Alan Westerfield's Daniel Boone Trails Race Report (2007)
"White Lightnin’ Bites the Dust"

Race Report: Kentucky Off Road Hare Scrambles Series (KORHS) - Round 3
Rider: Alan Westerfield - Bike 9th Place Overall
Bike: 07 Yamaha YZ250F #4

By: Alan Westerfield

Round 3 weather called for a 90% chance of rain. I was ready for a downpour- new tires and everything. The weather guys must have had a late night out because they were 90% wrong. I was surprised to kick up dust- in April. Soon after arriving I noticed that Paul Whibley had politely showed up to take our lunch money. Its always a pleasure to see one of the full-timers come out to play- or crush the competition- depending on which side of the fence you happen to be on.

“The not so fun part”
I got a decent start and was somewhere near the front of the pack. The track was a bit fast for my taste and the dust was blinding. I just hoped that we would be greeted with fresh trails after a few miles. I was passed by the newcomer motocross guy on a fast ridgetop. White Lightnin was screaming for mercy but his larger 450 still blew by me. This new guy is fast! He seemed to have a blast so hopefully he will show up again. It wasn’t long after that I rode across a stray banner on the ground and it wrapped in my front wheel. I could feel the tension caused by the ribbon as it wound itself tighter and tighter. Still holding third position, I soon learned that my front caliper was being pushed, causing my front brake to be inoperative. On those steep downhills and fast straights, I wanted both brakes. The nice guy on the kawi let me by in the woods section but my confidence was a little sketchy given my stopping abilitys. As I approached the score tent in second, I blew through the banner. (sorry Rick) I tried to find something to lean my bike against to tie them back together but couldn’t get the job done. David Oettel (moto guy) was right behind me and he stopped as well. I believe he would have helped me if I ask him but I motioned for him to go on through the scoring chute. After the scoring chute, I found my pit man Jerry Vender. We also drafted one of the paramedic guys with a pair of scissors to help us cut out the ribbon. It proved to be no easy task. An eternity later, I was ready to race again. I charged pretty hard on lap two, but became a bit discouraged because I was now in last place. Normally, I would stay after it and salvage as many points as possible, but to be honest, I wasn’t feeling the track too much. I liked the single track sections but the roads were so fast I was afraid of doing damage to white lightnin’s engine. It wasn’t like we had just one or two fast sections- there were many and its not like I have a parts allowance to cover the damages. Also, I wasn’t too comfortable with the idea of meeting a jagged rock that is concreted into the ground at 60MPH on top of a mountain. Most likely, you only get one mistake like that. Some guys get paid to race- I get paid to be at work on Monday morning so I’m always weighing out risk vs. rewards.

“The Fun Part”
Somewhere during the race I came upon my buddy Eric Vender who races in the Light C class. Since the boys had already spanked me badly, I decided to ride with him for a few laps like we do every non race weekend. He was riding well and running a solid 4rth place in the class. We kept a good fun pace going, yelling at each other and remembering why we love dirt bikes. Eric picked up a position on the last lap, and I had a front row seat. That was fun. Congrats to Eric who is bound and determined to be your KORHS light C champion.

“The Important Part”
This race was the first time I have ever used a neck roll as well. Actually, I spent a lot of money that I didn’t want to spend and ordered a Leatt Brace, however, they are back ordered for 6 weeks. In the meantime, I am wearing a standard 661 foam brace but I am told EVS makes a better one. At first it bothered me. I had a hard time looking far enough ahead, especially going down the hills. By the end of the ride, I had changed my body position slightly and felt much more comfortable. I would recommend everyone to seriously consider getting something like this and hope you never need it. Its not a big deal to get used to and every little bit helps. If you can’t cough up the dough for the expensive brace, the reviews say the $44.95 EVS RC3 race collar is the best of the rest.

“Ending Comments”
KORHS did an outstanding job with the scoring. They were handing out awards quickly after the race and everything is running like a well oiled machine. Thanks to everyone involved and to whatever parties that made the event happen. Good job to David, Nate, Marty, and David for all putting in good strong rides in HVY A. Oh yeah, and good job to that Honda guy too.

Till next time!

Alan Westerfield, #4