Marty Michels' Sparta Race Report (2006)

Race Report: Kentucky Off Road Hare Scrambles Series (KORHS) - Round 9
Rider: Marty Michels - Bike 2nd Place
Bike: 06 KTM 450 #34

The latest round of the Ky. Hare Scrambles Series was a great sigh of relief for me. I was really looking forward to racing at Sparta for the second time this year, due to the fact that I really like the terrain and it being only forty minutes from the house (always a good thing). Well, Sunday morning we were all greeted with a nice heavy frost and a not so pleasant temperature. (I do not like the cold or winter time for that matter.) The chilly temp. gave way to a nice crisp early afternoon and great day to ride motorcycles.

My day started off well, but like always I can never get a holeshot. So I got around Big Dave "the roost monkey" and tucked in behind Paul and was set to just follow and learn the course from one of the fastest guys in the business. By the way if you have ever followed Dave McWilliams you know what I mean when I call him "the roost monkey". All was going well until I stalled my bike about half way around the first lap and lost sight of Paul. So, I just rode as hard as I could the rest of the day trying to catch up to him or at least try to keep the time difference between us about the same the rest of the race.

My plan was working, but I was getting frustrated because I was trying different lines through the woods trying to make up time at the end, which wasn't working out because I was actually losing time in the process. Which at the same time I was wondering if Alan was catching up. (I know, you are always supposed to race forward and not worry about what's going on behind you). I guess the lines I was using all race long were actually faster. You learn something new everyday, but at least I tried, right? All in all, I was pleased with my performance and my bike worked really well in all of the rocks and roots that just seemed relentless in trying to just beat the heck out of you. I guess second is not to bad, considering the amount of fast and talented riders that came out to race. I'll take it and chalk it up as another learning experience.

I would also like to mention the great job everybody at the KY. H.S. did laying out the course. It had a good mixture of everything from the fast flowing hills, creek beds, rough fields, and some good technical trails including those ridiculously large whoops that almost got me (I tried doubling through them, bad idea!!). You all keep on out doing yourself at every race. I had a great time and am looking forward to racing with you all soon. Thanks to everyone out there that cheered me on You guys kept me motivated all day!

Marty Michels

Thanks to my sponsors: Maxxis tires, Rex's Cycle Shop, House of Horsepower Suspension, Caywoodslawn.com, All-finish Concrete Const., Suomy, Clarke mfg., Dirtricks.com, Tireballs, Answer, Berik, Decal Works, No-toil, Scott, Tag Metals, SRC, SDG, Pro-Wheel, Moto-master, DP Brakes, SixSixOne, and IMS