Team Ride Happy Racing consisting of 3 riders, 4 chase trucks, and many supporters will be competing in "The longest Off-Road race in the U.S., the Best In The Desert's (www.bitd.com) 2008 TSCO Vegas to Reno Race".

Preparations are under way, weight is being lost, the bike is getting dialed in!

Stay Tuned!

First desert race since last years March Laughlin Hare Scramble.

Rode well for the first half of the first loop.  Had a concentration lapse, cross rutted in loose rock path, snapped off a clutch lever.  Rode in no clutch, slamming the gears and stalling when the course was blocked with riders.  Pitted, found a lever, and charged for another lap.  My head stopped talking to tweety bird and picked off a few guys.  Rode expert pace for a limited time.  Need more stamina.  Rocks, dust, silt, carnage, you name it, it was a blast.

A great day of racing at Racetown 395 in the winter Vet X series.

Ausec, Melton, Manuel, Pichford, Engles, and I all had a great time, finished well, and went home safe. Ausec had a valiant Ricky-like performance recovering from an engine stall to pick off the field with the exception of Engles, who won the overall.

Melton so considerately allowed his gate (multiple classes on 1 gate) to get racing and enjoy their respective battles, and then decided to walk on the field and picked everyone off, even the guys in the class above him, guess it is time to move up a class!

Manuel, Pitchford, and I all had good heats with decent finishes. Manuel won his class, and Pitchford and I tasted victory and ready for the next race  

Jason Melton and I took 3rd in the over 30 Amateur class in our first race as teammates.  This was Jason's first desert race and there is no doubt, he served notice to all the desert racers that his extensive elite motocross racing background serves well as a preparation aspect to run with the big boys.  Jason passed every racer on his loop section with the exception of 2 or 3 top pros.  Our decision to race in the amateur class was due to my ability level.  I can run at expert speed for a limited time, we are training to improve endurance. 

Seat time is available again. Both bikes, my Kawi and YZ are ready to ride.  Suspension set up is near completion.  Whether it is on the trail, in the dunes, at the track, or free riding, training is the priority.  Working on endurance, conditioning, speed, technique, and bike set up.  Will do some moto racing this fall in the Vet X series.

Competed in the Ironman Amateur class.  By far, the toughest athletic competition I've been in.  Pleased with a "finish", happy about 3rd place.  But,  I'm better prepared to train harder, eat better, rest more in the preceding days before the event.  My Yamaha answered the call, no bike problems at all.

Went through all pits and mileage with Jason Melton to plan logistics.

Workout schedule on pace.

Seat time over the weekend, good simulation.

Final Training for the Henderson 400, Dec 2nd.  Going well!