Trials

IN THIS ISSUENebraska TrialsOhio TrialsWyoming EnduroWorld Trials





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201G5otGClaeasnsG? asYou’ll have plenty of them while competing on one of our many GAS GAS Trials models ranging from the 300 Raga Factory Replica! Whatever age, class or performance level of competition you choose to ride Or, hit the trail on our new Randonne 200 air cooled, electric start, 4-stroke model. Again, for 2015 improvements to enhance your riding skills. And it’s still the lightest, most powerful, easiest to ride The six-speed transmission makes sure you will have the best gear for whatever terrain you are riding on vides you with total rear-wheel control to maximize your traction requirements! Try a test ride and yo the outstanding handling and power characteristics of a GAS GAS! We’ll have support for you at all the NATC National trials events and also at most Reg For more information, contact your local GAS GAS dealer or call GAS GAS U CHANGES FOR 2015 • Rear brake caliper auto stand • New kickstart pedal • Monoblock front brake caliper • New foot pegs • New SPAL cooling fan • New magneto cover • New wiring loom • New “no maintenance” water pump • New intake manifold • New CDI maps • Improved exhaust connections • New rear sprocket • New handlebar and grips • New regulator/rectifier unit • New 80 and 125cc engines • New 80cc frameGAS GAS USA WOULD LIKE TO CONGRATULATE THE WINNERS OF THE FOLLOWING CLASSES:PRO (2nd): Martin Matejicek CLUBMAN: Gilbert ReedEX SPORT: Steve Deines SR-35: Ben WintererW EX SPORT: Rachel Hassler SR-60: Garry HooverSPORTSMAN : Kevin Davey SR-70: Bill DeGarisWOMEN: Madeleine Hoover e8, e12, e20 Kadet 80 R

e e8 child’s mini electric to the TXTe, GAS GAS has a bike for you.5, GAS GAS has made manye trials bike available today!n and the finger-light clutch pro- ou’ll experience and realizegional events.USA.Race Randonne 200 Contact 250 Race 125, 250, 280, 300

T&E News P8The Big Picture

T&E News V. 50 Issue 7 July 2015 P9 On The Fly Toni Bou let’s ‘er fly in Great Britain, en route to another win in the FIM World Trials Championship Series. Photo: FIM/G2F Media

T&E News P 10The Big Picture

T&E News V. 50 Issue 7 July 2015 P 11 Single-Track Trippin’ Beta USA’s Justin Sode rides some beautiful single- track at the Inyan Kara National Enduro in Upton, Wyoming. Photo: Shan Moore

T&E News P 12The Big Picture

T&E News V. 50 Issue 7 July 2015 P 13 Up And Over Eddie Karlsson gets airborne over a rock slab in Sweden. The Repsol Honda rider is recovering from a nasty crash that broke several bones in his face. Photo: FIM/G2F Media

T&E News P 14The Big Picture

T&E News V. 50 Issue 7 July 2015 P 15 Come Into The Light Andrew Putt executes a perfect splatter as mother nature shines a light on the proceedings in Toronto, Ohio, for rounds 7 & 8 of the Aires US National Moto- Trials Series. Photo: Shan Moore

T&E News P 16The Big PictureOh, CarolineCaroline Allen heads up one of the many rockycreeks at the Ohio round of the Aires US MotoTri-als Series.Photo: Shan Moore

T&E News V. 50 Issue 7 July 2015 P 17



T&E News V. 50 Issue 7 July 2015 P 19Trials & Enduro News INSIDE... 26 40Observing the Trials and Trials Features 48Enduro community with a Bryan Roper Interview 62 Nebraska National Trials 68 single-track mind. Ohio National Trials 80 PUBLISHER/EDITOR Swedish World Trials 90 Shan Moore British World Trials 96 Enduro Features 20 WEBMASTER 29 Darrell Shannon Inyan Kara National Enduro 30 Two-Stroke Oils 36 HEADQUARTERS Italian EWC 78 T&E NEWS 95 PO Box 1763 100 Sapulpa, OK 74067 ADVERTISING Shan Moore [email protected] DepartmentsON THE COVER The Loop New Products Pat Smage blasts up a slippery On The Horizon slope in Nebraska at rounds EE Quick Tip Alien Autopsy five and six of the Ryan Young Riding Tips Aires AMA US MotoTrials Series. Cody Webb’s Column Photo: Ryan Brehob Next Month... • Rattlesnake National Enduro • Andorra WCT

T&E News P 20 THE LOOPNews and Culture From The World Of Trials, Enduro and Extreme RacingUSTrial des NationsTeams SelectedUS squads will travel to Tarragona, Spain for this year’s event The US Women’s TdN squad will consist of (l to r) Caroline Allen, Rachel Hassler and MaddieHoover, while the Men’s team will be made up of (l to r) Bryan Roper, Andrew Putt, Logan Bo-lopue and Daniel Blanc-Gonnet, with Quinn Wentzel the alternate. Photo: Christine Meyerpeter The riders representing the Logan Bolopue, and Daniel place on September 19-20 inUS Men’s and Women’s squads Blanc-Gonnet. Quinn Went- Tarragona, Spain.at this year’s Trial des Nations zel will serve as the alternate.were announced this weekend Meanwhile, the women’s team The TdN is a team event, simi-during the Ohio round of the will consist of Rachel Hassler, lar to the Motocross of Nations,Aires AMA US National MotoTri- Madeline Hoover, and Caroline where each country sends itsals Series. Allen, with the alternate being top riders to compete as a team. Caroline Altman. Spain has ruled the event in The US Men’s team will consist recent years, with Great Britainof Bryan Roper, Andrew Putt, This year’s event will take challenging.

T&E News V. 50 Issue 7 July 2015 P 21Bou And Raga Split In France 2015 FIM World Trials Championship Adam Raga won Sunday’s event maintain his 100% winning run in France. Photo FIM/G2FMedia this season. Five marks clear of the chasing pack after the first Adam Raga (Gas Gas) brought On the previous day, Bou lap, Bou increased his marginan end to Toni Bou’s (Hon) delivered another devastating of victory to eighteen marks100% winning run in the 2015 below to his main rivals as he re- come the finish and in truth wasFIM Trial World Championship corded a clear victory, his ninth never troubled on a day whenwhen he took the victory on on the bounce, on the opening the sun shone warmly on thethe second day of the French day of the French Grand Prix to French mountain course. RagaGrand Prix in Andon. Raga s and Takahisa Fujinami (Hon)trailed Bou, who had won all filled the remaining steps of thenine counting days to date, by podium respectively as Alberta single mark at the end of the Cabestany – Sherco saw hisfirst lap before then turning that challenge fade.small deficit into a twelve marklead come the end of lap two. Americans Bryan Roper andAlthough Bou produced one of Andrew Putt finished 18thhis trademark closing perfor- and 19th, respectively, in themances by cleaning the final World Cup division. More intwelve sections it was still not next month issue on the Frenchenough to prevent Raga brining round. In the meantime watchto a halt his unbeaten. Adam’s this video below of Roper in ac-winning margin was four marks tion in France. ncome the finish as the top twoended the day well clear of thirdplaced Jeroni Fajardo – Beta.

T&E News P 222015 UTE CUP INFO Scorpa and Sherco The 2015 Ute Cup is rapidly approacing and will be held Deals!this year in San Isabel, Colorado on August 15-16, which is theweekend after the Wyoming national. We didn’t much infor- Sherco USA will be hav-mation when we went live with this issue, but check out next ing a Sale on Sherco 125’s formonth’s issue for more details. You can also call Stan Hensley at the upcoming East and West(719) 561-1285 for the full scoop, or keep checking the Rocky Youth National Champion-Mountain Trials Association’s website at www.rockymountain- ships. Any Rider competing intrials.com, where info should be available soon. the 2015 East or West National Youth Championships can If you’ve never ridden a Ute Cup, you owe it to yourself to now Purchase a brand newride one. This event is one of the premeire trials events in the 2015 Sherco 125 at $1000.00country, with spectacular trail and scenery in a “high altitude” off Retail price. Please contactenvironment. your local dealer today! Sale ends when stock is sold out.Sticky Rubber Sherco USA will have 2015 World Round bikes for sale. This will include Sherco 300 standard models, $1500.00 off retail, Sherco 300 Cabes- tany Replica’s $1500.00 off retail, Scorpa 300’s $1500.00 off retail and one Scorpa 125 $1500.00 off retail. Call Ryan Young at 800- 607-8742 Bryan Roper demonstrates how flexible the knobs are onDunlop’s new D803GP trials tire. The new tire is softer than theprevious Dunlop models and most of the Sherco USA teamwere using prototype versions of the tire in Ohio. Ryan Young Products had just enough to keep the teamsupplied for the nationals, but say they should have their firstshipment of tires for public consumption soon.

T&E News V. 50 Issue 7 July 2015 P 23 Elliot Smith showing what an OSET 16.0 can do at theripe old age of 5! On an Oset 16.0R electric bike!Here’s a look at the 2016 Sherco Enduro Line

T&E News P 24US ISDE Teams Announced strongest club teams to com- pete. Racers chosen for this year’s U.S. club teams include: Tony Agonis Josh Toth - C1 Ben Kelly - C2 John Kelly - C3 GoFasters.com Reid Brown - C3 Brian Garrahan - C2 Nate Ferderer- C3 US Team Manager Antti Kallonen gets ready to send Taylor MO MuddersRobert into a special test at a recent ISDE Training Camp in Kyle McDonal - C3Ohio. Ryan Kudla - C3 Michael Pillar - C1 or C2 A roster of 21 competitors teams, but also six club teams Boise Ridge Ridersrepresenting the U.S. Women’s to represent the U.S. in off-road Kale Elworthy - C2Trophy Team and six AMA club international competition,” said Skyler Howes - C3teams are chasing gold medals Chuck Weir, AMA off-road rac- AJ Lehr - C3at the 2015 International Six ing manager. “These riders are Eric ClevelandDays Enduro in Kosice, Slovakia, among the top in the nation Jubal Brown - C1Sept. 7-12. and display great athleticism Geoffrey Sanders - C1 while competing against coun- Dillon Sheppard - C1 The Women’s World Trophy tries from around the world.” Elizabeth Scott - Senior TeamTeam fields three top American Jayson Densleyriders: Rachel Gutish, Mandi “I love going to the different Brian StorrieMastin and Jamie Wells. The countries, riding different ter- Fred Hoessfemale racers join the previ- rain and seeing different atmo- ISDE fans can support theously announced U.S. World spheres,” said Mastin, selected 2015 U.S. effort by purchasingTrophy Team of Mike Brown, for the Women’s World Trophy a T-shirt from the AMA websiteThad Duvall, Taylor Robert, Team for the ninth consecutive at www.americanmotorcyclist.Kailub Russell, Ryan Sipes and year. “Representing the U.S. is com > Racing > ISDE > Buy AnGary Sutherlin, as well as the also a big honor. I’m looking Official ISDE T-Shirt. nU.S. Junior Trophy Team of Grant forward to getting back to a realBaylor, Steward Baylor, Justin European Six Days. I actuallyJones and Layne Michael. think it is going to be kind of like Ohio, terrain-wise.” “We are fortunate to be ableto send not only three trophy The U.S. boasts some of the

T&E News V. 50 Issue 7 July 2015 P 25BEARINGS AND SPACERSEnduro Engineering offers a great selection of replacementspacers, bearings and seals. The spacers are hard anodized forlonger wear. The bearings and seals are an economicalreplacement to the expensive stock ones.51 7.393.2421 www.enduroeng.com

T&E News P 26Bryan Roper On World Trials American young guns Bryan situation that I’m put in. There’s Tarres. It’s a really sweet setupRoper and Andrew Putt have nothing I can do about it. You that some people helped get usbeen flying back and forth just work with what you got and coordinated with.from Europe to the United make the most of it.States competing in both the Tell me the biggest differ-Aires AMA US MotoTrials Se- You’re leaving Monday after ence that you’re finding fromries and the World Cup class at the Ohio trials. Where are you the rounds you’re riding inthe World rounds in Europe. off to now? Europe and what you’re riding over here? At the Ohio national in June, This next trip, the first roundwe sat down with Roper to see is in France and then the sec- The obvious answer is the nohow everything is going. ond round’s in Andorra and stop in the soft trials. But over then right after Andorra on that there we go against 30 differ- How are you handling all Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday ent guys. The first day in checkthe travel? we actually have a three-day this guy got 4th and then the training with the FRME team, second day he got 15th. So the We showed up at Nebraska trained by Tony Bou and Pol very ability over there is abso-a little bit jet lagged. It’s the

T&E News V. 50 Issue 7 July 2015 P 27 that is in the unknown factor where the red line riders just get away with murder over there and Andrew and I, we hesitate for not even a half a second and they’re already raising their hand to give us a five. It’s just something I think everybody deals with. I’ve seen other riders get horrible, hor- rible calls. It happens to every- body, but then again it’s still back onto us to not even be put in that situation.lutely crazy. If you’re having a least have a three-foot run at it Are the obstacles biggergood day you get a really good because it’d be impossible to over here because you canscore, but if you don’t, not so go and do a 180, turn, and go stop?much. Here there’s only three up a five-foot rock, all while notother guys that we’re really com- stopping. Here it’s kind of nice Yeah. Over there we do somepeting against, so I think that’s because there’s no conflict with pro level walls where theythe biggest difference. “did you stop, did you not stop?” wouldn’t have expert gates up it but we do red line rides here. Tell me about the sections. Are they scoring it strict? Last weekend we had a hugeHow do they compare to what After the first day in Sweden 10-foot splatter that we had toyou’re riding here? they were pretty lenient and go up and no way they’d send stuff. I know Andrew got a really blue up that, but they’d defi- It kind of goes back to the bad call in section 6 the first nitely send red. So it’s kind ofwhole no stops soft thing. day. And then the second day I like that mix, in-between blueThey’re set up more for no stop, got called for 5 and it was really, and red is where our pro is at.a little bit more flowy and a little really quick. I was kind of blownbit more open. It’s all about the away. I just looked at him like, What do you feel like you’reobstacles. Here we have just what was that? And he actually bringing back from overtighter setups. You might be ended up telling me that in the there? What are you learning?really close to a wall, maybe a checkers meeting they told himfoot away, and have to go up be more strict on the second If a long section here in theit, where in Europe you would day. So it’s just that variability US and it’s tied on time, I just nonever be put that close. You’d at stop all the way to it because I’m comfortable with keeping my momentum and not having to stop and, “oh, am I going to make it if I don’t stop?”You just flow through the section and usually you’re good on time because the no stop helps with that. n



T&E News V. 50 Issue 7 July 2015 P 29 COOL New Products STUFF Sign Craft Sportz 57 Series Truck Tent [email protected] www.napieroutdoors.com Our old buddy Charlie Williams has found a Why camp in an ordinary ground tent or an ex-new bag, making artful signs. pensive RV when you can camp right in the back Charlie told us that each one of his pieces is of your truck? The 57 Series Sportz Truck Tentsigned and numbered and he keeps a record assembles in the back of your open-bed pickupof who and where. You buy a sign, he gets the truck, creating a comfortable, restful sleepingmoney. “In time I will die and that feels like any area for two people wherever your vehicle canminute now,” says Charlie. “But upon my death take you. Features include over 5.6’ of headroomyour artwork value will sky rocket and you will and a patented sewn-in floor so you don’t have tobe able to get your initial investment plus!!!!! It worry about cleaning out your truck bed prior tois an investment in your future. Now you have use.bought into dumber plans, but this one is fool The 57 Series Sportz Truck Tent packs into anproof, guaranteed. Wouldn’t it be cool to have expandable, lightweight carrying bag so you canyour grand children on Antiques Roadshow take it anywhere you go. Store it behind your seatwith their original Charlie Williams and find out for any unexpected adventure! Perfect for fishing,it’s worth a fortune? hunting, tailgating, off-roading, and family camp- Haha, okay, buy a sign from Charlie and keep ing. Join the millions who have already discov-him out of trouble. ered how Sportz Truck Tents add convenience Visit Charlie on Facebook. We’re not sure and flexibility to all your outdoor adventures.where, you’ll have to find him! 2015 MSRP: $269.99 USD TF: 800.567.2434 P: 905.935.0427

T&E News P 302016 Husky EnduroONTHEHORIZONHusqvarna annouces new modelsTE 250 HUSQVARNA MY16 ENDURO on improving off-road perfor- market, guarantee HusqvarnaRANGE mance ensure the highest grade Motorcycles have not rested in of Enduro development avail- the development of their MY16 The backbone of the Husqvar- able. enduro range.na brand is Enduro racing. Animble bike on single-track trail. Sharp and modern bodywork From the light and super-agileClosely linked to their continued with a Swedish design ap- two-stroke TE 125 through tosporting successes, Husqvarna’s proach, high-tech chassis and the breath taking performancenew 2016 enduro model range engines, rear link suspension, of the four-stroke FE 501,sees notable improvements and premium components together Husqvarna Motorcycles’ pre-refinements. Engine, chassis and with long service intervals and mium enduro bikes once againsuspension upgrades focused high reliability, plus the larg- feature seven models to cater est capacity fuel tank on the for the needs of both competi-

T&E News V. 50 Issue 7 July 2015 P 31 TE 300tive racers and weekend trail model improvements. CNC machined triple clampswarriors. With easy rideability to Chassis, suspension and on all bikes now feature a 22support the rider in every situ- mm offset. Designed to evenlyation there is no better choice engine enhancements deliver a distribute the clamping forcewhen pioneering new terrain. lighter, more comfortable and on the fork leg, when combined competitive ride. Upgraded with the new front axle and axle Together with Husqvarna’s suspension geometry and re- clamp geometry it ensures im-off-road race teams, experi- vised settings, combined with a proved agility and stability. Theenced designers and engineers standard handlebar map switch triple clamps also allow for fourhave worked tirelessly to deliver improve handling, confidence handlebar positions to suit theimportant updates for the com- and control. needs of a wide variety of riders.ing year. Extensive input intothe 2016 models has come from On all 2016 enduro bikes a Complementing the frontHusqvarna’s top-level racers new lighter 22 mm front axle axle and triple clamp updates,– Enduro 2 World Champion with optimised axle clamp di- the 4CS fork – now in its fourthPela Renet, Extreme Enduro mensions replace the previous year of production – has beenstar Graham Jarvis and AMA 26 mm axle to offer improved further developed to improveNational Enduro Champion stability and better front-end damping, handling, plushnessAndrew DeLong. Knowledge feel. Shorter axle clamp offset and rider comfort. Easy ac-gained from competition lies at also helps improve fork func- cess clicker dials provide quickthe heart of Husqvarna’s 2016 tion. High quality, anodised black

T&E News P 32FE 250 OVERVIEW OF MY16 ENDURO UPDATESadjustments on the go. The tion system on the FE 250 and • New 22 mm front axlehigh performance DCC (Dual FE 350 improve lubrication in • 22 mm offset triple clampsCompression Control) rear link extreme conditions while also • Revised 4CS fork setupsuspension made by WP has a helping to prevent damage • New rear shock setuprevised setup perfectly match- against excessive oil fill-up. • New fork protectors withing the geometry and setup ...inmould graphicschanges on the front-end, allow- Further developments for • Updated gearbox on FE 250ing the rider to command the 2016 see new fork protectors, a ...and FE 350trail with confidence. standard ignition map switch, • Updated DDS clutch on FE GFK disc brakes front and rear, ...450 and FE 501 An updated lightweight lighter spokes with a weight • Standard map switchsix-speed gearbox with en- saving of 100g, a sporty looking • Modified lubrication systemduro specific gearing has been blue anodised Supersprox 2K ...on FE 250 and FE 350fitted to all enduro models to rear sprocket, new seat cover • New front and rear discensure easy and precise shift- and finally new colours and ...brakesing. Combined with the DDS graphics that reflect Husqvarna’s • New lightweight spokesclutch system and the premium traditional colours. • Blue anodised rear sprocketBrembo hydraulic system means • New seat cover with highthe MY16 enduro range delivers The new Husqvarna 2016 en- ...grip and durable materialsmoother shifting and consis- duro range is available from all • New colours and graphicstent clutch action. For 2016 the authorized European HusqvarnaFE 450 and FE 501 clutch basket dealers during the month of 4CS Forkis now 80 grams lighter. July. n Modifications to the lubrica-

T&E News V. 50 Issue 7 July 2015 P 33 FE 350FE 501

T&E News P 342015 Sherco RacingONTHEHORIZON Sherco’s Special Edition Trials Sherco Racing Special Edition Sherco is introducing the Molybdenum. It has been en- RAD, anodized Blue, it has been2015 Racing Special Edition hanced to optimize its resis- machined for weight reduction.Trials Model, which offers a tance at the steering column,motorcycle that is more accom- at the mounting lugs for the Crown: With an FIM protector.plished than ever. It is the fruit silencer, the fuel tank, and in the Fuel tank, and Silencer: Outerof continued development at area of the footrest mounting. surface made of high impactall levels; the chassis, the engine resistant aluminum.and the appearance. Aluminum fork: The fork is Footrest: Made by GECO, produced by the MARZOCCHI Matt gold anodized aluminum, CHASSIS brand. It is 100% aluminum fully machined; very high qual- New framework: The frame and is one of the lightest on the ity with an excellent finish.is made entirely out of Chrome market. Rear wheel adjusting snails: Also manufactured by GECO, Rear wheel: Made by MO-

T&E News V. 50 Issue 7 July 2015 P 35Matte Black anodized alumi- Intake manifold: The entire triple trees and fork bracket, thenum, featuring a convenient intake manifold and seals have cylinder head, and the footrests.and compact design. been redesigned. Graphics kit: Brand new and Tires: Michelin X-LITE, ex- Housings: Special treatment exclusive for the new 2015 Rac-tremely light. (impregnated with Alodine to ing Special Edition Trials Model. seal, and resist leaking over The neon yellow is sublime and Brakes: Brake system BRAK- time) energizes the lines of the bike.TEC, fitted with high perfor-mance GALFER discs. Exhaust pipe: Handmade of White handlebar: OXIA Han- Titanium by M2 LINX. dlebar has a satin white finish. Front wheel axle: Lightened Steering pivot nut: Lightened Gear lever: Strengthened. The 2015 Racing Special Edi- Circuit breaker: Installed as APPEARANCE tion Trials Model is the fruit oforiginal equipment Rims: The rims are anodized over 15 years of experience and ENGINE blue, the hubs and two spokes knowledge in the production of Piston: Forged and manufac- are bright yellow (for easier Trials motorcycles. The modeltured by Vertex. valve location). will be available in this configu- Cylinder head: S3, the weight Plastics: Black, giving an ration for a limited time. nhas been reduced and it is fin- elegant look to the bike.ished in Matt gold. Matt gold finishes: The fork Clutch: Clutch Surflex R.

T&E News P 36 Enduro EngineeringQuick TipBib Mousse Removal

T&E News V. 50 Issue 7 July 2015 P 37 CODY WEBB 2014 ENDUROCROSS CHAMPION WWW.REKLUSE.COMCHOOSE YOUR ADVANTAGE CORE EXP™ OR CORE MANUAL WITH TORQDRIVE™AUTO-CLUTCH MANUAL-CLUTCH

T&E News P 38

T&E News V. 50 Issue 7 July 2015 P 39TAKING FUN SERIOUSLY OSET 24.0 7 year old Myles CONCEPT on his 20.0 Racing. 303 990-2390 - [email protected] Eco 12.5 Racing 16.0 Racing 20.0 Eco 20.0 RacingElectric bikes for 2-12 year olds. OSET have been the global number 1 electric dirt bike manufacturersince 2006. These bikes are taking over as THE place to start. Check out YouTube for the evidence on

T&E News P 40Smage Sweeps NebraskaPat Smage won both days of a very slippery weekend in Nebraska.

T&E News V. 50 Issue 7 July 2015 P 41Aires AMA US National Moto- Andrew Putt flies up one of theTrials Series many big ups in Nebraska.Rounds 5&6June 13-14, 2015Nehawka, NebraskaPhotos by Ryan Brehob andChristine Meyerpeter Pat Smage continued hisdominance of the Aires AMA USNational MotoTrials Series withan impressive double victory atrounds 5 & 6 of the series thisweekend in Nehawka, Ne-braska, giving the Sherco USArider six-straight wins in thechampionship and boosting hislead in the series standings to acomfortable lead. On Saturday, Smage toppedup-and-comers Andrew Puttand Bryan Roper in an eventthat most considered thetoughest round held so far thisyear. Rain the week before theevent left the area saturated,which made the sections ex-tremely slippery and difficult.Despite the circumstances,Smage coped with the condi-tions much better than his rivalsand steadily pulled away fromthe field on each of the threelaps, taking Saturday’s win by 44points over second place in thehigh-scoring event. “It was very slick with mostlytechnical lines and a few bighits thrown in, which made ittough,” said Smage. “It was easyto slide off the good line andget a five. I had a few frustratingfive’s and sloppy points that I’m

T&E News P 42 Bryan Roper takes aim at the opposite bank after ducking under a log.not happy with, but hopefully Overall, I made too many mis- ishing sixth with 139.I can clean up my riding for to- takes on the first lap that kept Sunday saw another group ofmorrow and stay consistent.” me from second place. To score in the 80s and lose by five was challenging sections – slippery Meanwhile, Putt and Roper pretty devastating.” and difficult, even though thefaced off in a titanic battle for forecasted rain held off.the runner-up slot, with Putt At the end of the day, Smagegetting the nod by just four stood in the center of the po- Cody Webb, the 2010 US Mo-points over Roper after 36 sec- dium after dropping 40 points. toTrials champion, was amongtions of competition. Putt was second with 84 points, Smage’s challengers on Sunday, and Roper third with 89. flying in at the last minute after “The sections were very tricky winning the Last Dog Standingand technical, and all rideable, Sherco riders Logan Bolopue race on Saturday in California.but definitely the toughest (130 points) and Daniel Blanc- Webb crashed hard on thewe’ve had all year,” said Roper. Gonnet (135 points) rounded second lap of the trial, however,“We had one huge up, but it out the top five with Gas Gas and DNFed the event after tak-rode way easier than it looked. USA-backed Alex Niederer fin- ing a trip to minor emergency.

T&E News V. 50 Issue 7 July 2015 P 43 Smage once again dominated Gas Gas USA’s Alex Niedererthe event, taking the lead from cleans a nasty root section.the first section and holding it tothe finish. Once again, Putt and Roperbattled over second place withPutt taking his second runner-up finish in a row, and Roperonce again rounding out thepodium. At the end of the day, Smagestood atop the podium afterdropping 37 points on the day.Putt was second with 69, andRoper third with 88. “It was another tough day,”said Smage. “Section three wasa very muddy and difficult rockgarden where a three was allI could manage. Section eighthad a big waterfall with little runup to it and I was only able tomake it though on the last loop.Overall I’m happy with the waythe season has started but stillnot happy with the amount ofsmall mistakes I’ve been making.I’ll work to minimize those therest of the year.” Putt turned in his most pro-ductive weekend of the serieswith a pair of seconds andmoved to within three points ofRoper in the standings, as thetwo riders sit second and third,respectively, behind Smage inthe standings. “Each section was a race ontime due to the length,” saidPutt. “Sunday was a little dryerand the sections were slightlyeasier. Pat was in his own butBryan and I had a good battle forsecond. I was pleased with myriding both days though!”

T&E News P 44 Gas Gas USA’s Alex Niederer Mississippi rider Scott Jordan took the win in this division onfinished fourth on Sunday, with was best on both days in the All Saturday, with Randy GibsonBlanc-Gonnet and Bolopue Clubman line on Saturday with taking the top spot on Sunday,.rounding out the top six. a low total of four points and RESULTS four points on Sunday. Ran- Saturday Drew Fortner had a great dall Black finished second on 1. Pat Smage (Shr)weekend in the Expert class, Saturday and Elliot Key finished 2. Andrew Putt (Shr)winning both days on his Gas second on Sunday. 3. Bryan Roper (Shr)Gas. Jerome Gregorowicz fin- 4. Logan Bolopue (Shr)ished second on Saturday, and In the All Expert-Sportsman 5. Daniel Blanc-Gonnet (Shr)Andrew Oldar on Sunday. Line, Gary Bourque took the win 6. Alex Niederer (GG) on both days, with Brad Villand Sunday In the sport classes, Ben Win- finishing second on both days. 1. Pat Smage (Shr)terer of Minnesota topped the 2. Andrew Putt (Shr)All Support Line on Saturday In the Women’s class, Madison 3. Bryan Roper (Shr)with a score of 16. Winterer also Leigh beat Kailey Rivenburg on 4. Alex Niederer (GG)won the Sportsman division. Saturday and Martina Krampitz 5. Daniel Blanc-Gonnet (Shr) on Sunday. 6. Logan Bolopue (Shr) On Sunday, Payden Campbellof Kansas was top finisher in the The High School class has pro-All Support Line with a total of duced a lot of champions overeight points. the years and Micah Hertrich Andrew Putt gets maximum extension.

T&E News V. 50 Issue 7 July 2015 P 45 After winning the Last Dog Standing off-road race in California on Saturday, Cody Webb flewin overnight to compete on Sunday in Nebraska. The US Montesa rider crashed on the second loop and took a trip to the ER for stitches.

T&E News P 46Beta USA’s Ty Cullins

T&E News V. 50 Issue 7 July 2015 P 47Championship form by Pat Smage

T&E News P 48Smage Clinches In Ohio2015 Aires AMA US National MotoTrials Series Pat Smage was impressive on the slippery terrain in Ohio.

T&E News V. 50 Issue 7 July 2015 P 49Aires AMA US National Moto- Beta USA rider Ty Cullins dropsTrials Series into one of the many creeks.Rounds 7&8June 20-21, 2015Toronto, OhioPhotos by Shan Moore Pat Smage clinched hiseighth US National MotoTrialtitle with two rounds remain-ing on the schedule by taking adouble victory at rounds sevenand eight of the Aires AMAUS National MotoTrials Seriesin Toronto, Ohio. So far, theSherco USA rider is undefeatedthrough eight rounds, and islooking at a sweep of the entireseries if he can win the remain-ing two rounds in Wyoming. Much like the week before inNebraska, heavy rains left east-ern Ohio heavily saturated andafter Saturday’s round, Smagecalled the event the muddiestand slickest he’d ever ridden,with the exception of possiblyhis first ever national. In fact,a creek running through theproperty swelled to the pointthat sections had to be thrownout because they weren’t acces-sible to the riders. “You couldn’t rely on gripanywhere it was so muddy,”said Smage. “It was some of thetoughest conditions I’ve ridden.” On Saturday, Smage took asmall initial lead after postinga 19-point score for the open-ing lap. This included a fiveat section two where he hitthe ground so hard his hel-

T&E News P 50 Andrew Putt blasts up a mossy climb.met came off when he failed card showed 24 points, while The battle for third cameto make it up a tall and nearly teammate Andrew Putt began down to the final lap betweenvertical step. to move into the podium pic- Roper and Putt, with Putt finally ture after dropping 20 points for grabbing the last step of the Smage’s Sherco USA team- the lap. podium after logging a stellarmate Bryan Roper was not far 17-point final lap and a total ofbehind at the end of lap one With sections at their muddi- 64 points. Roper finished fourwith a score of 18, while Cody est, Smage did good to match marks behind Putt with a totalWebb posted a 19-point lap on his nine-point score from lap of 68 for fourth, while Shercohis US Montesa-backed Cota two on his third and final lap, USA’s Logan Bolopue rounded4RT. giving him a total of 24 for the out the top five with a total of day and the win. Webb main- 84. Smage picked up the pace tained his consistency, as well,on lap two, knocking 10 points and posted anther 13-point lap Gas Gas USA’s Alex Niedereroff his first lap total for a score to finish the day with 45 and chipped his two front teeth in aof nine for the lap, while Webb second overall. nasty crash on the final lap, butcame in with 13 marks. Roper’s