Issue link: http://trailridermagazine.uberflip.com/i/1542196
Flashback! January 2026 5 Well folks, here we are smack dab in the thick of winter. Given our Northeastern loca on, if you want to ride, studded res are the key to a good me. Winter arrived early in Maine, with our first good dumping of snow just a couple of days a er Thanks- giving. Having lived in the Great White North for a good por on of my life, it's understood that if you want to ride, a quality set of studded res can make the winter doldrums actually a ton of fun! We've got a couple of rides here in the fleet that have proven to work incredibly well in the snow. Favorites are my nimble and snappy KTM 150 XC-W, and our 2025 Beta 350 X-PRO, that we've put through the wringer for a whole year straight now. In fact, we began our rela onship with the 350 X-PRO last winter, all studded up for the snow, and we're happy to report that the bike has worked flaw- lessly for four seasons straight under the toughest condi ons, with a plethora of riders from beginners to experts. It's uncanny how well the 350 X-PRO seems to sa sfy such diverse disciplines of off-road riding and racing while not complaining in the slightest. On the horizon, there's a few upcoming events that we're looking forward to. First on the roster is the annual Potomac Vintage Riders swap meet and banquet held in York, Pennsylvania. We're told all dealer spaces were sold out weeks ago, so if you're looking for that needle in a haystack part for your vintage build, there's a pre y good chance someone will have what you've been looking for. Every year, I seem to find a number of trinkets I can't live without, and the prices have always been fair. Our friend Paul Danik of the Penton Owners Group wanted to men on that, in honor of John Penton's 100th Birthday and, sadly, John's passing only a few weeks later, the Penton Owners Group is welcom- ing those who wish to display their Penton motorcycle in their bike corral. There's been some beau ful examples in the past at York, and the bar seems to be con nually raised when it comes to impeccable restora ons of Penton Sportcycles. Closer to home, New England Expert and shop owner Andy Mathieu has come through again with a two-race winter hare scrambles series. This will be the third year for the Spiller Farm GP, and the first year with a second event planned. The Spiller Farm GP is scheduled for January 18 th & February 8 th . The address is 118 Spiller Road, Gorham, Maine. We've a ended the last two events Andy has held at Spill- ers, and the course has always been epic! Come race, spectate, and support your favorite dirt freaks! Closing out the month will be the infamous NETRA Snow Run Enduro held in Stafford, Connec cut, on January 25 th . Hosted by the Connec cut Ramblers Motorcycle Club, this wild event, now in its 72 nd year, is known for brutal condi ons that offer some of the most epic winter riding one could ever wish for. See NETRA.org for more informa on. And we'll wrap it up with the annual NETRA Dealer Expo and Awards Banquet on January 31st. The NETRA banquet is always a hoot with endless bench racing and friendly ribbing. If you're a member, it's your obliga on to a end. If you've been thinking about joining this fine organiza on, consider this an invita on to come see for yourself what it's all about! Best Western Royal Plaza Hotel, 181 Boston Post Rd, Marlborough, MA. -Kurt