kjax

Congrats to team Brandenburg! We are such a minority that when the motorcycle community scores a win it's always big news. Great to hear you guys are good to go for future events. Does this change anythiing about sign up? I am once again on the maybe list for this Sunday, but I am trying to find my way there. Hey, check out this link to Utube from Rose City at the recent Color Tour - when was the last time you saw trials bikes (legally) riding on a state highway thru downtown Rose City? The trials bikes are Paul Zalac and Brian Budd. I'm on my KTM (36) We had about 100 bikes in the parade thru town led by politicians celebrating the new law that allows ORV's to ride on public roads!

Caption: Night ride pre-race check- Headlights on!

Hi from MI. If you are so inclined there are several local events happening just over the border into MI from Windsor or Sarnia Ontario. (Only a few hours west from Toronto) We have several local Observed Trials events coming up soon. They are on 9/28, 10/5 and our last one for the season on 10/19. There is also a large two day organized family trail ride event on 10/4-5/08. (not trials) Have no worry about bikes or what to ride ride we can fix you up in any situation. I have been following your travel thread, quite a trip for sure! Feel free to contact me (Keith A) at kja5705@hotmail.com . You really are welcome - please do not feel awkward at all- we would love to have you. Keith

Great job to the MI five! Hope someone took pictures???? Podium ES for Paul & Jim on day 1 ! Aaron was so close- great finishes. Hats off to Joey for jumping up to EX from ES on the final day. You do know how to beat your self up kiddo. Two podium SR35 spots for Scott . I want autographs next weekend!

I got it- Instead of an ORV sticker there needs to be an ORA "Off Road Animal (or A**)" On second thought how about the acronym BFA ? The sticker should be placed in a visable location on the rear of the animal or on the rear of the rider. They too should have helmet laws and rider certification. Recycling laws must apply here too. What a can of worms that would be... But you are spot on right Dan. The same scenario applies here in MI for sure.

What a great video. Well thought out. It will hopefully provide a bit of insight to the non riding administrators and public. Hope that it helps. In MI we currently have a requirement for kids 16 and under to complete a safety training program to operate 2 wheeled motorcycles on state owned land. There is no age restriction, just the requirement to complete the course, which is a 4-5 hr one day affair. As a former Safety Trainer for this program, it is a good thing in my opinion. The program really embraces most of the points in the NETRA video. Hope the issue remains buried for you long enough to loose it's momemtum. Perhaps you can introduce some new language when it resurfaces down the line. I can say from experience, that the non riding majority who would like to tell us how we should (or should not) enjoy our sport can easily outnumber and drown out our voices in the public arena. So speak up, write letters, join a PAC for your cause and continue to be heard. Two wheeled enthusiasts in MI helped to create two major political successes in 2008 by speaking up- again and again. Good Luck Motofire and all in MA!

Hey Motofire, Do you know if the law (as originally intended) was going to apply to operation by youth on public property only? Or were they trying to write it so it would include operations on private property?

Great Event- although I did get my a** handed to me on a plate. It was truly a moment in history- my personal worst score ...ever. That barrel on 8 scared me too. I opted to punch out 4 of 5 times thru. I did get a three the first time when Windfall was my minder/pillow (if I crashed) . Thanks Steve! Why did I move up from SR class?????? All of the other sections were great- technical- challinging. Does anyone remember how many sections were ridden on the ADV line for SPT? I think it was 5 of 8.

If this is a snapshot of the future for other states around the US, (and I belive it is) that's a pretty dismal scenario. Is the AMA involved in this? Will this potential legislation pertain to events held on private property? Perhaps it will only apply to riding on public property? If it is for public property only it may not impact most trials events as they exist at the present time. I know that in MI we currently have laws in place that prohibit riders under 16 from operating quads over 90cc on public property. In addition we also have a youth safety training program for riders 16 and under on bikes ( this certificate is required for riders only on public property.)These laws have no effect on the many events that are run on private property. Another newly passed bill here in MI is a good one. In MI most counties will now allow ORV's and off road bikes to legally ride on the right side of secondary roads (under 25 mph) to and from trails, camp, gas stations etc. They will need to be in complinace with all of the existing rules that require spark arrestors, Youth Satety Training, sound laws, etc.

Hi Craig, Good luck this weekend! Are you riding? I'll be cheering for Pat to keep that title! If you get a chance take a look for our "Team Michigan" riders. Look for a grey enclosed trailer with 1st Gear Trials Supply graphics. We have five guys headed out tomorrow from MI. Our top 3 MOTA riders will be there (riding ES) one rider in SR35, along with a new rider who is on the fast track to bigger things. (also riding ES) The main reason I want you to talk to him is convince him to go and ride the Columbus Enduro cross. His name is Joe Kutchey. He rode his very FIRST trial ever just a year ago. But he is already riding on line with our top 3 experts. He also rode our only Endurocross in MI this spring as the only trials bike mounted entry in the A class - he lapped the rest of the field in 6 laps. They did not do any of the double jumps on MX bikes (it was very muddy) while he did em all on his Sherco. I think that he could do really well at Endurocross. All ya got to do is convince him to make the trip. Let me know how it goes this weekend!

Hi Craig, You guys earn the ironman award in my book.. Please post some links to check out the mayhem. How is Pat's back doing these days?

I'll call you later today Scott. Hey Zippy I went out and got a BIG hammer- I figure that will do it. There is no doubt, Joey has all the right stuff to do well in this sport. Including First Gear to put his bike back together!

Hey- Would that Sherco you are seeking parts for be the ever so slightly used unit of Mr Kutchey? Another question.... Those Pro Taper bars you sold me are a smaller ID than my old renthal's- The bar ends I have are too large- didn't look to see how much smaller the ID is- if it's just a bit I can drill it out. Or should I get new bar ends from you? Would you like to team up for the road trip to Windsor this weekend?

Thanks all for making the drive and showing up and for the input. I will bring everyones points to a discussion when we consider next years event. Glad that you all had a great time. The Sat night campfire stuff was great! See everyone soon....

I may be a bit late, just ran across this thread today. I had the same problem (twice in 2006) with my 04 2.9. I was going to try a new stator as well. Turned out it was a grounding issue under the tank with the coil and other electrics. A quick clean and remount solved the problem first time. Then it re-occurred. Next time I did every connnestion and mounting carefully and used di-electric lube in the reassambly. It worked and has been fine for almost 2 years now. Total cost $5.00. Just a little time.

Glad you enjoyed it. We had fun putting it together. A little weary after the fact- but all is good! This would be a great time for constructive critique. Not just looking for a bunch of "thank you's" (they really are appreciated though!) Anything that was good and bad, but worth talking about - all in an effort to make next years event better. Is the two day format the way to go? Trailloop length? Difficulty of sections? Tougher? Easier? More big stuff for Adv- Experts? Food concessions? Cost of event-Camping and electric fees? Distance? Just stuff to gab about. We would LOVE to build something that might attract a few more Non-MOTA regulars both in and out of state. Any ideas?

Since we are wayyyy off topic lets run with it! I do understand how much fun that "security" stuff that can be- I ran the main gate at the Redbud National pits for 5 years. I always enjoyed negotiaing with the hot chicks who didn't have the right passes to get in. The drunks were not as much fun. Remember to ask me about the time I refused to let Ryan Hughes in (that was my first year...) But I know there are NO hot chicks at the Limberlost Bar in the middle of summer at Houghton Lake. Heres a link to the finishing places for Jack Pine (i know you wanted to go too) Maybe next year. www.moto-tally.com/d14/ama/Results.asp See ya this weekend.

Jim, Does Beta make trials wheelchairs too? HA! (Just for the record, Jim would still hammer my best score on my best day even if he really was in a wheelchair.)

How did you get yourself into that little deal in Houghton Lake? If the KTM clutch will work- bring it! Yes you can kick start it- that method does still work!

Scott, Now I know which section to cheat in when I ride the Metamora event. Did I mention that I will have a cooler full of cold ones at your trailer aroung noon on Sept 7? I do agree that timing someone on the dab might be a bit tough. I sure like what that would do to riding trials as far a skill goes. That would add to the technical side with out creating more big hazards. Not practical to do in a trials though. Hey Scott are you bringing up the KTM this weekend? We can go for a ride Sat night? Martina, You get here and we'll fix you you up with a bike for you to ride. See you guys this weekend! Remeber marshmellows to use as ammunition for the board during our riding class discussions.

Just sitting back and reading...I had an idea while thinking about Hensley's reasons for not riding any more nationals. I'm just an old SR rider in MI who recently retuned to trials after a very long absence (1977-2006, I did ride HS and Enduros for many years in between) Perhaps more fun "regional" two day events might be the answer. Something big enough to attract a few pros and top level experts, but still close (and affordable) enough to attract good numbers of other skill class riders. The word "National" is intimidating to many, so I am guessing that many riders that wouldn't consider a National might go to "Exhibition" series. There are numerous independant events now- maybe just a little bit of a "thread" to pull a few existing ones together and maybe create a few new ones. I believe the key here is to bring a good number of all types of riders together. The importers and dealers could play a role here. Another wild thought...co-promote with an Endurocross?

It really does feel like MOTA is on an upswing. Trials has been a great way for me to keep my competition "toes" in the water without the big "dive"of racing HareScrambles and Enduro. The cost is so much lower and it takes only a resaonable day for most local events. I really think the idea of SOME two day events mixed into the ordinary schedule of Sundays is GREAT! The key here is some, let's not make all of the events two day. As I write this I am wondering, what if we tried to make the 2009 East Side Trials a combo with the Endurocross? Not sure - just me rambling...... Hey Sam, We are looking forward to more IN guys giving us a try- hope the two day format will bring em in. The grounds in Rose City will support a much bigger event, perhaps we should look at someting more regional for the future????? Jim, Just shout when your schedule allows. I have at least two sections at home that have been EEOC certified as barrier free. I even have another chair for your use if you crash out on yours. My stepdaughter was given the go to begin weight bearing on her knee today. That's just 4 weeks after surgery. (She was much worse for 7 weeks BEFORE the surgery though) I am going up to our cabin in Black Lake to re-roof the place on 8/8 thru 8/11. BUt other wise I am pretty flexible - weekday evenings are fine. Let Scott know too. On the SR class issue, perhaps the best start is to bring it up over rounds of Yagermeister and Smores (yuck!) this weekend. Gaby- you are completely selfless, donating your bike to the Motorcycle Fire Gods of Rose City. I can assure you that it's not the first (probably not the last either) bike or bike parts to sacrificed to the Fire Gods. The BWCC has had quite a history since 1968, Bob C might remember our two day ISDE qualifiers and National Enduros that created the legacy that is the BWCC. On that Sherco fender Sam, you might have to wrestle Joey Kutchey for it- He is on his eighth fender this year! Last minute update- We are breaking out the skid loader this Friday to add just a bit more ZING to few of the sections! Zippy- You are WAYYYYY to young to do the SR thing. Be all the nut that you can be!

The most important things first. FOOD! Plenty of places, some within walking distance. Ranging from wanna be to pretty darn good.. Faull Inn (1/4 mile south) is arguably the best in town. Badlands (on site) serves all three meals and is ok. Breakfast is their best meal. The Rose City Cafe is good too and is 1/2 mile south. The old stand-by of McDoinalds and DQ are also options. The pizza & sub shop across from McDonalds is very good for carry out. More pubs and eateries as well. I read all of the responses on the classes, it sure seems to stir a lot of thought. I find it hard to believe that the rest of the riders in MOTA are satisfied with the classes as they are. I understand the board's apprehension to make changes, but change can be good. Since I am a "new guy" so to speak, I'm probably not the best person to bring it up to the board, but a well organized committee that could come up with a proposal that could put together something that reflects the majority might be an option. The most important question; Are we losing riders because of how it is at present? and also; Will a change potentially improve rider satifaction and subsequently, turnout? A no answer to these questions might suggest that it should stay unchanged. Someone will be on site throughout the back half of this week, so come ahead at any time. It is ok to ride when on property, just not in and around the sections. There is a lot of open space. I am headed up first thing Friday morning. Remember you can ride out to state trails from our property, so bring your "other bikes" too.

I suppose we could do age brackets as they have always in the Enduro world. 40 is senior, 50 is super senior and 60 is master. I completley agree with you Steve about taking the fun out of it over 1 point. That's exactly why I'm going to Sportsman. I like the idea of another more technical line without the big stuff for SR or SR Adv, but I i'm not sure we'll get enough support to pull that off. Perhaps it's best left as is, but I'm still hoping to get some separation in the SR riders. Thinking about it as I write, most of SR class is already over 50... When I came back and rode a few trials in 2000 I rode the SR class and was right at the top without much practice . I finished 2nd or third, I know I am riding better now and have done no better than 3rd. Looking at the point spread in the SR class I can see two different skill groups. When ANYONE rides they still would like to have a chance at a win or close to it. (Even if we say it does not matter) Some form of separation will acomplish that. I was just looking at the TI results on their website today, they have two SR classes. I would support any discussion regarding some movement here, whether it be new lines , age brackets, or class designation. Is there enough interest in this to make a formal request to have it considered for 2009? How do we do that? I don't want to rock the boat either. Steve, you are fine to ride on the property, that's what is so great about our club grounds- yer in motorcycle country. It's actually legal to ride an orv or bike that has an orv permit on secondary roads throughout Ogemaw County. Put a sticker on your bike and ride it to town or out to the trails system....

There are roughly 10 plugs. Some will be used by the time you get there, that's why we listed no hookups on the flyer. But they are available on first come basis. I can hold one for you guys, consider it done. I'll be there when you arrive, I'll get you hooked. Hookups are at the main barn only, so bring some long cords - plenty of space to set up. BWCC policy is $10 flat fee for a hookup (money goes to a fund to set up some remote hookup points away from the barn in the future) Everything is on Bent Wheels property, which surrounds the Badlands Complex. Just pull in at the Badlands sign on the west side of M-33 just north of the main light in Rose City. Hey Jim, Call me sometime about play riding..we only live 15 min apart- We can ride at my house- pretty good stuff actually-just not real big spaces like DeBolt's. There is one big rock section that no one has done- steep hill. Maybe you can get a discount to do two knees at the same time?????? My thinking on the two SR classes is just to allow the "old guys" who do not ride often or at the higher skill levels a place where than can actually get a top three finish. It is one of the largest classes in MOTA, so I can't see it being too hard to get 3-5 riders in each division of SR class. I can think of at least 6 guys who should ride SR "Adv". Other clubs around the country already have this split.