Cycle News - Archive Issues - 1990's

Pear on was also in the hunt during :he third loop until he ran into problems of his own. "[ cam across a slow rider in one of the slimy, rocky creek beds," aid Pearson. "[ hopped off line and my front tire slipped. Then 1 crashed." The crash caused Pearson's front brake to fade, and the KTM rider had to ride without it for a while. The braKe eventually came back, but the damage had already been done. "Those rocks are pretty gnarly and scary," said Pearson, "especially going downhill without a front brake." Davis recalled seeing a rider out on the third loop that he had also seen on the first two loops. "1 thought this guy kind of rode funny," Davis said. "] was extremely impressed to learn that it was a woman, and that she rode so well all day long." Davis was referring to District 36 rider Heather Wilson, who wa riding in her first enduro as an A rider. Wilson advanced from the B class in ju t one year. Hawkins and Garrahan were riding on the same minute, and their scores were close throughout the day. Garrahan was following Hawkins in a test section, where they dropped late points. "[ was still riding a bit cautious along the same ridge where a no-sensed day rider, riding on the wrong side of the road, T-boned me two weeks ago," Garrahan said. "1 knew [ had to step it up. Then Randy let me pass, and we both started railing." Davis, too, knew the third loop would be the deciding factor in the event. "1 opted not to gamble and go hot into a four-tenths-mile-long section that went from 24 mph to 12 mph and back to 24 mph," said Davis. "[ didn't want to burn a check, but [ should have followed my instincts, because there wasn't one." Davis continued the loop with rhythmic precision and a consistent riding style, dropping only four points at each of the two checks where most riders dropped fives. Davis' third-loop performance secured the victory for the 1995 series champion. "The Ramblers did a great job of designing and carving out the new, virgin, tight-cut trails," Davis said. "I've never had so much manzanita poking me." "] usually avoid manzanita trails," Garrahan said. '1've never ridden so fast through them before." Blackwell agreed that the manzanita played a big role in many of the day's scores. "We had to ride like a knife, cutting and slicing between the bushes through the tight corners," Blackwell said. "] had to remember to stop leaning into them, because they wouldn't give." Gas Gas North America sent Frank Ramey III, who finished seventh overall, and four-time ational Enduro champion Terry Cunningham, who won the A Vet cla s, to the Quicksilver. Cunningham also placed fifth overall in the A c\as . Three of five Gas Gas riders finished in the top 20, and all five team members finished the event. While riders were turning in their scorecards at the finish, the Salinas Ramblers received much praise for the event. Brian Butler, third overall in the A class and second A 250, described the course conditions best. "Most of the day," said Butler, "it was like we were riding on Velcro dirt." eN Quicksilver National Enduro Coalinga, California Results: February 14, 1999 (Round 1 of 14) O/A: 1. Ty Davis (Yam); 2. Doug Blackwell (Yam); 3. RusselJ Pearson (KTM); 4. Mike L.1fferty (KTM); 5. Brian Carrahan (KTM). AA: 1. Ty Davis (Yam); 2. Doug Blackwell (Yam); 3. (Above) Desert racer Russ Pearson rode well and took third overall for his efforts. (Right) Reigning National Enduro Champion Mike lafferty negotiates the Picacho Rock section, about four miles into the ride. lafferty ended up fourth overall. Russell Pearson (KTMl; 4. Mike Lafferty (KTM); 5. Randy Hawkins (Yam). A O/A; 1. Brian Garrahan (KTM); 2. David Lykke (Yam); 3. Brian Butler (Kaw); 4. Shane Watts (KTM); 5. Tony Cunningham (G-C). A 200: I. Shane Watts (KTM); 2. Steve Kuczko (KTM); 3. Nathan Knight (C-G); 4. Steve Shoemaker (Han); 5. Marty Walden (Yam). A 2SO: I. David Lykke (Yam); 2. Brian Butler O

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