Bryce Gartman's Boiling Springs Race Report (2008)

Race Report: Kentucky Off Road Hare Scrambles Series (KORHS) - Round 3
Rider: Bryce Gartman - Bike 1st Place Light C - 18th Overall
Bike: 08 KTM 200 XC

By: Bryce Gartman

Round 3 of the KORHS Series was held at Boiling Springs Hunting Lodge. From last year all I can remember was how hot this place was. This year was nothing but a repeat, with scorching temperatures of 97 degrees, it was sure to be interesting. So I attempted to stay hydrated for my race and was successful. I downed about 5 bottles of water before the start and have added that to my book of records for the most amount of times to use the men's room before the start of the race. That water was going right through me!

I geared up and headed down to the start to warm up in the field sections to make sure she was running right. I had a good line selection for the start of the race, lining up right next to my compadre and title contender, Austin Schaffner. We warmed our bikes up while watching the others disappear into battle. We got the ten seconds warning and everything went quiet, the flag flared up and I took off. I pulled the holeshot (making that 2 for 2) and headed into the long field sections.

After about the first mile in the woods I made a mistake and Austin got by me. We rode awesome for the first two laps of the race, and then my partner in crime pulled over. I was in race mode at the time so I forgot to stop and ask what was wrong. Later on I found out that Austin was almost suffering from heat stroke and just needed to pull over before things got bad. After that I just kept her in cruise control and tried not to waste any energy, knowing I still had an hour or so left of the race.

I ended up winning my class which is really awesome since I just got my 200 XC a couple of weeks before. Its a whole lot different than a 140 pound SX 105. I really enjoyed the track and cant wait to race there some more with the years to come, but hopefully it wont be so hot next year. Thanks to Kent and Jesse for taking the time to cut some fresh single track and add in some A- B splits, it made life a little more interesting. Thanks to the Good Lord Jesus Christ for keeping me safe and hydrated, thanks to my dad, mom, and sister Callie, and thanks to my sponsors: Moose Racing, Scott USA, Kenda Tires, FMF, Cycle Gear, Decal Works, and Greg from Commonwealth Motorcycles for helping me out with bike selection, man I love my 200! lol