Trail Rider Magazine

Flashback! June 2024 5 Here we are right in the thick of it folks! The month of May has been nothing short of a blur of ac vity. We enjoyed a handful of vintage and modern projects that you'll find deeper in this issue. In par cu- lar, our KTM 350 XCF project bike has been evolving quite well with a stator upgrade courtesy of Rick's Motorsport Electrics. An impulse purchase a couple of years ago, I'd warmed up to the closed-course 4-stroke track bike so much that we've now got it road-legal with a True North Motos ligh ng kit and bright lights for night riding. Now riding a dirt bike at night might not seem that fun, but with proper ligh ng, it's a blast. The landscape takes on an en rely different look with shadows and such. Watching the nocturnal animals scurry around is also pre y cool. With the nice weather now upon us, having proper ligh ng extends our riding seasons and makes it more enjoyable. Another May highlight was an invite by ISDE vet and President of Newfound Trail Riders Steve Vanasse to a "Big Bike" ADV ride. Now I've got to admit, I'm not that familiar with the ADV scene and don't own a proper ADV bike. My ride of choice for this event was my trusty do-it-all machine, a 2011 Husaberg FE 570. With long legs and being rather thri y on fuel, this old 'Berg does a pre y good job of keeping up with the big KTMs and BMWs that joined the pack. We began in western New Hampshire and made our way through a maze of mostly dirt roads, crossing into Vermont to the home of Doug Morrison where we were treated to a tour of his private museum of vintage BMW motorcycles and rare European dirt bikes. Included in Doug's collec on is ISDT legend Herbert Schek's 800cc BWM that he created and rode to Gold at the 1973 Six Day held in Dalton, MA. During his career, Schek par cipated in twenty-five ISDT events, amassing eighteen Gold medals. An iron man of the sport, Schek began racing in 1952 and is s ll involved in vintage racing to this very day. Laying eyes on these historic machines was quite a treat. Doug and his wife treated the crew to a nice lunch then we all headed back to New Hampshire logging 177 miles in total during the event. ADV riding is hot these days and if you enjoy seat me, riding end- less dirt roads is a fine way to enjoy the sport of motorcycling! Upcoming events that we're looking forward to a ending are Merrimack Valley Trail Rider's Adventure Rally for Cys c Fibrosis. Formerly known as the "New England Classic", MVTR has taken the reins by hos ng this two-day event and we're happy to report Suzuki is once again the main sponsor. Suzuki has generously donated a 2024 V-Strom 800DE and one lucky entrant will be taking this bike home. Although this is technically a big bike ride, we're told there's a lot of trail included that we've enjoyed in 'Classic's of the past. Depending on routes taken, mileage will be approximately 100/150 miles per day. ISDT/E and Blackwater 100 champion Kevin Lavoie wanted to share the news of the Ossa ISDT Vase Riders Reunion to be held August 24, 2024, at Charlie Vincent's Sunnyside Farm 1527 Middle Rd, War- ren, Maine. "Join us as we turn back me to 1975 when the Yankee Motors Team, mounted on specially prepped Ossa Desert Phantoms, were on their way to the Isle of Man to compete in the 50th ISDT". The rider list includes Don Cutler, Charlie Vincent, Kevin Lavoie, Max Markowitz, and Team Manager Marcia McDonald. Any and all ISDT/ISDE Vets are invited and encouraged to a end. Vintage bikes and memo- rabilia are welcome for display but to be clear, there will be no riding at this event. Fore more informa- on, contact Kevin Lavoie at 401-487-3061 Last but not least, Ossa aficionado Alex Snoop will be hos ng a vintage swap meet and trail ride on September 7 th in Warwick, New York. Camping is permi ed on site. For more info, contact Alex Snoop at 845 978 7017

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