85 replies to this topic

[Tree Master TT Bronze Member]

Dwight,

I believe that you and I had a common acquaintance when you were involved with Hercules. He was a JAG officer at NAS Pensacola and ex A-4 driver who was riding either a six, or seven speed 100cc (hybrid) Hercules in US 2- day qualifiers in 1977 (I think thats the right year). He also had a newer 7 speed 250 cc Hercules that he rode when we went riding. He had a relationship with a local Pensacola bike dealer that was selling Hercules bikes. I believe this was in 1977. He was a LCDR and I was a Lt on instructor duty at NAS Pensacola. He was helping me prep for the LSAT so I could get my JD on the Navy's nickle. We both left Pensacola at about the same time in 1978.

He talked me into buying a 175 cc 7 speed Hercules that I quickly traded for a 250 after riding his. Again 1977 time period. He was my first introduction to a big suspension upgrade using Works Performance shocks with freon bags. Good rider and good friend. He taught me a lot - that I have forgotten. Can't remember his name, but I believe first name was Richard.  

He had mentioned that he had qualified for a slot on the US ISDT team with the 100 cc bike, but would have to take a pass due to Military commitments. He also mentioned that another rider that he knew would also not be able to go because of a crop dusting accident - flipped upside down after making a too low pass while dusting. I am curious, was that you?

[Dwight_Rudder]

Rear Admiral Rick Grant, whom they based the TV show JAG after, and I rode for Hercules back in 1975 through 1977.  Yes, They (the Military ) wouldn't let him go to to Czecho after qualifying for security reasons and I did crash my Crop Duster after ripping a wing off ( Trees are hell ! ).  Rick is frequently on the VINDURO forum these days and is coming to a Vintage trail ride with me in a couple weeks.  He is now retired from the Navy and living in Tallahassee, Fl.  
Cher'o,
Dwight

[ktm521 TT Bronze Member]

That sounds like vinduro from ktmtalk.

[Dwight_Rudder]

Who Me ?

[ktm521 TT Bronze Member]

Dwight_Rudder said:

Who Me ?

Yes you, your avatar gives you away along with your signature.

[Dwight_Rudder]

Darn,  I guess you saw through my disguise .
Not that I try too hard, eh ?
Dwight

[jamdrz TT Silver Member]

congrats on your senior A win yesterday at the tenn mash enduro, glad to hear you liked our course, we should be able to work in another 20 mi or so of the good stuff by next year.

[Dwight_Rudder]

Yes, I love technical terrain.  It was great.
Dwight

[simon21 TT Member]

Hey Dwight, Greetings from England ! I found " On Any Sunday " 6 years ago, i had just barrel rolled my go cart and was feeling sorry for myself, but that film has changed my life ! Ive nearly worn the DVD out. just shows life begins at 40, for me anyway, lol !!! been riding whats left of the trails in UK but am now starting motox . Getting fit too !

[XT350 Chris TT Bronze Member]

Hello Dwight. Until now I didn't take the time to read/respond to your post. Now that I have done so, I can hopefully use some feedback on issues that pertain to my Off-Road riding style. I reside in a small Canadian City (Winnipeg, Manitoba) where I get away to the summer cabin for wicked riding. The popularity seems to be in the MX and SuperCross more so than Off-Road anything out here. Nice to see someone like yourself with the expertise and drive to help other Off-Road enthusiasts in uncertain times. I have always been a fan of the XR's but till my XT350 pops, it will continue to provide great full throttle action.  

[lbubak TT Member]

Hey Dwight, wow that is quite a big list of accomplishments. Congradulations and happy birthday. I was wondering, I am planning on starting to ride some enduroes  this year, along with my brother and another friend. I was wondering what is the best thing that I can do to prepare for a race. Any suggestions are welcomed, and this goes out to everyone else too.

[Dwight_Rudder]

lbubak said:

Hey Dwight, wow that is quite a big list of accomplishments. Congradulations and happy birthday. I was wondering, I am planning on starting to ride some enduroes  this year, along with my brother and another friend. I was wondering what is the best thing that I can do to prepare for a race. Any suggestions are welcomed, and this goes out to everyone else too.

Prepare yourself physically and be sure to hydrate your body.
Prepare the bike for reliability and dial the suspension in.
I suggest trying to get on the row with an experianced rider and following him for your first several events.  Stop when he stops and go when he goes.  I suggest a route sheet holder and a watch so you can follow along with the timekeeping as you go.
Cher'o,
Dwight

[lbubak TT Member]

Dwight_Rudder said:

Prepare yourself physically and be sure to hydrate your body.
Prepare the bike for reliability and dial the suspension in.
I suggest trying to get on the row with an experianced rider and following him for your first several events.  Stop when he stops and go when he goes.  I suggest a route sheet holder and a watch so you can follow along with the timekeeping as you go.
Cher'o,
Dwight

Alright thank you. A friend of mine paces his dad who has been doing this for many years until he got the hang of it, so I might be able to get on a row with him, and if not I will just be greatful if I make it across the finish. Just finishing is a big enough reward for me.  

[jhendr3702 TT Platinum Member]

hey dude... would the 94 isde have been in tulsa at zinc?????
I was new to riding then and lived in tulsa. My riding partner and I rode the pre-race enduro's there It was a blast. We rode the short course and felt fine, they were begging guys to ride the last loop. big mistake for me. could not tell you if i had hands fingures forearms elbows.
still love riding and am teaching a 16yr the joys of trail riding and some times we use trails.
99 yz400f
94 rmx250
96 yz125

[Dwight_Rudder]

Yes, The 1994 ISDE was at Tulsa / Sand Springs at the Zink Ranch.
Dwight

[Dave309 TT Newbie]

Dwight I just got back into riding and I started riding originally in 1971 when my dad bought me the first Yamaha 60 Enduro in my town when they first came out.  The one that you see the big fat guy riding in the beginning of "On Any Sunday".  It had a red tank and red and white striped fenders. Good times.  Peace.

[moose offroad TT Silver Member]

Dwight,Im 45,ride twice a week,mostly trails on a CRF 250 X,wear knee braces.The question I have is after about 4 hours of aggresive riding,I start getting leg cramps.I use a camel back filled with gator-aid and ice,hydrate with a bottle of water before the ride,what am I doing wrong?,braces to tight maybe......I dunno?......moose.

[Dwight_Rudder]

Go to McDonalds or other fast food establishment and grab a handfull of salt packets.  Put 2 in your camel back.  Also one in your flavored water while you are hydrating.   If you are having major cramps after a ride try drinking some Dill Pickle juice.  It is mostly brine and it will cure or kill you , LOL.   BUT it will get rid of cramps.
You also may try a couple of aspirin before a ride .  Seems to help.
Dwight

[moose offroad TT Silver Member]

Dwight_Rudder said:

Go to McDonalds or other fast food establishment and grab a handfull of salt packets.  Put 2 in your camel back.  Also one in your flavored water while you are hydrating.   If you are having major cramps after a ride try drinking some Dill Pickle juice.  It is mostly brine and it will cure or kill you , LOL.   BUT it will get rid of cramps.
You also may try a couple of aspirin before a ride .  Seems to help.
Dwight

Thanks dude,will give it a try friday.......moose.

[Dwight_Rudder]

How did it work for you ?
Dwight