Cycle News is a weekly magazine that covers all aspects of motorcycling including Supercross, Motocross and MotoGP as well as new motorcycles
Issue link: https://magazine.cyclenews.com/i/126951
Kevin Hines rode his KTM 350 to the Alligator Enduro win by dropping just four points. Over 400 riders attended the challenging event.. Alligator Enduro Hines hammers to 'Gator' win By Tom Mueller DAYTONA BEACH, FL, MAR. 5 KTM's Kevin Hines was the top clock-watch at this year's running of the Alligator Enduro, dropping four points on his 350cc KTM over the rough, muddy, and demanding course. Over 400 entries lUrned out for the 37th running of the popular event, held this year after a one-year hiatus due to land problems last sea on. "We worked with the land owner for a year and a hall to pull this off," said Joe Van Sleeters of the Daytona Dirt Riders. We were really afraid of losing the event forever due to a pending lawsuit from a couple of years back. We finally arranged for a one million dollar liability insurance policy, which allowed us to move ahead with the enduro." This year~s enduro marked the first time the Daytona Dirt Riders were the sole organizers of the event. The course measured 58.6 miles - certain muddy sections from previous years were removed to make the course rideable for all entrants. Despite the rerouted areas, many stretches of the enduro were wet. "It's pretty nasty out there," said multi-time enduro champ Dick Burleson. "There's a section near the check at 24.8 miles that was tight and muddy with overgrown trails." The course may have been tough, but for everyone, the Alligator remains a fun, recreational event. John Penton was celebrating his 40th consecutive trip to Daytona Cycle Week by riding the Alligator. Former Grand National dirt tracker Bart Markel ran the event, as did desert ace Dan Smith - his first ever enduro. Scott USA representative. Bevo Forte. captured the Vintage class victory riding a 1973 Bultaco. Norval Wright finished second to Forte. "I didn't ride the 'Gator one year because I was busted up.- but I've done it every other year than that," said Penton. Riders started leaving the start area with a 9 a.m. key time, and headed into a slight warm·up before hitting the tough trails. By the gas stop at 37.4 miles, many riders were com· menting on the section from miles 10·20, which kept everyone on their toes. "I saw you going right through the middle of a bunch of that stu££, " said Hines to Bevo Forte, the Scott USA rep who won the Vintage class on a 1973 BuItaco. "You should've headed up into the bushes where I was, on the high line." "You ever try to get a '73 Bultaco up high anywhere?" replied Forte. Hines powered his way through the event to win with ease. He dropped three points at check four, and one more at check six before completing the course. "I rode the same 350 that I raced at Cocoa (hare scrambles) yesterday," said Hines. "I just got up this morning and snapped on the head· light, and I was ready to go. I'rp headed to another hare scrambles tomorrow; I think I'll ride a fourstroke or a 125." "It was rough out there and a. few miles shorter than other years, but you really have to enjoy and appreciate these things," said Senior A winner Barry Higgins. "Land is getting harder to come by, here just like everywhere else. We might not have these races forever." Despite some misfortune one rider got to experience the support and encouragement of others. "The gas tank on my Husky leaked onto the pipe, and the thing lit up," said Bob Milliken. "I unloaded at about 30 miles per hour. All I wanted to do was get off that thing!" Milliken's bike was a total loss, but a fund was started to help defray his costs. Fifty dollars was donated on behalf of Spectro Oils to get the donations rolling. Al Eames presented awards for the Daytona Dirt Riders, and also took a moment to express his opinon on the enduro. "We were told the AMA was watching us today regarding the quality of the event," said Eames. "The Daytona Dirt Riders did a great job and rilade a great enduro. I want everyone to tell any AMA o££icials· you see that we deserVe a sanction again next year, so that the Alligator Enduro can continue to be a big part of Daytona Cycle Week." Results OVERALL: 1. Kevin Hines (KTM). 250 A: 1. P. Milliken: 2. J. Hoffman; 3. Alan Gravin. 200 A: 1. D. Burnen: 2. J. Coen; 3. J. White. OPEN B: 1. F. Hardwick; 2. M. Siaechta; 3. M. Bradshaw. 200 B: 1. P. Higgins; 2. S. Miller; 3. P. Henderson. 125 B: 1. T. Davenport; 2. B. Parkar; 3. C. Horn. OPEN C: 1. Dwight Carson; 2. T. Brown; 3. R. Freeman. 250 C: 1. Ghislain Laferriere; 2. M. Meleeki; 3. M.Jasmin. 200 C: 1. L. Patterson; 2. D. Pierce; 3. S. Baker. 125 C: 1. E. Graybeal. • VlNTAGE: 1. Bevo Forte; 2. Norval Wright; 3. Bano Rodi. . . WOMEN: 1. Cindy Lundgren; 2. N. Schlonerbeck; 3. Donna Waddell.