Upper Midwest Trials Association

This past weekend rounds 1 & 2 of the NATC national series were conducted at the Tucker Ranch in Cotopaxi CO.  About 60 miles W of Colorado Springs at an elevation of 7000+ feet…the location was spectacular, the weather perfect, and the rocks REALLY BIG!!

Of course the highlight for the weekend was Wisconsin/WOTA’s own Patrick Smage winning both days in the PRO class. His Saturday win was a complete domination of the field and Sunday he pulled through again, finishing on top mainly because of his spectacular sideways leap/pivot off a 6 foot rock in the closing section!!

No other PRO rider got off this rock clean during any loop yet Pat did 3 times :=) This spectacular move not only thrilled the crowd, it also put a BIG smile on the usually stoic face of this young TRIALS star. Way to go PAT and congrats to the whole SMAGE family! (NOTE - Phil competed well and with a smile even though obviously still injured while Noel followed/encouraged Pat)

The other big highlight was our own UMTA vice-president Ben Winterer winning the Sportsmen Class on Sunday. Obviously hindered way more than most people by the high altitude and after a disappointing ride on Saturday, Ben courageously pressed through for a huge national win on Sunday!!  Ben’s tenacity, perserverance, and skill did all UMTA-ers proud… WAY TO GO BEN!!!!!!

Steve Ahlers was riding his first trials of the season and although admittedly a little rusty, competed well in the SR 50 class on his new BETA. Steve said preparations are well under way for the Haggis-Basher in Duluth and he is also planning on riding at Gilbert on Saturday. Although not the first ride of the year, this was the first national for the Thomas boys. Curt rode in the Junior class for team Scorpa and Will rode the youth trials. Both competed well and as always Milt was there encouraging them on. He was Curts minder both days and FYI judging by the way he was breathing… he might be reconsidering his cigar tradition :=)

Ben, Steve, Curt, and Will represented the UMTA very well and if you come to Gilbert perhaps some of Ben’s national win will rub off on you… on second thought perhaps NOT but please come anyway :=))

See you in Gilbert for a great time in our own Rocky Mountains!

MR

5 year-old Kyler Kimmick rode his first trial at Tom Hoppe’s farm just outside Mankato, yesterday.

He finished 2nd in the youth/beginnner class.

He was coached by his dad, 2006 Expert Class champ, Randy Kimmick.

Click photo to enlarge.

Podium photos from yesterday’s event at Tom Hoppe’s farm near Mankato. Results/names coming soon. Click photos to enlarge.

Our next event will be held just outside Mankato at Tom Hoppe’s farm on Sunday 5/20. Registration begins at 9:30 - riders meeting at 11:00 - event starts at 11:30. Gordie Boggie and Tom Hoppe are serving as TRIALMASTERS and are working on the final set-up. If you are able and willing to help, please contact Gordie or Tom with questions…their numbers are listed on the schedule page.

Directions from Twin Cities:

169 S to Saint Peter -> 22 S out of Saint Peter thru Mankato (cross/south of highway #14) to County Road 16 -> Right/West on County 16 to 2nd LEFT = 574 Ave/Township Road 95 -> go left/south on this road to 166 Lane and then turn right into 166 Lane which is a dead end. Tom’s House is 2nd one.  (There will be tape/signs when you get close on event day)

Podium photos from the 5/5 event at the RR. Results/names coming soon. Click photos to enlarge.