kevin Yoho (101)

3. Walker Fowler (95/2 wins)

4. Josh Kirkland (92)

5. Gabe Phillips (88/1 win)

6. Parker Jones (68)

7. Eric Hoyland (66)

8. Blake Kramer (63)

9. Dustin Canipe (59)

10. Mark Notman (54)

On May 8, the Yadkin Valley Stomp Racetrack, in Yadkinville, N.C., will host the Round 6 of the GNCC series. For more info, visit GNCCracing.com.

Creamer Victorious At Ballance Moto-X

A few years back, someone once told me “Josh Creamer, would sign a contract for a cheeseburger.” I don’t know if they were making fun of him or just criticizing his approach to being a professional racer. Either way, that person’s opinion has proven to be erroneous. Creamer, who signed his first pro contract with Kawasaki in 2007, has more than lived up to his hype as one of the top pro ATV racers in world. First, he did very well with the Jimmy White-led Monster Kawasaki teams. Then he signed a full deal with Suzuki for 2010. This past weekend he earned his most  impressive overall at Round 2 of the ITP Tires/Moose Racing AMA ATV MX Championships presented by Parts Unlimited. The Pro class win was Creamer’s first of the year and, more importantly, his first career Pro MX overall and first under the Makita Rockstar Suzuki team banner.

(Courtesy of Creamer/DeBault Photography)

The victory made the Pro class points a lot more interesting as Creamer pulled to within four points of teammate Dustin Wimmer, who has 88 points and the other Pro class victory in 2010. Creamer, who also scored some bonus cash for the grabbing the Moto 2 holeshot, told me he wasn’t particularly happy with how his practice session went, but was more than thrilled with the final result. “When it came to race time, we did what we had to do,” he said.

“The second moto we just checked out. It just worked out really well. I’d like to thank my whole team under the Rockstar Makita Suzuki tent, and Yoshimura and all the sponsors we have. Everything’s just going really well this year,” he elaborated in a Racer Productions press release.

Joe Byrd finished third overall for his podium of the season, but was knows he has a tough fight against the Rockstar Makita Suzuki teammates. He said in the www.atvmotocross.com release: “The race could have been better, but we had a couple gremlins bite us. My goggles broke in the first moto and I couldn’t see, so the first moto was definitely not good to me. The second moto was better. We came out second and then took the lead, and I had a good battle with Creamer but I screwed up and he passed me back.”

Chad Weinen’s 6-3 finish was good enough for fourth place and keeps him in striking distance of the points leader, just 15 points behind.

Josh Creamer leads Joe Byrd at Ballance Moto-X. (Courtesy of ATVmotocross.com/Michael Roth image)

Biggest Movers 1: Byrd, who said he’s in charge of a “true privateer program,” did well in Moto 2.  The longtime pro finished in the seventh spot in Moto 1. However, in the second moto, he challenged for the
win and actually held the lead for the first six laps before an error allowed Creamer to pass him. His 7-2 score put him on the podium.

Reigning Pro AMA ATV MX Champ Dustin Wimmer (Rockstar Makita Suzuki) also put in two impressive rides, considering he got off to sluggish starts in both motos. After lap 1 in the first moto, Wimmer was in seventh place. He recovered to move into third. In the second moto, Wimmer was in sixth place after the first lap, but moved into third place. However, this time he dropped to fourth before the flag was waved. The 3-4 finish was good enough for second overall and he retained the points lead heading into Round 3.

Also in Moto 2, Pat Brown showcased some speed on his Honda as he motored from 16th all the way to eighth place to salvaged a 12th place finish and avoid a horrible weekend. Nick Denoble and Cody Grant also deserve a little praise for their “never-give-up” attitude. Each rider gained at least five spots by the time the Moto 2 checkers flew.

Biggest Movers 2: John “Ironman” Natalie. The Can-Am/Motoworks won the Moto 1 holeshot and than went wire-to-wire to win it. That put him in position for an overall. However, mechanical trouble in the second moto hurt Natalie’s shot at the podium. He sat in fourth place after two laps, but his day ended shortly after that. Natalie’s 1-17 finish, resulted in an eighth-place overall.

Harold Goodman also had some Moto 2 trouble, dropping from seventh place after the initial lap to 13th at the end of the race.

Pro-Am 2-fer
The Kawasaki-mounted Joel Hetrick was a perfect 2-for-2 on the weekend in both his Pro-Am classes. Hetrick edged Casey Martin (Polaris) and Chase Sapp (Suzuki) in the Pro-Am Production class, notching a 1-1 moto scores for the win. He backed that up with another 1-1 moto combo in the Pro-Am Unlimited ranks to beat Jeremy Tulenchik (Honda) and Andy Travis (KTM).

Perfect Thus Far

These 17 amateur racers, who have won both rounds in 2010 and have the early class points lead, deserve a lot of praise for their early season efforts. They are:

• 450 A – Wesely Holifield, Petal, Miss.
• 450B – Bret Cusumano, Maple Shade, N.J.
• Open B – Mark Gehring, W. Springfield, Mass.
• 4-Stroke A – Chase Henry, Petersburg, Va.
• Vet 30+ – Josh Strominski, Cedar Lake, Ind.
• Vet 30+ C – Bryan Williams, New Port Ritchey, Fla.
• Women – Heather Byrd, Union City, Tenn.
• Women C – Kelsey Dyer, Quincy, Ill.
• Schoolboy Sr. (14-17) – Dallas Tapscott, Scottsville, Va.
• Schoolboy Jr. (13-15) – Brent Sellers, Willis, Texas
• 90 Modified (8-15) – Samuel Rowe, Menasha, Wis.
• 90 Production (8-15) – Clay Pearson, Cullman, Ala.
• 90 CVT (8-15) – Tyler Mack, New Ulm, Minn.
• 70 Modified (6-11) – Ryan Harness, Beebe, Ark.
• 50 Sr. (6-8) – Ethan Putty, Nortonville, Ky.
• 50 CVT (6-8) – D.J. Bassani, Sussex, N.J.
• 50 Limited Jr. (4-6) – Ethan Ahlm, Cumming, Ga.

AMA Pro ATV – Overall

Overall Nbr Name Moto 1 Moto 2 Points Earned

1. #9 JOSH CREAMER – HON, NORTH STONINGTON, CT 2-1 47

2. #1 DUSTIN WIMMER – SUZ, CENTER VALLEY, PA 3-4 38

3. #7 JOE BYRD – HON, UNION CITY, TN 7-2 36

4. #44 CHAD WIENEN – CAN, GALENA, IL 6-3 35

5. #84 THOMAS BROWN – YAM, SANGER, TX 5-5 32

6. #20 JOSH UPPERMAN – HON, LOUISVILLE, OH 4-6 33

7. #16 JEREMY LAWSON – WAL, LIVE OAK, FL 10-7 25

8. #13 JOHN NATALIE JR – CAN, HOUTZDALE, PA 1-17 29

9. #12 KEITH LITTLE – HON, SPRUCE PINE, AL 9-10 23

10. #123 NICK DENOBLE – HON, DE PERE, WI 11-9 22

11. #62 JEREMIE WARNIA – CAN, PARIS, FR 8-16 18

12. #99 PATRICK BROWN – YAM, PITTSTOWN, NJ 17-8 17

13. #708 HAROLD GOODMAN – HON, ROMULUS, MI 12-13 17

14. #18 CODY GRANT – SUZ, OAKLAND, KY 15-11 16

15. #79 CLAY HOLMES – HON, LEXINGTON, TN 14-12 16

16. #111 NATE MORELLO – KTM, PETERBOROUGH, NH 13-14 15

17. #10 GREG GEE – HON, SIMCOE, ON 16-15 11

18. #86 JUSTIN BUSH – KTM, BAXTER, TN 18-18 6

ATV Pro Class Points (For riders who competed at both rounds, Through 2 Rounds – unofficial)

Rank, rider, points (wins)

1. Dustin Wimmer, 88 (1)

2. Josh Creamer, 84 (1)

3. Chad Weinen, 73

4. Josh Upperman, 70

5. John Natalie Jr.,65

6. Joe Byrd, 61

7. Thomas Brown, 58

8. Jeremy Lawson, 53

9. (tie) Pat Brown, Jeremy Warnia, 39

11. Nick Denoble, 35

12. Harold Goodman, 33

13. Keith Little, 32

14. Greg Gee, 28

15. Nate Morello, 26

For complete Round 2 results from Ballance Moto-X, visit the Trackside RESULTS PAGE.

Get More AMA ATV MX CHAMPIONSHIP INFO HERE.

Bringing new riders into the sport

From time to time we all run into or meet new people that are eager to get into the sport, and because most of us are thrilled to share the joys of the sport we all know and love, we are more than happy to introduce and teach the “new blood” all there is to know about riding ATV and motorcycles.  Problem is we as the unofficial mentor of this new rider tend to get overzealous and over-estimate the new riders abilities (from our own excitement).  Over estimating this new riders abilities can either present a less than desirable outcome and in some cases present a dangerous situation for this “newb”.  Below are some considerations to keep in mind when introducing a new rider to the sport for the very first time. [Read more]

Can-Am GNCC ATV Racing: Round 4 Pirelli Big Buck Breakdown

Chris Borich is at it again. The reigning Can-Am Grand National Cross Country Pro ATV Champion won his third race of the year with yet another come-from-behind win at Big Buck in South Carolina. It appeared as though Yamaha’s Taylor Kiser might post his second win of the 2010 season, but Borich, using his GNCC expertise, survived the dust and used a passing line to get by Kiser on the final lap and notch the victory.

We heard from Borich at Round 3 that he’s confident he can win every round and knows when it’s time to charge to the front. Much like Steele Creek, Borich trailed but was racing comfortable in a position that would let him take the lead once the opportunity arose. He said he basically has to wait until he finds a passing line or the other riders makes a mistake. At Big Buck, it was the former, and Borich prevailed yet again.

From Left: Taylor Kiser, Chris Borich and Adam McGill on the Big Buck podium. (Courtesy of Yoshimura)

“I’m feeling really good the bike, and the Suzuki and Yoshimura programs are clicking right now. My Suzuki worked awesome from start to finish, and the Yosh power just hooked up and went to the front,” said Borich.  [Source: Yoshimura R&D press release]

GNCCracing.com reported that Borich said he used a clever line at Big Buck to get the lead. “On the previous lap, I saw this line going down a hill and I gained a lot of ground on Kiser there. I knew if I could find it again then I could make a pass there,” said Borich. “On the last lap, I saw the line and I just held it wide open and got around him him.” [Source: GNCCracing.com]

You can’t fault Kiser, who led the race from lap one to part of lap four. The young racer put in yet another solid performance and without the presence of his teammate, nine-time champ Bill Ballance (who didn’t race due to his injuries). He finished two seconds behind Borich and had to again settle for the second stair on the podium. He trails Borich by 10 points in the race for the pro title.

Third place went to Adam McGill, who recovered from a gut-wrenching performance at Round 3, on his Can-Am. After the first lap, he was in fifth. However, by the end of the race, he had scored another valuable podium finish. Coincidentally, fellow Can-Am racer Chris Bithell fell from third place on lap three to fifth on the final lap. GNCCracing reported that Bithell “waved McGill around” or could have possibly finished third himself.

The final top five spot went to KTM’s Bryan Cook. It was his second-consecutive fourth-place finish and he tallied another $250 Motorcycle USA holeshot award. Cook lost some ground between lap two and lap three as he dropped two positions, falling from third place to fifth place.

Pro Notes:

• 14 Pro class racers competed and only a dozen completed all four laps. Brandon Sommers (one lap) and Jarrod McClure (three laps) each had issues.
• Three XC2 Pro Am class riders comprised the top 10 overall (and 11 of the top 20 overall spots) at Big Buck.

Biggest movers: Not too many racers made serious place changes at Big Buck. A few guys improved their finish by moving up a couple of spots, but there weren’t as many as we might normally see. On the positive side, Borich, who moved from third (after lap one) to first on the final lap to snag the win deserves mention. McGill (podium) and Harold Goodman (career-best ninth place) also deserve credit for charging hard to earn good finishes.

Biggest movers 2: Cook (see above) and Jeffrey Pickens (who dropped from fourth after lap one to sixth at the finish) each had a shot to challenge for a spot on the podium, but each racer missed out in S.C. However, they are fourth and fifth in the class points race, respectively. I have a feeling one of these guys in going to have a top three finish this year.

Top Four Pro Quads (After Four Rounds):

How’s this for brand diversity in in the pro class? Borich and his Suzuki lead the class. Kiser on his Yamaha is second. A Can-Am (McGill) sits in third and is followed by a KTM (Cook). The top Polaris rider (McClure) is currently in 10th. Harold Goodman is the top Honda rider and he’s in 12th in the points race.

Fowler vs. Wolf:

Walker Fowler has won two races in the XC2 Pro-Am class this year, including posting his own come-from-behind win at Big Buck. Brian Wolf has also posted two victories in the class. However, he’s also finished second twice and that trumps Fowler’s 20th at the opener and fifth-place ride at Round 3. Though winless in 2010, Kevin Yoho (second) and Josh Kirkland (fourth by 1 point) are also in contention. All four of these riders would certainly make the Pro class a lot more interesting if they decided to move up! I know that highly unlikely, but it’s worth mentioning.

Who’s Really Leading?

In the 4×4 Open class, Daryl Rath has not won a class overall in 2010, yet the Minnesota racer currently sits in first place. Rath posted his best finish and overall of the young season, earning second in the class. He’s now one point ahead of reigning champ Bryan Buckhannon, who finished ninth at Big Buck. He has 72 points to Buckhannon’s 71. It was the Can-Am rider’s worst finish since a DNF at Round 7 in 2009. Let’s remember, however, that even that year Buckhannon rebounded (I say that because he also missed two other rounds that year) to win the class crown. Round 4 went to Zach Zakowski, who also has 71 points in 2010.

Women

I can’t help saying something about this class after each round. Why? First, they’re fast female racers. Secondly, it has to be the tightest points race in the series. KTM’s Angel Atwell posted her second win of the year, yet sits in fourth place 2 points behind Yamaha’s Traci Cecco (one victory) and Kristen Atwell. Can-Am’s Lexie Coulter is the class points leader with 73 and one victory. Let’s not forget Jennifer Albright, who sits in fifth, just four points behind Coulter.

Cheyanne Shadron is another young lady to keep an eye on. The 15+ class competitor is undefeated this year and has been super fast on her Honda.

Another Bithell

College A (16-21) is another class with a tight points battle. Four different riders have posted wins at the first four rounds of 2010. Jamie Bithell currently sits atop the points race with 76 (one win). KTM rider Aarol Bright has 73 points, a win at Round 2 and is in second. Two Yamaha-mounted racers sit in third and fourth, respectively. In third is Patrick McGuire, who won the Big Buck event and is just six points behind Bithell. Zachary Strong won the opener in Florida and has 68 points. Keep an eye on these young racers.

Super Fast After 50

Anyone remember Grandpa Putt-Putt? Dave Simmons is the exact opposite and probably should be called Grandpa Speedy. He has won three GNCC morning overalls on his Yamaha, yet only has 40 total points. How? He didn’t compete in Florida. His first overall in the Sportsman A/B ranks didn’t count for points. After moving to the 50+ class, the Pennsylvanian has won two straight overalls and has proven to be super fast.

80-point Mark

Only 10 racers have posted 80 points (perfect scores) by winning all four rounds in 2010. Here they are. How many will make it to The Ironman Finale with a chance a perfection?

• 90 Modified (12-15) – 1 PIT 003 LEVI COEN 1 1 1 1 80
• 4×4 Lites – 1 CAN 233 KEVIN TRANTHAM 1 1 1 1 80
• U2 – 1 CAN 206 CLIFTON BEASLEY 1 1 1 1 80
• Utility Senior (45+) – 1 CAN 709 FORREST WHORTON 1 1 1 1 80
• Schoolboy (13-15) A/B – 1 HON 239 BRADEN HENTHORN 1 1 1 1 80
• Schoolboy (13-15) Novice – 1 YAM 505 KEVIN MCKEOWN 1 1 1 1 80
• Women Novice (15+) – 1 HON 244 CHEYANNE SHADRON 1 1 1 1 80
• Sport (15+) – 1 SUZ 265 ROMAN BROWN 1 1 1 1 80
• College B (16-21) – 1 YAM 424 AARON GRABER 1 1 1 1 80
• Senior A (40+) – 1 HON 328 TOM WRIGHT 1 1 1 1 80

For more info, see GNCCracing.com

ATV Riding Spots, Tracks, Photographers, MX Gear, Memories and Other Favorites

Since I’ve been in the ATV industry (January 1998), people always ask me for my thoughts and or advice on anything related to it. The No. 1 question is, “What is your favorite ATV?” I’m going to skip that one for now and say that it really depends on the end-use and personal preference. However, I prefer sport quads to utility 4x4s, but enjoy seat time on both types of machines. I’ve even learned to love UTVs. And, I’ve never had the need to purchase a machine, because of my journalistic duties within the industry. However, I have other favorites I can share with you.

MX Track:

Although I’ve never ridden on this track, I’ve covered races there several times. I’ll have to say Red Bud in Buchanan, Mich. I love its layout, jumps, history and that it welcomes quads! And Millville, Minnesota’s Spring Creek MX Park is great, too. I can’t wait for the ATV MX Nationals to finally race at this track.

MX Helmet:

This one is tough, because I’ve worn so many helmets. I firmly believe the Troy Lee Designs line of helmets is one of the best (in terms of fit, comfort and styling), but my Arai is a brilliant example of an off-road lid, too.

I wore this TLD gear and SIDI combo for our first test of the 2008 Can-Am DS 450.

MX Boots:

Well, this is a toss up for me. I typically don’t like internal booties, but have worn them in the past. SIDI makes a spectacular boot (without booties) and they are usually the first to hit my gear bag. And I enjoy my Alpinestars Tech 7 for riding in the sand. Oh, and I once had a pair of SIDI cowhide boots (from Ryan Young Products) that had the actual black-and-white spotted cowhide on them. Sadly, they were ruined by a week-long mud tire test in Buffalo, Minn.

MX Glove:

FOUR Mission gloves; See previous blog

Off-road Jacket:

My Scorpion XDR Commander jacket with removal waterproof liner has almost every feature I adore in a jacket. Sure, it’s heavy and the sleeves don’t zip off, but it’s very warm, protective, attractive (for photos) and versatile.

Riding Spot:

Glamis is tops for me. MX track: I really had fun at LACR when Yamaha introduced the 2009 YFZ450R, but really wish I could have hit the KTM intro at Red Bud. For woods riding, I enjoyed my time at Brushy Mountain Motorsports Park, Hatfield-McCoy Trails and Gorman, but my two riding trips to the privately owned Big Buck GNCC has to be the top woods stop (Thanks Henry). Scenic trails: Utah of course, but the Paiute ATV & UTV Trails just edges another favorite in Moab. I truly felt as though I was on top of the world and the beauty is amazing.

Here's a shot of me in Glamis taken by Adam Campbell.

Photographers:

I’ve worked with so many over the years, that it would be a disservice to only mention one. I enjoy Frank Hoppen for his truthfulness, antics and attitude (and of course the end result). Adam Campbell is brutally honest if you suck, a top-notch photog and a dedicated worker who can transform a slow, old dude into a helmeted marvel. Wayne Davis has been my bud since 1998 and I have a level of trust with Wayne that’s unmatched and his skills are exceptional. I’ve only worked with Enrico Pavia once, but that was enough to know he can make anyone look good. He has a great eye for the shot and capturing off-road action (beauty or in your face). There are more guys (Shane Hartman, Kinney Jones, Rob Brown, etc.) out there who possess great skill, deserve acknowledgement for their shots and creativity and a big thanks from me.

Photoshoot at ATV Sport:

Show me a mirror and I’ll look in it. That’s probably why I like the aforementioned Wayne Davis shots of me as a Mad Scientist for an ATV Sport carburetor story back in xx. Sure, there have been other stellar images, but this is one I can tell my grandkids about.

This Mad Scientist photoshoot is still one of my favorites. Thanks Wayne Davis.

Type of Riding:

Zipping through the trees and scraping through the narrowest of margins on an ATV has always been enjoyable, but so has jumping on an MX track. My favorite depends on the ATV and riding conditions. I have to say no to mud and hill climbs, though they each take their own level of skill.

ATV Memory:

Although some of my GNCC racing experiences were great, my fondest memory is when ATV Sport received the Darren Naccarato Memorial Award from former Nac’s Racing owners Jim and Shirley Naccarato at the ATV MX Nationals Postseason Banquet. This meant a lot to me and the staff and is something I’ll never forget.

I could probably go on forever listing some of my favorites, but that’s good for now.

2010 GNCC Pro ATV Recap – Round 3 Steele Creek

It took until nearly the final lap at the Steele Creek Grand National Cross Country race for Chris Borich (Yoshimura Suzuki) to find the the lead at Round 3, which was held in Morganton, N.C. However, at the checkers, the reigning GNCC Pro ATV champ scored his second victory of the young season. More importantly, he took the points lead from Yamaha’s Taylor Kiser, who earned a hard-fought second place and is just five points behind Borich.

Chris Borich sprays the bubbly after his Steele Creek GNCC win. Supplied by Yoshimura

Borich said in a Yoshimura release that he was happy with his start, but that he basically waited for someone to mess up. “I just sat back and waited for people to make mistakes, because it really was a one-line track. I was able to capitalize on some mistakes by other racers and come home with a victory. We’re going to keep getting that Yoshimura Suzuki back on the podium this year,” he said in the release.

Rounding out the Pro class podium, was nine-time ATV pro class champ Bill Ballance on his Yamaha YFZ. Ballance scored the Motorcycle USA Holeshot and led after the first lap. However, by the second lap on the 11.2-mile course, Ballance fell to second as Kiser took over the lead. That’s how it stayed until lap four when Borich got around both riders. He passed Ballance after he bobbled in the mud and then got by Kiser as the Yamaha rider was attempting to pass a lapper.

Biggest Movers, Round 3

Up: Jeffrey Pickens moved from 10th place into the fifth spot by the end of the race. The Yamaha-mounted rider continues to impress as his overall finishes have improved each round this year (8-7-6) and fifth was his best finish since turning pro in 2007. His previous best was last year’s John Penton where he earned sixth overall and sixth in the class.

Down: Can-Am’s tandem of Chris Bithell and Adam McGill each didn’t complete the entire race in N.C. After lap one, McGill and Bithell were tucked in sixth- and eighth-place, respectively. However, each proven pro made a hard charge and started to pick off riders. McGill moved into third after lap three (thanks to a blistering 26:51.078 lap time on Lap 2), but that was as far as he’d get as he didn’t complete lap four. Bithell climbed into sixth after lap 2, but he dropped out during lap three. The disappointing finishes dropped the Can-Am riders into fourth (McGill) and seventh place (Bithell) after three laps.

Heating Up? KTM’s Bryan Cook continues to improve on his orange machine. He earned fourth place at Steele Creek, which is much better than his debut race in Florida —where he took 10th in the class and 12th overall — and two spots ahead of his second-round finish. Is the podium next? Only time will tell.

Eight is Enough! Johnny Gallagher has notched eighth place in the class at each round. Then again, he finished 10th in the Pro points a year ago, so he’s ahead of last year’s pace, which saw him post 10-8-9 finishes at the opening three rounds.

You want close? Check out the ladies: The Women’s class is super close as three different riders have won a race and just six points separates sixth place from first. Traci Cecco, who currently sits in second place, notched her first win since the 2009 Ironman finale. Lexie Coulter, who has two A.M. podiums this year, sits in first place on her Can-Am.

Women’s points race:

1. Lexie Coulter, Can-Am, 56 (1)
2. Traci Cecco, Yamaha, 54 (1)
3. Jennifer Albright, Yamaha, 53
4. Kristen Atwell, Yamaha, 53
5. Angel Atwell, KTM, 50 (1)

Perfect So Far: According to my calculations, 10 riders remain perfect (winning their class) after the first three rounds of the 2010 series (That’s something even Borich can’t proclaim). Can they do it all year? This should either help cheer them on or make the target that much larger!

• 90 Modified (12-15) – Levi Coen
• 4×4 Lites – Kevin Trantham
• U2 – Clifton Beasley
• Utility Senior (45+) – Forrest Whorton
• Schoolboy (13-15) A/B – Braden Henthorn
• 20+ C – Chad Kilburn
• Women Novice (15+) – Cheyanne Shadron
• Sport (15+) – Roman Brown
• College B (16-21) – Aaron Graber
• Senior A (40+) – Tom Wright

Round four of the GNCC series is slated for April 11 at Big Buck Farm in Union, S.C.

Click here for more GNCC Racing info.

GNCC Racing Videos

Even if you couldn’t attend one of the first few rounds of the Can-Am GNCC series, Racer Productions is making it possible to experience the action. You can do it online and see just how certain riders reached the podium and hoisted the top trophy. If these videos don’t make you want to go out and ride your butt off, you must be a zombie! Better yet, go to the event and catch the action yourself (either by entering a class or watching from the pits).

BTW: GNCC on Versus

2010GNCCRIVERRANCHATV

Defending Our Stories

As a freelance writer, contributor to many off-road publications and former magazine editor, one argument from readers/consumers that always seems to come up is that magazine editors are sell-outs. Or I should say, their machine comparisons or “shootout” results are based on advertising dollars. They say, “Read the story and then check the ads…that usually determines the shootout winner.” Never has this been more wrong in terms of my work and the work of any of the magazines from Affinity Powersports (ATV Magazine, ATV Sport, UTV Magazine). Since 1998 – my start – I’ve followed the lead of many honest, true magazine leaders and ethical journalists like Glenn Hansen (former Suzuki exec.), Chaz Rice (now with Can-Am), current ATV Magazine Editor John Prusak and many others.

An industry friend of mine, and former co-worker, recently brought this to light in a Q&A he did with my buddy John Pellan at ATVscene.com. Pellan asked KTM’s Chris Vogtman (a former magazine editor himself) what he missed most and doesn’t miss about being in the ATV magazine field.

Here’s the Excerpt:

(SOURCE: ATVScene.com)

“What don’t you miss?

“I don’t miss people constantly saying the shootouts I took part in at ATV Sport and ATV Magazine were brand slanted and advertising biased. I can’t speak for the other magazines, but the editorial staff at Affinity Group always put out and continues to put out unbiased articles with sound data backing their results. Testing machines and anointing a shootout winner was always a difficult task. No matter what, a reader with heavy brand loyalties would get offended. And, now that I’m on the other side, I can’t say I blame them [Laughing]. But, I felt we always did it the right way at Affinity Group, and I have seen firsthand that they continue on that tradition when KTM is invited to their shootouts.” — Vogtman

“I couldn’t agree more. As a matter of fact I made reference to this the other day when I pointed out ATV Magazine’s killer Utility 4×4 Shootout that Bill Lanphier wrote. I rode all but one of those big utes and their feature was spot on and completely unbiased in my opinion.” — Pellan

I also bring this up because a recent ATV Magazine article was under attack from forum users for a couple errors and what some readers called a “bias slant” or “conspiracy theory.” The errors were addressed and a correction will run (as that is what a magazine does when it makes a mistake). Above all, Vogtman’s quote sends the message that these mags don’t fluff it up, don’t create unfair results and do provide legitimate content that is often backed by the ATV manufacturers, all of which attend the annual ATV Trials testing event (and many rode WITH the test team). Do they agree with every result and editorial conclusion? Of course not, but they respect the results as we respect their partnership in the industry and participation in the event. It’s mutual respect and that goes a long way. I firmly believe that both Hansen and Rice would agree with Vogtman’s assessment, as they too have seen both sides and know the value of editorial integrity.

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