Issue link: http://trailridermagazine.uberflip.com/i/131019
Russell (left) and Nick (right) get tangled up in the first corner of the River Ranch GNCC. The roommates were still talking to each other afterwards. Eager to drop 2012 completely in his wake by starting the season off strong, regardless of the discipline, Nick has entered the opening round of the GNCC Series in River Ranch, Florida. He looks loose, wiry, and strong. His off-season was spent down south training, save for a visit home to Ohio for the Holidays. Aside from that, it's been all about riding and training. He is as healthy as he's ever been, and fully immersed in his new program. One thing that is new for 2013 is that he now lives with 4 time National Enduro Champion Russell Bobbitt . Nick moved in with Russell after Russell bought a house in rural Georgia. "It's been great living with Russell; he's a guy that's been at the top of his game for a long time now. Seeing how hard he works day in and day out had been eye opening for me. We ride and train together but still manage to do our own thing ." Round 1 GNCC River Ranch, Florida. A steady rain fell throughout the night making for unusually good conditions by the time the main event began. Nicks movement to the XC-1 line is an odd dance of wheelies and stoppies. The Pro line stretches the entirety of the starting line, which looks enormous. When the green flag drops, the XC-1 Pro class slams into the first corner with Paul Whibley being the first to round the corner. Nick's roommate, Russell Bobbitt, is on Whibley's rear wheel and is forced to check up or center-punch Whibley as he angles through the corner. Despite both wheels being locked up, Bobbitt skids too far beyond the corner and clips Whibley's rear wheel. Their wheels lock just long enough for May 2013 19