Issue link: http://trailridermagazine.uberflip.com/i/1546340
Flashback! September 2026 5 Just days before uploading this issue to print, we a ended the JDay Offroad/ANEC Na onal Enduro held at Richardson's Farm in Rhode Island. This event was a big deal for those of us who live in the Northeast, as it was the first me since 2010 that a Na onal was held in New England. First of all, hats off to Hoot Owl Presi- dent Kenny Law and his dedicated team of members for hos ng an event that will not be soon forgo en. Having ridden and raced at Richardson's Farm several mes over the years, I'm well aware of the condi ons and the challenges when wet. Fortunately, in the weeks leading up to the event, the property had received li le rain. When I pre-rode the course Saturday morning, I was shocked at the lack of moisture in the ground and the li le mud. A com- plete 180 from what the property typically looks like. Although skies were threatening all day on Saturday, aside from light drizzle, the youth classes were blessed with condi ons about as perfect as one could wish for at this loca on. Yes, watching the pro classes bang bars is always entertaining; I've got to be honest, watching the up-and-coming kids (boys and girls) flat out shred it on their minis always puts a smile on my face. Speaking of the kids, just watching these young people play and interact with each other was refreshing, especially in today's world. The camping/pit area at Richardson's Farm is immense, with lush rolling fields and plenty of room for kids to play. Our crew for the weekend was our man Beau Viens and his 9-year-old son, Beau Jr or "Li le Beau," as we call him. Li le Beau could be best described as Beau's "Mini Me," as he's a chip off the old block with all the style and charisma of his dad, and as you'd expect, he loves his dirt bikes. Re- cently, Beau sold his KTM 450 and spent the money on a new Kawasaki KX65 for his son (huge respect, Dad), bringing it along so he could play with it in the fields. It didn't take long before Li le Beau men oned he wanted to ride the course. His dad told him he couldn't just go out there and ride the course, but if he were willing to race, he would have that opportunity. It was then that Li le Beau stepped up and asked me if Trail Rider Magazine would be willing to sponsor him in his first race. Of course we said yes, and soon he was on the star ng gate along with a whole bunch of excited kids. What I got a kick out of is that this li le kid was so calm, cool, and collected. He had it in his head that he was going for a trail ride and didn't get too wound up about it. The youth race itself was 70 minutes. Yes, that's no joke considering this property, never mind being a child on a bike with small wheels. To our delight, Li le Beau earned himself a third-place podium finish, and his podium speech was incredible. Such a well-spoken li le boy that I'm sure is going to crush it in the game of life! Another highlight of the weekend was finally mee ng and spending a li le me with our contribu ng editor, Rachel Gu sh, and her dad, Andy. We've shared many phone conversa ons, texts, and emails, but mee ng this brilliant young woman was a treat. Unfortunately, bike problems prevented Rachel from making the gate Sunday morning, but I'm sure Andy will have things squared away for the next event. Although the rain held off for the majority of the weekend, the gods above decided to dump copious amounts of rain by the me most had completed Test 2. Test 3, the gnarliest of the Richardson property, is rugged with endless, firmly embedded large boulders sca ered throughout the swamps. Within minutes, this sec on challenged the best of the best as they hammered over muck-covered rocks the size of beach balls. Most went into survival mode and were pleased with just finishing, as it was quite a beat-down. In the end, the Hoot Owls delivered what they are known for, pu ng on an event that challenged all, and nobody complained about a 36-mile Na onal!