So having just returned home from a chilly, breezy Gorman, I'd like to extend my praise to our team. I had a heck of a time, enjoyed the riding, and was surrounded by class act people.
The bike, was, well, perfect. Its suspension has been refined over the 2005 model, this bike works very well.
There were comments at the 24 hr regarding the trail. While it was at Gorman, and I'm assuming by the comments, that it is regarded as a 'faster' riding area, JL set a a very technical course, with plenty of virgin, ravines with narrow, twisting washes barely wide enough for the pegs, sometimes not enough room for the feet. Most of these were roofed in with bush. Many riders were complaining that this should not compose a 'media test event'.
My thoughts on this: JL structured this 24 ride for the bike durability test. What is left of the bike or bikes is then evaluated. To the consumer, why evaluate a new bike? Why not tell him how it feels after its a few months ( ie 24 hrs ) old. A new bike is always good.
So the tight trails and the endurocross sections tested the bikes ability to be riden and maintain its durability. Vulnerability to rocks, roots, stickers, etc all take a toll on a motorcycle and that is what JL wants to deliver to the consumer. If we can thrash these bikes for 24 hrs, let them thrash them some more and they are still ok, then the consumer has a winner.
Personally, I think the berg was made for this thrashing. If it handles a AA riders beating, then how long will it last for the average consumer? Time will tell when we see the print on what he was really doing.
Just my couple cents, but I'm tired yet, from riding, prepping, travelling and eating - despite all the work, Mark Hosack's fine cooking put a pound a day on my rack of bones.
Again, hats off to Brett, BOSS, Dan, Leo, Brian, Bill, Ted, and Jedi for a job well done.
