TX race report - Jordan

Well, we started off in Bay City, MI and met Chris and Marc in Lansing for the long ride down to Texas. Once we pointed the Ford Super Duty south, it seemed like it took forever, but when we got to Texas, I was happy we drove that far. We arrived in Gilmer on Saturday, and unloaded the bikes to test them out. Saturday was the first time riding the new KTM 200, so it took me a while to get the feeling I wanted. But thanks to My Dad and Marc, we got it all set up to where it felt perfect to me. We finished our day of riding and went to get something to eat before we went to bed at our hotel. Being the rookie, I got stuck with the cot and a new nickname (thanks Chris). After a good nights sleep, Sunday was the day I would find out what a National Enduro would feel like, and I think it was the most fun I have had on a motorcycle now that I look back at it. Because of so many pre-entries, I ended up on row 60, which was pretty far back, and the trail was even rougher. Even though it was pretty chewed up, I still though it was fun. We just don't see terrain like that in Michigan. In the first timed section, I felt pretty good, not having too much arm pump, until I did something dumb over a bridge. My front end ended up going right into the creek, so it took me a good two or three minutes to pull it out. Once I got going again, I struggled to get into a rythm and lost more time then I should of. In the second section, I didn't ride that bad, but still fell a few times over what seemed to be logs but really turned out to be huge tree roots. In the third section I never fell, even though I came close a few times. In this section they had something called Chaos Canyon, which I made up alright even though I didn't pick the best line. Chalk it up to nerves, or the fact that there aren't many hills like that to practice on here at home, but I know I can ride better. Considering all that, overall I would say it was a good day. The team did well and I ended up getting first place in my class. For the rest of the year, I'm switching classes and I'll be running in the B Class, so I am looking forward to that challenge and stiffer competition. In the end it was a successful trip and was a really good day for our team, which made for a better trip home. After a day of 60+ degree sunshine, it was tough to head home to Michigan, considering it has been at zero or negative degrees. They even cancelled school because it's so cold. Well, that's all this time. I really want to say thanks to all of our sponsors, Erik at offroadchampions.com, and especially to Casey at Hammer for getting us the HEED and Edurolytes. Because of the help, it was a successful weekend and a great learning experience.

Thanks.

Jordan