Works Enduro Rider

Last year, I teamed up with Drew Smith at Works Enduro Rider to get suspension help.  Drew Smith did all of my suspension throughout the year, and I helped run their website and facebook page.  One of the biggest changes we made to my suspension was adding a bladder kit to my rear shock and softening up the suspension as a whole for the rocks.  I made a lot of progress with different suspension settings and felt more comfortable on the bike.  This winter, I sent out another set of suspension for him to work his magic on so that now we have a set of fully done suspension for my race and practice bike! I am looking forward to another strong season with WER and I will also be using their Steering Dampner on my race bike. Stay tuned for more news, updates, and information on my most recent plans.

New Sponsor: Fly Racing

Last year, I never signed directly with a gear sponsor since Johnny Limp at Torc 1 Racing was able to get me AXO gear.  This year, I was going to go the same route but Dale Spangler from WPS and Fly Racing contacted me asking if I would like to become a part of the Fly program.  With Fly's large push in the off-road industry and their extensive support of riders, I felt it was an easy choice to make.  Over the years, I have learned that taking the opportunities to create strong relationships with my sponsors will benefit me in the long run.  I will be wearing the Fly race wear and their carbon helmet.  I am still figuring out which types I will race in but I like the Kinetic gear and the Andrew Short F2 Carbon Helmet.  I am looking forward to being a part of the FLY program and I hope to become one of the names on their long list of Amateur Support team riders next year.  Stay tuned for pictures of my gear and helmet!

New Sponsor: Hinson Clutch Components

I am excited to announce that Hinson Clutch Components has joined me for the upcoming year.  I will be using their clutch components in my bikes!  They make the best clutch parts on the market and have great akadized clutch covers.  Stay tuned for more exciting information as we get closer to the racing season!

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!

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!