ECEA Enduro Series Round 12: Rattlesnake National Enduro

Photo by Kevin Novello

Race Report: ECEA Enduro Series Round 12: Rattlesnake National Enduro

Rider: Zack Huberty

Bike: MotoFIT KTM 200 XC

Result:            Nationally: A-200 2^nd, 42^nd Overall

                        ECEA: A-200 1^st, 19^th Overall

Report:

            Following my win at the Foggy Mountain enduro, I was feeling a little more confident in myself.  I am slowly building my confidence as I finally can see that I have what it takes to win in the A200 class.  During my two weeks off, I was unable to ride because I had to catch up on work that needed to be done around the house.  I wasn’t that bothered by not riding as the long season makes a small break a good time to rest.   I pretty much kept the same bike setup going into the national enduro and made sure I had a trials tire ready in case it got extremely rocky.  I have been running a rock setting most of the year that has given me a lot of success.

            After a lot of rain throughout the week and on Saturday, the track was pretty slick at the race.  I rode on row 45 with another A200 buddy, Tanner Thomas.  Tanner has won every national enduro he has entered this year so I was excited to ride with him.  At 9:45 we took off on the first test which was fairly uneventful other than trying to stay off the ground.  The grass track was extremely slick and the woods were very dark.  I got horrible arm pump in this section which I have been battling recently.

            The next section went flawlessly as I flowed well and rode smooth.  The 3^rd section was the worst of the day for me as I rode over my head and made way too many mistakes.  I kept missing turns, almost crashing, and wadded up on two muddy logs.  This was the first time that I have ever had the rear wheel kick me in the head (pretty scary).  The rest of the day was uneventful as I focused on riding smooth, not making mistakes, and riding smart.  My strongest section came in the 9 mile A B section.  Prior to the section, I made the call to put on a Vee Rubber Trials Tire.  This was the best decision I made during the day because it helped a lot and I was able to ride very well.  The only problem I had was that I got tired towards the end but was able to ride smooth to the end of the section.

            I then decided to switch back to a knobby for the final section of the day.  I started to feel tired during the last section and it was also very loamy.  There were huge holes in the trail in this section which made it sickening as it was a rough ride.  I was so tired that I couldn’t even double the big holes.  I finished the section strong and was happy that I didn’t let the two AA riders behind me catch me all day.  At the end of the day, I was happy to finish 2^nd in my class and 42^nd overall at the National.  I was even happier to finish 1^st in the A200 class in the ECEA which now ties me in points for the lead.  I am also seeing a dietician now so I look forward to improving in the upcoming races.  I really want to get my first championship.

I would like to thank the support of my family and friends, especially my dad for his race support, as well as my sponsors which are Johnny Limp at Torc1Racing, Drew Smith at WER Suspension, Tech Tube, Mike at MotoFIT, PowerSeal USA, Unabiker, FMF, Jerod Stoner at JS Designs for the jersey lettering, EKS Brand Goggles, P3, All Balls Racing, Sixsixone, Mika Metals, N-Style, Vertex Pistons, Fly Racing, DT-1 Filters, Motorex, Hinson Clutch Components, Acerbis, and Clockwork KTM.

NEPG A-200 Class Results

1) Tanner Thomas (KTM) 34:37

2) Zack Huberty (MotoFIT KTM) 47:04

3) Eric Kriberney (KTM) 49:47

4) Terry Yiengst (KTM) 53:10

5) Todd Vess (KAW) 55:00

For more information:
Check WER Suspension out on Facebook “Works Enduro Rider (WER)”
Check MotoFIT Motorsports out on Facebook “MotoFIT”

Check Zack Huberty out on Facebook “Zack Huberty”
Check Zack Huberty’s Blog http://zackhuberty323racing.blogspot.com/

Round 11: SORR Foggy Mountain Enduro

Erin Lyn Photography

Race Report: ECEA Enduro Series Round 11: SORR Foggy Mountain Enduro

Rider: Zack Huberty

Bike: MotoFIT KTM 200 XC

Result: A-200 1^st, 17^th Overall

Report:

            After feeling like I couldn’t put a section together at STER, I was hoping that I could put in a solid ride at Foggy Mountain.  Going into the race, I knew that the heat would be a factor, and I also debated using a knobby or a trials tire.  Prior to Foggy Mountain, I picked up a Specialized Hardrock 29er from Lee Rogers at Bicycle Therapy in Philadelphia.  It has been a goal of mine to buy a mountain bike this summer and start training more by mountain biking.  Lee was extremely knowledgeable about mountain bikes and walked me through everything on the bike.  He also introduced me to Hammer Nutrition products which I am going to look into as I want to start focusing on fueling my body the correct way.

            We left at 4am on Sunday morning and my Dad took care of all of pitting needs throughout the day.  Through the first two sections I suffered some small arm pump as I was holding on too tight to the bars.  Despite a crash within the first mile of the first section, I rode flawlessly the rest of the day.  I focused a lot more on trying to be more aggressive down straight-aways by riding the bike a little higher in the rpms.  The day was fairly uneventful as I just tried to focus on riding smooth and mistake free.  We made two small errors throughout the day when we checked into two sections later into our minute than I liked, but it didn’t hurt us that bad.  I rode along with Pete Wright most of the day who has consistently been a top 15 rider.  For the first time in a while, I stuck behind his wheel almost all day and even made a pass in the final section.

            At the end of the day, I was able to beat 2^nd place by 3 points and my closest competition by 6 points.  I am trying to keep my riding intensity and focus up throughout the races so that I can ride stronger.  This was also the first race I used my Tech Tube in a Bridgestone M404 and it worked awesome.  It is great to know that you don’t have to worry about a flat.  My MotoFIT KTM 200 worked excellent and the small jetting change I made seemed to work all around a lot better in the heat.  I have to say that my day was a lot less stressful since my dad was out there pitting for me, filling my camelback, and taking a look over my bike at times when I was resting.  In two weeks, I head to the Rattlesnake National Enduro where I will try to put in another solid ride.

I would like to thank the support of my family and friends, especially my dad for his race support, as well as my sponsors which are Johnny Limp at Torc1Racing, Drew Smith at WER Suspension, Tech Tube, Mike at MotoFIT, PowerSeal USA, Unabiker, FMF, Jerod Stoner at JS Designs for the jersey lettering, EKS Brand Goggles, P3, All Balls Racing, Sixsixone, Mika Metals, N-Style, Vertex Pistons, Fly Racing, DT-1 Filters, Motorex, Hinson Clutch Components, Acerbis, and Clockwork KTM.

A-200 Class Results

1) Zack Huberty (MotoFIT KTM) 17-408

2) Brad Gelwicks  (KTM) 20-399

3) Ron Decaro (KTM) 22-491

4) Steve Aretz (KTM) 23-525

5) Denny Mann (GAS) 33-722

For more information:
Check WER Suspension out on Facebook “Works Enduro Rider (WER)”
Check MotoFIT Motorsports out on Facebook “MotoFIT”

Check Zack Huberty out on Facebook “Zack Huberty”
Check Zack Huberty’s Blog http://zackhuberty323racing.blogspot.com/

ECEA Round 10: Barbed Wire Enduro

Race Report: ECEA Enduro Series Round 10: STER Barbed Wire Enduro

Rider: Zack Huberty

Bike: MotoFIT KTM 200 XC

Result: A-200 1^st, 21^st Overall

Report:

            The past few months have gone by so fast with racing, work, and the endless bike maintenance.  I unfortunately haven’t had the time to write a race report recently but the two previous races went well with two second place finishes in technical terrain.  This past weekend, my Dad and I headed to Elmira, PA to race the Barbed Wire Enduro.  We arrived there on Saturday after a four and a half hour drive.  In the morning, we woke up to excellent riding weather and I felt good.  The only thing that was bothering me was a swollen ankle from a bee sting on that Friday. 

            The track conditions were fairly dry and loamy with a lot of roots.  I headed into the first section confident in myself and my bike.  I had a great start as I followed a fellow A rider (Pete Wright) who has been riding at AA speed all year.  I was right on him until a big root sent my bike and I right into a tree.  In the shadows of the dark, the root got me and wrapped me around the tree.  Luckily, my chest protector and handlebars took most of the hit but the chest protector left a nice gash on my stomach.  I was frustrated with my mistakes early on, and even had arm pump throughout the section from being so tense.

            At the first gas stop, I straightened out the bars and made some suspension changes.  I was so frustrated with the way I was riding and was having trouble finding traction in the hard-pack terrain.  With some helpful advice from friends and my dad, I re-gathered my composure and started putting in some solid times.  I only ran into one other problem which was a flat tire before the gas, but I had everything I needed to successfully make the tube change.  Throughout the rest of the day, I only crashed hard once which sent the bike cart-wheeling (one of the nastiest crashes of the season).  For the remaining sections,  I paced myself and let the bike do the work as I rode calm.  In the last section of the day, I finally rode consistent, with-in my limits, and was satisfied with myself.

            Even though I had a rough day, I still rode solid enough to get a class win and missed out once again on AA overall points by one position.  For the last 6 or so races, I have been inside the top 21 so I am happy with that.  This weekend I will head to SORR for the Foggy Mountain Enduro.  I am hoping to ride stronger and more consistent in every section of the day and finish inside the top 15.  I’d also like to mention that I am currently looking for support for 2013 so if anybody is interested, please contact me at ktmracing323@yahoo.com.

I would like to thank the support of my family and friends, especially my dad for his race support, as well as my sponsors which are Johnny Limp at Torc1Racing, Drew Smith at WER Suspension, Mike at MotoFIT, PowerSeal USA, Unabiker, FMF, Jerod Stoner at JS Designs for the jersey lettering, EKS Brand Goggles, P3, All Balls Racing, Sixsixone, Mika Metals, N-Style, Vertex Pistons, Fly Racing, DT-1 Filters, Motorex, Hinson Clutch Components, Acerbis, and Clockwork KTM.

A-200 Class Results

1) Zack Huberty (MotoFIT KTM) 23-750

2) Steve Aretz (KTM) 25-813

3) Rob Trout (YAM) 26-838

4) Ron Decaro (KTM) 26-863

5) Holt Wiggans (KTM) 30-760

For more information:
Check WER Suspension out on Facebook “Works Enduro Rider (WER)”
Check MotoFIT Motorsports out on Facebook “MotoFIT”

Check Zack Huberty out on Facebook “Zack Huberty”
Check Zack Huberty’s Blog http://zackhuberty323racing.blogspot.com/

ECEA RORR Enduro: 1st and top 15 Overall!

Race Report: ECEA Enduro Series Round 7: RORR Enduro

Rider: Zack Huberty

Bike: MotoFIT KTM 200 XC

Result: A-200 1^st, 15^th Overall

Report:

            It’s been a long four weeks as we have had four enduros back to back since I finished my sophomore year at Penn State. The terrain has been totally different each weekend so tire selection and suspension settings have been a big key.  Prior to the RORR enduro, I got a Vee Rubber Trials Tire and a Tech Tube from Drew Smith.  On Thursday, I rode with Jamie (AA) and Pete Wright (Asr) to try it out.  This was my first time using a trials tire and I liked it a lot in the rocks.  My trouble in the rocks has always been the rock gardens where I usually get hung up.  With the trials tire, I just pick a line and go through it without any difficulties.

            I arrived at the race on Sunday morning to the surprise of a track that had been rained on all night.  I got ready for a long day with high temperatures and humidity.  The first section of the day was about 6 miles of slimy, rocky, and tight trails.  I got some of my first arm-pump of the year here, stalled a few times, and had a tip-over so I wasn’t flawless.  I still dropped a respectable score.  In the next section, I had my best section of the day in a 10-mile piece where I was able to pass a competitor (also in A-200) who was two minutes ahead of me.  I rode flawless in this section and rode smooth.  For the rest of the day, I continued to ride smooth and not ride out of control.   My consistency was rewarded at the end of the day when I won my first A-200 race and finished 15^th overall.  The trials tire gave me added confidence in areas where I usually struggle.

            As always, there is always room for improvement and my hunger for success only grows.  I need to get better in my first sections in the rocks and I also need to push myself a little harder in order to set faster section times.  I plan to rest up this week and make some more bike set-up changes for the upcoming enduro.  I then plan to ride two times before the RRMC enduro in two weeks.  I’d like to take the time to say that I am excited about a new sponsor that came on board, Unabiker.  They make awesome radiator guards and are in the works on some different skid plates.  Check them out at Unabiker.com.

I would like to thank the support of my family and friends, especially my dad for his race support, as well as my sponsors which are Johnny Limp at Torc1Racing, Drew Smith at WER Suspension, Mike at MotoFIT, PowerSeal USA, Unabiker, FMF, Jerod Stoner at JS Designs for the jersey lettering, EKS Brand Goggles, P3, All Balls Racing, Sixsixone, Mika Metals, N-Style, Vertex Pistons, Fly Racing, DT-1 Filters, Motorex, Hinson Clutch Components, Acerbis, and Clockwork KTM.

A-200 Class Results

1) Zack Huberty (MotoFIT KTM) 39-802

2) Timothy Mettinger (KTM) 40-865

3) Ron Decaro (KTM) 55-1190

4) Joseph Ferraro (KTM) 78-1757

5) Dennis Mann (GG) 104-2058

For more information:
Check WER Suspension out on Facebook “Works Enduro Rider (WER)”
Check MotoFIT Motorsports out on Facebook “MotoFIT”

Check Zack Huberty out on Facebook “Zack Huberty”
Check Zack Huberty’s Blog http://zackhuberty323racing.blogspot.com/

ECEA PBER Clock Run Enduro

Race Report: ECEA Enduro Series Round 6: PBER Clock Run Enduro
Rider: Zack Huberty
Bike: MotoFIT KTM 200 XC
Result: A-200 3rd, 16th Overall

Report:
As the season progresses, my expectations of myself are getting set higher as I want to be a consistent top 20 rider.  Unfortunately, I had a lot of bike work to do before the Clock Run enduro.  I had to change some seals and put a whole new clutch in along with regular maintenance.  I tried to change some of my suspension settings as well in order to get them working correctly for some high speed, bumpy fire cuts.  After reviewing the rider confirmation for the race, I got mentally prepared for a very fast paced day that would require my full concentration.
Once our line took off at the race, we quickly realized that the dust would be a factor throughout the day.  The first timed section of the day featured some very fast fire cuts and sand roads that were hard to keep pace at a 36mph speed average.  I did my best to stay on time but I didn’t feel safe at those high speeds in the whoops.  I decided to back it down a notch because my rear was bucking side to side (my error on the settings).  I just missed the flip for this section by 6 seconds which was disappointing.  We then went to gas and we started the longest section of the day.  This section was about 16 miles and was broken into two sections.  I rode pretty well through here and was mistake free, but I had a lot of trouble with lappers.  In the fire cuts, lappers would not pull out of the way which made it dangerous.  I ended up dropping a respectable score, but I think I could have done better with a little more fine tuning of my rear shock.
Unfortunately, those were the only points dropping sections of the day, but I was able to come out in 3rd place and 16th overall.  I am trying to ride consistently and in the top 20 every weekend.  I am still learning every ride and learning how to ride conservatively and smart.  This coming weekend we will head to the RORR enduro for some rock racing!
I would like to thank the support of my family and friends, especially my dad for his race support, as well as my sponsors which are Johnny Limp at Torc1Racing, Drew Smith at WER Suspension, Mike at MotoFIT, PowerSeal USA, FMF, Jerod Stoner at JS Designs for the jersey lettering, EKS Brand Goggles, P3, All Balls Racing, Sixsixone, Mika Metals, N-Style, Vertex Pistons, Fly Racing, DT-1 Filters, Motorex, Hinson Clutch Components, Acerbis, and Clockwork KTM.

A-200 Class Results
1) Timothy Mettinger (KTM) 10-587
2) Steve Aretz (KTM) 14-824
3) Zack Huberty (MotoFIT KTM) 15-884
4) Matt Pratola (KTM) 15-935
5) Ron Decaro 18-1087

For more information:
Check WER Suspension out on Facebook “Works Enduro Rider (WER)”
Check MotoFIT Motorsports out on Facebook “MotoFIT”
Check Zack Huberty out on Facebook “Zack Huberty”
Check Zack Huberty’s Blog http://zackhuberty323racing.blogspot.com/

ECEA Delaware Enduro

Photo by Russ Brown

Race Report: ECEA Enduro Series Round 5: Delaware Enduro

Rider: Zack Huberty

Bike: MotoFIT KTM 200 XC

Result: A-200 2^nd

Report:

            Coming off a 15^th overall finish the weekend before, I was feeling more confident for the Delaware Enduro which featured an all start-control format.  The terrain fit my style of riding better and featured a lot of single track, grass track, and loamy woods.  In previous years, I have never been able to put in a solid ride at Delaware, mostly due to my lack of fitness for the long sections.  This year I came in stronger and more conditioned as I have been training hard.  I was a little worried about the long 12 mile section during the day but it gave me no trouble.  Coming into the first gas of the day, I was still tied for first place which I have never been able to do at the races.  I was riding flawlessly, smooth, and calm.  A ¼ mile before the first gas, a large root snagged my brake lever and bent it back to my foot peg.  This was unfortunate as I could barely put my foot on the foot peg as it was in the way.  At the gas, I straightened out the pedal and fueled up. 

            For the rest of the day, I rode solid and followed a 250A rider on my row.  I made 3 mistakes the rest of the day which lost me time.  After the 4^th test, I noticed that the wet spot in my skid plate wasn’t mud, but oil leaking out of my shift shaft.  This worried me throughout the rest of the day as it kept pooling up in my skid plate, but Dean Kulp had some oil that I added after each test.  I finished the day strong in the last section and passed the 250A rider on my row as I was tired of following him.  At the end of the day, I finished 2^nd in my class and 30^th overall.  I finished 2 points behind first which is the closest I have come all year to winning.  I am looking forward to the upcoming enduro this weekend at the Clock Run enduro where we will hammer sand whoops all day!

I would like to thank the support of my family and friends, especially my dad for his race support, as well as my sponsors which are Johnny Limp at Torc1Racing, Drew Smith at WER Suspension, Mike at MotoFIT, PowerSeal USA, FMF, Jerod Stoner at JS Designs for the jersey lettering, EKS Brand Goggles, P3, All Balls Racing, Sixsixone, Mika Metals, N-Style, Vertex Pistons, Fly Racing, DT-1 Filters, Motorex, Hinson Clutch Components, Acerbis, and Clockwork KTM. Also, thanks to the Kulp family for all of their help at the races.

A-200 Class Results

1) Timothy Mettinger (KTM) 31-1199

2) Zack Huberty (MotoFIT KTM) 33-1297

3) Ron Decaro (KTM) 41-1540

4) Angelo Rispoli (KTM) 41-1553

5) Brian Donovan 54-1938

For more information:
Check WER Suspension out on Facebook “Works Enduro Rider (WER)”
Check MotoFIT Motorsports out on Facebook “MotoFIT”

Check Zack Huberty out on Facebook “Zack Huberty”
Check Zack Huberty’s Blog http://zackhuberty323racing.blogspot.com/