Thanks to record rainfall, the Southern California hills are alive like never before. This sudden explosion of flowers is called a Super Bloom, and there is a bunch of science to explain the phenomenon, but we’ll leave that to those more qualified. We just knew it was an awe-inspiring landscape we wanted to experience for ourselves… and on two wheels.
When we decided to explore the rolling green and orange hills, we reached out to the Enduro Lyfe boys (they’re always down for a good time). We set out after work and rode until the setting sun told us to stop. We, of course, brought along our resident photo guru, Gordon Dooley, to capture every moment.
STOP AND SMELL THE POPPIES
The fields were blanketed as far as the eye could see. Cresting each hill unveiled a myriad of flowers dotting the landscape. We had to stop numerous times just to sit and take in the view. Even though Southern California is a popular center of life, and highway traffic and crowds are the norm, out in the rolling hills we felt a million miles from anywhere.
This is why offroad embodies everything we love about riding. Enduro bikes are freedom machines. As soon as your tires hit the dirt, the concerns of daily life fade. There is nothing more valuable than these moments. Remember, you don’t have to travel to some far away land to escape, you can find freedom in your own backyard.
If you'd like to check out the equipment used during the ride:
- Legion Offroad Jersey: The perfect balance of lightweight stretch and trail-ready functionality.
- Legion Offroad Pants: 4-way stretch meets Cordura® fabrics and essential storage pockets.
- Legion Offroad Jacket: 2-in-1 convertible jacket versatile enough for a full day of riding.
- Bomber Light Glove: Minimalistic palm for maximum bar feel pair D3O® armored knuckles.
LEGION: (FLOWER) FIELD TESTED
You might remember the initial launch of our Fox MX19 Legion Offroad gear last fall, where it was put to the test by Carey Hart and Ricky Carmichael. The Goat gave it his stamp of approval, but just for good measure, we equipped the Enduro Lyfe guys with a Legion Kit each to test a new set of conditions – proving this offroad gear has 4-season versatility.
The Offroad jersey is durable yet lightweight and breathable – brains and brawn. Thanks to Cordura® sleeves, it brushes off unexpected encounters with bushes, tree branches, and, when things get real sideways, the dirt. The Offroad pants have the same performance chassis as the beloved 360 pants, but with reinforced Cordura® Ripstop paneling to protect from trail-related wear and tear. Plus, a smart pocketing system gives you a place to store your keys, cell phone… maybe a snack. Basically, anything you want to keep within arm’s reach.
Rounding out the Legion collection is a convertible jacket, which gives you the versatility of a vest and jacket in one. As a vest, it adds wind and abrasion resistance to your gearset without overheating. When the sun dropped below the mountains, attaching the sleeves gave us the additional coverage we needed as temperatures fell. And when it was time to switch on the headlights, the reflective trims kept everyone visible.
After a climatic end to the 2018 Rockstar Energy Triple Crown series, the start of the 2019 season has been highly anticipated but soft spring soil conditions in BC, the opening round of the AX Tour in Abbotsford always proves to be a wild card race that anyone can win.
After a big crash during last year’s season finale, MX1 rider Colton Facciotti was not lining up for the AX Tour portion of the series to allow for more recovery time prior to the MX Tour. MX2 rider Dylan Wright would be the lone GDR/Honda rider during the AX Tour. After a disappointing result in last year’s Abbotsford Arenacross with a mechanical DNF, Wright was looking for a stronger start to his season in 2019.
With the dismal track conditions, riders struggled to put in decent laps with most opting to use their laps to survey the lines that were forming and constantly changing. Wright cruised around with hopes of putting in a strong qualifying time in the second session, but it was cut short due to deteriorating track conditions as well as timing & scoring issues. Dylan would have to rely on his 6th place qualifying time from session 1.
A bad qualifying time means a bad gate pick, so Dylan had to make the most of his starting position in the Heat race to advance himself into the Main Event. Wright took the holeshot and led every lap on route to the first heat race win of the season and his Main Event was looking promising for the GDR/Honda team.
With the soft soil conditions, the carnage on the first lap of the Main Event was almost unavoidable and Wright got tangled with a rider in the second corner. After crashing off the track, Wright struggling to re-enter which left him battling back from last place up to 7th place by the finish. But amongst all the chaos, it was Texas Native, Ryder Owens who was the surprise winner of Round 1 taking the first victory of the season!
WHAT'S NEXT
Round 2 of the AX Tour will be in Calgary, Alberta at the Western Arguem centre. Soil consistency is a dry, hard packed base that favours riders with smooth throttle control.
For raceday Moto coverage, follow Fox Racing on Instagram @foxmoto
The Rockstar Energy Triple Crown series arrived in Calgary, Alberta for round 2 of the AX Tour Championship. Riders and teams were anxiously awaiting the dry and sifted rodeo dirt of the Western Agrium Centre that always creates a great racing track. The track for this weekend’s race had a technical rhythm section followed by a deep set of whoops that were separating riders who were able to put in the proper off-season AX training.
With the NHL playoffs game night heating up in the arena located directly next to the Arenacross race, the atmosphere and city were buzzing. As lifelong hockey fan, Dylan Wright wanted to support the city’s team and came out for opening ceremonies wearing a Calgary Flames jersey.
During the MX2 qualifications, GDR/Honda Canada/Fox Racing’s Wright grabbed the holeshot in his heat race and went on to lead every lap on route to his second heat race win of the season. Fox Racing support rider Brad Nauditt also grabbed the holeshot in his heat race and put in a good battle for the win but would have to settle for the 2nd place spot.
In Arenacross, the tight confines of the area make the starts the most crucial element to the race. As the gate dropped for the first dry Main Event of the season, Brad Nauditt got the Royal Distributing holeshot award and lead for the opening six laps of the race before being passed by a lurking Dylan Wright. Wright went on to lead the remaining laps of the race on the way to his first victory of the season. Nauditt had his hands full for the next seven laps before being overtaken with two laps remaining and he finished the race in 3rd place.
Leaving Calgary with his first victory of the season, the MX2 series points lead and the MX2 Triple Crown points lead, Dylan and the GDR/Honda Canada/Fox Racing team will now have all eyes on them as they carry the red plate into Round 3.
AX Tour Round 2 Race Results:
- 1st – Dylan Wright
- 2nd – Marco Cannella
- 3rd – Brad Nauditt
- 4th – Jyire Mitchel
- 5th – Luke Renzlandl
AX Tour MX2 Series Standings:
- 1st – Dylan Wright – 51 pts
- 2nd – Marco Cannella – 50 pts
- 3rd – Luke Renzland – 48 pts
- 4th – Brad Nauditt – 45 pts
- 5th – Tyler Medaglia – 45 pts
WHAT'S NEXT
Round 3 of the AX Tour will be in Sarnia, Ontario at the Progressive Auto Center.
For raceday Moto coverage, follow Fox Racing on Instagram @foxmoto
Denver racing started in the snow but that didn’t cool off Adam Cianciarulo. The Monster Energy/Pro Circuit/Kawasaki rider was on fire in Denver. When the riding was done, the snow had melted and Adam earned his 5th win, extending his points lead to eight.
250 CLASS
Adam Cianciarulo #92
In the main event, Michael Mosiman took the holeshot. Adam quickly followed in behind him. The Kawasaki pilot stalked Moisman for several laps and made repeated pass attempts – all of which were fended off. On lap seven, Adam would make the pass after a 4-turn-long, back and forth battle. With a clear track, he would ride to victory inside Broncos Stadium at Mile High.
“I’m always at my best when my backs against the wall. Man, I couldn’t be more proud of myself, couldn’t be more proud of the team. We got one more to go; I’ve had a good record in Vegas, so really confident there. But, I have to keep my foot on the pedal.”
GEICO HONDA
Honda pilots Rj Hampshire and Cameron McAdoo had an up-and-down night, but their perseverance made the difference. In the main, their battle towards the front would force them to face off. The teammates would battle for several laps with Hampshire eventually edging out McAdoo. Rj Hampshire would take 4th at the Denver Supercross at Mile High stadium and Cameron McAdoo finished 6th.
450 CLASS
Ken Roczen #94
In the main, Ken Roczen didn’t get the jump he needed. He was buried in the pack and when positions settled he found himself in 9th. The Honda pilot quickly made passes, working his way into sixth by lap seven. He was riding with momentum, gaining on the leaders, but his energy would fade in the last laps. He would relinquish one position before the end and finish in seventh.
RESULTS
450 Class:
- 1 – Eli Tomac (28 laps)
- 2 – Cooper Webb (+7.774)
- 3 – Marvin Musquin (+13.171)
- 4 – Justin Bogle (+21.021)
- 5 – Joey Savatgy (+22.661)
- 6 – Blake Baggett (+24.914)
- 7 – Ken Roczen (+27.503)
- 8 – Zach Osborne (+36.145)
- 9 – Joshua Grant (+39.160)
- 10 – Justin Hill (+40.276)
250 Class:
- 1 – Adam Cianciarulo (21 laps)
- 2 – Dylan Ferrandis (+5.756)
- 3 – Colt Nichols (+9.268)
- 4 – Rj Hampshire (+17.714)
- 5 – Michael Mosiman (+18.222)
- 6 – Cameron McAdoo (+21.155)
- 7 – James Decotis (+29.781)
- 8 – Justin Starling (20 laps)
- 9 – Dylan Merriam (+2.058)
- 10 – Enzo Lopes (+2.536)
WHAT'S NEXT
Next week we head to Metlife Stadium for round 16.
For raceday Moto coverage, follow Fox Racing on Instagram @foxmoto
Nashville was a wild one. Before the main event even started, a crash of championship implication would shake-up the 250 East series. In the 450 class, Ken Roczen was on fire, however, a bit of bad luck would end any chance of victory.
250 CLASS
Martin Davalos #73
With his teammate out, Martin Davalos rose to the occasion as the Monster Energy/Pro Circuit/Kawasaki Team’s only rider in Nashville. In the main, Davalos took advantage of a crash in front of him to gain valuable positions. By the end of lap one, he had secured the lead. With an open track in front of him, he blitzed the track, gapping the field (at one point) by 10 seconds. He slowed up a bit to savor the victory and lit the candles with a 3.5-second lead.
Austin Forkner #24
Austin Forkner suffered a hard crash in practice. He attempted to ride in the final practice, but ultimately his team decided to sit out the rest of the Nashville SX. His return is still to be determined.
Chase Sexton #23
Chase Sexton had an up and down day in Nashville, however, one thing was consistent - his speed. Chase qualified first and won his heat race. In the main, the Geico Honda rider started 3rd. Sprinting through the first rhythm, he made the pass for 2nd. And, by end of lap one, he had taken the lead. However, soon after the pass, he would get cleaned out by Justin Cooper. Undaunted by the fall, Chase remounted his Honda and worked his way back to 2nd. With Austin Forkner unable to compete, Chase is now only 3 points back from the overall lead.
450 CLASS
Ken Roczen #94
All signs pointed to this being Ken Roczen’s night. He was first in qualifications and won his heat race convincingly. However, a bit of bad luck would play spoiler. In the main event, Ken started 8th but made short work of the riders between him and his prize. While in 3rd, he was putting tremendous pressure on Joey Savatgy who was in 2nd place – a pass seemed imminent. Nobody doubted he would go on to catch and pass the leader Cooper Web. Instead, Savatgy would fall in front of the Honda pilot creating an unavoidable crash. When Ken remounted he had gone from 3rd to 22nd. By the checkered flag, he had worked back to 8th.
RESULTS
450 Class:
- 8 – Ken Roczen (+ 50.242)
250 Class:
- 1 – Martin Davalos
- 2 – Chase Sexton (+ 03.508)
WHAT'S NEXT
Next week we head to Denver for round 15.
For raceday Moto coverage, follow Fox Racing on Instagram @foxmoto
Tim Gajser rode two incredible races to take the top step of the podium in Trentino. The overall win didn't come easily though. He was victorious in two fierce battles in which dramatic, late passes determined the outcome.
Gajser had a perfect weekend. After winning the qualification race, he would benefit from selecting his preferred gate in both mains – an edge he would take full advantage of. In the first race, he started in 5th but would make several passes in succession to take 2nd. Gajser and the race leader, Antonio Cairoli, would push each other throughout the whole race. The Honda pilot would only need one opening. Seizing an opportunity, he would capitalize on a slight mistake by Cairoli and take the lead - much to the delight of the Slovenian fans in attendance. Tim would hold off a counterattack to take the win.
Gajser took the holeshot in the second race. As the pace started to quicken, Cairoli would pressure from behind and eventually take the lead. Gajser would bide his time before making a move. With 5 laps remaining, he would attack and regain the lead. It was a hard race to the end with both riders pressing. Gajser held off Cairoli, finished first, and secured the 1-1 sweep.
For raceday Moto coverage, follow Fox Racing on Instagram @foxmoto
Round 3 of the 2019 MXGP World Championship rolled into the Netherlands this weekend and tested the riders with their first sand track of the season at Valkenswaard. After grabbing his first moto win of the season at the previous round help at Matterley Basin, Slovenian born Tim Gajser came into the weekend looking to defeat series leader Antonio Cairoli. In the MX2 division, Calvin Vlaanderen was coming off two consecutive 4th place finishes and aimed to take the step up onto the podium at Valkenswaard.
The weekend started strong for Gajser as he was around the top of the board in both Free & Qualifying Practice Saturday morning. When the Qualifying Race rolled around in the afternoon Gajser took a very collected second place finish - not pushing the envelope too hard and cruising to a good gate pick for Sunday's races. Unfortunately for Gajser's MX2 stablemate Calvin Vlaanderen as he got caught up in a first turn crash in his Qualifying Race. Vlaanderen luckily was unharmed and battled back for 14th pick on the gate the following day.
Sunday saw more cloudy and cold weather conditions but the riders were ready to battle it out nonetheless. Calvin Vlaanderen had the fastest time in morning Warm Up and looked poised for a strong finish. But a tough start would make things difficult for Vlaanderen in MX2 Moto #1, although he was able to work his way up to 4th from outside the top 10. He made things somewhat easier for himself in Moto #2 when he took the green flag in 6th, but a 4th place finish unfortunately was not good enough for the overall podium. 4-4 Moto scores handed him 4th place overall, but he now holds 3rd Place in the Championship points standings.
In MXGP Moto #1, Tim Gajser jumped out in the front of the pack and held 3rd position for the opening laps. Unfortunately he suffered another big crash on Lap 4, although he quickly remounted and got going again. At the end he worked his way up to 7th position despite the mishap. In Moto #2 Gajser got another good start and settled into 2nd position where he would eventually finish. His 7-2 scores were good for 3rd Overall and he kept his podium streak for the season alive. Gajser holds 2nd Place in the Championship standings. Fox Goggle athlete Jeremy Seewer also had another positive weekend in the Netherlands and went 8-6 for 7th Overall.
WHAT'S NEXT
The series continues next week at the picturesque Trentino circuit near Riva Del Garda in Italy.
For raceday Moto coverage, follow Fox Racing on Instagram @foxmoto
This weekend, the 2019 AMA Supercross series headed to Houston, TX for the last of the Triple Crowns. Things have heated up both the 450SX and 250SX classes.
250 CLASS
Adam Cianciarulo #94
Adam Cianciarulo brought the speed to Houston. He was first in qualifying and won the first of the three mains. In the second main, however, Cianciarulo was forced off the track in turn one, dropping him back to tenth. He was able to move up through the field, but a fall landed him back in tenth at the checkered flag. In the last main, he was riding in the top five when a rider fell in front of his path. He was unable to avoid the downed rider and went down himself. He remounted quickly, picked off several riders, and passed for third on the final lap.
Garrett Marchbanks #61
In the first main, Marchbanks got off to a rough start but was able to work his way back to tenth. In the second main, he had a great start and passed for third on the final lap to finish on the podium. In the last main, he crashed in the first turn and was forced to retire early.
Geico Honda
Rj Hampshire had an excellent weekend in Houston. With strong rides in all three mains, he finished 3-2-4 to finish second overall. Cameron McAdoo had some gritty rides but his persistence landed him (9-6-5) sixth overall.
450 CLASS
Ken Roczen #94
IIn the first main, Ken grabbed the holeshot and ran away with the race. In the second main, Roczen had a hard fall in the first sprint and was unable to finish the race. In the last main, he decided to ride despite minor injuries. He started outside the top 10 but worked his way into eighth by the checkered flag.
450 Class:
- 10 – Ken Roczen (1 / 21 / 8)
250 Class:
- 2 – Rj Hampshire (3 / 2 / 4)
- 4 – Adam Cianciarulo (1 / 10 / 3)
- 6 – Cameron McAdoo (9 / 6 / 5)
- 9 – Garrett Marchbanks (10 / 3 / 19)
WHAT'S NEXT
Next week we head to Nashville for round 14.
For raceday Moto coverage, follow Fox Racing on Instagram @foxmoto
The 2019 MXGP World Championship landed in Europe this weekend for Round #2 of the series. Following an exciting opening round in Argentina, the riders & fans were excited to get things rolling in Europe at one of the most popular tracks on the circuit - Matterley Basin in Winchester, England. HRC's Tim Gajser came into the weekend sitting second in points behind veteran Antonio Cairoli and looked to show he will be a threat for the title this season. Off the track, we were excited to debut the Fox 74 Show, our all new live show activation taking place at numerous events in the paddock this season. See below for all the action from the weekend!
We got the race weekend started on Friday night at Meredith Motocross who hosted an in-store event at their shop in Bristol. We were lucky to have Jeff Emig with us as a special guest, and Ricky Carmichael was able to FaceTime into the shop for a Q&A session with the fans. The banter was turned up as usual with those two and everyone in attendance got some good laughs and insight on the sport.
On the track the action was exciting as usual, and Tim Gajser was really feeling it on his personal favorite track. Tim was fastest in both Free & Qualifying Practice and took a come from behind win in the MXGP Qualifying Race on Saturday after getting a bad start. HRC's MX2 contender Calvin Vlaanderen had a bit of a tough day on Saturday and would earn 9th gate pick from the Qualifying Race after spinning out of the gate a rounding the first turn towards the back of the pack.
Sunday was a special day for Tim Gajser as he celebrated the memory of his late brother Žan on what would have been his birthday. We were able to get a custom helmet made for Tim that brandished his brother's name and a special cartoon on the back that stated "Always With Me 24/3."
On Sunday, Gajser jumped out to an early lead in MXGP Moto #1 and started to put a nice gap on the field until he suffered a massive crash on Lap 4. Miraculously he was able to remount and keep going in 3rd position, where he eventually finished while threatening for 2nd. In Moto #2 Gajser was on a mission to get his first win of the season and made a nice pass on Cairoli in the opening lap. He held on for the win and an emotional victory for the Slovenian. His 3-1 results were good for 2nd Overall on the weekend and his second podium in a row. Fox goggle athlete Jeremy Seewer also had a positive weekend and improved on his Round #1 results, going 8-5 for 7th Overall.
In the MX2 division Calvin Vlaanderen got off to a decent start and was running 5th before crashing around the half way point. Luckily he was also able to remount and pushed back through the pack to finish 8th. Moto #2 was a different story for Vlaanderen as he started the race inside the top 3 and eventually finished up in 2nd. Unfortunately his first Moto result cost him a chance to stand on the podium and ended up 4th overall with 8-2 scores.
WHAT'S NEXT
The 2019 MXGP World Championship continues this weekend with Round #3 of the Championship on the sands of Valkenswaard in the Netherlands.
For raceday Moto coverage, follow Fox Racing on Instagram @foxmoto
This weekend, the 250 west coast athletes returned to work; they haven’t missed a step since the break. The Pacific Northwest fans were greeted with unseasonable (and welcome) dry weather, exceptional racing and a nail biter of a finish. In the 450 series, Roczen returned to the podium, an achievement overshadowed by a controversial finish.
250 CLASS
Adam Cianciarulo #92
After a shaky start in the main, Adam quickly worked his way to the front, however, he would run out of racetrack before he could make a pass attempt on the leader. After the first couple turns, Adam had successfully avoided a mess of downed riders, but this held the Kawasaki pilot up a little and he found himself in 5th. It didn't take him long to charge to 2nd but he was never close enough to make a meaningful pass attempt. He would have to settle for 2nd this week.
Garrett Marchbanks #61
The rookie showed confidence and poise in Seattle, however, he is still hunting that elusive first career win. In the main, he was forced to navigate a minefield of downed riders. Although he was able to keep his bike upright, the delay landed him outside the top 10 from the start. From back in the field, he quickly worked his way up, as high as 6th. However, he would run into some trouble halfway through the main and fall back to 16th. By the checkered flag, he had recovered to finish 12th.
Geico Honda
Any hopes of a podium finish for Team Geico Honda was over almost before the race started. Teammates, Cameron McAdoo and Rj Hampshire lined up side-by-side for the main. When the gate dropped, they came together during the first sprint. The end result was a 6th place finish for Hampshire and an 8th place for McAdoo.
450 CLASS
Ken Roczen #94
After two consecutive weeks off the podium, Ken Roczen was pleased to earn a 2nd place finish in Seattle. The Honda pilot started well and settled in behind the leader, Marvin Musquin. In the early laps, Musquin would jump a series of doubles under a waving red-cross flag, opening up a gap from the field in the process. Ken Roczen was never able to make up the time. In the end (per the rules), Musquin would be docked seven points for the infraction, but retain the win.
Chad Reed #22
Chad suffered a severe crash and was unable to finish the race. We are sending Two-Two our healing vibes and hope he gets well soon. His return this season is questionable, but the Suzuki rider had this to say on his Instagram, “Thanks for all the love. I love having a purpose and a goal. Though it seems impossible, right now I’m setting a goal of racing Vegas because I know I’ll be a better human for it.” If you get a chance, send him some love: @crtwotwo
450 Class:
- 2 – Ken Roczen (+ 02.361)
- Chad Reed (dnf)
250 Class:
- 2 – Adam Cianciarulo (+ 00.571)
- 6 – Rj Hampshire (+ 42.045)
- 8 – Cameron McAdoo (+ 44.045)
- 12 – Garrett Marchbanks (1 lap + 29.284)
WHAT'S NEXT
Next week we head to Houston for round 12.
For raceday Moto coverage, follow Fox Racing on Instagram @foxmoto
Photos by: @hbmotoco
The Freestone Spring Championship kicked off this past week in Wortham, Texas. The Miller family ranch was a host to nearly 1,400 race entries in over 40 classes. This year was especially grueling for the Pro Sport and B classes, offering 25 minute motos for the Pro Am’s, and 20 minute motos for the B class, in an effort to truly begin to give these athletes a taste of the big leagues, as many will be transitioning to a professional career in the upcoming year or two. Team Green’s Seth Hammaker came out swinging in the 250 A Pro Sport class and won the first moto. Unfortunately, he went down hard in Open A and was unable to continue. In the 125cc classes, both Jeremy Ryan and Gage Linville were running fast and winning motos, yet some bad luck in the finals put a damper on overall scores, as Jeremy ended up handlebar deep in a pond in the 125cc 12-17 class. Both of them proved they had the speed to run out front. Ryder DiFrancesco was on point this week winning 4 motos, but most impressive when he went down in the first turn, remounted, and proceeded to pass the entire field and took the win, really showing how hard he can push to come back from a rough start! In the younger 85cc 9-11 class, NorCal ripper Enzo Temmerman went 1-1 motos to take home the gold.
Congratulations to our champions and all who traveled to Texas to compete in the Spring Championship! Below is a list of Fox Team podium finishes.
1st Place – Champion
- Ryder DiFrancesco – Mini Sr. 2 (13-15)
- Enzo Temmerman – 85cc (9-11) Limited
- Jordan Jarvis – Women 12+
- Don Bisceglia – 45+
- John Grewe – 50+
- Don Bisceglia – 50+
2nd Place
- Ryder DiFrancesco – SuperMini 1 (12-15)
- Ryder DiFrancesco – 85cc (9-13)
- Casey Cochran – 85cc (9-12)
- Kevin Cozadd – 45+
- Don Boespflug – 50+
3rd Place
- Ryder DiFrancesco – Mini Sr. 1 (12-14)
