While I haven’t ridden my RM-Z Suzukis as much as I have wanted to this summer, the days that I have ridden have been epic. This past week Joe and I rode with the Trek World Racing pro downhill guys at Dyracuse. It was a really good day of riding motos with professional athletes and friends.
It took me a few late nights to prep all three of my bikes. One of the 250s needed the engine installed and the other 250 and the 450 needed routine maintenance, tires mounted and practice plastic installed. It’s a lot of work to keep three bikes up and running!
I contacted Jon Sonnenberg at the town of Rome prior to our arrival and got permission to film and video our day on the bikes. I figured the town might be sensitive to us showing up with a film crew so I asked permission. The TWR team almost always travels with a film crew. Trek likes to document the team’s travel and race events and our day at Dyracuse would be no exception. The video has not been edited yet but I’ll be sure to post a link as soon as it is.
Dyracuse grooms their sandy motocross track on Wednesdays. The conditions were magical. We went through all the gas we brought. There were multiple lap battles going on all afternoon. I had to stop and dump the sand out of my helmet and swap goggles more than once that day. Super fun.
During one stop I smelled radiator fluid but I dismissed it as just hot bikes. The sand is hard on engines. Hours later one of my 250s stalled on the trail and would not restart. When we took a closer look we learned that a radiator hose had come loose. It may have been that I failed to tighten it or that the hose clamp was at fault. The clamp had signs of damage and wouldn’t fully tighten. Either way, something in the top end is damaged to the point of no return. We’ll fix her up and get it back on the trail ASAP!
Rob and John Parkin (of Orpheus Productions) make up the TWR film crew. They deserve credit for all of these photos. Thanks guys!
The Vesrah rig and Justin Leov prep for the ride.
Andrew Neethling is so excited to ride he's forgotten some of his gear. And check out the line up of Vesrah Suzukis!
Neko Mulally eyes up his steed.
Dyracuse's Jon Sonnenberg checks in with our crew before the ride. The crew from Rome, WI was super helpful and helped make for a great day of riding!
Needles checks in with Rob Parkin.
17 year old Neko held off Vet rider Joe V for several laps. The outcome? Smiley, sand covered faces.
(picture says it all)
Normally I look like a squid on a motorcycle but I seem to have my act in gear here. I love my RM-Z450.
Downhill riders can ride motos. Period.
Juzo vs Needles battles happened all day long. Needles puts some sand in Justin's lap in this shot but I bet the favor was returned in the next turn.
The SX track was also a big hit with the TWR gang. Needles handled this kicker nicely.
Needles gets the last bit of water out of the portable shower at the end of a great day of riding.
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