Gear: helmets, jerseys, pants & protectors Parts: Jitsie, OEM plus various aftermarket parts Bikes: Beta, Electric Motion, Vertigo & TRS
TRIALS TRAINING CENTER www.trialstrainingcenter.com 423-942-8688 • Train With A Pro! Expert instruction by top national riders • Riding Park Train on our 650 acre Mountain Resort Beautiful trails, streams and vistas • Lodging, Cabin Rentals, RV sites and Tent sites • Full Service Motorcycle Headquarters We sell Gas Gas, Sherco, Beta, Montesa & Scorpa
2025 SCHEDULE Mar 8-9: Trials Training Days
Ryan Young Trials Schools at TTC:
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
January 25-26 February 22-23 April 12-13 May 3-4 July 26-27 September 13-14 November 1-2
Oct 18-19: 33rd Annual 58K Fall Trial (STRA)
www.ryanyoungtrialsschools.com
Dec 6: Xmas Toy Trial - Fun Gate Trial
* All dates are subject to change
EDITORIAL EDITOR-IN-CHIEF / ADVERTISING MANAGER: STEPH VETTERLY STEPHANIE@ONTHEPEGSMAGAZINE.COM
CONTRIBUTORS Jack Jaxson
Future7Media
Brian Pierce // Seat Time
Lukas Nazdraczew
Abigail Buzzelli
Joshua Schucker
Cheyenne Hawkins
Lorena Walker
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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
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SUBSCRIBE IT’S FREE! check out www.on-the-pegs.com for details on how you can get this issue in print
On the Pegs is published monthly by On the Pegs, LLC. On the Pegs considers its sources reliable and verifies as much data as possible, although reporting inaccuracies can occur; consequently, readers using this information do so at their own risk. On the Pegs is printed in the USA and all rights are reserved. Reproduction of this work in whole or in part without the written consent of the publisher is strictly prohibited. The articles contained in this magazine are works of journalism and do not represent the opinions or ideas of On the Pegs. On the Pegs and the publisher assume no responsibility for the content of advertisements. Print copies of this publication are available via www.on-the-pegs.com; price will vary due to issue length and printer service utilized. 4
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TABLE OF CONTENTS 6
9
11
12 16 18
22 24 30 36 48
Local News World News Product Spotlight Seat Time: Enduro POV, Fueling, and Strategy Seat Time: The Future of American Enduro with Stu Baylor The 10x12 Challenge Returns for 2026 XTrial Round 5 - Italy SuperEnduro Round 1 - Gliwice Above the Clouds: Roof of Africa Hard Enduro
ON THE COVER Triumph's Jonny Walker makes his final moves at the 2025 EnduroCross season finale to take the overall series win, a historic moment for Triumph. JACK JAXSON
Walker Delivers Triumph's First EnduroCross Title Cycling Back to White Rose with AHRMA Mid-Atlantic
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local news
REBRANDING FOR 2026 SERIES
O
ne of America's oldest racing disciplines has seen a rebrand. Starting with the 2026 season, the National Enduro Series, previously known as the National Enduro Promotions Group (NEPG), has become ANEC - the American National Enduro Championship. The rebrand was done to "better represent the national scale of the series and the growth we are commited to delivering," said the series. The rebrand also comes with a change in ownership, with longterm owner Alan Randt passing the reins to Steward Baylor Jr and his team. Learn more about Stew's plans in this month's Seat Time podcast on page 14. Newer to the AMA's roster has been the US Hard Enduro (USHE) series. Starting in 2026, the AMA has announced that the USHE is being rebranded as the AMA National Hard Enduro Championship (NHE) and will be fully recognized as a national championship. With events spanning from Hawaii to Pennsylvania, the ANA National hard Enduro Championship is one of the largest off-road racing series in the United States.
all being awarded in 2025. The West and East regional championships will also remain in place in 2026 and beyond. In 2026, the AMA National Hard Enduro Championship will award its national champions at the Tennessee Knockout Enduro, which will also mark the final round of the impending season. “U.S. Hard Enduro is honored to achieve AMA National Championship status, as the USHE management, promoters, clubs, teams, and racers across the country have been working hard to help grow Hard Enduro here in North America,” AMA National Hard Enduro Championship promoter Matt Musgrove said. “The Hard Enduro community is amazing, as every racer is challenging their physical and mental limits, while riding dirt bikes in some of the most beautiful corners of the United States. We would like to give a special thanks to our friends at the Red Bull Tennessee Knockout,
“The AMA U.S. Hard Enduro Series has been a terrific partner of the AMA for years, and we are happy to have them aboard as an AMA national championship series,” AMA Off-Road Racing Manager Logan Densmore said. “We look forward to continuing our long-standing partnership with the series, and allowing racers all across the country opportunities to compete for AMA National No. 1 plates.” The AMA National Hard Enduro Championship has awarded three championships during this season, with the USHE Premier Championship, the AMA West Hard Enduro Series and the AMA East Hard Enduro Series titles 6
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the longest-running hard enduro in North America, for being such a central
part of this AMA National Championship and progressing the sport in so many ways.”
2026 SEASON SCHEDULE - NATIONAL HARD ENDURO Rd 1 Rd 2 Rd 3 Rd 4 Rd 5 Rd 6 Rd 7 Rd 8 Rd 9
Jan 24-25 Feb 20-21 Mar 20-22 Apr 18-19 May 2-3 May 23-24 May 25 Aug 8-9 Aug 20-23
King of the Motos - Johnson Valley, CA Ultimate Hawaiian Hard Enduro - Kauai, HI Grinding Stone Hard Enduro - Page, AZ Moab Hard Enduro at Area BFE - Moab, UT Battle of the Goats - Taylorsville, NC Tough Like RORR - Tamaqua, PA (KEYSTONE CHALLENGE) Locked-N-Loaded Hard Scramble - Sugarloaf, PA (KEYSTONE CHAL.) Hollow Point Hard Enduro - Wellsville, OH Red Bull Tennessee Knockout - Sequatchie, TN
* Points from the lowest-scoring round will be dropped at the end of the season ** Every AMA National Round will be co-sanctioned with an AMA Regional
2026 SEASON SCHEDULE - NATIONAL ENDURO Rd 1 Rd 2 Rd 3 Rd 4 Rd 5 Rd 6 Rd 7 Rd 8 Rd 9 Rd 10
Feb 7-8 Mar 21-22 Apr 11-12 May 23-24 June 20-21 Jul 11-12 Jul 25-26 Aug 22-23 Sept 12-13 Oct 31-1
Sumter - Sumter, SC Cross Timbers - Oklahoma City, OK Farm 14 - Centreville, MS Cherokee - Greensboro, GA Little Raccoon - Wellston, OH Barbed Wire - Pine City, NY Rattlesnake - Cross Fork, PA New England National - West Glocester, RI Burning Rock - Sophia, WV Bob Reese Memorial - Geneseo, IL
local news
NEW KIDS ON THE BLOCK
N
ew for 2026, the Ohio Hard Enduro Championship Series will kick off its inaugural season will a full 7-round roster, bringing even more hard enduro to the northeast. Fans of the US Hard Enduro Series (now the National Enduro Championship) will recognize a few of the key venues on the schedule. Sanctioned by the AMA, the series' goal is to "design a Hard Enduro race course that enables the 'B' and 'C' riders to be offered a very challenging but very ridable race course. We aim to build our courses to invite other genres of racing (hare scramblers, enduro, and GNCC). Additionally, our courses will offer the MOST challenging and extremely difficult 'Pro' and 'A' lines. To provide both levels of difficulty for each race, there is a possibility of hosting a morning race and an afternoon race on the same day, depending on the course venue."
2026 SEASON SCHEDULE OHIO HARD ENDURO Rd 1 Rd 2 Rd 3 Rd 4 Rd 5 Rd 6 Rd 7
Mar 14 Apr 25 Jun 6 July 11 Aug 8 Sept 19 Sept 26
Cliffs Edge - Sugar Grove Black Rock - Chesterhill Yellowbush - Racine Down Home Farm - Cutler Hollow Point - Wellsville Lightning Strikes - Tippecanoe Fallen Timbers - Little Hocking
2026 US SPRINT ENDURO SCHEDULE ANNOUNCED
T
he US Sprint Enduro series returns with another packed schedule for the 2026 season.
2026 SEASON SCHEDULE - US SPRINT ENDURO Rd 1 Rd 2 Rd 3 Rd 4 Rd 5 Rd 6 Rd 7
Jan 31-1 Feb 21-22 Mar 21-22 Apr 11-12 Apr 25-26 May 30-31 June 13-14
Climax Motorsports Park - GA Mac Daddy's XC Paradise - GA Rodger's Farm - SC Old Mill Farm - MD High Voltage - WV/PA Honda Hills MX - OH The Old Gray - TN
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local news
BETA USA WELCOMES LEGEND GEOFF AARON AS BRAND AMBASSADOR
B
eta Motorcycles is proud to announce the return of a trials and off-road legend to the family. Geoff Aaron, a 10-time AMA National Trials Champion and offroad pioneer, has joined Beta Motorcycles as a Brand Ambassador. This partnership marks a significant reunion for Aaron and Beta. Of his ten national championships, five consecutive titles (1994–1998) were secured aboard Beta machinery. Now, with a career spanning over 30 years of professional competition, Aaron returns to the brand where he claimed some of his earliest and most dominant victories. "I'm excited to reunite with the Beta brand after all these years," said Aaron. "I have watched the company grow and have very fond memories of my early championship days competing on Beta both in the US and Europe. I am a true motorcycle enthusiast, and Italy is producing great motorcycles for all the disciplines I enjoy: Trials, Enduro, MX and Dualsport/ADV. I'm very appreciative of this ambassador opportunity and looking forward to having fun on all the latest Beta models, especially the all-new Sincro Trials bike."
GEOFF AARON CAREER HIGHLIGHTS: •
10x AMA National Trials Champion (5 consecutive with Beta, 1994-1998)
•
73 National Wins
Aaron’s resume is one of the most diverse and impressive in the sport. He is a 10-time AMA National Trials Champion with 73 National wins and a 15-time Trial Des Nations team member, contributing to two International USA wins in 2000 and 2005. His dominance earned him the title of AMA Sports Athlete of the Year twice.
•
15x Trial Des Nations Team Member
•
2x AMA Sports Athlete of the Year
•
EnduroCross Pioneer: 2 Overall Wins, 16 Podiums
•
Extreme Enduro: Erzberg (6th), Romaniacs (5th), Last Man Standing (2nd)
Beyond trials, Aaron was a pioneer in the EnduroCross discipline. He was the first Pro Trials rider to successfully convert to the sport after being invited to the inaugural event in Las Vegas. His EnduroCross career includes two overall wins, 16 podiums, and five top-five overall series finishes, including two runner-up championship positions in 2009 and 2010.
Beta USA is thrilled to have Geoff Aaron back on board, showcasing the versatility and performance of the current Beta lineup.
Aaron’s influence extends well beyond the race track. For 22 years, he was a Red Bull supported athlete, performing trials shows nationwide and producing video content through his company, ERE. His career also expanded into the X-Games, team management, event promotion, and media.
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"It is great to have Geoff as part of our ambassadors promoting our brand. Many people are unaware that he has won five championships on a Beta. I met Geoff way back in the late 80's as he followed me around the loop at a few nationals. I was super impressed at his skill back then as well!" Tim Pilg, Beta USA President.
world news
HUSQVARNA & POLISPORT ANNOUNCE NEW PARTNERSHIP FOR 2026
H
usqvarna Factory Racing is pleased to announce a new global agreement with Polisport for 2026. The exciting partnership will see Polisport working side by side with the teams across all forms of offroad racing, which ensures the squad’s riders can compete at the highest levels of competition with full confidence. Polisport, based in Carregosa, Portugal, has been a trusted name in offroad plastics and accessories since 1978. Renowned for its innovation and engineering excellence, Polisport develops durable, precision-engineered components that meet the demands of top-level racing. Over the years, the brand has formed a strong reputation thanks to an expansive product range that delivers performance and reliability. This new partnership reflects a shared commitment to quality, technical innovation, and factory-level performance. Heading into the 2026 season,
Polisport’s products will be a key component found on the Husqvarna Factory Racing machines ridden in AMA Supercross and Pro Motocross, MXGP, SuperEnduro, and Hard Enduro. ROBERT JONAS – Husqvarna Director Offroad Racing: “We are delighted to begin this new partnership with Polisport for the 2026 season. Their strong focus on innovation will play an important role for the team across our Supercross, Pro Motocross, MXGP, SuperEnduro, and Hard Enduro programs. Polisport’s commitment to innovation and durability aligns perfectly with Husqvarna Factory Racing, and this collaboration ensures our riders have the best equipment to perform at the highest level in world championship competition.”
products, explore new ideas, and shape future developments with greater precision. Most importantly, we want these advancements to benefit every rider, not only those at the factory level. This partnership reinforces our mission to create better solutions for the entire offroad community, and we are excited for what lies ahead."
PEDRO ARAÚJO – CEO, Polisport: "We are proud to take this new step with Husqvarna Factory Racing. This partnership brings us close to one of the best teams in the world and supports our commitment to grow at the highest levels of offroad racing. Working side by side with top professionals drives us to refine our current
FIM HARD ENDURO WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP 2026 SCHEDULE
T
he FIM Hard Enduro World Championship (HEWC) has confirmed its nineround calendar for the 2026 season, delivering a truly global championship spanning Europe, Africa, and North America. With dates now finalised, the season will run from April through October, bringing together legendary events, iconic locations, and a demanding mix of endurance and technical racing that defines hard enduro at the highest level. “Our goal for 2026 was clear: build a compact, world-class calendar that works for riders, teams and organisers, and gives fans an unforgettable season,” said HEWC Championship Director Ross Whitehead. “With nine rounds across some of the most iconic and demanding terrain on the planet, we believe this is a big step forward for the series.”
2026 SEASON SCHEDULE Rd 1 Rd 2 Rd 3 Rd 4 Rd 5 Rd 6 Rd 7 Rd 8 Rd 9
Apr 17-19 May 1-3 Jun 18-20 Jul 10-12 Aug 20-22 Sept 11-13 Sept 23-26 Oct 8-10 Oct 23-25
Alestrem - France Extreme Lagares - Portugal Silver Kings - Idaho, USA Abestone - Italy Forza Orza - Sweden Wild Woods Extreme - Italy Roof of Africa - Lesotho Sea to Sky - Turkey Hixpania - Spain
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world news
GASGAS REDEFINES ITS RACING STRATEGY IN TRIAL
S
tarting in 2026, the GASGAS brand will no longer participate with a Factory Team in the World and Spanish Trial Championships. From GasGas: This strategic shift will allow us to focus more closely on enhancing our industrial and commercial operations. As part of the global restructuring process promoted by the KTM AG Group—of which GASGAS is an active member—the company has decided not to participate with a Factory team in World and National trial series from the 2026 season onwards. This decision reflects the need to concentrate all financial and human resources on core business priorities, on the development and consolidation of the brand's production and commercial activity, key elements for its future. The new strategy does not mean a total withdrawal from racing activity: GASGAS will maintain its presence in the
competition arena through direct support for privateers and racing teams who support the brand. This will be done through various forms of collaboration and technical support. Fabian Simmer, Managing Director of GASGAS and sales VP for Europe at the KTM Group, explains: “This has not been an easy decision. We have invested significant resources and a great deal of human effort in building a competitive team with an exceptional group of people. However, given the current evolution of the World Championship and the Spanish Championship in their top categories, as well as the slowdown in global sales of trial motorcycles, maintaining a factory team is no longer a financially sustainable option. Even so, at KTM Group we continue to firmly believe in the potential of GASGAS and the trial discipline, albeit with a different approach to factory racing.”
GASGAS has been one of the most important names in the history of world trials over the last few decades, winning numerous prestigious titles and victories. Proof of this are the recent World and Spanish Championship runner-up titles achieved in 2025 by our Factory rider Jaime Busto, to whom, together with all the members of our teams over the years, we would like to express our deepest gratitude for their commitment and dedication.
FIM TRIAL DES NATIONS APPEAL CHANGES OUTCOME
S
during the 2025 edition of the Trial des Nations, the Women's World Championship noted an appeal to the final results - Team Italy, consisting of Andrea Sofia Rabino, Alessia Bacchetta, and Martina Gallieni, lodged an appeal to their score on section 12 of the first lap, citing an incorrectly-assigned score of 5 points. The appeal was rejected by the FIM Referee at the time of the event, and the rejection placed Team Italy in second place behind Team Spain's Berta Abellan, Laia Pi, and Danieta Hernando. Following a hearing held at the FIM headquarters on November 7, the FIM International Court of Appeal, composed of a panel of three judges, upheld the appeal and overturned the initial decision, meaning that Team Italy's official score was adjusted to only 49 points, moving them to first place in front of Team Spain.
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This decision affects only the racing field. GASGAS' commercial activity—both in trial and other off-road disciplines—continues unchanged. Our customers will continue to enjoy a comprehensive service for motorcycles, spare parts, and assistance through the Official GASGAS Dealer Network, the cornerstone of the present and future of this iconic Spanish born brand.
if you’re viewing this as the digital version, click each product to be taken to its website where you can buy direct
product spotlight
SICASS RACING White Turn Signal Hand Guard Deflectors - $65.95 Benefits and Features: SICASS Racing introduces its White Turn Signal Hand Guard Deflectors, plastic hand guards with integrated LED turn signals that mount easily to aluminum hand guards. Pre-drilled for simple installation, these deflectors are available with pre-wired with factory KTM connectors for plug-and-play setup on compatible dual-sport and enduro motorcycles, or without connectors for universal installs.
www.sicassracing.com
The SICASS White Turn Signal Hand Guard Deflectors include: • Plastic hand guards with integrated LED turn signals • Pre-drilled for easy mounting to aluminum hand guards • Pre-wired with factory KTM connectors or no connector for universal use • Durable construction designed for off-road use • Clean, integrated look for front-end protection and visibility
Built for riders who want a clean, functional front-end look while adding visibility and protection, these hand guards integrate turn signals seamlessly into your ride. Installation is straightforward and they’re compatible with a wide range of KTM, Husqvarna, and GasGas models (2007–2025), as well as other makes and models. Depending on the bike and lighting setup, additional resistors or a smart flasher may be required to ensure proper flash rates.
Fitment: • 2007–2023 KTM EXC • 2014–2016 Husqvarna FE-S • 2017–2019 Husqvarna FE • 2020–2025 Husqvarna FE-S • 2024–2025 KTM EXC, 2024–2025 FE-S, 2024–2025 GasGas ES 350/500
Notes: Additional parts may be required for proper turn signal operation depending on LED configuration (resistors or smart flasher). Please consult SICASS product documentation for full compatibility instructions.
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Click or scan to watch Brian's YouTube video
ENDURO POV, FUELING, AND STRATEGY FROM THE RED RIVER ENDURO WORDS PHOTOS
T
he 2025 National Enduro Series might be over, and it now has a new name
BRIAN PIERCE COURTESY BRIAN PIERCE
(AMA American National Enduro Championship), but here in Texas, we’re still
racing! TSCEC and Black Jack co-sanctioned the Red River Dirt Riders Enduro
outside of Callisburg, TX as the penultimate round of 2025. The RRDRs laid out 60 race miles that tested our speed, stamina, and tight singletrack skills, truly keeping endurance in enduro. The RRDR Enduro included four test sections, each repeated twice. There were minor tweaks to the earlier sections, but they were roughly the same throughout the day. With an 8am key time and 60 race miles across all eight sections, I knew we were in for a long, tough day. The layout of the enduro had us come back to the pits after each section, giving us the chance to stop by our vehicles for hydration, nutrition, and rest. I normally wear my USWE hydration bladder and my Leatt over-the-jersey chest protector during enduros.
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Due to the pit situation, I wore my under-the-jersey Leatt protector and kept all hydration and nutrition ready for consumption at the moto van. It’s wild how strange this setup feels when I first get on the bike, since I’m so used to the weight and feel of my usual USWE/Leatt combo. NEW GASGAS SHROUDS AND BIKEGRAPHIX INSTALL If you’ve been following along during this year of enduro racing, you know the GasGas EX350F has been put through all manner of interesting situations. The radiator/shroud setup on the GasGas lends itself to easy breakage from the simplest of tip-overs, and we all know I don’t just simply tip over. Due to this, I installed Bullet Proof Designs Shroud Straps with my new white shrouds (since the red ones were backordered), and so far they’re holding up well. Knowing I was going to have to adapt to the white shrouds, and it was clearly time for some updated graphics, I asked BikeGraphix to reorganize the
current Seat Time graphics for this new color scheme and layout. I think they killed the design, and the look of the white breaking up the red is a strong visual for the Seat Time brand. If you’re looking for dirt bike graphics, reach out to BikeGraphix and get a Seat
Time logo added. It’ll look cool, and easily add +5 to your speed stats.
has been pushed back to 9am. This allows the sun to rise, riders to travel in from hotels, and just allows for a tad more relaxed morning. I’ve become a fan of sleeping in on race weekends.
8AM ENDURO KEY TIME As mentioned above, the key time for the RRDR Enduro was 8am. I say this is early because at the Nationals, and a lot of local enduros, key time
The 8am key time here was because we were going to have a long day on the bike. 60 race
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miles when you’re wiggling through the tight Texas singletrack keeps you moving forward at a slightly slower pace. With the early start and end of Daylight Savings Time, the sun stayed low, beaming straight through my goggles and right into my half-awake retinas. The other interesting environmental concern for this race was the lack of rain, bringing the possibility of rough conditions and hanging dust. When Colson Kovar (A Open) and I started catching lappers about half-way through the first test section, it was a kaleidoscope effect of sunbeams that instantly brought our trail speed down a notch. The hanging dust at the Leadbelt National this year was the worst dust conditions I had ever seen, but these were a close second. The dust itself wasn’t horrible, but the sunbeams slicing through certainly caused me to rethink sending it blind. FUELING STRATEGY FOR ENDURANCE At the beginning of the race recap video I discuss how I planned to hydrate and consume calories for the long day racing. After the race, I posted to instagram an entire breakdown of what, and how, I consumed the ~2,200 calories on the day I leveraged for enduro energy. Consider anything I share about nutrition as tools, not hardand-fast rules. No one person should copy exactly what another rider is doing, unless you’ve tested it for yourself before race weekend. Race weekend is not the time to be learning what works, what doesn’t, or what might cause diarrhea.
Click or scan to watch Brian's YouTube video
gels have 20g. These gels, along with LMNT, Water, rice, mandarine oranges, Neutonic Focus, and Podium’s Beta-Alanine kept me more energized and focused than I expected on the dusty and hot day. Here is a breakdown of the macro and micro nutrients from the day, including prerace breakfast. This instagram post has more details on the day. If you want to understand more about nutrition, this
After bonking in test six at the Gobbler Getter National Enduro, I decided it was time to step up carb intake even more. For this race, I relied on the SiS Beta Fuel gels as my main source of carbs, while supplementing between them with my UCAN Energy Gels. The SiS gels have 40g of carbs, while the UCAN 14
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enduro nutrition post is a good place to start. If you want to understand more about electrolytes for a long day on the bike, this is where you should start. LOOKING AHEAD, OR NOT RIDING THE FRONT FENDER I thought “Not riding the front fender” was an interesting way to say to look ahead. I had some thoughts at the end of the video about how I was looking
through the turns, instead of looking at the turns. A commenter mentioned the line above, when I hadn’t heard it phrased that way before. I like having another way to discuss looking ahead with riders because not everyone makes the same connections when trying to solve a problem. Some riders are more visual, and need to see the issue on video. While other riders need to find different phrases or slogans that help
them understand the concept being discussed so they address it next time on the bike. In this case, I stopped seeing turns as obstacles and started viewing them as tools to help me get where I needed to be. A direct example to this would be a left hand turn that has a sandy rut right down the middle. If we focus on the rut, we’re going to begin to slow down, because we’re thinking about how the rut could cause us to crash. What we need to be doing is focusing on where the turn is pointed, and how the rut is capable of catching us to help us carry speed through the turn. By looking further ahead, as mentioned above, we look beyond the rut and the direction we’re headed. This allows us to gauge the speed needed to enter the turn in a manner that carries more speed through the exit of the turn. I believe this shift in the way I was looking at the trail, and how it could help me move forward, was why I saw my times get faster as the day wore on. We’ll see if I can keep making progress when we hit Barnwell Mountain in a few weeks.
2026 SEAT TIME AND BEYOND I am working on the Two Stroke vs Four Stroke video, as well as a full recap of the 2025 National Enduro
content in 2026, supporting the content creation on Substack, or purchasing through Amazon links, is very helpful. As well, if anyone would like to work with me on performance mindset coaching for their 2026 racing endeavors, please reach out.
Extravaganza. I currently won’t be able to afford to do the Nationals again next year, as this year brought in less youtube revenue than expected. If you would like to continue to see Seat Time
I’m considering bringing the Seat Time Podcast back for 2026, but I’ll need support to make it happen. $5/Month on Substack from 20-40 supporters can be helpful hosting fees and technology needs. Thanks for reading and being here for the good times. Enjoy #GettingSeattime & Stay #Stoked!
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The Future of American Enduro w/ Steward Baylor Jr WORDS
BRIAN PIERCE
Click or scan to watch Brian's YouTube video
A
fter a long year of competing at the 2025 National Enduro Series, it was a shocking revelation to find out Steward Baylor Jr. bought the Series, changed the name, and has some big changes in store. It seemed the perfect reason to bring the microphone back out for a Seat Time Podcast episode.
What the new American National Enduro Championship (ANEC) name actually means for riders and the sport in the U.S.
KEY TAKEAWAYS FROM THIS EPISODE:
How drop rounds, two-day events, and other format tweaks are meant to help racers, families, and clubs.
How and why Steward Baylor Jr ended up buying the National Enduro Series, straight from his perspective.
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The biggest changes coming for 2026 National Enduro, including schedule decisions and how new locations came onto the calendar.
Why “Enduro in America is in trouble,” and what Stew thinks needs to change to keep
Dec mber 2025
the sport growing instead of shrinking.
subscribe wherever you tune in for this episode.
You’ll also notice this full episode is available on the Seat Time Youtube channel. If you enjoy watching podcasts, or having them on the background, please watch it there. If a certain podcasting platform suits your needs, search for Seat Time, and it should be available now, or soon.
The number one way to support Seat Time is share this episode, or a future video, with your riding buddies! After that, the easiest way to support Seat Time is to become a subscriber on Substack for $5/Month. Lastly, use the Amazon Links in articles or Buy Me a Coffee.
My hope is to explore a new theme in 2026 with the Seat Time Podcast, still dirt bikes of course, but expanding and exploring the mindset of a racer. Make sure you give a
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THE 2026 10×12 CHALLENGE: A YEAR OF BECOMING A BETTER RIDER WORDS & PHOTOS
E
ven after the original 10×12 Challenge wrapped up two years ago, I kept hearing the same thing everywhere I traveled: “I’m still doing it.” At Nationals, STRA events, Youth & Women’s rounds, local practices, riders would quietly tell me they were still marking days on their calendars, still holding themselves to the standard, still chasing consistency long after the official challenge had ended. I did the same. Even without the public accountability, I kept showing up—fifteen minutes at a time, week after week, through busy months, cold mornings, and travelheavy seasons. The challenge became less of a program and more of a mindset: consistency as a habit, not a resolution.
ON-THE-PEGS.COM
again, if there would be a new version. It felt like the original spark had never gone out—it had just been burning quietly across garages, back yards, practice loops, and event weekends all over the country. That momentum is exactly why the 10×12 Challenge is returning for 2026. Riders kept it alive. They kept themselves accountable. And now we get to build something even better—together. If you’ve been around the trials community for any amount of time, you know the same truth I do: the riders who improve the most aren’t always the most talented — they’re the ones who practice with purpose. That’s why the 10×12 Challenge is back for 2026. Twelve months. Ten “yes” days per month. Fifteen minutes at a time.
And over the last year, those conversations grew louder. People asked when the challenge was coming back, if we could do it together 18
COURTESY ABIGAIL BUZZELLI & CHEYENNE HAWKINS
Whether you’ve been riding for ten minutes or ten
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years, committing to small, structured sessions can transform your riding from the ground up. And this year, we’re stepping it up. Thanks to a partnership with TrialsProgression, we’ve built an entire ecosystem to help you succeed — a free community hub, monthly challenges, a skills-focused paid course, and giveaways to keep you moving all year long. WHY THE 10×12 CHALLENGE EXISTS One of the biggest breakthroughs in my own riding came when I realized that improvement isn’t built in big leaps — it’s built in small, consistent reps. Fifteen minutes: • • •
balancing in your driveway turning circles in your yard working clutch control
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behind the garage practicing a wheelie next to the mailbox
These tiny sessions add up. They reshape your confidence. They sharpen your technique. They make riding feel lighter, smoother, more instinctive. And when an entire community is doing it together? That momentum becomes impossible to ignore. THE MONTHLY THEMES — REVEALED IN REAL TIME For 2026, we’re introducing a brand-new twist: Monthly skill themes will be announced as surprises. Each month, the new focus will drop simultaneously inside the TrialsProgression community, in On the Pegs Magazine, and on my social media. You’ll get exactly what you need to stay motivated and challenged one piece at a time.
Even experienced riders can feel uninspired when returning to practice if they don’t have a focus, and participating in this element of the challenge is entirely optional. It’s designed to help spark new ideas within your own practice areas to help expand your skillset or to help you focus on an area that you’ve avoided in the past and to help bridge a gap. Fresh inspiration all year long for focused practice. WHERE THE CHALLENGE LIVES: TRIALSPROGRESSION TrialsProgression has generously opened his full community for free all year to support the 10×12 Challenge. Inside the app, you can track your riding days, share videos, learn from others, follow each month’s theme, and build that accountability loop that makes the challenge so powerful. Participants who complete the challenge through the TP app will be eligible for sponsor-supported giveaways throughout the year. The TrialsProgressions courses will be available for purchase, but the community is now free. HOW TO JOIN (YOUR EXACT SIGN-UP FLOW) 1. Join the Free 10X12 Community Sign up at TrialsProgresion. com to participate. This unlocks official monthly themes, video submissions, community support, prize eligibility. 2. Support the Project (optional but impactful) Stickers are back — but mailing them around the world has become expensive. If you would like to help keep this project healthy, you can contribute through my Ko-Fi page under 10X12 Supporter. This offsets sticker printing + shipping, prize shipping, and platform costs. 3. Level Up With the 10×12 Monthly Drill Pack Alongside the free community challenge, I’m partnering with TrialsProgression on a paid
monthly course designed to help you get more from your practice. Each month includes 3–5 focused drills, adaptations for all skill levels, video breakdowns, and clear structure that pairs with the surprise theme, perfect for riders who want a bit more guidance and progression throughout the year. GIVEAWAYS
You asked — so here we go.
Tennessee, she has competed nationally and internationally, representing the United States at the 2025 Trial des Nations. Abigail is the creator of the 10×12 Challenge and content creator on Instagram, where she is growing community focused on skills progression, community-building, and elevating women and youth in off-road motorcycling.
The 2026 10×12 Challenge starts now. LET’S RIDE! ABOUT ABIGAIL Abigail Buzzelli is a factory rider for Beta USA and the 2025 NATC Women’s Sportsman National Champion. Based in
Our first month kicks off with support from SixMile Industries, and more partners will join as the year unfolds. In January, SixMile Industries will be generously offering two Tall Boy Fork Guards to 10X12 Challenge Drawing Winners. To be eligible, riders simply need to track and submit their progress inside the TrialsProgression app.
www.10x12challenge.com
Progress over perfection — that’s the whole spirit of this challenge. Riders who are on top of the monthly leaderboard will gain extra entries for the giveaways. UPDATED OFFICIAL RULES FOR 2026 1. Ride at least 15 minutes for the day to count. 2. All riding counts — events, practice, fun riding, drills. 3. A “day” is yes/no. Whether you ride 15 minutes or several hours, it counts as one day. 4. The goal: 10 days per month = 120 days per year. Simple. Manageable. Transformative.
Hello, my name is Cheyenne Hawkins and I am a participant in the 10X12 Challenge. I have been riding trials since 2021. In 2023, I began to participate in the 10X12 Challenge. I have kept track of every time I rode, this would go on to a monthly calendar. Then, once the month was over, I would sticky note the month’s total. Even though the challenge stopped, I kept track of every day I rode and put my sticky note up on the wall every month. Now I have a very beautiful 10X12 mural on my wall!
WHY YOU SHOULD JOIN Because you deserve a year of growth. Because practice feels better with a plan. Because doing this challenge with a community multiplies your success. Because your riding can change — truly change — in just fifteen minutes a day. And most of all, because riders all over the country have quietly kept this challenge alive since 2023, asking when it would return.
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Bou Extends Championship Lead with Second Italian Victory WORDS & PHOTOS
XTRIAL
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oni Bou (Repsol Honda Trial Team) wrapped up the first half of the FIM X-Trial World Championship tonight with his second victory in 24 hours in Ponte di Legno. Today proved more challenging than yesterday, and he did not pull clear of his teammate Gabriel Marcelli until the final three sections of the Final, which they reached separated by just one point. In the fourth section, Bou dropped only one point compared to Marcelli’s five, a moment that began to define the outcome of the event. The result was sealed in the final section with a clean ride from Bou and a five-point penalty for Marcelli. In the end, there
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was a nine-point gap between the winner—who had already dominated Q1 by clearing all sections—and the runner-up. Meanwhile, Matteo Grattarola (Beta) completed the podium in front of a packed Italian crowd at the Palazetto dello Sport. He secured third place in the tiebreak section, beating Harry Hemingway (Beta), who had finished third in Q1. Grattarola returns to the podium for the first time since Barcelona 2022. Jaime Busto (GasGas), missed out on the podium for the first time this season. He finished fourth in Q1 and fifth in Q2, which was won by Grattarola. Benoit Bincaz
(Electric Motion), Francesco Titli (TRRS), and Jack Peace (Sherco) completed the classification in that order. At the halfway point of the Championship, Bou leads the standings with 95 points, followed by Marcelli with 72 and Busto with 62. Toni Bou (1st): “Today’s victory was more difficult than yesterday’s. Q1 was much closer, which made it harder to secure a place in the Top 3. I won the Superpole, and in the Final Marcelli pushed me very hard in the first three sections. From there on, I managed to make the difference and secure the win. I’m very happy with these two victories in Ponte di Legno and grateful for the team’s hard work.”
Gabriel Marcelli (2nd):“Today I felt much better than yesterday and rode very solidly from Q1 onwards, also delivering a strong Superpole and a good Final. There were two sections that were very challenging for me, but I’m very happy with this second place, which puts me second in the Championship with some very valuable points.” Matteo Grattarola (3rd):“I’m very happy with this result because it puts me fifth in the standings with the chance to
stay in the Championship, and I achieved it at home. Stepping onto the podium here is special. Ponte di Legno brings me luck and the organization is spectacular. I felt good, even though I’m quite sick with a cold.” The sixth round of the season will take place in Leeds on January 24.
EVENT RESULTS 1. 2. 3. 4.
Toni Bou - 9 points Gabriel Marcelli - 18 points Matteo Grattarola - 30 points Harry Hemingway - 30 points
STANDINGS 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10.
Toni Bou (MON) - 95 points Gabriel Marcelli (MON) - 72 points Jaime Busto (GG) - 62 points Harry Hemingway (BET) - 35 points Matteo Grattarola (BET) - 21 points Jack Peace (SHR) - 17 points Francesco Titli (TRS) - 14 points Benoît Bincaz (EMOT) - 11 points Hugo Dufrese (BET) - 9 points Arnau Farré (SHR) - 9 points
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Gliwice BOLT OPENS SUPERENDURO SEASON ON TOP WORDS PHOTOS
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he 2026 FIM SuperEnduro World Championship burst into life on December 13 inside the PreZero Arena in Gliwice, Poland, delivering exactly what the series has become known for: elite riders, punishing technical obstacles, and an atmosphere that blurs the line between motorsport and live arena spectacle. With nearly 100 riders entered across Prestige, Junior, Youth, and Europe Cup
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STEPH VETTERLY FUTURE7MEDIA & LUKAS NAZDRACZEW
categories, round one opened the seven-round season with intensity, unpredictability, and a reminder that SuperEnduro continues to push indoor racing forward on every level . At the center of the spotlight once again was Husqvarna Factory Racing’s Billy Bolt. The defending world champion arrived in Poland carrying the weight of five consecutive SuperEnduro
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titles and facing arguably the strongest opening-round field in series history. By the end of the night, Bolt had delivered a familiar outcome—but not without effort—claiming the overall victory and the championship points lead with a performance built on control, speed, and calculated decisionmaking. “Round one here in Poland is done and it’s been a really
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solid start to the season,” Bolt said. “The track was challenging and the dirt made it tricky to push at times, with a lot of lines leaving you open to attack, but overall things came together well. I managed the races smartly and felt strong across the night.” The anticipation surrounding the GP of Poland extended well beyond Bolt’s title defense. For the first time, three reigning world champions from three different off-road disciplines lined up together: SuperEnduro’s Bolt, Hard Enduro champion Manuel Lettenbichler, and EnduroGP titleholder Josep Garcia. Garcia’s one-round wildcard appearance added further intrigue, while Jonny Walker entered the season freshly crowned as the 2025 AMA EnduroCross Champion. Combined with the continued rise of Ashton and Mitch Brightmore, the electric-powered Stark Future program, and a passionate Polish crowd backing Dominik Olszowy, the stage was set for a dramatic opener. “Bringing three reigning 26
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World Champions together for the opening round is something SuperEnduro has never seen before,” said promoter Tomasz Gagat ahead of the event. “The record number of entries proves the global momentum behind SuperEnduro. We are expecting the most competitive season in years.” As ever, SuperPole offered the first real glimpse of how the night might unfold. Walker topped initial qualifying, but mistakes in SuperPole are unforgiving. Dominik Olszowy set an early benchmark, while Garcia impressed immediately in his SuperEnduro debut by qualifying for SuperPole and securing fifth. “One goal was to qualify for SuperPole and I was able to achieve that, along with a really good lap,” Garcia said. “I was really happy with how it went.” Ultimately, Bolt delivered when it mattered most, dipping under the 38-second barrier to take SuperPole honors and three critical championship
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PREVIOUS: Husqvarna Factory Racing's Billy Bolt (57) ABOVE: KTM Factory Racing's Josep Garcia RIGHT : Stark's Eddie Karlsson (42)
points. Walker’s crash relegated him to seventh, immediately complicating his night . Final One unfolded with Bolt executing a textbook start. Claiming the holeshot, he immediately established control at the front, navigating the technical sections with measured aggression while chaos brewed behind him. Mitch Brightmore emerged as Bolt’s closest challenger, while Ashton Brightmore and Walker fought intensely for podium positions. Bolt crossed the line with breathing room, opening his season with a decisive race win. “The track was difficult to master,” Bolt reflected. “It’s so easy to make mistakes out there, so managing the race was really important.” The reverse-grid format reshuffled the deck in Final Two. Early leaders emerged
from unexpected places, but Walker quickly found his rhythm, carving through traffic and seizing the lead. Bolt’s charge forward was briefly halted by a crash, allowing Walker to take advantage and secure his first win of the season. “Overall, I’m pleased with second and taking a race win in Final 2,” Walker said. “I had a crash in Final 1, which didn’t help, but I’ve come out of round one second overall, and that’s a solid way to start the championship.”
Bolt salvaged second, knowing the overall victory would be decided in the final race.
relentless pace carried him past. Bolt remained untouchable at the front, managing the race to perfection and securing his second win of the night—and the overall.
“I had a big moment in race two, but I was able to recover and limit the damage,” Bolt explained. “That was important for the overall.”
Triumph's Jonny Walker (22) Red Bull KTM Factory Racing's Manny Lettenbichler (304)
“To come away with the win is a solid start to the season,” Bolt said simply. “I’m very happy with how things came together.”
With the overall still undecided, Bolt left nothing to chance in Final Three. He launched to the holeshot and immediately began building a gap, forcing his rivals into riskier lines. Behind him, drama struck early as the Brightmore brothers collided, with Ashton sustaining a knee injury that ended his race.
Walker’s consistency earned him second overall, while Karlsson’s performance delivered one of the night’s most significant milestones: Stark Future’s first SuperEnduro Prestige podium. “I’m super happy with my result tonight,” Karlsson said. “It’s my first-ever podium in SuperEnduro. I can’t thank the team enough for their support.”
Eddie Karlsson briefly held second aboard the Stark VARG, putting himself on course for a breakthrough result before Walker’s
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Mitch Brightmore finished fourth overall, while Ashton Brightmore secured fifth despite his Final Three setback—an indication of both brothers’ continued presence at the sharp end of the field. Josep Garcia’s one-night SuperEnduro debut proved to be one of the standout storylines of the event. The EnduroGP champion showed rapid adaptation, qualifying for SuperPole and finishing sixth overall in Prestige. “I’ve finished the first-ever SuperEnduro of my life and I’m really proud of how I rode,” Garcia said. “The best feeling comes from the fact that I was able to improve from the first moto to the last. I really found a good rhythm out there.” Lettenbichler, returning to indoor competition after time 28
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away, acknowledged the challenge while remaining encouraged by his progress. “It’s been a bit of a mixed day for me,” Lettenbichler admitted. “The pace is really high, the track is slippery and tough, and it’s so easy to make mistakes. But my pace improved as the night went on, and I got a top-five in one moto, which was a goal coming here.” The Junior category, newly elevated to full FIM World Championship status, belonged to Germany’s Milan Schmüser, who swept all three races. In the Youth class, Polish rider Wojtek Walczak delivered a dream home victory, sending the Gliwice crowd into celebration. Across all categories, the depth of competition underscored SuperEnduro’s growing global reach.
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As the championship moves on to Riesa, Germany, on January 3, the early narrative is clear. Bolt has drawn first blood, Walker has proven he can still win, and a new generation—alongside new technology—is continuing to reshape the sport. If round one in Poland is any indication, the 2026 SuperEnduro World Championship is poised to deliver one of its most compelling seasons yet .
OVERALL
1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10.
Billy Bolt (HSQ) Jonny Walker (TRI) Eddie Karlsson (STK) Mitch Brightmore (GG) Ashton Brightmore (GG) Josep Garcia (KTM) Dominik Olszowy (RIE) Manny Lettenbichler (KTM) Marc Fernandez Serra (GG) Diogo Vieira (GG)
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ABOVE THE CLOUDS WHY THE ROOF OF AFRICA STILL DEFINES HARD ENDURO
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WORDS PHOTOS
STEPH VETTERLY FUTURE7MEDIA
he Roof of Africa occupies a singular place in the world of off-road motorcycling. It is not merely another stop on the hard enduro calendar, nor simply a race defined by brutal terrain and elite competition. It is an institution—one that has shaped the very identity of hard enduro racing for nearly six decades. First run in 1967, the Roof of Africa is widely regarded as the oldest hard enduro event in existence, earning its long-standing nickname as “The Mother of Hard Enduro” through history, hardship, and a relentless refusal to soften its edges. Set high in the mountains of Lesotho, the event unfolds across some of the most unforgiving terrain in the sport. Riders traverse between 155 and 185 miles over three days, often climbing well 30
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above 9,800 feet in elevation, where thin air compounds physical exhaustion and mechanical strain. The landscape of the Maloti Mountains offers breathtaking vistas, but the beauty is paired with an unrelenting sequence of rock gardens, river crossings, steep ascents, and technical descents that demand precision as much as raw endurance. What distinguishes the Roof of Africa from many other extreme events is not only the severity of the course but the ethos behind its organization. Despite its fearsome reputation, the event places a strong emphasis on sportsmanship and rider
RIGHT : James Moore (225) takes the overall win, continuing South Africa's dominance over this event. Manuel Lettenbichler (304) takes second.
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safety. Advanced live tracking, large-screen race updates, experienced rescue crews, and emergency helicopter support are integral parts of the operation, reinforcing the event’s commitment to ensuring that no competitor is left behind in the mountains. It is a balance between danger and duty that has helped preserve the Roof’s legitimacy in an increasingly professionalized discipline. In 2025, the Roof of Africa once again served as the final and decisive round of the FIM Hard Enduro World Championship, bringing together the sport’s global elite alongside a deep field of local South African and regional riders. The threeday format delivered its customary swings in fortune, rewarding adaptability as much as outright speed. While international stars dominated the headlines by the end, the event’s structure ensured that no single skillset could guarantee success. The race began with a time trial that set the starting order for the days ahead. Husqvarna Factory Racing’s Billy Bolt emerged as
the fastest, immediately underlining his status as one of the most explosive riders in the discipline. Manuel Lettenbichler, already crowned world champion before arriving in Lesotho, posted the second-fastest time, securing a strong position without taking unnecessary risks. The margins were slim, and the stage was set for the long days to come. Day two shifted the complexion of the event. With extended trail sections and a strong emphasis on navigation, local knowledge and patience became critical. Several international frontrunners found themselves challenged by the vastness of the terrain and the subtle complexities of Lesotho’s mountain trails. James Moore, stepping into the spotlight in the absence of injured countryman Wade Young, capitalized on the conditions with a composed and assertive ride that vaulted him into overall contention. For others, including Bolt and Lettenbichler, the day proved costly in time but not decisive. The Roof of Africa has a reputation for revealing its true character on the final day, and 2025 was no exception. As the course grew more technical
and physically demanding, the leaderboard began to resemble a familiar hierarchy of Hard Enduro World Championship contenders. Bolt charged from a mid-pack start to claim the day’s fastest time, while Lettenbichler mounted a determined push that narrowed the overall gap to Moore to less than two minutes by the finish. Moore’s performance across the three days ultimately proved decisive. Despite a navigation error on the final day and a sixth-place finish in the closing stages, his accumulated advantage was enough to secure a maiden overall victory at the Roof of Africa. The result marked a milestone both personally and historically, extending a remarkable ten-year winning streak for South African riders at the event and reinforcing the nation’s deep connection to its most iconic race. Lettenbichler crossed the line second overall, capping a season that had already seen him clinch his fifth FIM Hard Enduro World Championship title. His measured approach in Lesotho reflected the maturity of a rider who understands when to attack and when to consolidate. Less than a minute separated him from Bolt on the final day, underscoring the level of
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competition at the sharp end of the field. Bolt’s third-place overall finish carried its own significance. By delivering a decisive performance on the final day, he secured runner-up honors in the 2025 world championship standings, fending off pressure from Mitch Brightmore in the process. For Bolt, the Roof of Africa was both a sporting challenge and a reminder of the event’s unique stature. His reflections on the region’s scenery and the race’s atmosphere echoed sentiments shared by generations of competitors before him. Behind the headline results, the Roof of Africa once again showcased the depth and diversity of hard enduro competition. Mario Roman and Mitch Brightmore both climbed the overall standings on the final day, while Teo Kabakchiev’s race ended prematurely after a heavy crash, a reminder of how quickly fortunes can change in the mountains. In the supporting classes, Grant Burton Durham claimed victory in Silver, Stiaan van Den Heever topped Bronze, and Gideon Malherbe emerged as the Iron class winner. Sandra Gomez finished tenth overall, earning recognition as the best-placed female rider.
Yet statistics and standings only tell part of the story. The enduring appeal of the Roof of Africa lies in its ability to test riders on every conceivable level. Physical conditioning is stretched by altitude and distance. Technical skill is challenged by endless rock-strewn climbs and unpredictable water crossings. Mental resilience is taxed by navigation errors, mechanical issues, and the knowledge that help may be hours away. Few races demand so much, so consistently, from those who dare to enter. In an era where hard enduro has become increasingly standardized through world championship regulations, the Roof of Africa remains defiantly distinctive. It resists simplification, refusing to be reduced to a single-day spectacle or a highlight reel of extreme obstacles. Instead, it preserves the essence of endurance motorcycling—long days, changing conditions, and the quiet moments between checkpoints where riders confront both the terrain and themselves. As the 2025 edition fades into history, the Roof of Africa continues to stand as a benchmark against which all hard enduro events are measured. It is a race that rewards preparation but humbles certainty, that celebrates champions while honoring every finisher
who reaches the end of its unforgiving course. Nearly sixty years after its inception, the Roof of Africa remains what it has always claimed to be: the original, and enduring, proving ground of hard enduro racing.
EVENT RESULTS GOLD OVERALL
SILVER OVERALL
1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10.
1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10.
James Moore (KTM) Manny Lettenbichler (KTM) Billy Bolt (HSQ) Mario Roman (SHR) Mitch Brightmoore (GG) Matthew Green (KTM) Alfredo Gomez (BET) Mathew Stevens (KTM) Luke Walker (HSQ) Will Slater (BETG)
Grant Burton Durham (BET) Branden Swanepoel (SHR) Mathew Burger (KTM) Barend Jl Du Toit (KTM) Charan Moore William Oosthuizen (BET) Bevan Prost (YAM) Justin Viviers (KTM) Sechaba Chabeli (KTM) Sandra Gomez (KTM)
SEASON RESULTS PRO 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10.
Manny Lettenbichler - 199pts Billy Bolt - 153 pts Mitch Brightmore - 142pts Mario Roman - 131pts Wade Young - 97pts Matthew Green - 93pts James Moore - 91pts Alfredo Gomez Cantero - 87pts Teodor Kabakchiev - 77pts Thomas Scales - 65pts
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Photo: R. Schedl
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WALKER DELIVERS TRIUMPH’S FIRST ENDUROCROSS TITLE WORDS PHOTOS
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ENDUROCROSS JACK JAXSON
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he Jonny Walker delivered when it mattered most. In a winner-take-all showdown that will be remembered as one of the greatest finales in EnduroCross history, the Triumph Factory Racing rider captured both the Round Six victory and the 2025 Slavens AMA EnduroCross Series presented by Progressive Insurance championship on Friday night, November 22, at the Angel of the Winds Arena. Walker and defending champion Trystan Hart finished the season deadlocked at 141 points apiece, but Walker's moto win record – ten wins to Hart's seven – awarded him the championship via tiebreaker, marking Triumph Racing's first major off-road title and Walker's second AMA EnduroCross crown. The mathematics were brutally simple entering the finale: Hart's three-point advantage (119–116) meant he needed only to finish ahead of Walker to claim his third consecutive championship. But Walker, riding with the momentum of his dominant Reno sweep one week earlier, refused to let the championship slip away. His 1-1-2 performance secured the overall victory and, more importantly, forced the points tie that gave him the championship on count-back. Hart's 2-3-1 scorecard earned him second overall on the night but couldn't prevent Walker from claiming the crown. The defending champion's final moto victory demonstrated his championship heart, but the damage from his third-place finish in Moto 2 proved insurmountable. 38
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HOT LAP QUALIFYING: DISASTER STRIKES WALKER The night began disastrously for Walker. Seeking to complete a perfect season in hot lap qualifying with his sixth consecutive fastest time, the Triumph rider's 450 stalled on his qualifying run. The bike proved frustratingly slow to restart, and when it finally fired back to life, Walker's hopes of a gate pick advantage had evaporated. He qualified ninth – dead last among the Pro riders – giving him the worst possible gate position for the championship-deciding night. Hart, meanwhile, posted the second fastest qualifying time, giving the defending champion second gate pick and what appeared to be a decisive
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advantage for the night ahead. The qualifying result seemed to heavily favor Hart's strategy of simply shadowing Walker throughout the night to secure the championship. But Walker had already proven at Reno that adversity couldn't break him. The question was whether he could do it again when the championship hung in the balance. MOTO ONE: HAAKER'S GATE JUMP, WALKER'S RELENTLESS PURSUIT The drama began before the riders even completed the first turn. Colton Haaker jumped the gate, bursting through before the gate dropped and grabbing an illegal holeshot. The green flag remained out as officials decided to let the race continue, though
Haaker would later face the consequences of his premature start. Hart settled into second position behind Haaker, fivetime champion, with Cody Webb running third. But the real story was Walker, who had rocketed from ninth gate pick to fourth position in the opening exchanges. Despite starting from the back row, the Triumph rider was making an emphatic statement – gate position couldn't stop his championship charge. Walker's relentless pace through the soft, rutted conditions at Angel of the Winds Arena showcased exactly why he's considered one of the sport's elite talents. The technical track, described by riders as more reminiscent of a Hard Enduro event than traditional EnduroCross,
demanded precision line selection and exceptional fitness. Deep ruts forced riders to commit to their lines early, with passing opportunities severely limited. Walker methodically picked off riders, capitalizing on mistakes that the brutal track conditions forced from even the most experienced competitors. When Haaker encountered trouble in the technical sections, Walker pounced, moving into the lead and opening a gap on the field.
victory in dominant fashion, sending a clear message to Hart – the championship battle was far from over. Hart crossed the line in second place, with Webb claiming third. Haaker, who had jumped the gate to take the early lead, would later receive a one-lap penalty for his premature start, dropping him to eighth in the final Moto One results. Ryder LeBlond finished fourth, while Branden Petrie rounded out the top five.
The Triumph rider's pace proved unstoppable. Despite starting from last gate pick, Walker claimed the Moto One
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MOTO TWO: PIAZZA'S HOLESHOT, WALKER'S PERFECT EXECUTION The inverted start for moto two gave the mid-pack riders an opportunity to shine, and Niko Piazza capitalized brilliantly. The Dalton Gardens, Idaho, rider – competing in the Intermediate class just one year earlier – grabbed the Acerbis Holeshot Award and took the early lead as chaos erupted behind him in the technical opening sections. With Walker and Hart starting from the back of the pack following their 1-2 finish in Moto one, the championship protagonists faced a significant challenge. But both riders demonstrated their class, charging through the field with determined purpose. James Flynn emerged as an early leader after the initial shuffle, with Tim Apolle and Branden Petrie also featuring at the front. But everyone in the Angel of the Winds Arena knew the real race was between the two riders slicing through the pack from the back. Walker's pace in moto two matched his moto one dominance. The Triumph rider picked his way through traffic with surgical precision, finding lines and making passes that seemed impossible given the narrow, rutted conditions. His trials skills and ability to weight the bike perfectly over obstacles gave him an edge in the technical sections. Cody Webb also rode brilliantly in moto two, using his renowned trials expertise to navigate the tricky obstacles. The three-time champion's smooth throttle control and ability to find traction in the deep ruts allowed him to work his way forward. When Walker reached the front, he quickly asserted control and claimed his second consecutive moto victory. Webb's patient, calculated riding earned him second place – a crucial result in his bid for fourth in the championship. 40
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Hart could manage only third place, and the championship implications were seismic. Hart's third-place finish in moto wo opened the door for Walker. With two moto victories already secured, Walker could afford to finish second behind Hart in moto three and still claim the championship on the tiebreaker. The pressure had shifted entirely to the defending champion. MOTO THREE: HART'S FINAL STAND, WALKER'S TACTICAL BRILLIANCE Hart grabbed the Acerbis Holeshot as the gate dropped for the championship-deciding final moto, determined to finish the season with a victory even if he couldn't retain his crown. Ryder LeBlond pushed aggressively in the early laps, briefly taking the lead from Hart as the field navigated the treacherous log-tire combination. Cody Webb demonstrated why he's a legend of the sport, using his trials background to perfection. The Yamaha rider sent it through Chaos Corner
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and seized the lead, with LeBlond and Hart following. Walker had worked his way up to third position, perfectly positioned to shadow Hart and secure the championship.
hard when his front wheel became trapped in a deep rut, sending him over the bars. Walker, running right behind, capitalized immediately and inherited the lead.
Webb led with authority until disaster struck. The former champion went down
Now the stage was set for the championship showdown everyone had anticipated. Hart
moved into second position, approximately three seconds behind Walker, and the mind games began. The two championship rivals switched lines lap after lap, with Hart looking for an opening and Walker carefully managing the gap. Hart made an aggressive outside move, attempting to seize the lead and force Walker into a mistake. But Walker rode with tactical brilliance, understanding perfectly that he didn't need to win moto three – he simply needed to stay within sight of Hart. The Triumph rider showed remarkable maturity, resisting the urge to battle aggressively and instead focusing on the bigger prize. "If I was Jonny Walker in the 22, I would just let him go," commented the broadcast team. "I don't want to play these games. I'm fine finishing second and winning this championship." Walker executed that strategy to perfection. He allowed Hart to pull away slightly, content to finish second and secure the championship. Hart's competitive fire burned bright as he pushed for the final moto victory, unwilling to let his season end without a fight.
The white flag came out, signaling one lap remaining in the 2025 AMA EnduroCross season. Hart hammered through the Rocky Mountain Rock Garden one final time, riding with the heart of a champion even as the title slipped from his grasp. He crossed the finish line to claim
the moto three victory, but it wasn't enough.
testament to his growth and consistency throughout 2025.
Walker cruised across the line in second place, pumping his fist as the reality sank in – he was the 2025 AMA EnduroCross Champion. The two riders had tied on points at 141 apiece, but Walker's ten moto victories to Hart's seven gave him the championship via the tiebreaker.
"Honestly, I'm super happy," LeBlond reflected. "I've never got... I was top five once in the championship, but everyone wasn't here, so, third with everybody here, I'm pretty happy with that. It was a good battle between me, Colton, and even Cody, he was getting closer at the end. It's a night for the championship; it was a good season."
Behind the championship drama, Webb salvaged sixth place in moto three despite his crash, which was enough to secure third overall on the night ahead of Branden Petrie, who rode brilliantly to fourth overall with a 6-5-3 scorecard. LeBlond finished fifth overall (5-7-4), narrowly edging Cody Webb and Colton Haaker for third in the final championship standings.
LeBlond's assessment of the Everett track conditions captured what every rider experienced: "Tonight was crazy hectic. It was the craziest EnduroCross race I've ever raced. It was kind of more like a hard enduro out there. I don't think I was jumping anything at the end. I was just like, 'Let's make it to the finish' by the end, but, yeah, great season. I'm super happy with how everything went."
RYDER LEBLOND: THIRD IN CHAMPIONSHIP
The Rockstar Husqvarna Factory Racing rider concluded by thanking his team: "Want to give a shout out to the whole Rockstar
Ryder LeBlond's season culminated in a career-best third-place finish in the championship standings, a
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Energy Husqvarna team. Backed me, and the bike was awesome this year. The team was awesome this year, and, uh, yeah, I can't wait for next year after having a good building season." TRYSTAN HART: GRACIOUS IN DEFEAT For Hart, the championship loss marked his first failure to win the title since 2022. But the two-time defending champion showed remarkable grace in defeat, demonstrating the character that has made 42
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him one of the sport's most respected competitors. "Yeah, I mean, I rode really good," Hart said, his disappointment evident but his respect for Walker clear. "I mean, if you look back a couple years, the consistency I've had in the last four years, I've won over half the championships I've entered, so, I mean, sucks to get second. I did it three years ago with Jonny in 2022, so we're two for two now these last two years, four years."
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Hart's candid assessment of his performance showed his self-awareness: "I couldn't get my stuff together tonight, and he did, so he deserves to win, and it sucks, 'cause I figured it out that last moto, I unlocked something, and learned how to ride again, 'cause those first two, I was... I was embarrassed, honestly. I felt bad for everyone that came here, 'cause I was riding around like a junior, so I was really embarrassed, but happy to find something there that last moto."
The Canadian rider's final comments demonstrated his competitive spirit and respect for his rival: "Congrats to Jonny, he deserved it. He got me. I'm glad he was here. I wouldn't have wanted to win it if he wasn't here, so... as much as it sucks, I couldn't get my stuff together tonight, and he did." JONNY WALKER: CHAMPION ONCE AGAIN Walker's journey from the first round to two-time champion represents one of
CHAMPIONSHIP BATTLE: A SEASON FOR THE AGES
WEBB CLINCHES FOURTH, LEBLOND'S BREAKTHROUGH SEASON
The 2025 championship will be remembered as one of the closest in EnduroCross history. Walker and Hart finished tied at 141 points apiece after six rounds of intense competition, with the title decided by the fourth tiebreaker – moto wins. Walker and Hart remained tied through the first two tiebreakers, overall wins (three apiece) and overall second place finishes (three apiece). The third tiebreaker, overall third place finishes, was irrelevant as neither rider finished worse than second overall in the 2025 season.
While the championship battle dominated headlines, Cody Webb's fourth-place finish in the final standings represented a remarkable achievement for the three-time champion. Webb's 20-point performance at Everett (third overall with 3-2-6 moto finishes) moved him to 106 points for the season, securing fourth place in the championship. The battle for third through fifth came down to the wire, with Webb (106 points) narrowly edging Haaker (105 points) for fourth, but falling just a little short to Leblond (108 points) who took third overall.
The new points structure introduced for 2025, which more closely mirrored AMA Supercross scoring (25 points for a win, 22 for second, decreasing by one point per position through tenth), accomplished its stated goal of keeping the championship battle intense throughout the season. The tighter points distribution meant Hart's early-season consistency built a lead, but also meant Walker's late-season surge could erase it.
the great redemption arcs in EnduroCross history. After weeks of lamenting poor starts that cost him valuable points, the Triumph rider finally put it all together in the final two rounds when it mattered most. "Honestly, it's just... it's amazing, you know," Walker said, his British accent thick with emotion. "We came into here, and I was confident after the last round. We made some bike changes. The track was the way it was, so... stupendous night, and I can't wait to go home."
AMA's Logan Densmore presented Walker with the number one plate, marking the official transfer of championship supremacy: "It's my pleasure on behalf of the AMA to present the number one plate for EnduroCross Pro. Way to make it exciting, Jonny. Congratulations on a great season." Walker's simple response captured his joy: "Thank you very much."
LeBlond's third-place championship finish represented a career breakthrough for the Rockstar Husqvarna Factory Racing rider. His consistency throughout the season – despite a disappointing seventh-place result at Reno – demonstrated the growth and maturity that had been his stated goal entering 2025. Haaker's fifth-place championship finish (105 points) showed the Kawasaki rider remained competitive throughout the season despite never claiming an overall victory. His consistency and racecraft kept him in podium contention at nearly every round.
Hart's remarkable 15-race streak of top-two moto finishes, which finally ended at Reno in Round 5 (he finished third in the third moto), demonstrated the consistency that has made him EnduroCross's most dominant rider of the modern era. His ability to grind out points week after week kept him in championship contention even as Walker found his lateseason form.
Webb's fourth-place championship finish (106 points) capped a season where the three-time champion demonstrated flashes of his legendary brilliance, particularly in technically demanding sections where his trials background provided an advantage. His strong round six performance (third overall) showed he remains a threat when conditions suit his skillset.
But Walker's transformation from Rounds 4-6 proved to be the championship difference. After three consecutive second-place finishes in Rounds 2-4 where he demonstrated championshipcaliber speed but faltered on execution, Walker finally solved the puzzle. His Reno sweep (1-1-1) reduced Hart's lead to just three points, and his Everett performance (11-2) secured the tiebreaker advantage.
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TRACK CONDITIONS: THE HARD ENDURO OF ENDUROCROSS
TRIUMPH'S HISTORIC ACHIEVEMENT
The soft, rutted conditions at the Angel of the Winds Arena provided one of the most physically demanding races in recent EnduroCross history. Multiple riders and commentators described the track as more similar to a Hard Enduro event than traditional EnduroCross, with deep ruts forcing early line commitment and severely limiting passing opportunities. "Tonight was the craziest EnduroCross race I've ever raced," LeBlond said. "It was kind of more like a hard enduro out there. I don't think I was jumping anything at the end." The broadcast team noted that two-stroke motorcycles held an advantage in the conditions due to their lighter weight and reduced engine braking: "It's 'cause it keeps running lighter. There's so much moisture, and it's kind of like riding sand. You don't want more weight on that front end." The technical nature of the track played into Walker's strengths. His trials background and ability to weight the bike perfectly over obstacles gave him an edge in finding traction and maintaining momentum through sections where other riders struggled. Hart's struggles in moto one and two were partially attributable to his inability to initially find the right lines and rhythm in the treacherous conditions. The physically demanding layout also tested rider fitness over the three-moto format. Forearm pump and fatigue became critical factors in the closing laps, with several riders visibly struggling to maintain pace. The strengthsapping conditions added another layer of drama to an already tense championship finale.
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The championship victory marks Triumph Racing's first major off-road title, validating the British manufacturer's commitment to developing a championship-caliber offroad program. Walker's speed advantage throughout the season – particularly evident in his hot lap qualifying performances before Everett – demonstrated the Triumph 450's capabilities against established off-road brands. The victory also represents personal redemption for Walker, who claimed his first AMA EnduroCross title in 2022 before losing to Hart in subsequent seasons. His ability to overcome early-season start issues and find his rhythm precisely when it mattered most represents the mark of a true champion. Walker's comment after his Reno sweep about racing with "a smile on my face" revealed the mental breakthrough that accompanied his physical dominance. That joy and flow state carried through to Everett, where even a disastrous qualifying run couldn't derail his championship charge. SEASON RETROSPECTIVE: FROM PRESCOTT VALLEY TO EVERETT The 2025 season began in Prescott Valley, Arizona, in mid-October with Walker claiming the opening-round victory. His speed advantage was immediately evident, but start issues and first-lap positioning mistakes prevented him from converting that speed into consistent overall victories. Hart's consistency through Rounds 2-4 built what appeared to be a commanding championship lead. His victories in Idaho Falls (Rounds 2-3) and Redmond (Round 4) showcased the grinding consistency that had made him the sport's dominant rider, with his 15-race streak of
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top-two finishes establishing a new standard for excellence. But Walker's Reno performance in Round 5 completely transformed the championship battle. His 1-1-1 sweep – the first by any rider in 2025 – demonstrated that he had finally solved his early-season execution issues. The comment about his mindset change and racing with a smile revealed the mental transformation that accompanied his improved results.
The stage was set for an epic Everett finale, and the race delivered beyond expectations. The soft, rutted track conditions created one of the most technically challenging events in recent memory. Walker's ability to overcome ninth gate pick and still dominate Motos 1-2 showed championship-level resilience. The final moto showcased both riders at their best – Hart refusing to surrender without a fight, Walker showing tactical maturity beyond his
years. When Hart claimed the Moto 3 victory, he had done everything possible to retain his championship. But Walker's 1-1-2 performance proved just enough, and the championship changed hands on the tightest possible margin. LOOKING FORWARD: NEW ERA BEGINS Walker will carry the number one plate into the 2026 season as the defending champion, marking a new era for EnduroCross. His Triumph will wear the coveted number. Hart will undoubtedly return hungry for redemption, seeking to reclaim the championship that slipped through his fingers by the narrowest margin. His gracious defeat and honest self-assessment suggest he'll
use this setback as motivation for 2026. LeBlond's career-best third place and his comments about "a good building season" suggest the Husqvarna rider is positioned for a championship challenge in 2026. His growth in consistency and confidence throughout 2025 established him as a legitimate title contender moving forward. The sport has never been healthier, with factory support from Triumph, KTM, Husqvarna, Yamaha, Kawasaki, and Beta ensuring deep, competitive fields. The 2025 season proved that EnduroCross can deliver championship drama comparable to any motorsport, with the title decided on tiebreaker after six rounds of intense competition.
EVENT RESULTS
SEASON RESULTS
PRO 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10.
PRO Jonny Walker (TRI) Trystan Hart (KTM) Cody Webb (YAM) Branden Petrie (BET) Ryder LeBlond (HSQ) Tim Apolle (BET) James Flynn (BET) Colton Haaker (KAW) Max Gerston (BET) Jaden Dahners (KTM)
1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10.
Jonny Walker - 141pts Trystan Hart - 141pts Ryder LeBlond - 108pts Cody Webb - 106pts Colton Haaker - 105pts Max Gerston - 89pts Tim Apolle - 84pts Branden Petrie - 78pts Braxton Hintze - 74pts Cooper Abbott - 68pts
PRO WOMEN
PRO WOMEN
1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10.
1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10.
Rachel Gutish (RIE) Shelby Turner (GG) Chantelle Bykerk (KTM) Kylee Sweeten (GG) Nikki Russell (RIE) Bailey Lerwill (GG) Emily Hall (BET) Lexi Galbraith (HSQ0 Katie Emmich (BET) Megan Kennon (BET)
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Rachel Gutish - 25pts Shelby Turner - 22pts Chantelle Bykerk - 20pts Kylee Sweeten - 18pts Nikki Russell - 17pts Bailey Lerwill - 16pts Emily Hall - 15pts Lexi Galbraith - 14pts Katie Emmich - 13pts Megan Kennon - 12pts
Dec MBER 2025
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Kirra Grove (609)
CYCLING BACK TO WHITE ROSE
2025 AHRMA MID-ATLANTIC SEASON FINALE WORDS JOSHUA SCHUCKER PHOTOS LORENA WALKER
I
t’s White Rose time! Always a bright spot on an awfully bright season schedule, I feel giddy as the end of October event draws near. Although, to be truthful, I feel doggone giddy anytime I have the opportunity to race or ride dirt bikes. If you’re reading this, I’m sure you feel the same. And, as much as I look forward to this weekend each year, there is a downside to White Rose time, because it means that the 2025 AHRMA Mid-Atlantic (MA) season is coming to a close. As a firm believer in not spending Monday morning wishing it were Friday, I realize that there is a wealth of worthy experiences to be had in between. So, in the context 48
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Jim “Amos” Laird (3x)
Dec mber 2025
of a race season, as much fun as the season-ender typically is, there is always a bunch of cool memories created on the path there. A quick retrospective of the 2025 season finds a number of folks from the MA team helping to reboot the famed White Lightning event in South Carolina early in the year. The warmth of the southern retreat quickly faded as the regional series kicked off with snow falling at Shady Acres. Weather followed its normal swings with the requisite number of washed out mudders, a few dust bowls, an Ashcraft heat wave, and just enough days in the sweet spot to make you forgive Nature for the extremes. Rocket Raceway held its first AHRMA National Cross Country event after many years of regional action. Tom Sawyer debuted his slick foot pedal actuated rubber band starting gate for motocross, only to inspire Craig Lowery’s whittling skills as he upped the game with a “hold my beer” electronically activated version late in the season. Amazing
Josh Fetzer (768), Dave Light (975), Geoff Kemp (593), Jim Laird (119) work on behalf of both gentlemen as these systems are a cool addition to the race day experience. Mason Grove’s impressive rise to the top of the standings from the Junior class shows the kid’s potential and that this vintage game isn’t just for old folks. The series added an eastern event to the schedule along with a number of new faces to the starting lines, including the strong support of the Long Island Vintage Riders’ gang who seemed to increase their treks down from New York to establish some
roots among the MA crowd. Welcome all and many thanks to the familiar faces that make the series such an enjoyable experience.
weather is right in the prime zone of not hot, but not-toocold. The colors of autumn leaves with the sun shining through the forest at a low angle, sort of like a perpetual photographer’s golden hour.
While each event throughout the year has its own draw, its own legacy, and its own reason for giddy anticipation, there is some special mix of location, timing, atmosphere, and intangibles that make the finale at the White Rose Motorcycle Club (WRMC) in South Central PA a standout. Number one, mid-to-late October is an amazing time to be in the woods on a motorcycle. The
The views from the motorcross course, set upon a grass hillside, look out over a valley full of picturesque farms and fields of freshly harvested grain contrasting divinely with the bluebird skies on the horizon. The club’s ample parking and barsetting amenities just add to the ambiance. Throw in some
Brett Zofchak (322)
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Richie Bunting (180)
John Pinning (80M) Halloween costumes, trickor-treating, and fall campfire conversations and you’ve set the stage for a great weekend. Of course, all these things are just window dressing to the race action. Once again, the generous efforts of WRMC members Brett and Grant Reichart and Geoff and Dewey Kemp, along with help from significant others Emily, Jessi, and Megan, were clearly obvious in the excellent grass track and cross-country courses prepared especially for this event. While not an expansive property capable of a totally unique layout each
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year, the property’s trails are established but not beatup, consistent, and expertly wound through the elevation changes and forest’s footprint. Similarly, the grass track takes advantage of the terrain well with off-camber sections, sweeping turns, long straights, and a few spots where natural jumps are just slightly tweaked to facilitate airtime. In both Saturday’s grass track and Sunday’s cross-country course preparation, the WRMC crew stuck generally with what has worked well in the past but added a few reroutes and updates to make the
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familiar property fresh enough that each year stands alone as its own experience. And what an experience. Just as history has shown, this is a weekend worth the anticipation. The racing action was tremendous on both days, and this event always seems to draw some really fast guys and gals out of the woodwork who place themselves firmly in the upper reaches of the standings. Like Chad Tallman spanking everyone for the overall in the first two cross-country races on an immaculate and shrieking Hodaka, or Jacob Cranson prevailing in both
motos Saturday after race-long epic battles with Sylas Merrell and Mason Grove. These three gapped the rest of the pack while trading positions in nearly every turn. So cool. Leveraging the double-dip into the Northeast Region’s schedule certainly helped with a season top-three turnout for Saturday’s motos. Sunday’s three races also enjoyed a solid number of riders taking the green flag. And just like that it was over. Although the savory flavor of the tasty action may linger a while longer, by the time you read this the 2026 season’s schedule should be in place and you will have an opening date to anticipate. But remember, there’s lots of good stuff between now and then, so don’t go wishing your life away hoping it were April. Fix some bikes, do some trail riding, and check out the Potomac Vintage Riders York Swap Meet accompanying the MA region’s yearly awards banquet, they are likely to make you giddy with anticipation as well!
Claudia McDowell (241)
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