Trail Rider Magazine

Flashback! May 2025 5 I've become quite the hermit in what seemed like a never-ending winter. Truth be told, I'm ok with it. Our office space here at Trail Rider Central is quite comfy with my boys, Augie and Oakley, by my side, along with some good tunes. Time seems to fly by as I get into the zone of pu ng this magazine together and spending me in the shop, wrench- ing on bike projects and such. Given our remote loca on in the woods of Maine, people can be scarce. As much as I enjoy the solitude of winter, being a people person, I do miss the interac on and conversa on at mes. Thankfully, this job that I have lends an opportunity to step out of my "comfort zone" every now and then. With an invite from Beta USA's Rodney Smith and Scot Harden of Harden Offroad, your editor, Kurt, was able to step out of his warm and fuzzy loca on a couple of weeks ago and travel across the country to Nevada for the Mo on Pro Nevada 200 Trail Ride. Having never ridden west of Ohio, I knew this trip would be an eye-opener and might transport me out of my comfort zone by a fair amount. And this did, but I won't bore you with the details here on page 5; you can read about the shenanigans a li le deeper in this issue. Yes, the ride itself was phenomenal, but the takeaway was mee ng and interac ng with so many cool and in- teres ng people while a ending this fun event. Scot Harden sums it up perfectly with his statement, "It's the bikes that drew us here, but it's the people that make the Nevada 200 what it is". My gosh, Harden wasn't lying. Not only did I get to meet some great folks, but I had a chance to get to know some of you with deep, meaningful conversa ons. Just what this hermit from Maine needed. Another interes ng aspect of the Nevada 200 Trail Ride is that it draws people from all walks of life, ages, and ability levels. AMA Hall of Famers, re red pros, hardcore enthusiasts, men and women, interacted as peers at this event. I must admit, I did not expect to see Monster Energy Honda's Skyler Howes, a six- me Dakar Rally champion and highly decorated Desert and Baja racer, present. Hanging and cha ng with Howes was a treat. Of course, Howes is a man at the top of his game, but he's also a lot of fun to be around. Zero ego, a jovial sort, and I like that, as in the end, we're just like-minded people doing what we enjoy. As a fan of Six Days events, mee ng ISDT/E legends is always exci ng for this guy who never had the talent for anything remotely close to what these athletes have accomplished. I'm proud to call Fred Hoess, Drew Smith, Kevin Lavoie, Don Cutler and a handful of others personal friends but I'd yet to meet the man behind the scenes at Six Days, the mover and shaker that made sure everything was in place when the men who would be defending our county's honor arrrived at the world stage, Mr. Richard "Gunny" Claypoole". Gunny Claypoole, a decorated US Marine, was the ISDE Team Manager for a whopping 36 years. During his reless efforts behind the scenes at 32 ISDE events worldwide, Gunny personally helped influence the careers of over 1,000 US team racers and their successes. Mee ng this man was an honor, and being able to sit and chat with him was even be er. His accomplishments could fill volumes, yet Gunny's the humblest of heroes, and I greatly appreciate the opportunity to have met and hung out with this fine man. A gentleman to the core. In wrapping up this month's Flashback column, I'm always impressed with the number of older riders who s ll have the enthusiasm for the sport and con nue to possess mad skills on a bike. Case in point, Max Swit- zer. Max is one of those people whom the aging process seems to avoid. Tall and lean, Switzer has the build of a man who's lived a healthy lifestyle. With quick wit, we became instant friends. If I were to guess his age, I would have guessed early 70s. A er day two of the Nevada 200 Trail Ride, I learned this man, who rode the A-Course for the last two days, was 86 years old. Max, you are one remarkable human, and I'm glad to have finally met you. Max Switzer is living proof that you don't stop riding because you get old. One gets old because they stop riding! Again, thanks to all who made this trip possible and such a memorable event. You folks are the best!

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