Issue link: http://trailridermagazine.uberflip.com/i/1546340
September 2026 11 Test 5, "the Cathedral". Ahh, I remember you, you dirty b&#@! This test almost made me quit racing dirt bikes back in '22. That's a story for another day, 'cause I'm s ll here, but honestly it's a super fun trail, totally my style. I didn't really struggle that much; I just wasn't sharp enough, and I was too deep into it to snap out of whatever was preven ng me from focusing, staying on the pegs, and looking ahead. I s ll managed 3rd through the gates, but far off the pace, back to the gas stop where I plopped my bu down next to a massive cow pie to chug Hydro Power and calm my brain down. Self-talk is so powerful, pos- i ve or nega ve, but I was almost too checked out to have either. Fueled up and headed to the last test of the day, I was back to feeling good. The transfer was chill, the weather incredible, my Rieju phenomenal, the views breathtaking. Perfec on! Some mes I say we must be mentally ill to enjoy this stuff, but in that moment nothing could possibly feel healthier to me. Fired up when I arrived at Test 6, I was stoked it was a flowy, fun one. Pre y fast, all downhill, minimal obstacles. Although my legs were telling me it was about me to be done, I was having a great me: lots of fun stuff to jump, no traffic, an absolutely perfect way to finish an incredible race. Looking down over South Fork coming off the mountain was so unique. My heart was just so incredibly full. Gra tude all around. Huge thanks to Jud and Tina Barlow, the RMEC crew and volunteers, and the town of South Fork. CO OHV Forest Service doing it right (Part 2) If you asked any kid with a dirt bike what they were doing a er school in early 1970s New England, a few of the honest ones will admit they were "evad- ing and eluding" local law enforcement and forest- ry officials. Ask me how I know our local Dept of Environmental Protec on guy drove a dark green AMC Matador with red lights behind the grille. I lived a half mile from Shenipset State Forest where the Snow Run and Somers Enduro were permit- ted to ride two weeks out of the year. My buddies and I made sure the trails stayed open the other 50 weeks of the year, despite the threat of "legal consequences" and worrying that the local ranger would come knocking at supper me a er Dad got home from work. I doubt any of the trails I used to ride are s ll there, having been swallowed up decades ago by hous-