Issue link: http://trailridermagazine.uberflip.com/i/1534665
Within a few minutes, I was also ripping across the desert, beaming with pride for overcoming fear. The feeling was nothing short of amazing, and from that point on, the remainder of day two was a blur. There were no more concerns. My comfort level was at an all- me high, and I just enjoyed the flow. Saturday night, everyone was treated to a huge catered dinner at the Caliente Volunteer Fire Depart- ment. We were treated to the finest steaks, chicken, and vegetables. Awards were given out, and there was a lot of good-natured ribbing. As for myself, I cleaned my plate and hit the hay early. We had one more day to go. Sunday morning came soon enough. With an 8:15 am riders mee ng, many had called it a weekend. Only the hear est of souls were up for more punishment. With a plane to catch later in the day, I elected to skip the guided ride and venture off up into a local canyon and try Rodney Smith's own personal 2025 Beta 480 RR Race. Now I'm sure most of you are aware of Rod- ney Smith's accomplishments being an AMA Hall of Fame member, but Rodney is no factory prima donna demanding his own unique set-up. In fact, Rodney is the exact opposite of that person and has so much confidence in his Beta motorcycles that he finds them to be perfect right out of the crate. Yup, Rodney rarely sets sag or messes with clickers. He does run his own res, but that's about it. A er throwing a leg over his 480, all felt fine with me also, and I've got at least another 10 pounds on him. With the 480 having a 50cc advantage in displace- ment over my Saturday ride, the addi onal power was apparent and instantly appreciated. The exhaust note delivers an authorita ve bark. It sounds deep and healthy. As one who subscribes to the theory that more is always be er than less, I appreciated the increase in power. Yes, when twisted, the 480 RR Race demands a en on, but you only use what's needed. Unlike many four-stroke strokes on the market today, all three Beta models I rode during the Nevada 200 never flamed out. Not even once. The remainder of my Nevada 200 experience was spent ripping the canyon roads while enjoying the flow and steering with the rear wheel. Rodney's 480 RR Race fit me as well as it fits Rodney. Right out of the box no less! Riding the desert had been on my bucket list for over five decades now and it was Super Hunky that lit that fire so many years ago with his wild tales of his adventures riding and racing the desert. I'm so thankful for the opportunity to have been invited to this legendary event, and I'd like to thank Beta USA, Rodney Smith and Scot Harden for the hospitality. An eye-opening experience it was, I learned a lot, and I'm proud of the fact that this old woods rider stayed upright during the en re event. I wasn't sure how I'd fare out there but I'm feeling pre y good about myself right now. Overcoming fears and per- sonal accomplishments are good for one's mental health. Again, thanks, gents! May 2025 13