Graham Kobak completed the
Amateur podium after one of his
cleanest races of the season.
Kobak had prepared by running
in near-100-degree temperatures
to condition himself for the
summer heat. He described the
layout as an even split between
rocks and creeks and high-
speed hillclimbing. A fresh rear
tire and controlled pacing helped
him finish with energy in reserve.
The dry race also revealed
what might happen if the weath
-
er changed. King predicted that
rain would strand riders on the
first two climbs. By Sunday
morning, that prediction was no
longer hypothetical.
An hour-long downpour hit
Kairos before the Pro/A start.
Another hard burst arrived short
-
ly after the race began, soaking
a roughly 10-mile course already
designed to be substantially
more challenging than previous
years. River Monster staples
such as Chocolate Goddess,
Powerline Hill and Send It
remained, but the route around
them was almost entirely new.
Virgin Valley added a long uphill
littered with loose rock, while
sidehill logs, steep descents and
polished creek beds left little
room for error.
The race was scheduled for
three laps within a five-hour
limit. Nobody completed more
than one.
Most riders reached their first
crisis less than a quarter mile
from the start. Powerline Hill
became an immediate blockade
as wet soil, leaves, roots and ex
-
posed rock refused to provide a
consistent line. Riders searched
beyond the established rut for
untouched dirt and pushed
motorcycles when momentum
disappeared.
Champion Brick's Makana
Barger escaped the early chaos
better than anyone. After tak
-
ing the holeshot, the Hawaiian
rider reached the first rock sec-
tion before the next rainstorm
intensified. His familiarity with
wet valleys, slick stone and
sustained climbs gave him an
advantage as the Virginia course
began to resemble the terrain he
rides at home.
ROUND 3 / JULY 18-19, 2026
KAIROS WILDERNESS RESORT / GLEN LYN, VIRGINIA
OFF-ROAD I AMA EAST HARD ENDURO CHAMPIONSHIP
P86
Creed Kisling was third overall.
