Grand_Rapids

Well, this race started out with a bang, OK, it was more like a pop. After a quick review with Pete it was determined that in
the last three years we have not made a trip to Grand Rapids without a flat tire and this year was no exception. The only
difference is that this year the flat was on the race trailer and not on one of the bikes. The tire blew out just north of
Wisconsin Dells and like a NASCAR pit crew, we had it changed and were back on the road.

For those of you that have been to the Grand Rapids Enduro, you know that it is about 50 miles south of the arctic circle
and for those have not been there, trust me it’s a ways up north, Eh!

Making the trip up to the Grand Rapids Enduro from the south land was “El tres Amigo’s” Speedy Pete Laubmeier, Brian
(Dean) Breci, and Myself. Brian (Swap) Terry and Brian (Dixie Chick) Dixon also showed up from the southern hemisphere.

We decided we would set up camp in the area were the two gas stops were located at so we would have all of our supplies
available when we stopped for gas.

When we pulled into the area to set up our pits, we were greeted by the northern Minnesota locals. No, I am not referring to
the group that was there working to set up the trail for the race, I am referring to the black flies the size of sparrows and the
mosquito’s that eat the black fly’s for a snack. I am pretty positive this area would be a biologists dream because I don’t
think these species of insects have ever been documented before. Once everything was set up we headed back to get
signed up. As we signed up this year we were unaware that the AMA sanctioning board had changed the official rules and
now would let people sign up and ride together on the same minute. It’s crazy how the rules can change in the matter of
one year, or maybe it is just the people running the sign up. The two girls running sign up this year were excellent sports as
they took our Wisconsin sarcasm and jokes like no other. And were friendly to boot! As we headed back to the pits no one
was pounding the beers as I think everyone new that the next day would take a toll on their bodies.

The next morning arrived like the turning of a page in your favorite book. We all woke up still knowing that the day would be
full of great trail but still taking a toll on everyone as it was sunny and warm already at 7:00am in the morning. We all got
ready and had a little breakfast, Brian (Swap) decided he didn’t like his breakfast and gave it back as a recycled bi-product.
(Vomit)

The first section of the day was a 12 mile section that was excellent trail. Pete and I both dropped 12 with the best going to
Holsek with an 8. The second section was another 12 mile section that had a little more high speed trail. Scores in this
section ranged from 6 to 9. The next section was a short 4 mile section before gas. As we entered the woods, I think both
Pete and I knew that this was a short section and we were going to letting it all hang out. I led Pete into the woods. About a
mile into it he gave a holler and pulled over and tucked in behind him. If only we could ride a whole Enduro at this speed.
We both dropped a 3 in this section with the best again going to Holsek with a 2. There were 2 more sections before we
were back to optional gas. At this point we all had enough. Everyone was beat and would have been happy with calling it a
day. But No, the A riders had to ride another 16 mile section. This proved to be for most of us the survival section. We
were all dehydrated and our bodies were shook. There was no more race left in us, but as Pete would say, “We didn’t have
any quit in us either”. Although this didn’t seem the case for Dixie Chick as he just got faster as the day went on. The last
section he was on fire. We couldn’t keep up to him. Nice ride Dixie!! Well we all finished the race, except for Brian (Swap)
Terry, as he had some human mechanical issues.

We packed everything up, and headed up to the start area to see how everyone did. Not a bad showing from the south
land as we all brought home the wood. But this was no ordinary wood. As the plaques were handed out I took a close look
and realized, I knew the guy on the cover, sure as Sh@t it was Ken (SSK) Schuck. If you are wondering what the SSK
stands for, it is “Super Star Ken” Ken you are the man, if anyone disserves to be on the front of a plaque, it is you.
Finishes for the day were as follows:
Top 5:
Craig Holsek – 40
Todd Mathwig – 44
Tim Nienow – 47 (Overall A)
Josh Peterson – 50
Paul Schreiner – 51

Other Notable Finishes:
Pete Laubmeier – 63 (1st 200 A)
Heath Drone – 64 (2nd Open A)
Brian (Dean) Breci – 70 (7th Sr A)
Brian Dixon – (8th Sr A)

Heath Drone