FTR

Florahome "Fall Kickoff" Hare scramble report.

Race Video here!

I edited nearly 2hrs of the race footage down to a 12 minute video.

hope you like it.

With only one practice outing on the bike, we loaded up the trailer and headed for north Florida.   Race one of the Florida Trail Riders Association was now only one day away.

5 hours later we were pulling in to what looked like a very crowded pit area where 1/2 million Dollar motor homes were parked next to guys pitting out of there pickup trucks.

We arrived around 1.00 pm trying to setup our pit area in over 90 degree heat, but it felt more like 100. I thought north Florida was cooler...

After the Saturday races had finished I walked some of the track, it was dry and very, very tight. 

Lying just under  the surface of the track was a mix of tree roots, vines and broken off tree stumps.

I talked to some of the Saturday riders, their comments  ranged from "too tight" to "it`s OK".

Not what I was expecting. Oh well, its the same for everyone.

I thought it would be a good idea to put some Slime in the tires.

Sunday Practice.

I got my bike "Tech inspected" which was basically some guy sticking a flexible rod down my exhaust pipe to see if I had a Spark Arrestor in there, I did, so it passed.

I got my practice gear on and set out on my practice lap, I took it easy for a couple of miles then started to get the feel of the light weight CR250 for the first time.

I found I could ride much faster through the tight trees than I could have on my CRF450, and it was a lot less tiring, in fact it was fun!

With the fly wheel weight and the FMF pipe combo 2nd gear was all I needed for most of the course...it was that tight.

The Race

Les Evans and me just before the start of our race.

I should have practiced starting the 250 before I got to the start line, As the horn blew for the start of my race I ran to my bike and completely screwed up my start.

My foot slipped off the kickstart...twice  and by the time I got it fired up I was near last off the start.

So what`s new?.  I am used to being this far back and kind of enjoy pushing my way up to the front, but this track was so tight it would be hard work.

Lap 1 I passed about 15 riders and as the first checkpoint went by I was up to 3rd. I could just see Randy my buddy up ahead in 2nd place, and he wasn`t that far away, maybe 200 yards.

 I pushed hard for the next mile and caught him up, I passed him easily but as I went by him took my hand off the bars and jokingly waved at him,

I blasted past I wasn't looking where I was going and ran  into a huge vine tree stopping me dead in my tracks.

 As he came passed me I could hear him laughing even above the noise of his 450 KTM.

I pushed on and again caught him up , I noticed a lot of riders were either stopped or riding real slow, the heat was starting to get to them.

As we passed through the check point for the second lap we were 15 seconds apart between 1st,  2nd and me in 3rd place, this was a close race.

I came out of the check point and could not see the tree roots as it was so dusty, I lost the front end and went down, I kept the bike running but lost a lot of ground to the leaders.

Half way round the 3rd lap I caught them back up, I passed Randy again putting me into 2nd, I pushed hard and caught the leader, as he made a small mistake I charged past into the lead!

15 feet later I stall the engine in a deep sandy berm, I drop back to second, I follow the leader right on him for another 2 miles until I see a gap and try to pass him.

I hit the gas and try to pass him  between two trees but loose the front wheel in a deep hole, I lose control and hit 2 trees falling off and stalling the bike.

My buddy Randy comes by, I nod I`m OK and he continues back into 2nd place.  I recover and get going on the bike again, Les Evans on his KTM goes by me and I drop to 4th.

I continue on and cross the finish in 4th place, tired hot and with my Camelback drink system sucked dry I`m on the verge of exhaustion.

Summary

The Track was gnarly and tight, it was hot and humid, and a lot of riders could manage only 1 lap, but hey if you can race in this stuff all the other races will seem easy.

Dehydration was a big concern in Sundays racing.....this rider pays the price.

After 3 laps this is what the air filter looked like.

I want to thank the Central Florida trail riders for a GREAT weekend of racing, two thumbs up, I loved it!

Dave

The Helmet cam Video will be up soon.

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