Saturday, December 31, 2011

Trail Ride with Mika Metals Handlebars

Yesterday, I had the chance to go on a trail ride with my buddy in Delaware.  After spending the past couple of weeks tearing a part my bike and going through everything, the bike was finally ready for a nice trail ride.  One of the biggest changes for this year was running a new line of handlebars, chains, and sprockets by Mika Metals.  Yesterday, I tried out my Mika Metals 1 1/8" handlebars which are made from an aircraft aluminum.  I chose to go with the CR low bend this year because I have been told by multiple knowledgeable riders that the lower bend will help keep my weight over the center of the handlebars and help with turning.  Last year, I ran the Renthal RC/ Mini handlebars which are extremely tall but come not as wide so you don't have to cut them down.  On my Mika Metals handlebars, I cut 0.75" off of each side which is the most you can take off of them in order to have room for your controls.  With these handlebars, I am also running the Torc 1 Racing enduro grips with their grip donuts.  My friend and I went out to the farm and made a nice 1 mile loop that had perfect sandy dirt that provided great traction.  After breaking in this loop, I was very impressed with the way the Mika Metals handlebars felt.  They enabled me to get my elbows up in the corners and provided me with nice cornering.  At first, I was over-steering in some of the corners but then got a hang of the way these handlebars were working.  They seem extremely strong and I am excited to use them for the rest of the year.

I can't tell you how much of a blast it was to ride yesterday.  I am looking forward to a strong year in 2012.  I am confident in my equipment and I feel that I have the best support so far from my sponsors.  Next time, I will be trying the Mika Metals sprockets and chain.  Stay tuned for more updates!

Friday, December 9, 2011

New Sponsor: Mika Metals


I am proud to annouce that I have picked up a new sponsor called Mika Metals.  After being sponsored by DT-1 filters last year for the first time, I went back to them this year for more support because I was very impressed with their high quality products.  Paul Temmerman at DT-1 filters informed me of their new line of handlebars, chains, and sprockets under the new name, Mika Metals.  I took this opportunity to build my relationship with DT-1 Filters and Mika Metals, and I am excited to have them on board for 2012.  I just ordered my new sprockets, chains, and handlebars so I am excited to try them out over Christmas Break.  I will add more pictures of their products once I have them.

New Sponsor: MotoFIT


With the help of a close friend and ECEA AA rider, Bill Baker, I have now teamed up with MotoFIT.  With the help of Mike Omahony from MotoFIT, I look forward to progressing my racing in 2012 in both the ECEA Enduro and Hare Scramble series.  MotoFIT will be my source for KTM parts, information on the best set-ups, and bike help when I am ready to get a new KTM.  By executing my part at MotoFIT, I hope to bring their shop more business and show that they are dedicated to racers.  With this key support behind me, I am looking forward to the 2012 season!