Issue link: http://trailridermagazine.uberflip.com/i/1538840
September2025 9 Saturday morning at 7:30 AM, just under 700 riders gathered for the Riders Mee ng. Bear Creek President, O o DeJager, described the course and their "Chili Pepper" levels of difficulty trail marking system. These sec ons are marked with chilies of 1-4. And let me tell you, a four-chili sec on will challenge the best of the best! Unlike most dual-sport or turkey run events, there are no hero sec ons at the Quarry Run. Although the en re event is route sheeted, Bear Creek Trail Boss, Eric Ryzerski, and crew do an incredible job of arrowing the course. Orange arrows guide you through the day, with bypasses for the more difficult sec ons designated with blue arrows (for bypass). Riders are given the opportunity to either challenge themselves to these rugged sec- ons or take a break and just enjoy the ride as it is. I might add, even the bypass sec ons are s ll quite rugged, given the terrain and loca on. My ride of choice for this year's Quarry Run was our 2025 Beta 350 X-PRO. As a lifelong 2-smoker, I'm floored at how well I've taken to the Beta 350 4-stroke. With the X-PRO's lower seat height and supple suspension, the 350 X-PRO soon proved to be the perfect choice for this event. Right out of the gate, riders were treated to a series of steep, loose, rocky climbs and switch- backs, including "Randy's Hill" a favorite chal- lenging climb. The 350 X-PRO seemed to find trac on everywhere while keeping the rear wheel planted and going straight. As I clicked off the miles, I marveled at how drama-free the 350 X-PRO seemed to handle even the most rugged of terrain. All riders were treated to a much-deserved break and lunch at "Art's Camp." A cool old hun ng camp deep in the mountains. Burgers and dogs, along with fruit and plenty of cold drinks, were a welcome break. Wan ng to stay ahead of the pack, I gobbled lunch, topped up the hydra on pack, and hit it hard, enjoying the miles on end of single track and so many more fun climbs and de- scents laid out for us lucky folks. Unfortunately, with two broken toes stuffed into my right boot, I eventually elected to bypass myself back to the campground and enjoy the a ernoon soaking in the cool Delaware River. I'd later learned that less than 10% of the riders actually finished the en re Saturday ride. I must admit, this made me feel a li le be er. Lol.