Issue link: http://trailridermagazine.uberflip.com/i/241252
5 Minutes with... ...Ryder Lafferty glanced quickly over my shoulder to see where Ryder was. He was nowhere to be seen. "Anyone hear Ryder? I asked. "No, but look down" was the response. And there he was, parked on my back wheel. It was a fun moment and we shared a good laugh. It was also very revealing. It was then that I knew he was going to develop into a special rider. Two years later, we are seeing him step into his own. How old are you and what grade are you in? I am 15 years old Story by Kevin Novello Photos by Art Pepin www.offroadpaparazzi.com and in the 10th grade at Millville et me share my first Ryder LafSenior High School. ferty experience with you. It How often do you work with your was back in January of 2011 and dad on technique? Jim Senecal (NETRA Enduro Champ) Once a week we work on drills and and I were in south Jersey doing a stuff I can't tell you about, lol! story on the Rich Lafferty Riding School. The lesson took place in a Who would you compare your style sand pit several miles from where we to? were parked. Ryder was there too, I think I ride a lot like Nick Fahringer, I but off to the side doing his own rely on carrying momentum and thing, which included figure 8 drills stand a lot - kind of like Nick! on his little KTM 80. As things wound What bike are you riding for 2014? down, we had Rich takes us the long Possibly a Husqvarna 250 2 stroke way back to the trucks so we could enjoy the change in terrain New JerAny team prospects? sey offers. The first stretch of trail I will be riding for Air Group Radiant was lengthy and fast, with plenty of Racing at the National Enduros. places to grab gears through the unWhat are doing in the off season? usually thin pine forest - we were This off season I've started to train moving a good clip, too. Several consistently to work on my physical miles later we came to a stop and I fitness. Last year my intensity wasn't L 14 Trail Rider up where I think it should have been and I would get tired in later tests at National Enduros. So I am using this winter to work on those weaknesses. Plans for 2014? I plan on contesting the whole National Enduro Series as a primary, and the local NEOC/ECEA HS as well, whenever I can. I would like to try a Endurocross, but we will see. Favorite pro rider not named Lafferty? Why? My favorite pro rider would have to be Russell Bobbitt. I really like his riding style and his personality off the bike. Although I don't know him well, he seems really laid back and cool. What do you do for fun away from the bike? When I'm not on the bike I enjoy relaxing and hanging out with friends and family, or riding my dirt scooter. Favorite form of training/cross training? My Dad got me a trials bike for Christmas a year ago and it's a lot of fun. It teaches me a lot of things that I carry over into my riding. Favorite type of terrain? Least favorite? Why? I tend to do better in the rough technical rocky races, it seems to fit my riding style more. To be honest I don't have a least favorite terrain; any day on my dirt bike is a good day. Favorite form of racing? I was brought up racing Hare Scrambles but really enjoy the National Enduro Format. What is your best strength? Need to work on? I'm very smooth and carry a lot of momentum when I'm riding but I need to work on getting more aggressive to go to the next level. Aspirations? Ride my dirt bike and have fun. Who do you want to thank? My whole Family, Air group Radiant, Moose Racing, Factory Connection, Bell helmets, sidi boots....... www.TrailRider.com