Issue link: http://trailridermagazine.uberflip.com/i/131019
and then, as if a timer has gone off, he breaths an apologetic sigh: "I didn't sweat setting up my new bike like I should have. I have tires to swap and more chassis work to do than I thought. Last year I had someone else to help me, now I'm kinda on my own, at least at the GNCC." A few minutes later we part ways, agreeing to watch for him on the practice loop. We head for the patchwork shade of ancient oak tree and watch the riders dial in their machines for the following days' GNCC. A little while later, we see Nick making his way around the practice loop. It's the sound of his wrung out 2 stroke that really grabs our attention. The Husaberg seems a bit louder than the surrounding machines, or maybe it's just under more duress? ing the season slow and I knew that after 4 months off the bike I would have my work cut out for me." Talking with Nick early in 2012, there was a tangible air of anticipation, expectation, pressure and maybe just a small component of trepidation. The 2012 season started slowly, as expected. A 13th overall at the opening round in Sumter, SC found Nick nearly 10 Nicks' self described riding style is a unique "goon-smooth" hybrid, though he doesn't really look it. If anything, his riding style looks smooth and aggressive as he sweeps through corners and plants his spinning rear wheel deeply into a loamy berm, shattering it and sending soil onto the on lookers, which includes myself. He reminds me of the Nick Fahringer that was unbeatable at the end of the 2011 National Enduro season - which included 3 successive wins, the last of which was won with a torn ACL. Although Russell Bobbitt ran the # 1 National Enduro plate in 2012, it was Nick that carried the momentum and hype into 2012. By all accounts, he seemed poised to storm the top of the podium and upend the Factory squads. The Factory Husaberg team sensed the impending success and inked Nick to a one year deal. With a new Factory supported ride from Husaberg, Nick emerged from an off-season of rehab fully rebuilt and armed with fresh determination and drive. The problem was, he had spent the preceding 4 months off the motorcycle. "I was in great shape physically, just not mentally. I have a history of start- Fast and smooth en route to 3rd overall at the Lone Star National Enduro. May 2013 17