Trail Rider Magazine

Flashback! Solid July 2019 5 Hard to believe we're halfway through the season. As with most parts of the country, it's been a rather wet riding season, but we've got no complaints. Dust hasn't been a problem, and incredibly, I've only swapped out one air filter! Looking back, we've enjoyed a fantas c season so far, and we're looking forward to a handful of epic annual events that we'll be covering. I'd have to say my favorite ride so far this season has got to be the New England Classic Charity Trail Ride for Cys c Fibrosis. The 'Classic has got such a special feel to it. Based out of New Hampshire Motor Speedway in Loudon, New Hampshire, the 'Classic a racts literally hundreds of riders year a er year. What makes the 'Classic so cool is how it differs from so many other annual events. With well over 600 riders camping on the speedway grounds during "Bike Week," you'd think there would be at least a few personality conflicts. Nope, none at all. So cool how everyone interacts as if we're lifelong friends. In fact, I've met so many friends over the years at the 'Classic and there's more than a handful that I only seem to run into once a year. As for the riding, hats off to the landowners that graciously allow us dirt bikers on their pris ne grounds for this one weekend. I think it's safe to say the vast majority of these landowners aren't especially fond of dirt bikes, but they open their prop- er es for the cause — to benefit Cys c Fibrosis. Now you'd think with over 600 riders covering so much ground, there would be at least a few problems. I'm happy to say, there were no issues to speak of. Those who a ended, you should be proud of your behavior; it surely didn't go un- no ced. Yes, the ride is for a serious cause, but it's also one of the most fun annual events. For- tunately we were graced with some of the best weather this region has seen in many months. What we as off-road riders can feel good about is how we help this cause year a er year. During Sunday's Riders Mee ng, Lisa O'Connor, execu ve director of the Northern New England Cys c Fibrosis Founda on, men oned some incredible news. The 'Classic to date has raised over $2 million! In fact, out of all the events this organiza on holds annually, this dirt bike event has been their biggest fund raiser, year a er year with $111,000 raised for 2019. Upcoming events we can look forward to this month are the "Rock Crusher" hare scrambles weekend and another favorite, the Northeast 24-Hour Challenge. Trail Rider will be entered in both vintage and modern classes at the 'Crusher, and we're signed up once again for the NE24 with a six-man team in the Sportsman Class. The NE24 is another unique event. In fact, there's nothing like it. Racing for 24 hours straight is flat-out grueling. Some even describe it as similar to Navy Seal training. Yeah, it's tough but a blast for sure. What I enjoy most about the NE24 is we're all peers. Pros and Novices interact as one. If you're out there, you're given respect! In closing, hats off to all my friends in the world of off-road motorcycling. We've done a great job of building rela onships with others outside of our sport, others who would typically not like our form of recrea on. For this we can stand proud! -Kurt

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