My usual class, Sportsman B,
was one of the largest, with over
100 participants. My first dead-
engine start went to plan—thank
you, electric-start two-stroke.
I rounded the first turn just
outside the top five as the rest
of the KTM staffers battled for
position. As we headed into the
woods, some guy named Barry
Hawk pushed me wide and over-
took my spot. In case you didn't
know, Hawk is a certified badass
and the only rider to win an
XC1 title on a bike and a quad.
I figured he'd be a good one to
follow, for as long as I could, on
the unknown terrain.
The first lap is all about learn-
ing where to go. The tight woods
trails are so fun to ride but a far
cry from any West Coast nor-
malcy. Seeing the hidden option
lines and hoping to remember
them for the coming laps is nearly
impossible. It's a dual task of try-
ing to survive while also attempt-
ing to pass and stay with the lead
pack. The dust was unexpected,
as was the number of riders on
the track at one time. Over 1000
racers lined up for the morning
race, adding another element of
difficulty. Finding areas to pass
while also hearing some yelling
and revving that were directed at
me kept me on my toes for the
duration of the race.
Toward the end of the lap,
there was a major bottleneck
on an uphill climb, but I some-
how negotiated my way around
QUICKSPIN I 2023 KTM 300 XC
P88
Leave it in third gear and life is good.
