July 19, 2009Blain, PA
Round 8 of the National Enduro Series was held in Blain, Pennsylvania. This was my first time riding in the northeast. It was a nice 12 hour drive from home to get to the race. The little town of Blain is 50 miles away from the state capitol of Harrison. The start of the race was located at the Blain Picnic Grounds. Compared to many other race sites, the Foggy Mountain National Enduro pit area was well manicured and very spacious. I was placed on row 38 with Rory Sullivan, Morgan Moss, Mandi Mastin, and Duane Conner, all of which are very talented riders! This enduro consisted of 5 sections, none of which were more than 6 miles long. It also included several paved roads in transfer sections. I enjoyed this because it allowed me to see some of the beautiful country side. On Friday it rained most of the day forcing us to stay indoors. However, on Saturday, the weather was very pleasant with temperatures in the low 80's.
Much like Saturday, Sunday's weather was also very mild. After completing the first transfer section, we arrived at the first restart. Even though the first section was very rocky and technical, my Rekluse equipped KTM 250 XCF ran very smooth. The northeastern terrain was a struggle to adapt to, but I tried to stay positive. The second section began with the same rocky terrain, but then transitioned into flowing trails that reminded me of home. As a result, I felt more confident after completing the second section. The third and final section before gas was awesome! It started right where the second section ended, with the same flowing trails. After the out check we jumped back onto the road and cruised 6 miles back to camp.
Once I got back to camp for the gas, I ate some fruit and filled up my camelbak. Then, my dad and I went over the bike to make sure I hadn't damaged anything in the rocks. All was clear, so I jumped on the bike and headed back out onto the road to make sure I had plenty of time before the next section. The ride to the restart was fun because I was accompanied by Shock Doctor/KTM's Cory Buttrick. The
fourth section was back in the rocks and the trails got even tighter! I felt really consistent in this section because I got a good rhythm going. Before the final section, I had time to talk to my good friend Rory Sullivan. I enjoy talking to him because he always gives me tips on how to improve my technique. The fifth and final section of the day started off pretty good. It was rocky, but not very technical. Unfortunately, that didn't last long! About halfway through the section we descended a very steep hill into an extremely rocky creek bed. For the next 3.5 miles we rode down the creek and then climbed another hill onto a rocky goat trail that led us straight into the finish. After checking out of the section we had about an 8 mile ride back to camp. A few miles from the out check we ran into 
all of the spectators and pit crews. I stopped to talk to my parents, got something to drink, and cooled down. After relaxing for a few minutes, I headed back to camp.
fourth section was back in the rocks and the trails got even tighter! I felt really consistent in this section because I got a good rhythm going. Before the final section, I had time to talk to my good friend Rory Sullivan. I enjoy talking to him because he always gives me tips on how to improve my technique. The fifth and final section of the day started off pretty good. It was rocky, but not very technical. Unfortunately, that didn't last long! About halfway through the section we descended a very steep hill into an extremely rocky creek bed. For the next 3.5 miles we rode down the creek and then climbed another hill onto a rocky goat trail that led us straight into the finish. After checking out of the section we had about an 8 mile ride back to camp. A few miles from the out check we ran into 
all of the spectators and pit crews. I stopped to talk to my parents, got something to drink, and cooled down. After relaxing for a few minutes, I headed back to camp. At the end of the day I was very pleased with my ride. In spite of being out of my element, I accomplished two big goals of mine! I finished the race, and I never went down. In the future, I hope to spend more time riding and testing in this terrain. At the end of the day, I placed 5th in 250 B class and gained valuable points. This put me back into 3rd in points for the season.
I'd would like to thank everyone that supports me: My parents, my brother Jeremy, my girlfriend Jordan, Billy Burns, Rory Sullivan, KTM, KTM Powerwear, KTM Powerparts, Rekluse, Ride PG.com, Motorex, and FAHQ/Black Rainbow.
