Round 2: Sandlapper National Enduro

Beginning of the second test.

Race: Sandlapper National Enduro

Bike: 09 KTM 200

Result: 5^th A-200, 70^th Overall

Sponsors: I would like to thank Stickman Graphx, Unabiker.com, EKS Brand Goggles, Kriega USA, Rekluse, All Balls Racing, Fly Racing, Mika Metals, DT-1 Filters, Works Enduro Rider, FMF Racing, Vertex Pistons, Powerseal USA, Matto Cycle, Offroadviking.com, Clockwork KTM, Torc 1 Racing, Motorex, G2 Ergonomics, my family, and my Dad.

Report:

            My dad and I headed down to the Sandlapper National Enduro on Saturday and arrived at our hotel in Columbia, SC around 4PM.  I chose to stay at the hotel and rest instead of going to hang out at the race itself.  I have been under the weather with a nasty cold since Georgia and can’t seem to stop hacking up a lung.  After a night of sleep, we headed to the race at 6AM.  It became apparent fairly quick that the forecast of 55 for the day was not going to happen.  Instead, it was 30 degrees and overcast.

            I spent a half hour prior to the start getting warmed up and adjusting some jetting.  Unfortunately, I found it hard to get jetting right with the cold conditions but found something that worked.  The first test of the day was a lot of fun with flowing trail, whoops, sand, and some tight-sections.  I made a few mistakes by blowing some corners but managed to stay upright. After the section, I went to put my bike on the stand and realized that what was normally an easy task was difficult.  Sometimes when you are sick, you don’t realize how sick you are until you have difficulty doing something that is easy.

            The second section of the day was my least favorite as it didn’t flow very well but I managed to ride consistently.  One thing I seemed to struggle with was keeping the RPMs up on the bike in the sand corners which is something I need to work on.  The 3^rd and 4^th section were more open and flowed well.  I felt I rode well in these sections although my times don’t exactly show it.  My main problems were being consistently smooth and braking gradually.  I need to adjust my braking a little bit so it is more gradual.

            My 5^th and 6^th sections were my worst of the day.  As the day went on, I felt more sick and my endurance was decreasing.  Normally, I would excel in these wide-open sections but struggled to push all the way through.  At the end of the day, I placed 5^th and 70^th overall.  Although I didn’t crash all day and rode smooth, I didn’t perform according to my expectations.  It is my hopes these two National Enduros will help me start strong in the ECEA enduro series and place top 20 consistently at each race.  I want to thank everyone for their support and my dad for pitting for me this weekend!

2013 Race Bike ready for the Sandlapper!