Frontrow GB

34th on Dakar 2012

2012-02-09T07:20:00.000-08:00

Team Front Row GB have returned from Dakar 2012 with Stan Watt completing the event in position 34th overall.

The 8,500km South American event started on 1st January, racing through Argentina, Chile and finishng on 15th January in the Peruvian capital - Lima, with 2.5M spectators in the city of an 11M population.

Temperatures soared in the intial stages to over 50 celius causing a number of fueling issues for competitors and as the race moved through to Chile, temperatures plummeted to -5 through the Andes mountain range.

A steady start by Stan on the Crescent KTM 450RR found him dropping back from his 60th start position to as low as 87th on the initial short, day 1 stage.

Minor difficulties plagued the team and slowed any progress for the first half of the rally with fuelling problems in the excessive heat, top-end speed issues, jetting, suspension set-up but nothing that would have been a show stopper and realistically the Team were still trying to get a 'rally set-up' that could not be tested in the UK.

A patient attitiude and an excellent team ethos allowed Stan to improve on stage results in what was deemed to be a physical and technical rally by the half-way point and rest day.

With Stan's riding ability more attuned to long and fast rally racing, the technical capability required would have a lasting effect on the end result.

Stage statisitics proved that most ground was made on fellow competitors during the faster elements of the race and where navigation was paramount, with Stan progressing up to 24th overall and 17th on stage prior to a waypoint 'missed by all but 5 riders' was cancelled after complaints. Politics prevail!

The KTM 450RR proved to be an outstanding replacement for the 'super reliable' KTM 690RR now that full engine restricitions are fully in place, with the Team opting to run the same engine for the complete rally.

The support crew structure operated as planned with the fast response 4x4 backing Stan as close as possible and the primary 4x4 Mercedes truck carrying the big loads to each bivouac.

Although the end result didn't turn out as Stan wanted, there are a huge amount of positives to take away if another attempt was made for 2013.

Stan being 1 of only 9 riders that did not receive any penalties, navigation was superbly accurate, riding ability has improved well since 2009 and the supporting crew comng together, not only assisting Stan as a rider but also Dave Marton the primary technician.

A big thank you to all the support for Stan Watt and Front Row GB from across the globe, sponsors and family, it is all hugely appreciated and extremely important in assisting the Team reach its goal.

As a Team we have lot of people and companies to thank but here goes;

CRESCENT KTM
KTM UK
MOTORCYCLE NEWS
VOLTCOM GROUP
EDMONDSON RACING
MICHELIN
ADVENTURE SPEC
TALON ENGINEERING
MOTOREX
ARAI HELMETS
ALPINESTAR
MOTOTECH AUSTRALIA
MIKE DAVIS TOOLS
LEATT
KLIM CLOTHING

We would also like to thank the support crew for the many hours of hard work and long days driving the two vehicles in support of Stan Watt.;

Ivan Finkelstein
Keaton Allen
David Marton
Mark Wright
Derrick Edmondson

Front Row GB would also like to thanks all friends and family who have suffered quietly to make it all happen again.

Onwards and upwards for the rest of 2012

DAKAR 2012 is GO!

2011-12-31T17:16:00.000-08:00

Scrutineering is complete as with the start podium preliminaries for Stan and will set off in the next 6 hours on the first sage of the 2012 Dakar Rally onboard the Crescent KTM 450RR.

The 6 days in Argentina so far have been productive with preparing the bike and support vehicles plus some testing outside the town of Mar del Plata, which will see the start of the event on 1st January.

443 vehicles will take part in the 2012 Dakar, which will start from Mar del Plata and head towards Lima, where the pilots will arrive following an 8,300-kilometre trek through Argentinean, Chilean and Peruvian territory. The battle for the four titles at stake is about to begin.

At this time of the year, beaches in "La Feliz" are packed with holidaymakers every day. But today, all eyes are focused on Plaza Colón, a bit further from the sea, where a podium has been set up for the presentation of the teams to the public before the race. This ceremony is usually held before tens of thousands of spectators, who have 443 vehicles to marvel at and applaud this year. Despite the festive ambiance in the city, the atmosphere must feel quite chilly for a handful of competitors who will have to forget their ambitions. Indeed, seven quads failed the technical checks, since they were too different from the production models they were supposed to represent. "Prototypes" are not allowed in this category! Although they will be allowed to participate, Josef Machacek (5-time winner), Lukasz Laskawiec (3rd in 2011), Christophe Declerck (4th in 2011), Rafal Sonik, Antoine Leconte, Norberto Cangani and Maciej Albinowski are no longer eligible for the general classification. The path to victory seems clear for the Patronelli brothers, or at least for a battle among South Americans.

Although their fate is yet to be decided, four motorcycle riders are also in a situation which will probably make them smile in a few days' time, but which is giving them quite a few headaches at the moment. Iain Stevenson, Neil Scott-Thomas, Darryl Curtis and Greg Raaf's motorcycles were delayed on their trip from the United States. As of December 31, the ship carrying them has only reached Delta Dock, roughly 500 km from Mar del Plata. In order to give them a chance to win this first time trial, the organisers decided to make headway with the administrative part of their scrutineering and call for help from the Argentinean authorities to speed up customs procedures, but seeing these four riders at the starting line is not a done deal. The deputy manager of the rally, David Castera, has asked them to be ready for tomorrow morning at 5 am if they are able to bring in their motorcycles for a simplified technical scrutineering process.

The four victims of sea transport misadventures would be happy just to start the race, but other pilots are already thinking about the top step of the podium in Lima. Among them are Cyril Despres and Marc Coma, who walked around the aisles of the scrutineering area clad in identical orange shirts. Their relaxed mood and companionship contrasts with the tense relationship they have had over the last few years, and the defending champion shows he wants to keep things that way: "Things have calmed down a lot between us, I think it is much better to start the race in this state of mind." In the car category, Nasser Al-Attiyah has also teamed up with a former rival, Robby Gordon, who has put him at the wheel of a Hummer H3 decorated with the colours of Qatar. He will probably have to beat a former teammate if he wants to mount a successful title defence: at the wheel of his Mini, it looks like Stéphane Peterhansel has got what he needs to finally take his 10th win after years of trying

HAPPY NEW YEAR from all at Front Row GB

Front Row GB/Edmondson Racing Take the Honours at Dawn to Dusk

2011-08-30T12:54:00.001-07:00

The weekend seen the 10th Anniversary running of the Dawn to Dusk endurance race at Walter's Arena in South Wales, with an exceptional entry of nearly 1,000 riders across a variety of races ranging from 24hrs to 6hr Ironman and 2 to 3 person teams.

Front Row GB produced a group of riders competing across the event with Stan Watt taking on the 24hr Ironman event on his Edmondson Racing KTM350XC, Tim Forman and Carl Jones competing in the 12hr race on a pair of Edmondson Racing KTM250XCs and last but not least Garin Rosser and Keaton Allen on a pair of Edmondson Racing KTM250XC-Fs in the 6hr race.

Saturday was for setup and preparation for the start of the 24hr race at 7pm, with around 90 minutes of daylight before each rider was plunged into 10hrs of darkness on a 1/2 distance lap of 9 miles.

Carl, competed in the Sprint Challenge shoot-out throughout Saturday afternoon coming away with the forst of 3 victories over the weekend.

Stan set off well in 2nd position but a loose light fitting diagnosed on the first lap, dropped him momentarily back to 3rd as it was tightened up by the crew. Patrick Coady from Ireland had set a fast initial pace, pushing out into the lead and as darkness fell was not going to let up through the night.

A solid ride by the first two riders through the night seen them emerge into daylight hours well ahead of the rest by 8 laps and on eventual corrected laps, 4 minutes apart, with Stan missing out on a shortened night lap by 90 seconds, which unfortunately would mean he needed to make back a full 35 minute lap in daylight hours.

Patrick Coady, incorporated intelligent tactics ensuring he kept Stan well in his sights where only a mechanical failure would spoil his win. By the finish, Stan was still a part lap down with Patrick completing a total of 49 laps and Stan 48 to finsh second.

At 7am on the Sunday morning Carl set off in the 12hr pairing setting a blistering pace to immediately hit the front, which wouldn't change for the next 12hrs.

The expert class pair did not slow for the duration setting fastest lap after fastest lap, swapping rider every two laps. This tactic paid off with Tim and Carl keeping momentum and by the 2nd changeover were a full lap and 9 minutes ahead of their nearest rivals.

By the 6hr mark, they had extended their lead by over 2 laps (60mins) and maintaining a fast pace, by the end of 12hrs had over 4 full laps in hand to take a substantial and impressive victory for Front Row GB.

1pm would see the final pairing from Front Row GB start the 6hrs enduro with all 3 riders on course completing the 24hr, 12hr and 6hrs together. Garin Rosser set off from the Le Mans start hitting the front and as per the 12hr team, this would not change until the finish line at 7pm.

The same rider routine was implemented and again, the younger and less experienced riders proved they could maintain control over the rest of their competitors and by the 3hr mark, were over a full lap ahead and continuing to push the pace to ensure a much deserved victory.

Keaton Allen, kept the relentless pace with no concession for their rivals and by the end of the 6hrs and completion of the 12hr and 24hr, the pair had taken a convincing win by over 2 full laps.

The final 3 riders on course, Carl, Garin and Stan completed the final lap together to cross the line as a team and to take the majority of honours from the event.

Many thanks to everyone who helped, as it would have all been a lot more difficult without you! ;

Ivan, Mark, Kane, Dai, Layton, Graham, The Wright Family, The Jones Family, The Rosser Contingent, The Forman Group, the Watts and everyone who popped n to show support. (apologies if we missed anyone, not intentional)

Front Row GB would also like to thank;

Edmondson Racing
Talon Engineering
Pro-Printing
Adventure Spec
Voltcom Group
Mini Marquees
Crescent KTM

Arrival of the KTM450 Rally Replica

2011-08-25T13:50:00.000-07:00

Front Row GB's rider Stan Watt has completed the first tests of the KTM450 Rally Replica in preparation for Dakar 2012. The Crescent KTM supported machine arrived almost 3 months earlier than expected, to the excitement of the Team who now have time to carry out extensive testing prior to shipping everything to South America in mid-November.

The Devon coast was the test location to put the bike through its paces in deep sand and fast dirt trails.

Initial impressions are good, as KTM have proved yet again they can produce the goods when it comes to specific machinery. Keeping the previous KTM690 rally chassis, the 450cc engine is very loosely based on the motocross 450sx engine with a number of modifications in order to increase durability and reliability for the arduous encounters imposed by the nature of Rally Raid events, including the Dakar.

Improvements to suspension is an advantage to that encountered with KTM690 Rally Replica and the power of the 450cc lump was the biggest pleasant surprise after expecting an much lower powered bike to the previous 690 Rally bikes.

All-in-all, an excellent first test with some minor adjustments being made to the carb. and the suspension in preparation for further UK set-up checks before heading to Northern Spain at the end of September.

The bike is back with Crescent KTM for the work to be done. The Team will continue to post updates as progress is made towards the end of the year and Dakar 2012.

FRGB

4th for Stan at 2hr REME Evening Race

2011-08-04T15:19:00.000-07:00

A good turnout of 120 riders braved the hottest evening of the year with the humid temperatures touching 32 degrees by the 6pm start time.

As per usual, the REME team were well organised and the 2hr hare and hounds race would be underway on time with the expert class leading the way; all classes were well supported and departed at 1 minute intervals on a route, similar to that of the 4hr race earlier in the year, only in reverse.

A narrow start line meant riders were jostling for an initial position to get away into the first left hand corner followed by a single line track, which was likely to see a clash of bikes and riders as they fought to gain an advantage into the tight woodland.

Daryl Bolter was easily favourite on the KTM Off-Road Racing 250cc four stroke followed by any one of the Midwest Husaberg UK Racing riders.

As the flagged dropped for the start, it was a complete lottery on who ended up where, as the 19 expert riders banged handlebars heading into the first woodland section. As expected Daryl Bolter took the holeshot followed by Husaberg's Aaron Smith and behind that it was a tight fit for everyone to get through.

Stan from Front Row GB had a poor start but through the mayhem of everyone trying to fit onto the single track, made up a few places and slotted in behind the Crescent KTM 250XC of Danny Hall as the riders took any opportunity to force a pass in the tight going.

On the first two laps as the riders were closely packed, dust made it difficult to make a defined pass and generally rider error was to blame for most of the position changes.

Stan on the Edmondson Racing KTM350XC and Danny on the new Crescent KTM supported 250XC two stroke made their own race for the first half of the event, where Danny over ran a 90 degree left hand turn for Stan to get ahead to be passed by Danny within less than a lap through a more technical section.

Lap 3 saw Stan get back in front of this tight local battle and Danny staying close behind until he had to pull up to refuel just over the hour mark. This allowed Stan to push on with no interference and increase the gap, although with no idea where he was running in the race overall.

The Edmondson Racing 350XC ran perfectly throughout with Stan making good headway on a course that covered an excellent mixture of terrain and ground conditions. Still at the finish line, it was with surprise that Stan picked up a 4th overall considering the depth and talent of the competition on the night.

Many thanks to;

Edmondson Racing
Voltcom
Talon
Adventure Spec
Arai

Front Row GB & Stan Watt Confirmed For Dakar 2012

2011-07-28T12:45:00.001-07:00

The Dakar organisors have confirmed the motorcycle entry list for Dakar 2012, deciding to restrict the number of entrants to 220 from the 310 applications received.

Front Row GB have been fortunate to be confirmed an entry today after a late decision to take part and were only successful due to their reliability as a team structue for the event.

Stan Watt will be the sole rider being joined by a 5 man strong support squad, bringing together new and old experience including Dave Marton again from KTM Australia as crew chief for the team in South America.

Stan will continue to be supported by the KTM manufacturer, on the all-new KTM450 Rally Replica. Watch this space for news updates as further information is released on the Rally itself and those supporting Front Row GB in the 2012 Dakar.

This year, the New Year festivities in Mar del Plata - Argentina will take on an extra dimension, with the start of the Dakar rally. Over a period of several days, holiday makers will be able to meet the teams who will progressively be arriving in the city to take part in technical and administrative scrutineering that will take place on 29th, 30th and 31st December in the morning.

In the afternoon, newcomers to the rally will get their first taste of the welcome from Argentinean fans. In Buenos Aires, crowd numbers reached hundreds of thousands each time the rally's vehicles were presented at the foot of the Obelisk. The waterfront at Mar del Plata is preparing itself for similar numbers for the start ceremony which will kick off at 4 pm and finish in the early evening.

Afterwards, the riders and drivers will leave their vehicles in a secure enclosure, before returning to take starter's orders the next morning. An intense programme will await them on New Year's Day, with a stage that will immediately require good performance and concentration levels.

FRGB

REME Tea 'til Dark Round 3

2011-07-08T00:12:00.000-07:00

Borden hosted the 3rd round of the REME 'Tea 'til Dark' evening hare and hound series for the second time this summer.

The course was a great mixture of flowing woodland and deep sand with a single extreme section. The course had been shortened considerably from round 2 after a number of comments that it was too long. This would drop lap times from 12 minutes to between 7 & 8mins for the fast guys.

Although entry numbers were a little lower than expected, the expert class still fielded 15 riders with the majority of the Midwest Husaberg enduro team attending.

Stan from Front Row GB brought out the KTM300XC to do battle with wet conditions looming. The rain showers cleared well before the start drying the open sand sections with the sun doing its best as the flag dropped at 6pm for the two hour race.

A steady start found Stan hanging towards two thirds down the field and with a number of riders getting 'bogged' down in the first corner sand bank, Stan took an alternative route to pass fallen riders, which just got him blocked further off-course. By the time he had returned onto the main course he was running at the back of the expert class.

The first section ran through open woods with a few log obstacles to clear, crossing deep sand sections. On the log obstacles, Stan was able to make a place or two past struggling riders and immediately started a race long battle with George Hebden and Dan Warner where Stan would pass both riders on the technical and extreme sections and then a little pot luck on open sand areas or coming up against back markers.

With the shortened laps, the quicker riders were into lapped riders by the 3rd lap. James Jackman and James Giddings had already pushed out a substantial lead with a clear track ahead of them.

With Stan moving through the expert field of riders along with George Hebden and Dan Warner, he decided to make a calculated fuel stop on lap 6 for a quick splash hoping it will last to the end. This dropped him back to 10th with a gap to close and by lap 12, Stan had found some extra speed from somewhere and in a good rhythm had made his way up to 4th.
Considering the gap was too large to close on Richard Ely, Stan decided to keep a good pace and unfortunately with 15mins to run went onto reserve, meaning another quick fuel stop on lap 15; missing an extra lap by 15 seconds, before the 2hr mark and dropping him back to 7th overall by the flag.

A big thanks on the night to Ivan F. for sorting the bikes and fueling and to Dave S. for keeping the 350XC warm.

Thanks to;

Edmondson Racing
Talon Engineering
Adventure Spec
Voltcom Group
Arai
Pro-Grip

Stan Watt 3rd at GBXC

2011-04-27T15:43:00.000-07:00

The run of results continue for Stan Watt with a 3rd place at the Great Britain Cross Country Championship (GBXC) on the Edmondson Racing KTM 350XC.

The Fast Eddy crew had put together a great course in the Devon countryside, with a good mixture of woodland, technical sections and fast flowing areas.

Based near the training area of Wheeldon Farm, South Devon, local knowledge played a part with the two day event; the first day being a sprint challenge on a shorter course and day two a full on enduro with a morning race for the Vets and Clubman of 2hrs and the afternoon catering for the 2 1/2hr race with the Elite and Experts riders.

The days previous had seen temperatures rise to 27 degrees and with more of the same forecast, there was a concern that the unseasonal high temperatures may affect some of the riders. Stan from Front Row GB had been suffering from man-flu for a few days and wasn't holding out to be that competitive. As day two dawned, everyone was reminded that it was still April as the chilly northeasterly wind took some time to heat up.

By the start of the main race, temperatures had risen to 20 degrees and after a short delay, the Elite riders got underway, with Tom Sagar slotting into 2nd place while his team mate, Aussie Ben Burrell was left stranded on the line desperately kicking his KTM 250XC. Straight behind them the Expert riders set off, with Stan getting away in a solid 4th place.

Clear through the first section of corners, Jack Twentyman, who had sneaked a head start with the Elite riders, had taken a tumble, unfortunately breaking a wrist in the process. Everyone else stayed clean and immediately the groups started to settle into their pace.
Stan had moved up into 3rd by the second lap and would stay there until the end, unable to run at the pace Derek Bawn and Joe Wootton.

It was a good result in the Elite class for Edmondson Racing with team riders Tom Sagar and Ben Burrell taking first and second position respectively, even after Tom had crushed a finger during the Saturday sprint challenge.

The GBXC had set the scene for this weekend's showdown at Rogershill Raceway, hosting rounds 5 & 6 of the British Sprint Challenge Championship, which will see the best enduro riders in Britain go head-to-head for the 2 day event

Many thanks to;

- Edmondson Racing
- Voltcom Group
- Talon Engineering
- Adventure Spec
- Arai

FRGB

Front Row GB on the Podium Again

2011-04-13T13:25:00.000-07:00

Stan Watt of Front Row GB took a hard earned podium finish at Round 1 of the Major Hadley Series organised by the Portsmouth Motorcycle Racing Club at Rowlands Castle, Emsworth.

A mini heatwave had spread across the UK over the April weekend with temperatures hitting a high of 24 degrees, enhancing the effects of a woodland course with zero sections that would give a rider any form of respite.

Stan lined up with the other 10 championship riders on his Edmondson Racing KTM350 XC and although the four stroke generally fires up easily first time, on the drop of the flag, for once it failed to start immediately and Stan eventually set of the start line easily 20 seconds behind the last of the championship riders.

By the time Stan had left the short extreme section and area surrounding the paddock, he had made his way past two riders and settled into following the next group of riders into the main forestry section. Stan had closed the gap and moved into 5th place behind Lawerence Catt and No1 Simon Beken. Although Stan made his passes easily into 3rd place, Simon Beken immediately upped the pace to move back into 3rd for the next half lap before Stan retook 3d position and then pushed hard to catch James Jackman and Aaron Smith currently fighting for 1st place.

The podium was finalised from lap 5, unless something happened to the front runners. Stan pushed as hard as he dared in the tight and close forestry, setting consistent lap times but was unable to get close enough by the chequered flag on lap 12.

James Jackman led Aaron Smith over the line by all of 7 seconds to take top spot with Aaron 2nd and Stan making up the podium in 3rd a further 20 seconds adrift.

Thanks to;

Edmondson Racing
Voltcom Group
Talon Engineering
Adventure Spec
Arai

Dakar 2012 set for Peru

2011-03-31T11:37:00.000-07:00

For its 4^th South American edition, the Dakar's route will be experiencing a change of scenery in 2012, with, instead of the previous years' loops, a journey that will take the competitors from Mar del Plata, in Argentina, to Lima, the capital of Peru, via Chile and the dunes of the Atacama Desert.

With the announcement of the route for the Dakar 2012, the organisers have approached the South American map from a new angle, to provide a different perspective. Between the 1st and 15th of January, the riders, drivers and co-pilots will be tackling a route that measures 9,000 kilometres in total, navigating between oceans, mountains and desserts.

Enhancing the relations built up with the continent, this year the rally will discover Peru, giving the adventure a pan-American feel: the three biggest Hispanic countries in the world are on the programme.

To officialise this alliance, the Chairman of the Peruvian Institute of Sports, Arturo Woodman Pollitt, travelled to Paris for the presentation of the event, where he was joined by Enrique Meyer, Argentina's Minister for Tourism, and by Gabriel Ruiz Tagle, the Secretary of State for Sport in Chile.

Front Row GB Takes Victory at REME 4hr Enduro

2011-03-29T05:26:00.000-07:00

The clock change always signals the start of the full-on enduro racing season and Team Reme got it off to a cracker with an 11km Hare and Hounds course based over 4 hours.

The weather was excellent with temperatures in the mid to late teens, sun shining and a little early morning shower set the ground to be virtually perfect.

A lot of work had gone in to preparing the area; with a spectator friendly man-made extreme area to complete the lap for those brave enough, or a gentler but substantially longer 'chicken' route meandering through the woodland.

With a full entry, and bikes sufficiently warmed up, the expert group were to be first underway, to include Stan Watt from Front Row GB onboard the Edmondson Racing KTM350 XC. As a one-off, Dave Sawtell was onboard an Edmondson Racing KTM250 XC in the clubman class just to see if the bike fitted him as a long term prospect.

A different start was set up with riders stood behind the bikes on a dead engine, where they would have to move to the bike, get started and get underway.
The flag dropped and the KTM350 fired immediately into life before Stan stalled it on the line, allowing all but one of the first group to get away up the 400m start straight. Finally getting going, the 350XC was able to push past a couple of riders by the first corner and then Stan tried to settle into an instant rhythm and make his way through the front riders.

The course was constructed well and marked perfectly allowing Stan to push on and by midway through the first lap, he was in 2nd place behind Danny Hall. Not realising he was near the front, Stan settled into following Danny for most of the first lap, allowing him to make the mistakes before making a clean pass as the pair came back towards the extreme section.

Although, Danny maintained a trials style on the extreme area, Stan opted-for the 'brute force and ignorance' style, which proved to be faster allowing him to make some ground on lap one.
The pair circulated 3-4 laps together before a slight mishap allowed Stan to pull away keeping a good pace until the last 50 minutes, when he eased off slightly for two laps incase he needed a last lap dash for the win.

Stan took a convincing overall victory with only him and Danny Hall completing 12 laps on a course that was wonderful to ride for the full 4 hours.

A big well done to the organisers for putting in all the effort and a big thanks to;

Edmondson Racing
Voltcom Group
Talon Engineering
Adventure Spec
Arai
www.precious-memories-photography.co.uk

Round 1 - 2011 British Enduro Championship

2011-02-23T02:34:00.000-08:00

2011 Metzeler British Enduro Championship
EMG/Kia Muntjac attracts a top class
This Sunday will see a full entry of 237 riders tackling the sandy terrain of Thetford Forest in the 1st round of the ACU Metzeler 2011 British Enduro Championship. Diss MCC and long term event sponsor EMG Motor Group were very pleased to see the way entries filled up with the event being oversubscribed within 4 days of the regulations becoming available. The club would also like to welcome Kia who are joining EMG Motor Group as associate event sponsors.

It is great to see the quality of riders entered in the championship class - the best for a number of years. The 39 championship riders will all be trying to take overall honours in their respective sub-class and more importantly seeking a prestigious top three overall position in a British Championship event.

Starting as No. 1 will be multiple World and British Enduro Champion, Manxman, David Knight on his 510 Factory Red Bull KTM. Knighter has won this event for the last two years and it doesn't matter what the weather conditions will be on the day, he will be tough to beat. A rider who could put up a close challenge is Tom Sagar. Sagar riding a Fast Eddy/Edmondson 450 KTM won the Diss MCC Santon Enduro in Thetford Forest in November in convincing style being quickest on both the test and the tight going. More recently he beat Knighter on the 2nd day of the ACU Sprint Enduro Championship.

Other top enduro riders in with a shout include Daryl Bolter, Greg Evans, Si Wakely and another Isle of Man star - Alex Rockwell. Of course the old master Paul Eddy who was second overall last year and first won this event 24 years ago on an 80cc Honda will be right amongst them. Enduro fans will also be keen to see how the young Australian, Ben Burrell performs in a traditional UK enduro after dominating the Under 19 class at the recent Sprint Enduro.

A few top motocross riders could also throw up some surprises such as Carl Nunn, Jamie Lewis, Jordon Rose and Aston Bird. Aston, who regularly rides enduros, is very quick over this type of terrain and achieved a top five at the 2009 Muntjac. A number of expert riders have been upgraded this year and it will be interesting to see how 2010 Expert Champion Danny McCanney goes as he dominated the class last year with some really impressive performances. Stan Watt from Front Row GB will be competing on the Edmondson Racing KTM300XC and looking forward to getting the season started.

The 60 expert and 90 clubman riders will battle for honours in their respective classes. Additionally there are 40 veteran riders including former ISDE GB Trophy Team riders such as Wyn Hughes, Carl Tiley and Russell Millward. Tiley won this event in 1994 and Wyn Hughes was a podium finisher at the Breckland two day on more than one occasion. Whilst all veteran riders will only ride 4 laps (the same as other clubman riders) their check times will be slowed down on laps one and two and then made a bit more challenging on the final lap.

Most of the course is new for this year and it really flows well. If the weather stays as it is, check times will again be challenging on the last laps for all classes to prevent it being won or lost on the special test. Physical fitness will be the key as riders will be riding between 80 and 120 miles off road depending on their class.

The special test is 2.5 miles in length and is situated right next to the start area. It will be timed on laps 1 and 2 for all classes with the first rider due on the test at 09:10. The club have done quite a bit of work on the test to save it cutting up and the large fallen tree is back in again for 2011 with a longer escape route for the cautious. As in 2010, the championship riders will ride back-to-back tests on lap four instead of riding a full lap. This will be followed by a tight 5th lap and the 6th and final full lap will be very tight!! With no time to rest championship riders will then head straight back to the final special test with only 10 minutes to ride the test and book into the final time control. This sting in the tail has changed the order of the results on previous events to favour the riders who are at peak fitness and have the ability to pace themselves to the very end.

Parking is going to be very tight due to recent planting of trees so riders will need to get there early and not erect large awnings. For those making the trip, the start area is along ride 24 just North of Brandon on the Mundford road.

Everything looks set for an exhilarating start to the 2011 Metzeler British Enduro Championship.

FRGB

Stan Watt to Race the all new KTM350XC

2011-02-18T13:19:00.000-08:00

Sunday 20th January will see Stan Watt from Front Row GB, race the new and much anticipated KTM350XC (cross country) four stroke at the Southern Counties 3hr Hare and Hounds enduro, at Inside Park, near Blandford in Dorset.

First impressions suggest the new 350cc four stroke will be a very competitive bike in the right hands and conditions. Light, agile with plenty of power it is enhanced with the linkage rear suspension and supple front forks.

Stan will be racing under the Edmondson Racing banner, initially using the 350XC for the more sprint orientated events, whilst continuing to run the 250XC and 300XC two strokes in the extreme and enduro events.

More to follow Sunday

FRGB

2010 ACU Enduro Championship

2011-01-30T11:08:00.000-08:00

Stan Watt from Front Row GB received his Auto Cycle Union 2010 Champions Medal and certificate for finishing the British Enduro Championship, 3rd in Expert E3, on board the Edmondson Racing KTM300 XC.

A special thanks to;

Edmondson Racing
Talon Engineering
Steve Plain Suspension
Voltcom Group
Ivan F.
Adventure Spec

Stan will compete in the 2011 British Enduro Championship again on an Edmondson Racing KTM300 XC starting with round 1 at the Muntjac, based in Thetford Forest on 27th February 2011.

FRGB

British Extreme Championship - Tong, Leeds.

2011-01-26T00:47:00.001-08:00

Sunday 23rd January 2011; Fast Eddy Racing British Extreme Championship

Paul Edmondson from Fast Eddy Racing had devised the idea of a British Extreme Championship for the first ever time, hosting some of the world's current best extreme riders, with current World Enduro Champion David Knight and former multiple World Trials Champion Dougie Lampkin.

Although, the main competitive challenge was expected to be between David and Dougie, there was no lack of talent and experience with the likes of Graham Jarvis, Paul Bolton, Tom Sagar, Greg Evans, Jonny Walker and Danny McCanny.

Paul Edmondson had designed an exceptional course at the well-trod Tong Farm, with multiple hard and easier routes to cover most abilities with the usual time penalties for taking the longer easier sections. Each lap ended and centred around an 80ft, slab rock climb taking riders a much shorter route to the finish but for some, a more painful and eventful experience.

The event consisted of a 1hr practice/qualifying first thing in the morning (which was enough to send some home or decide to spectate), and this set the start order for the two main 1hr races later in the day. For racing the two main events, riders were set off in groups of 5 on a live engine start, 5 seconds apart- fastest first.

Stan Watt from Front Row GB was on the Edmondson Racing KTM250XC, and a steady qualifying saw him start from the 6th row for both races. As race one got underway, Stan set off with a little too much determination to stay with the pack, which inevitably was going to lead to silly mistakes costing time on such a technical course.

As riders left the start area, they were treated to general woodland going through the trees before dropping down a good descent into a rock strewn stream bed, which would be encountered a number of times throughout the lap. An initial climb out caught the unaware, followed by another descent onto the well-publicised waterfall with a double drop onto larger rocks.

A long run along the stream bed and a tricky diagonal climb took all riders to another decent across the stream bed and an extensive awkward climb, followed by a 12ft vertical drop back into the stream, which again led to an awkward 60ft rock ascent.

The course opened up and returned to the stream bed for a couple of minutes of flowing riding before reaching the next test across the stream bed and a difficult steep climb followed by a gentle wet rock climb to about the half lap distance and first forestry road. This allowed the bikes to open up for the first time and typical enduro going was enjoyed for what seemed like 30seconds before into another tricky testing climb, which caught all but a few top abilities.

Another short flowing run, led to a 8ft vertical drop into the stream, which was followed upwards (obviously) to clear out over some rocks followed immediately by a 3ft log crossing.

The course was now leading back to start and would flow for another 30 seconds before another descent followed by a tricky root strewn climb, taking the ridders to the 80ft slab rock climb as a shortcut to the finish if the rider could accomplish it. Otherwise a lengthy easier route which led to the same rock run finish for all the riders.

At the front, David Knight showed everyone the way finishing the first race 5+ minutes ahead of Dougie Lampkin and in the 2nd race, lapping everyone apart from Dougie and Graham Jarvis. Overall a resounding victory for Knighter with Dougie 2nd and 'Special' Greg Evans taking an excellent and possibly surprise 3rd.

Stan from FRGB, finished 12th in the first race but with a little composure put together a better alround performance in race 2 to take 10th and finish 10th overall across both races.

''A really enjoyable and physical event, which was a real pleasure to have the opportunity to take part. The Edmondson Racing KTM250XC was faultless and perfromed exceptionally in this arena. The perfect bike for this type of racing''. (SW)

A great event with a great course attracting over 3,000 spectators on race day. A big well done to Fast Eddy Racing for getting it all together but the detail in the lap has to be applauded for maximum enjoyment.

GET ANOTHER ONE SORTED!!

A special thanks to the following;

Derrick Edmondson from Edmondson Racing for all the help
Anthony Charles for some line spotting
Paul O'Connell for general arse wiping and spannering
Carl for watching
Neil Ruffle
and Abii for the mutiple cups of tea and general all round supporter for the weekend

FRGB

First Look at Fast Eddy Extreme

2011-01-22T11:20:00.000-08:00

Saturday was an admin day for Front Row GB at the first British Extreme Championship round organised by Fast Eddy Racing. With the course open to the riders for viewing and signing on taking place, the opportunity was taken to assess the course and get the preliminaries out of the way.

Stan Watt along with Paul O'Connell & Abby took plenty of time to walk the course with temperatures increasing from below freezing to just few degrees above zero. The course has been extremely well put together by the Fast Eddy Team and first impressions suggest it will be a definite test for all abilities.

A marked spectator route allows those watching to move from one area to another but the main attraction will be the final slab rock climb to end the lap, for those ridrs that can make it to the top. Throughout the course there are multiple easy vs hard routes, but the ability to stay calm and find a clear route will surely be the key.

As 8pm Saturday night arrives, temperatures continue to drop below zero with a potential cold start for the 9.30am practice and qualifying start.

FRGB

First British Championship Extreme Enduro

2011-01-20T10:31:00.000-08:00

This Sunday!
Event Up-date.
Things are really taking shape in readiness for this weekend's Eddy's Extreme Enduro at Tong, Nr Leeds. With the track team having been on site since Tuesday morning the course is nearly 80% complete. The weather has been cold on the evenings but the sunny days have enabled the team to get the job well and truly done. There have been a few changes along the way and all for the better and with Fast Eddy still continuing to ride the lap and make sure all is 100% ready for Sunday. Fast Eddy quoted "Things are taking shape nicely and I can assure riders and spectators the event will be awesome, we have a great mix of natural terrain with a very technical course, this will ensure it will not be a Sunday afternoons easy ride for the competitors".

The course will be open at 9.00 am on Saturday for all Adult and youth riders to view, with a 3 hour open signing on time from 12.00 pm - 3.00 pm. With a British Championship on the line it's going to be interesting to see who will come out on top at the UK's first prestigious title of 2011. Also, note the organizers have made the event affordable towards the public and are urged to support a true British Championship event with the Best riders in the world and Britain appearing at Tong. M62, J27 Nr Bradford, Leeds. Postcode BD4 0RR

Practice starts at 9

FAST EDDY EXTREME

2011-01-12T02:51:00.000-08:00

The 23rd January is go for the Fast Eddy Extreme. Check the latest course video on www.fasteddyracing.com

Sunday January 23rd 2011
Tong Near Leeds

BRITISH CHAMPIONSHIP

DAVID KNIGHT, DOUGIE LAMPKIN, GRAHAM JARVIS, TOM SAGAR, GREG EVANS,
JONNY WALKER, PLUS MANY OTHER TOP PROS, EXPERT, CLUBMAN AND VETS

EDDY'S EXTREME GETS TESTED!

The first visit on bikes to Tong has happened with both Paul Edmondson and younger brother Lee. Both began to test ride the track and the recent thaw meant that the planning and track layout could begin.

The course itself will be based purely on natural extreme riding conditions with a mixture of great gullies, cambers, descents, climbs as well as the famous Tong rock garden

EDMONDSON RACING OPEN DAY and PRESS RELEASE

2011-01-12T02:25:00.000-08:00

EDMONDSON RACING PRESS RELEASE

We are pleased to announce a new partnership for the 2011 season in the form of a joining of forces between “EDMONDSON RACING” and the “FASTEDDY” Race team.

The team will now benefit from a whole host of equipment, support vehicles and team personnel to form what can arguably be the most professional and experienced team to attend the BEC, Sprint and GBXC race series in 2011.
Current E2 BEC + GBXC champion Tom Sagar, will use a 450 EXC with Fast Eddy himself aboard the new 250 XC-F in E1 (4t). Third member Lee Edmondson will use a very special 125 XC-E in E1(2t) and a 150 XC in the UK Sprint and GBXC series.

All riders will have their own helper and mechanic and the team will benefit from other support personnel at the checkpoints to form a friendly but practical and professional set up. This will enable the riders to be fully focused on their own job of “twisting the throttle” and winning some major titles in the 2011 season.

The team will see its launch to the press at an “Open day” at Edmondson Racing’s Norton Canes near Cannock based premises this coming Saturday the 15th of Jan. Anyone who wants to come along is more than welcome and will benefit from rubbing shoulders with all three team riders and enjoying refreshments and the chance to win a free days training with the Fast Eddy riders at one of the races during 2011.
Other prizes including a pair Michelin tyres and an assortment of KTM power wear that can be won in a simple free to enter prize draw.

The team is also very proud to have a line up of product partners that are simply the “Very Best” the Off-road industry has to offer. “No Compromise” and none better is a way to describe them so the boys have no excuse when it comes to quality equipment in their efforts to lift some silverware in 2011.
A BIG thanks to those partners; Michelin, Putoline, Renthal, Talon, Moouse, AlpineStar, Smith, T.L.D, ProPrint, Rygor Commercials, MotoMaster and PSE Motorsport.

The Open Day will be from 9.00am till 4.00pm at Edmondson Racing and post code is WS11 9UH just off the main A5 road between Brownhills and Cannock. (See our contact page on the website for google map).

Seth Stephens Memorial

2010-11-29T08:58:00.000-08:00

The Mexe and Bovington military areas in Dorset was the setting for the Seth Stephens Memorial Race organised by RMPEC and administrated by SCEC.

After two weeks of preparation by the local hoods of Rob Sartin from Talon Engineering, Danny Hall from Rogershill Raceway, Stan Watt from Front Row GB and Dinger/Paul from RMPEC, the Seth Stephens Memorial Race was ready to get underway. Saturday saw a great turnout to carry out the final setup including Derrick Edmondson from Edmondson Racing.

The country is currently in the grip of a cold spell, but rather than being a hindrance, the cold weather massively improved the course to a point that the sand bowl changed from a potential of deep, wet cement to an area of superb grip with limited damage.

The temperatures sat at -2 degrees over the weekend and Sunday morning was similar. With a full entry of 150 riders; most starting to arrive around 7:30am, the food wagon was busy with breakfasts and primarily hot teas.

After a short brief, riders and spectators undertook a 1 minute silence in memory of Seth Stephens who passed away in July 2010. At 11:05am, the championship riders got underway after the flag was dropped by Seth's wife.

With the largest and most talented championship class for some time to be seen at a south coast hare and hounds event, the first 20 riders made the initial few corners with no incidents and Stan Watt from Front Row GB pushed into the front of the pack, moving into 4th by the 2nd corner.

Daryl Bolter and Nick Life hit the front and nothing would change this until Daryl was part of an incident 2 laps in, where he has sustained suspected damage to his tibia and ankle. Nick then pulled a good lead followed by Brad Smith on the GasGas and James Giddings on the KTM.

The next few riders were locked in a battle and after a slow start, Phil Studley started coming strong in the second half of the race, firstly getting past Stan after an altercation, which saw Stan lose his front wheel and go down, then moving into 4th ahead of Dan Beaven on the TM.

The course was the best this year in the south and held up fantastically well, with a mix of forestry, sand and technical sections. Nick Life, Brad Smith and James Giddings was the finishing line up with Stan from Front Row finishing 7th on the Edmondson Racing KTM300XC after closing in by 2minutes on the last lap to 6th place but just not enough to take the next slot.

The Seth Stephens Memorial Trophy was presented to Richard Lennard for the first Sportsman 40+.

A great event on a great location.

Thanks to everyone who cleared up after and spent the time helping.

Again thanks to;

-Edmondson Racing
-Talon Engineering
-Adventure Spec
-Arai
-Fox
-Voltcom Group
-Michelin

The Tough Ones Little Brother 2010

2010-11-15T15:31:00.000-08:00

Nant Mawr Quarry in North Wales played host to the 2010 Tough Ones Little Brother extreme race, organised by Steve Ireland's WOR Events.

With plans already in place for the world extreme championship in 2011 with the primary event, by WOR Events, The Tough One, on March 13th in Manchester. Its alternative, The Tough Ones Little Brother, lived up to expectations and put itself on the map as a true class extreme event taking place in the vacated Nant Mawr Quarry, which housed the 2010 Tough One Extreme Race.

The course was laid out in similar capacity to that of the 2010 Tough One with less manmade obstacles but plenty of natural challenges to make up for it. Stan Watt from Front Row GB would be competing for the 2nd day in a row on an Edmondson Racing 250KTM XC after racing at the Fast Eddy event the day before on an Edmondson Racing 300KTM XC.

After a 2 minute silence in respect for Remembrance Sunday, the riders warmed their engines in preparation for the dead engine start, that would get the Pro Class underway on a damp and slippery course after a previously day's heavy rain.

The course itself was not going to take long before it met its first test for the riders. The flagged dropped and the first group was away into the initial water trough, dragging water up the first steep climb before a long drop-off onto a log crossing followed by a number of basic water obstacles.

As Stan left the line, the first bundle of riders were already causing havoc on the initial climb and drop-off. He was able to make headway crossing e logs and water obstacles before driving hard up the first flowing section that would eventually lead up the side of Nant Mawr quarry.
Along some rock and then out onto a rocky climb that would be completed by a 90degree uphill corner, littered with a few boulders for good measure before returning to the top of the quarry over what would be the usual rock covered paths. It was steep drops before a short MX section that would lead to a lengthy wet and slippery, off-camber route taking the riders out of the quarry onto a more flowing enduro style area that would still pose difficult for some with grassy slopes and rocky climbs before making it's way back towards the quarry and some rough tricky sections.

As the course closed back onto the quarry it would enter a short rocky bowl before what would be the most difficult descent down a steep, loose rocky slope lined with trees. There was a chicken route, which would extend the lap by 45 seconds. Stan stuck to the extreme routes throughout, making only one mistake on the most difficult descent losing little time.

After a further boulder path, riders were back into the centre of the quarry with a substantial tyre obstacle, which could be negotiated around for a penalty of 30 seconds. This was where Stan would pick up his only penalty as there were a number of bikes blocking the way and he chose for the chicken route in order to prevent waiting. This would prove to be a substantial influence on his final result.

Once the tyre obstacle was complete, all riders passed through the control and onto a short climb by the pits before negotiating a path of boulders and rocks, prior to the longest and steepest descent leading to a length of 80m covered by sizeable logs. Those deciding not to attempt this section would receive a 60 second penalty.

As the logs were completed a stoney path led up the side of the quarry, dropping over some boulders that would lead the riders eventually back to the start area and into another lap.

Stan from Front Row GB exceeded his expectations at such a specialised event with after the first two laps causing delays, he got into a rhythm that would take him from 18th position into 15th by lap 5 and Stan steadily progressed, getting stronger as the race went on, pulling a number of places with 3 laps to go as riders began to struggle with the physical effort pulling into 11th place with one lap left, bearing down on Kieran Jones from the Isle of Man on the Gas Gas 300.

On the outer edge of the lap, Stan passed Kieran after a mistake which lost him his clutch lever and Stan would finish the race in 10th. The next 5 riders were very close with only 15 seconds separating them and if Stan didn't take the penalty on the first lap then could, have promoted himself up to 5th. Maybe another time, another place.

A fantastic course and event by WOR Events and massive respect for Graham Jarvis and Paul Bolton for their efforts throughout finishing 1st and 2nd although 9minutes apart.

FRGB

Fast Eddy Moto-Dur-Ed

2010-11-14T00:12:00.000-08:00

Ashby-de-la-Zuc was the scene for the Moto-Dur-Ed Race on November 13th. Recent heavy rain was intent on making the event a wash-out, but with some sensible thinking and a good location the days racing would get underway with no worries.

The morning was blessed with sunshine, which would hold throughout the day and the first race was set to be on time at 9.30 with the youth race.

The first Pro race would get underway at 10.00am for the first of two 60 minute races, including Stan Watt from Front Row GB and the likes of Tom Sagar, Lewis Belfield and Matt Ridgeway.

Initial conditions were slippery and difficult for the first few corners from the start and as the course crossed into a 2nd large stubble field the ground had a lot more substance. With the full course consisting of primarily stubble field, with a sort section through some woodland it would be surprisingly physical with relentless cornering but well set up to challenge those who were in the mood.

Stan got race one off to a bad start as he was still putting his goggles on when the flag dropped. With a strong group of riders ahead of him, Stan hung onto the back of the pack for the first 20 minutes before a few small mistakes dropped him off and eventually finished 6th out of the 10 Pro starters.

The conditions for race two had dramatically improved with full grip and less wet/mud to cause an problems. Lap times would drop as well with Tom Sagar taking the win with a lap time of 3.17mins and although much faster in race two with less mistakes, Stan ended up in a 3 way battle with the two riders immediately in front of him after catching them with 3 laps to go. The last lap saw the 3 riders battle at every corner but coming from the back Stan couldn't find the passing move and ended race two in 7th.

Good effort to the Fast Eddy crew for a well thought out and differing event.

As always thanks to:

Ivan
Derrick @ Edmondson Racing
Rob @ Talon
Adventure Spec
Voltcom Group

Last but not least Abigail for all the support on every corner

FRGB

Seth Stephen's Memorial Race

2010-11-07T10:05:00.000-08:00

With 3 weeks left until the Seth Stephen's Memorial Race, the main personalities helping to get the course together met at the Mexi in Dorset to start the process of laying out the main area not controlled by the military at Bovington.

Racing has not taken place on the area for some 5-6 years with the last winner being Stan Watt of Front Row GB on a Honda CRF450.

With a brief look around the substantial area, the group split into pairs to set up their particular areas. Area 1 is a large sand bowl adjacent to the Mexi and will be laid out by Rob Sartin from Talon Engineering, Area 2 is the largest and longest area, consists of well worn tracks, which lead from Area 1 to open heathland that contains one of the man bog locations. From there it slips into a wooded section of flowing but undulating tracks before setting out onto the perimeter track where the riders will have there first taste of deep sand which holds two further bog sections before making it's way back and into Area 3.

Area 3 is by far the most technical where riders will climb one of the more difficult sections into a wooded area that will challenge all abilities consisting of a number of extreme sections for those that want to attempt them and alternatives for those not so technically minded. Area 3 naturally drifts into Area 4 which flows through some excellent woodland and includes a wonderful open gravel shicane section before heading back into the woods and back to the sandbowl and the start area.

The course will be a proper hare and hounds enduro, and built to accommodate all abilities but all riders will know they have been riding this area for 3 hours. It will remian flowing and ultimately enjoyable

Let's look forward to 28th for a great day in memory of Seth Stephens

FRGB

FAST EDDY & the TOLB

2010-11-04T16:00:00.000-07:00

The weekend of 13th and 14th November sets the scene for a variety of racing from Paul Edmondson's Fast Eddy sprint enduro at Ashby De La Zuc on Saturday 13th followed by the start of the extreme season at Nant Mawr Quarry with the Tough Ones Little Brother organized by WOR's Steve Ireland on Sunday 14th.

Front Row GB's Stan Watt is set to race both days with both primary motorcycles of the KTM XC range. The 300XC KTM 2 stroke will be the machine for the all out hare and hounds race on the Saturday whilst the 250XC KTM 2 stroke will be the preferred mount for the extreme element in North Wales for the Sunday.

This weekend allows Stan to finalise some extreme and enduro training at Rogershill Raceway on the KTM 250 before final setup and preparation.

The end of the month sees the DISS MCC organise a one day time card enduro, well-known for is physical requirement and the last weekend of November see RMPEC and SCEC come together for a memorial race in memory of Seth Stephens, who sadly lost his life on active duty in Afghanistan.

It will be a superb event incorporating the best very parts of the Mexe training area as well as the surrounding Bovington ranges in Dorset, which is sure to trigger memories of some of the awesome races held there in the 80s. The course will be around 6 miles long and mostly made up of sandy tracks and woodland paths and is intended to be a challenging but enjoyable for riders of all abilities including enthusiastic beginners.

Hopefully see you at the races and by all means come over for a chat

FRGB

THE ''KRIEGA''TOUGH ONES LITTLE BROTHER 2011

2010-10-26T02:50:00.000-07:00

Stan Watt from Front Row GB set for the Tough Ones Little Brother extreme race.

Location: NANTMAWR QUARRY, SHROPS…SAT NAV SY10 9HJ

Start Time: 11:00am

“On the 14th November 2010 at the awesome Nantmawr Quarry in Shropshire, The KRIEGA TOUGH ONES LITTLE BROTHER extreme scramble takes place.
This event has turned into a gem in its own right and has grown in stature over the last few years as a “don’t miss” event for riders and spectators alike.

Running for the first time in the former home of the World famous TOUGH ONE, The little brother will be a superb event to take place in the brilliant Oswestry quarry.

Running from 11am for 2.5 hrs, the TOLB will use the logs and tyres sections of the old Tough One route but will not be quite as hard.
The course will then use a lot of natural terrain in the quarry that will challenge the riders.

WOR will not be putting the really scary hills and drops in, neither will there be cars or lorry’s to get over or through, Just the natural rocky and technical stuff that the venue offers out with some nice flowing going on the top of the mountain thrown in for good measure.

The event is to cater for all classes from Pro through to Sportsman and Youth to allow every one the feeling of being David Knight or Taddy Blazusiak in this famous and iconic venue.

There will be easy ways around the tyres and logs but riders that choose these will be given a 20 second penalty each time they do this.
This will ensure no bottle necks or track congestion.

The event is proudly sponsored in 2010 by a loyal supporter of WOR EVENTS….KRIEGA….the supplier of top quality off road (and road) motorcycle accessories.

FRGB

The Boys Hit Ireland

2010-10-25T12:40:00.000-07:00

As winter becomes visible on the horizon, Ivan, Derrick, Eddy, Mark and Stan thought they would hedge their bets and get on the road bikes and head for the more unlikely Autumn destination of Southern Ireland.

With three KTM990 Adventure R's, a KTM 690Enduro R and a Suzuki Bandit 1250, the gang got underway on the Wednesday after hooking up in South Wales on the Tuesday evening.

First stop after fuelling was Fishguard in Wales for the 14.30 ferry to the Co. Wexford port of Rosslare. With a constant eye on the weather the first day passed by uneventful with glorious sunshine and dry roads to enjoy the winding Welsh roads to the coast. A late ferry into Rosslare meant a short stint in the dark to Faithlegge Lodge after crossing the estuary at Passage East on the sole chain ferry from Wexford to Co. Waterford.

A few drinks and everyone was off to bed ready for the first full day of riding from Faithlegge to Inchydoney near Clonakilty, south of Cork.

The morning set the perfect scene with the sun shining and across the morning due laid on the lodge's golf course. We set off heading for Tramore on the coast road, which based itself around endless corners enhanced with the outstanding sea views. A short stop for a cup of tea at a local car park spot near Annestown gave us the first chance to hook up with the local population prior to having an excellent ride continuing along the coast to Dungarvan, Youghal and onto the next estuary crossing on the chain ferry at Passage West, allowing the group to pass south of Cork City and onto some spectacular roads along the inlets of south Cork through Kinsale, which was the perfect stop for Irish fish and chips by the Atlantic Ocean.

A short winding ride and we arrived at the spectacular Inchydoney Island where everyone couldn't resist a walk along the beach even if Eddy and Ivan were tempted to hold hands.

A god night's rest and everyone was raring to go first thing and the group set off to Clonakilty for the first brief stop before heading to the awesome Atlantic coast and the villages of Ballyduff, Skibereen and Bantry. We pushed on north to Kenmare, Kilarney and Tralee before finishing off some fantastic scenery at the ferry across the Shannon River at Tarbert. The longest day of the trip was coming to an end with some rain showers in the distance for the first time since we started. Galway loomed in the distance but with the many corners up ahead, it wouldmstill take a couple fo hours to get to Galway and the only rain we encountered on the whole trip, even though it was fairly light.

Jury's Inn played host to the group for the night and with boasting one ifnthe best nights out in Ireland a few of us hit the street outside to savour the fun and most of all the local Guiness and live music.

A slow start the next morning but the group was is in good form for experiencing yet more fantastic roads, this time in Connamara. With the sun splitting the skies and a tank full of fuel, we could not be happier as we hit some beautiful roads on the way to Cliften near the Connamara National Park. The roads were non-stop corner after corner all the way to Westport where I think everyone's breath was taken away when sitting outside the Towers restaurant at the end if the bay with the sun shining down on us.

Departing Westport for Mullingar, we hit a straight road for the first time in 4 days, although still plenty of time for excitement getting air off the sharp rises. Even the Pikies offered us a cup of tea near Longford.

Arriving in Mullingar for our last nigh in Ireland started on a rocky road to ruin with the rugby playing the main event across the nation with the Heinekin Cup matches heavily involving Irish sides.

A 2am finish after a few Guiness, Magners, bottles of red and 16 Irish coffees put the trip in perspective for for the hour ride the next morning to Dun Loaghaire port. We were thankful of the motorway so we didn't have to think and sort our lives out for the journey home the other side.
A short two hour trip and the gang set off from Holyhead to Bangor where after a quick fuel stop we started the eventual split with Eddy heading back to the East Midlands while thte rest headed south through Wales. Derrick took his turn near Bala and after some further amazing roads through Snowdonia, Ivan, Stan and Mark stopped in Builth Wells for some extra warm clothing before Mark headed for home through Llandovery and Ivan/Stan headed out of Wales via Abergavenny onto Bath and into Dorset.

Everyone back safe and sound, an awesome trip with some great like-minded individuals on wonderful roads looked after by amazing people.

For those that head to Spain, France and other far of fields, spare a thought for a little place not so far away with roads that will compete without the Alps, NO SPEED CAMERAS and in 5 days we seen 1 police man and 1 traffic warden, who for a change were not interested in us even if we were in double
yellow lines.

Thanks for the trip:

Derrick
Stan
Eddy
Ivan
Mark

SEASON CLOSES WITH THE NATTERJACK

2010-09-28T00:40:00.000-07:00

DAY 2

After an excellent first day with the sun shining and great special tests Day 2 broke with cloud and a chill in the air.

More than a few sore bodies woke for Day 2 from the physical effort required to complete the outlying check section north of the A3 carriageway.

Expectations would be high as Daryl Bolter and Paul Edmondson would be fighting it our for the E1 Championship and there was always a potential for a few spoilers to come into the mix.

As everyone started to get underway at the earlier time of 9am, the first special test through up a shock with Alex Rockwell on his Husqvarna pushing Paul Eddy into 2nd and Daryl Bolter to 3rd for the first runs of the day.

As everyone progressed through the laps, Daryl was quickest by just over a second and made to work very hard to retain his E1 championship crown.

The MX sand test was well received by all and stayed in good condition throughout the weekend, a joy to ride for most and good effort to all involved in setting it out and making the most of the area.

For Day 2, the cross-country test was reversed and still made for excellent riding. Stan Watt completed Day 1 as 2nd Expert E3 on his Edmondson Racing KTM 300XC and was hoping for a similar result on the second day and hopefully close the gap to Tyson Mayton Jones.

The results were not going to change the standings with Stan completing the day in 3rd and finishing the championship 3rd overall to Danny McCanny and Tyson.

An enjoyable season throughout with some excellent course through Wales and Scotland culminating in a surprise package at the revised Natterjack.

The KTM300XC has proved to be a fantastic progression from the KTM EXC range so many thanks to Derrick Edmondson for as always pointing in the right direction.

Roll on the winter!

There are many to thank for the BEC season and just a few listed below;

- Julia, Cavan and Caragh for being the ever patient

- Ivan for wiping my arse for another year

Derrick Edmondson of Edmondson Racing
Rob Sartin of Talon Engineering
Steve Plain from Steve Plain Motorcycles
Chris and Dave at Adventure Spec
Arai Helmets
Fox
The guys at Voltcom

and all those that have followed the racing this year.

A new website will be up and running in the near future so will put the news out when done

FRGB

Day 1 BEC Natterjack

2010-09-25T14:31:00.001-07:00

With the sun up early and the prospects of fine weather for the weekend, the Naterjack BEC got underway, with the main riders away by 10am.

With David Knight absent due to commitments at the French World Championship, the event was left open for one of any of the top 5 riders being able to take a win.

Tom Sagar on his 450 Suzuki was to take the honours 17 seconds ahead of his nearest rival and teammate Paul Edmondson who is set to take the E1 championship to the final day of racing this year with Daryl Bolter who pulled back 7 minutes on the last to narrowly miss 2nd place by a total of .257 of a second.

Danny McCanny posted a well deserved 5th place on his first championship race with his younger 16 year old brother taking the honours easily in the experts on his first attempt at endure racing?

Stan Watt from Front Row GB had a good day finishing 2nd in class behind Tyson Maytom Jones on his 530 Husaberg

Tomorrow sees the end of the championship with E1 being the closest fought battle between Paul Eddy and Daryl Bolter.

Thanks to;

Derrick Edmondson
Steve Plain
Rob Sartin
Adventure Spec
Pro-Grip
Arak
& Ivan

FRGB

Front Row GB Ready For BEC Natterjack

2010-09-24T12:42:00.000-07:00

For Front Row GB and Stan Watt, A last minute entry and the main part of Friday sorting a bent bike, has set the weekend for the final round of the British Enduro Championship at the Natterjack, near the southern coastal area of Longmoor.

Light rain set the scene for the initial day of signing on and scrutineering, as the organisers put together their final touches to what looks like an excellent course.

Local riders including Daryl Bolter and Dan Bevan, have been busy in the 'sand bowl' /motocross test and have produced what is normally a test marked on natural ground, into a course that is exciting the majority, with manmade whoops, big balls jumps and technical sand sections.

The cross country test has been slightly shortened but selected from primarily virgin ground and boasts of a larger manmade section towards the end with the tyre obstacle from last year, numerous individual logs and a tricky log section to catch out the unaware. For the second year, the vertical wall is included at the start and with some minor adjustments, the more average rider will be spending the evening contemplating having a go on at least the initial 'untimed' lap.

Sand will as always be a major culprit for the course, with the 2010 British Champion, David Knight competing at the French World Championship round, the rest of the main riders will be aware there is an opportunity to take a win to finish the year in style.

More to follow for the weekend

FRGB

PMCRC 5hr Ironman Hare and Hounds

2010-07-04T12:01:00.000-07:00

PODIUM FINISH FOR STAN

With the hottest day of the year predicted at 31 degrees for race day; Stan from Front Row GB was riding the all new KTM300 XC on its first outing in anger.

With a full entry of over 200 riders, the race got away on time at 10am for a full 5hrs in searing temperatures and a magnitude of dust. Stan made a simple mistake on the line of not putting the bike into gear and was last away in the joint start line of championship and expert riders.

With a lot of dust building at the rear of the pack, Stan began making his way through the pack and quickly got near the front. By lap two slower riders were already being caught and the scene was set to be riding in some form of dust for the next few hours.

As the riders settled into their pace, Stan got into a rhythm in order to assess if the heat and conditions would take its toll. First refuel at 1hr 40mins saw Stan firmly sat in 2nd place with James Giddings from KTM D3 Racing over 3 mins ahead.

The Edmondson Racing KTM300 XC performed perfectly and by the 3 and half hour mark, Stan still remained in 2nd but now over 7 minutes down on the leader James Giddings. At the start of final hour, Stan was still feeling in good shape and decided to up the pace and see if he could reel in James at the front. Pushing hard where he could, Stan began to close in on the leader and settled into a final hour at a much faster pace.

The KTM300 XC took everything easily in its stride and the harder Stan pushed the better the bike felt. By the end of 5hrs, Stan had closed the gap to just over 3 and half minutes and a confirmed 2nd place with James Giddings in the premier spot. Overall James Giddings and Stan were the only riders to make 22 laps.

FRGB

2011 KTM300 XC (Cross Country)

2010-06-25T23:40:00.000-07:00

Stan Watt from Front Row GB took delivery of the new 2011 KTM300XC 2T last week and has been more than impressed with the first practice sessions on KTM's new concept for the UK market.

The XC version has always been provided by KTM to the South African, Australian and US marketplace to suit the abundance of Hare and Hound type events, especially the big money events like the GNCC in America.

For the first time, the XC model is an official UK import and Derrick Edmondson at Edmondson Racing in Cannock, Staffs. has been on the ball getting hold of every last bike from KTM he can.

The XC 2T (250cc and 300cc) boasts a whole new engine design, including a 6 speed gear box, a new barrel, head and power valve. All models come with an electric start, 18in rear wheel, 11.5L clear tank, larger bore exhaust and SX suspension.

Although there are no lights as standard the full wiring loom is on the bike and it is a simple process to make the bike road legal and can easily be registered.

The new 300 has progressed in all departments, using the motocross styling to give it a sharp look, the SX suspension is just a pleasure once it has been tweaked for enduro and the torque of the engine allows the bike to hook up and drive rather than launching the front wheel in the air like the older model.

Geometry changes makes the bike feel more like the 250exc in the tight and twisty bits and when the 6 speed opens up, there is definitely no lack of top end speed.

Stan has currently tested at Rogershill Raceway where the ACU National Sprint Challenge was held earlier in the year and in the deep sand of North Devon.

A thumbs up all round at the minute and anyone looking at a new bike should seriously consider the KTM250 or KTM300XC.

Contact Derrick Edmondson @ Edmondson Racing - 01543 450150

FRGB

BRITISH ENDURO CHAMPIONSHIP - HAFREN WALES

2010-06-14T09:41:00.001-07:00

Round 3 of the British Enduro Championship was set in the picturesque town of Llanidloes where the motocross special test was situated along with the main paddock.

From the start at the Rugby Club, the two day event would make its way to the nearby motocross special test, prior to heading out to the Jones farm, which would be the central hub of activity for refueling and the second special test.

With the weather holding strong and temperatures in the low to mid-twenties, day 1 comprised of two laps with back-to-back motocross tests to end the day of over 7 hours of riding. The course rode well and such a pleasure to be racing there without the normal guaranteed rain.

David Knight took the honors followed by Greg Evans, Paul Edmondson, Daryl Bolter and Edward Jones.

Day 2 threatened with rain showers that never appeared and the course stayed in great shape. Two laps again and another long day with back-to-back tests on a reversed motocross special to finish the event.

Again, David Knight would stand on top of the podium followed by Greg Evans, Tom Sagar, Daryl Bolter and Paul Edmondson.

Stan Watt from Front Row GB had a fairly steady weekend finishing 5th in the E3 on Saturday and 6th in E3 on the Sunday. The good weather doesn't play to Stan's strengths as he needs to improve and concentrate on his special test times in order progress further up the position board.

Check this video out as it gives anyone an idea of the terrain if you have never had a go. http://vimeo.com/12404115

Next BEC is at Knighton on 10th and 11th July

FRGB

BEC Lossiemouth 2010

2010-05-15T23:24:00.000-07:00

Round 2 of the British Enduro Championship proved to be another excellent event, with some initial doubts of expectations with a reduction in the land area open for use.

The weather stayed completely dry for a change and the two special tests at Lossiemouth Forest and orientated around the motocross circuit were a joy to ride. Both completely different, with the deep sand of the forest and more graded option at the motocross circuit.

David Knight on his KTM530 put in a flawless performance on both days, considerably quicker than anyone else followed by Tom Sagar on his Suzuki RMZ450 and Daryl Boulter on the KTM250 on Day 1, and with a further top performance on Day 2, David Knight was followed home again by Tom Sagar on the 450 Suzuki and his team mate Paul Edmondson on the 250 Suzuki.

Stan Watt from Front Row GB had a fair performance on both days, improving considerably on Day 2 compared on Day 1. With the weather remaining good over the weekend and the course staying in good condition there was no serious difficult going where Stan's physical or mental attributes would be needed to close the gap on normally faster riders.

Day 1 saw Stan lose a minute on each tight check and a few mistakes on the special tests pushing him down to 29th and 4th in class.

Some suspension changes after the first lap on Day 2 by Steve Plain, made a huge difference allowing Stan to stay on time with both tight checks on the second lap and improve on the special test times from Day 1, even though, in theory the course should be slower after becoming considerably rougher.

With the improvements on Day 2, Stan felt stronger throughout, lifting his position to 25th remaining 4th in class.

Many riders appeared to find the course more demanding on Day 2, but Stan felt it much easier going, predominantly down to the suspension changes, making all the difference.

A big thanks to John Little who recently turned 72 and the Grampian MCC for such a great event on wonderful land, one of/if not the best on the British Championship calendar. There are rumours that it is unlikely to be back for a while, which would be a huge loss to the sport.

Many thanks to the those who assisted over the weekend;

Derrick Edmondson from Edmondson Racing
Steve Plain from Steve Plain Motorcycles and Suspension
Rob Sartin from Talon Engineering
The GASGAS Team
Chris Boyce for keeping me awake all the way back down south

FRGB

British Enduro Championship Rd2 Lossiemouth

2010-05-06T03:41:00.000-07:00

Front Row GB point northwards and head for virtually the most northern part of the United Kingdom for round 2 of the British Enduro Championship in Lossiemouth, Scotland.

Due to arrive tonight with Derrick Edmondson of Edmondson Racing and Chris Boyce, the weekend will consist of scrutineering tomorrow and a walk of the special tests, followed by racing on Saturday and Sunday prior to the 10hr road trip back.

The Lossiemouth event is renowned for its excellent course, sandy going and its lengthy special test. This year there are some restrictions due to bird nesting on the beach areas, but it appears the organisers have worked extra hard to produce top event after the disappointment of the earlier Easter cancellation due to heavy snow.

Updates as the weekend goes

FRGB

SCEC - Somerley Park 2010

2010-05-04T21:21:00.000-07:00

The 2nd round of the Southern Counties Enduro Championship took place on Sunday 2nd May at Somerley Park.

With rain expected, Somerely is renowned for remaining in some sort of decent condition due to the great natural drainage and the generous amounts of sand throughout the course.

The Championship class hosted a strong local field with Mark Cornick, Danny Hall, Gary Wright, Gary Holland and Steve Harding, who has moved up from Experts this year. Pete Archer would always be one to watch out for in the Vets.

With the sun starting to show and dry overhead, the 160 riders got away on time, with the Championship class leading the way, except Stan Watt from Front Row GB whose Edmondson Racing KTM250EXC failed to fire on the button and needed some manipulation to breathe into life costing him 30-45secs from the start line.

The main group of riders was led by Mark Cornick with the rest bunched and Stan bringing up the rear. With the course layout being perfectly flowing and a clear track ahead, by the end of lap 1 Stan had caught onto the tail end of the main group of front riders, who appeared to be tripping over each other to get past.

Mid way through lap 2 and in one main pass, Stan promoted himself past 6 riders into 2nd place, pulling away immediately to chase the leader Mark Cornick. Within a few minutes, Stan had taken the lead and found himself chased down by Gary Wright. A 2 lap tussle ensued with Gary leading the way and eventually Stan just didn't have the same pace to keep up and Gary eventually moved out of sight.

Stan was fixed in a lonely 2nd place until lap 10, where suddenly Gary Wright appeared in front of him after a slow crash in some fallen brash. Stan took the opportunity to move into the lead and the pair battled for another two laps before Stan made a silly mistake on lap 12 dropping into a small bog losing 20-30 seconds and allowing Gary to get away in the front.

At the end, after a little confusion, Gary Wright had taken the headline win with Stan just over a minute behind in 2nd. Pete Archer won the Vets, Dan Lowry the Expert class, Dan Groom Clubman E2, Danny Andrews Clubman E1, Clare Taylor the Ladies, Carl Tennington the Sportsman class, Neil Fripp the Sportman +40 and Dave Sawtell the Novice.

A fantastic venue was enhanced by the organisation of the SCEC Club with Gary Warr and his band of helpers. A job well done and appreciated by all the riders.

Many thanks to;

Edmondson Racing
Talon
Michelin
Ivan F.
Steve Plain Motorcycles and Suspension
SCEC
Fox
Arai
Nookie
Voltcom Group

FRGB

THE TOUGH ONE 2010

2010-02-23T10:40:00.000-08:00

After a postponement earlier this year, The Tough One Extreme Enduro took place last weekend, 20th February at Nantmawr Quarry in North Wales. The event is known as the toughest enduro the UK has to offer and from 2011, will become a round of the World Extreme Enduro Championship.

The event has been marred by bad weather, as with the rest of the UK, and Saturday was no exception with the surrounding area covered in 3 inches of snow in places.

Weeks of rumours had circulated that the event was to be the hardest ever, no-one would complete it, etc, etc. The reality was, yes a difficult event, but very rideable and more importantly, raceable for the riders and still favourable for spectators.

Stan Watt from Front Row GB was to compete on a Edmondson Racing prepared KTM250 exc, with a few modifications to cope with the terrain and trials orientated course.

After walking the lap in the morning, Stan felt fairly happy with things, and the designated qualifying laps (Kriega Hot Lap) for the Pro riders, only ensured the course was not to be taken for granted.

The Pro and Expert riders set off at similar times for the 2hr race as the group of riders reached he first set of rock obstacles, it was impossible to determine positions, as riders queued, pushed, crashed or eventually got through with the assistance from spectators.

The main section in the quarry was undoubted the hardest but the best for riding. Stan didn't get the best start and for some reason within the first 5 minutes started to suffer physically with fatigue. This lasted for around 45 minutes before having a second breath and started making his way from 23rd through some of the slower riders.

Again, fatigue set in with about 30 minutes to go and Stan lost a couple of places through multiple mistakes. Stan eventually finished 15th expert but at full fitness maybe might have been able to slip an additional and close in on the top 10.

Congratuations to David Knight who completely trashed the field lapping everyone apart from Tom Sagar.

An enjoyable race, well organised so a big thanks has to go out to Steve Ireland and his team for putting on such a great event with a strong international field of riders.

Many thanks has to go to;

- Edmondson Racing

- Steve Plain Suspension

- Talon Engineering

- Adventure Spec

- Nookie

A special thanks to Ivan for all the support and assisting over the weekend

DAKAR 2010 REST DAY

2010-01-09T03:51:00.000-08:00

The 2010 Dakar Rally in South America has reached its halfway point, thus the rest day.

The longest timed special stage of 600km has led to a well-earned rest day. The bikes are down to around 90 riders from 161 starters in Buenos Aires. The quads are down to 14 pilots from 27 starters, cars remain with 55 competitors from 140 starters and 25 trucks remain from 55 starters.

This is all taken from midday UK on 9th January, with a number of competitors still out on the stage from 8th January, who have been given a cut-off time of 6pm today, otherwise they will be removed from the race for safety reasons.

The usual suspects sit at the top of the rankings;

BIKES- 1. Despres, 2. Coma, 3. Rodrigues

Early pacemakers have hit their problems as well as the factory teams, but Cyril Despres continues to keep the pace strong with a 1hr 6min lead over Marc Coma. A number of big crashes have seen David Casteu, Luca Manca, Viladoms and Stanovik retire.

The Brit riders have had a mixed affair with Craig Bounds leading the contingent in 61st place, Paul Carlyle in 79th, Phil Noone from Ireland in 87th and Tamsin Jones still on stage 7 from 8th January having been recorded at km 448 of 600 kms, almost 6hrs behind the leaders with 90 riders having finished the stage at this time, with Tamsin clocked through km 448 at 1pm yesterday, so hopefully will clear the stage in time and get some experience of the rest day.

Unfortunately, Andrew neri was forced to retire on stage 6 and Duncan Teedy on stage 3.

CARS 1. Sainz 2. Al-attiyah 3. Miller

As with the bikes, some early pacemakers have fallen foul to the stresses of the Dakar rally, with Nani Roma in the BMW getting away with a broken wrist, another crash has dashed de Villier's hopes who now supports the other Volkswagen drivers and mechanical problems has seen the early leader, Peterhansel drop down the pack.

Carlos Sainz holds an 11min lead over Nasser Al-attiyah and 22 mins over the next VW driver, Mark Miller. Rumour has it, internal squabbles between the VW drivers is growing as the Dakar moves into its second part.

FRGB

DAKAR NEWS

2010-01-02T09:29:00.000-08:00

Stage 1

Casteu’s big bluff
Behind the handlebars of a brand new 450cc, David Casteu has thrown the proverbial cat amongst the pigeons on the first stage of the Dakar. He has taken the lead in the general standings with the day’s best time in front of the two favourites for outright victory, Cyril Despres and Marc Coma.

He is someone always full of surprises; like setting up his own team for instance, with French constructor Sherco, grabbing the opportunity thrown up by the switch over to 450cc for all the competitors in the bike race in the near future. David Casteu, often arbitrator in proceedings between Cyril Despres and Marc Coma, and 2nd in the Dakar in 2007 and 4th in 2009, has chosen to challenge his rivals on a newly designed and less powerful bike.

The road is still long, but this bold decision has already been rewarded on the first special stage of the 2010 edition, in which the rider from Nice scored the day’s best time, 3" ahead of Cyril Despres, and 12” in front of title holder Marc Coma. The gaps are small in light of what still awaits them, but this stage win is symbolically significant for brave David. In the early hours of the morning, a final conversation between Casteu and his mechanic convinced him to try and make an impact between Colon and Cordoba.

Over the 168 kilometres remaining to be covered once the stage had been shortened due to flooding at the start of the special, the eternal outsider was true to his sole guiding principle: “attack, attack, attack”. In the end, Casteu won the 2nd special stage of his career on the Dakar, with the satisfaction of handing out a first defeat to the KTM 690cc riders.

In the series of confrontations between big and small that are on the menu, David Frétigné, on his Yamaha 450cc, was more discrete than Casteu, finishing in 6th position in the day’s standings, almost three minutes off the lead. For the return of Aprilia to the Dakar, Francisco Lopez, also riding a 450cc, took fifth place, 2’42” behind Casteu, but also nearly a minute behind Jordi Viladoms, who finished in fourth.

The Brit riders are underway with Craig Bounds (apparently suffering from some sort of illness) finishing the stage in 38th, Tamsin Jones 145th, Paul Carlisle 141st, Philip Noone 126th, A. Neri 125th.

FRGB

HAPPY NEW YEAR AND BEST WISHES FOR 2010

2009-12-31T11:05:00.000-08:00

Thank you for the continued support;

From All at Front Row GB

T'is The Season To Be Riding

2009-12-31T10:32:00.000-08:00

THE FRONT ROW GB FESTIVE SPECIAL

THE BOG HOPPERS

A weekend of realising all riders are human.

Thanks for the invite! Many thanks especially to Porky for looking after us again, Rob Sartin, Steve Plain and Chris for leading the way across the many Welsh bogs of varying expanse

HITTING THE SOUTHERN TRAILS

With one day already cancelled due to the ground frozen from the cold weather. 30th December saw 11 riders depart for the lanes in Dorset, Hampshire and Wiltshire. A total of 185 miles taking 12hrs in the pissing rain with 3 hours of night riding to finish the day.

A big thanks to Ivan, Dinger, Simon D, Simo, Paul C, Paul O'C, Phil, Andy, Tony K, & Kane.

Apologies for no big breakfast, lunch or dinner!!

THE TRAINING MUST GO ON

With everyone off work for the festive period the cold snap was not going to put us off. Dinger had paid for a GasGas 250 with his 'OWN' money and moved away from the orange machine. Ivan is getting to grips with the new KTM300 and appears to do more than whathe intended it to.

Stan is flitting between the KTM400 4T and the KTM250 2T, depending on the event or terrain. Both hold their own in the right circumstances and relly has the pick of the bunch.

WITLEY BOXING DAY EVENT

Witley MCC had changed the event from Boxing Day to the 27th for reasons unknown. This did mess up Stan's plan to race on Boxing Day at Longmoor, Weaver's Down and then Llandrilo Forest with WOR Events on 27th.

A large entry of 333 riders started the 3hr hotly contested event, with Stan lining up on the front row with his KTM400 EXC.

The Le Mans style start saw Stan get away in 15th position, and the mix of wet and frozen conditions meant Stan was in no rush to push on until he made sure there was no show stoppers on the first lap.

The KTM400 performed immaculately, the Steve Plain suspension worked very well in the sandy conditions and Stan made up numerous places in a strong field of championship riders to finish a positive 6th, less than 20 seconds off a top 5 to end the year.

FRGB

SCEC Final Championship Standings

2009-12-04T00:11:00.001-08:00

As the year comes to a close, Southern Counties Enduro Club have issued their final standings, after the last round at the weekend in Pallington Forest in Dorset.

The weekend race could have caused an upset if Dave Nuttall was to put enough riders between himself and Mark Cornick, but, although the potential was there in the wet and difficult conditions, Mark finished ahead of Dave securing the Championship for 2009.

Stan Watt from Front Row GB secured 3rd position after a year of competing on a variety of machinery from KTM250 2 strokes to the larger KTM690 Enduro R.

2010 has some different asperations for Stan & Front Row GB, but don't be surprised if a KTM690 makes an appearance at some point, or a KTM400 or a KTM250.

A big thanks goes out to Gary Warr @ SCEC, for again putting together a great series on some excellent courses, enjoyed by all.

Championship

1st Mark Cornick

2nd Dave Nuttall

3rd Stan Watt

4th Gary Holland

5th Andy Scudamore

Expert

1st Tyson Maytom-Jones

2nd Jerry Box

3rd Steve Harding

4th Karl Langford

5th Toni Burrows

Expert Over 40

1st Mick Hill

2nd Gary Mc Coy

3rd Craig Beattie

4th Allistair Bramwell

5th Michael Brooks

Clubman E1

1st Jacque Stevens

2nd Stephen Mulliner

3rd James Boyce

4th Daniel Fidler

5th Trev Child

Clubman E2

1st Andy Claxton

2nd Barry Mitchell

3rd Andy Ball

4th Mark Goddard

5th Antony Guppy

Ladies

1st Clare Taylor

2nd Tamsin Jones

3rd Helen Spiers

Sportsman

1st Daniel Price

2nd Daniel Summerfield

3rd Rob Smith

4th Paul O'Connell

5th David Mears

Sportsman Over 40

1st Graham Reid

2nd Garry Price

3rd Neil Fripp

4th Glenn Woodland

5th Russell Harris

Novice

1st Matthew Jones

2nd Chris Jones

3rd Russell Matthews

4th Simon Butcher

5th Mark Coghlin

Stan is hoping to be out at the WOR EVENT's round 16 in Llandrillo Forest on 27th December on the KTM400 EXC

FRGB

Pallington Forest- Final Round of the SCEC

2009-12-02T00:27:00.001-08:00

After substantial rainfall on the south coast for 10 days, the Southern Counties Enduro Club team of helpers, worked exceptionally hard to put on the final round of the 2009 championship.

The event was originally to be held at Somerley Park, on the Hampshire/Dorset border but weather conditions and a few other considerations, dictated the event would have to be moved 15 miles west to Pallington Forest. This forest has not been used for 3 years and was holding up well, considering the amount of rain that has fell during recent storms.

The course was a mixture of good flowing forestry routes linked by fast trails, great untouched ground incorporating sections to test the best riders, which was only acerbated with the heavy rain on the Saturday night.

An extreme route was marked and by Sunday morning the 'bomb hole' that started the section was 4ft under water, thus a few changes had to be made at the last minute. This was still to be a section that only a handful would attempt and clear adequately.

The race got underway with the championship class heading off first, not long after 11am, just as the first drops of rain fell. Stan Watt from Front Row GB on the KTM400EXC, couldn't find enough grip from his start position and immediately fell into last place of the championship group, catching every particle of dirt from the first 20 riders.

As the field started to spread out, the front runners definitely had an advantage as at the back, Stan got completely covered in mud due to the extremely wet conditions, but started to pick his way through the pack, passing where he could.

The compulsory rear trials tyres were not working well and as the championship riders split between the extreme and normal route, Stan decided to take the shorter but harder extreme section. He immediately found the first set competitors digging holes in the sodden virgin ground and blocking his path. With some physical altercations, Stan eventually cleared the section to find a number of riders from the later starting groups well ahead of him on the course.

Lap 1 was difficult, getting used to the grip limitations of the rear trials tyre and trying to make his way through not only the championship riders but half the expert class as well. By the end of lap 2 Stan had made up substantial time and was closing in on the front riders.

Lap 3 saw Stan close on the back of the leading group of Mark Cornick, Richard Tucker, Dave Nuttall and James Jackman. Approaching a difficult climb in the forest, Stan went for the hardest route to clear quickly and move directly into the lead. Stan immediately extended his lead in the difficult conditions and held a good lead until goggles became a problem and ended up pulling in on lap 5 to change gloves, goggles and re-fit a loose throttle grip. 4 minutes lost and James Jackman, Richard Tucker and Mark Cornick moved back through as the leading group.

Stan pushed hard and eventually got back past Mark Cornick and James Jackman but had to pull in again due to goggle problems on lap 7. Stan ended up in a battle with Tyson Maytom-Jones for the last 2 laps, which only went to slow both riders, allowing Richard Tucker to pull away and secure the win, with Tyson eventually taking the battle for 2nd when Stan hit a slower rider on the final lap, culminating in losing 2 minutes getting the KTM back on the course.

A good result, finishing 2nd in the Championship Class and 3rd overall but Stan is disappointed not taking the win. The KTM400EXC performed very well considering the conditions and definitely a bike that could take some good results in forthcoming Hare and Hound Events.

Well done to SCEC for working endlessly getting the course together and all the marshals who spent a wet, cold and windy Sunday digging people out of the Dorset forest

THANKS TO;

- Edmondson Racing

- Talon Engineering

- Steve Plain Suspension

- Nookie

- Pro-Seal Racing

- Arai

FRGB

Tough One's Little Brother '09

2009-11-10T03:27:00.000-08:00

Sunday 8th November evolved into a hectic day for Stan Watt, as he left the house at 5am for the 41/2 hour drive to Corwen in North Wales for the Tough One's Little Brother extreme event, organised by Steve Ireland and his crew at WOR Events.

By the time Stan had parked, got his bike through scrutineering and on the start line, he just had time to get changed in preparation for a 2 minute silence in commemoration of Remembrance Sunday, prior to race start.

Entered in the elite class, Stan was more than aware that the other 12 riders in class, were likely to be more technically capable for such an event. As the flag dropped, Stan peeled into 10th position and remained relatively careful on the first lap to assess the terrain and course. Passing two riders on the way, Stan started to pick up the pace but was overtaken on lap two and put back into 9th position.

With rain over the previous two days, Wern Ddu Quarry, did pose a challenge with plenty of wet rocks, stony climbs/descents and stream beds to negotiate. There was nowhere nice to land in the event of a fall to rider or machine.

Stan's KTM400EXC performed well although wasn't the best machine for the job. The 250 EXC 2-stroke would have proved a more ideal bike for Stan, making the course more flowing and ultimately easier.

As the race progressed, Stan was able to maintain a good/safe pace and from a result perspective, could have done with a 3hr race rather than 2hrs, as he caught two elite riders in the last three laps who were struggling with their own fitness and started closing in on those riders finished in the top 5.

Although, a good way down from eventual winner Tom Sagar and runner up Paul Edmondson. Stan was more than content to finish 7th in such a specialised event and a great insight into the challenge of the Tough One 100 in January 2010. The first round of the World Xtreme Enduro Championship.

Straight after the race, Stan was packed and gone within 30 minutes for the return journey home.

FRGB

ONE FOR THE FUTURE (Maybe)

2009-11-09T04:00:00.000-08:00

Anyone who has young children kicking around on a motorbike, then I suppose or would like to think we are all aware of the 1- dangers 2- the actual fact of them being able to step up to the plate like your current best in the world; Valentino Rossi, David Knight, Ben Spies, Hiroshi Aoyama, etc, etc, is exceptionally thin.

But just incase, this is Cavan Watt clearing his first tabletop, aged 6 years and 2 months, at Rogershill Raceway

FRGB

Front Row GB at THE TOUGH ONE

2009-11-04T04:19:00.000-08:00

Stan Watt from Front Row GB is set to build his extreme enduro experience this weekend in the Pro Class (running #62) at The Tough One's Little Brother, set in Wern Ddu Quarry, near Ruthin, North Wales.

Known as the #2 extreme event in the UK, only behind the well known Tough One, which will take on a new concept on 23rd January '10, when it becomes the first round of the World Xtreme Enduro Championship (wxec.com). Limiting the field to the best 100 extreme riders in the world and a slight name change to 'THE TOUGH ONE 100', it will be an exceptional spectacle for the start of a new world championship. Get all the information at www.toughone.com or www.worevents.co.uk.

The WXEC will also include the Erzberg Rodeo in Austria, Red Bull Romaniacs in Romania, Hell's Gate in Italy, Last Man Standing in the USA and the Roof of Africa in South Africa.

Although Stan will be riding a specially prepared Edmondson Racing KTM250 EXC at round 1 of the WXEC in January, this weekend will see him compete on a slightly modified KTM400 EXC.

FRGB

JOINT EFFORT AT THE DIRTY DOUBLE

2009-11-02T10:15:00.000-08:00

Talon Engineering, RM Poole Enduro Club and Front Row GB got together to compete (in the loosest of terms) at the VO Two organised challenge at Inside Park, Blandford, named the Dirty Double.

The Team comprised of Rob Sartin from Talon, Dinger Bell from RM Poole Enduro Club and Stan Watt from from Front Row GB. Although all members, have at their time competed in alternative endurance events from Ironman triathlons, John 'o' Groats to Lands End and the Eco Challenge; the Team had not been training to any great lengths and arrived at Inside Park efficiently 20 minutes prior to the start. Getting to the start line safely for the complete cross country event, consisting of a 5km run, 20km mountain bike ride ending in another 5 km run, there was only enough time make sure their numbers were straight and the team was off.

With the everyday glory hunters heading off, like people possessed with some enormous amounts of caffeine, the guys drifted immediately to around mid-pack onto the first hill. Elbows out and a couple of dodgy lines, Rob, Dinger and Stan pushed past those who didn't have the lung capacity their heads told them they had.

Legs burning with no warm up, the Team came to the end of the first lap, to the main obstacles of the bog, the rope obstacle and the jungle and quickly figured out the best technique was to get on elbow and knees and get crawling, passing a few people every time.

Lap two of the run, went pretty much the same way as the 48 teams settled into their pace. A slowish transition to the bikes and the Team was on their way for the 20km bike ride of 3 laps. This was nicely laid out and consisted of the main enduro loop organised by SCEC earlier in the year. The flat part of the course proved good for those who mountain bike regularly but the Team made up places and time on the more gnarly enduro sections.

The multiple lap event, had its share of obstacles with a man-made netted bog, rope obstacle and the jungle, culminating in a 10ft wall and a couple of eager gorilla suited individuals who refrained from any confrontation when challenged, as the team came to the finish line.

After some mild confrontation and conflict with team Fit, Fat and Ugly when they decided it was a good idea to cut across on a few occasions throughout lap two, the Team pushed on and with no major issues finished lap 3 of the mountain bike course and straight into a fairly quick changeover and on their way for a two lap 5km run.

Legs weren't working well and with Stan suffering from a bit of back ache/pins and needles in his feet for most of the first lap Rob and Dinger set the pace and Stan clung on at a steady pace. With a number of teams now starting to clump together on the last running lap, the Team scuttled through the bog, rope obstacle and jungle to come out ahead of the teams around them.

With the gorillas and the wall to conquer, Rob, Dinger & Stan decided it was better to go down fighting and showed some aggression towards the hairy creatures, which was met with distaste and we were told we had to under the last net (see picture).

With the wall to finish, a planned technique worked to perfection with Team; Talon/RM Poole Enduro Club/Front Row GB finishing 3rd overall, even ahead of the organisers own VO Two Team.

1 44 Feat Uk
2 42 Off Camber
3 21 Talon/RM Poole E C/Front Row GB
4 43 Votwo
5 29 The fit the fat and the ugly
6 45 Running Straight to the Grill
7 11 gimbleuk.com
8 22 team curcuits
10 23 Team Endurance

FRGB

NATTERJACK - Final British Enduro of 2009

2009-10-05T05:45:00.000-07:00

For the final round of the British Enduro Championship, a change of machinery had arrived for Stan Watt, care of Edmondson Racing based in Norton Canes.

After some deliberation and testing of a variety of manufacturers and engine sizes, Front Row GB and Stan decided that they would remain with KTM for the rest of 2009 and throughout 2010.

After a full season on the much larger KTM690R, Stan is due to compete on the new KTM 400 four stroke for forthcoming hare and hounds and then a possible toss up between the 400 and the 250 two stroke for the World Extreme Enduro series in 2010.

The Natterjack BEC was to be the first outing on the KTM400, which arrived 3 days prior to scrutineering. A short but essential run in period, a replacement rear shock from Steve Plain of Steve Plain Suspension and Motorcycles, the bling KTM items from Edmondson Racing, some decals from Eddie at ProSeal and finally to round the bike off; a set of Talon wheels supplied by Rob Sartin at Talon Engineering.

Although we are truly in what would normally be a wet and damp Autumn, dry and warm conditions have remained, keeping the south coast of the UK hot, dry and dusty from what was already a fairly dry summer.

The Natterjack area near Petersfield renowned for being physically demanding due to the course being extremely whooped and cut up from years of abuse, was partically dusty with the normal stable sand areas being particulary dry and the cross country test cutting up into powder burms.

The course is split in half by the A3 carriageway with the two specials tests located next to the paddock and refueling area, allowing for excellent viewing by the spectators.

Stan got off to a steady start and was enjoying the KTM400, which seemed to have the perfect amount of power for the conditions. Trying too hard in the sand motocross test was making him run slower than intended and towards the end of the day, better use of the smooth power of the KTM400 allowed Stan to improve significantly.

For most competitors, it would not be the special tests that would cause the problem but the fact of 7 1/2 hours riding over some rough ground in a hot conditions not normally seen for his time of year. The top riders of David Knight, Christophe Namantin and Paul Edmondson would take most of it in their stride, even the chest high brick wall to start the cross country test.

Lap two saw Stan lose a petrol cap half way through the check, having to return to the pits for a replacement, he then had to push hard to make up as much time as possible and straight into the motocross test. Even though he still lost 8 minutes and with everyone capable of staying on time there was little chance of gaining a good result on Day 1 and finished 29th.

David Knight went out with clutch trouble so the day was handed to Christophe Namantin followed closely by Paul Edmondson.

Day 2 would consist of a route competed in reverse and some tender riders after the physicaly strains of day 1. David Knight was on a charge and pretty much blew everyone into the weeds. A could test of bike and rider prior to the ISDE. With Knighter well out in front it was down to the usual suspects with Christophe Namantin and Paul Edmondson following on on their GASGAS and 290 Suzuki respectively.

Stan had a much stronger day 2 even with some consecutive crashes on the motocross test, gaining some places, finishing 7th in Expert E2 on the day and 9th on cumlative scores from both days.

Thanks to;

- Edmondson Racing

- Steve Plain

- Talon Engineering

- Pro Seal

- Insignia Signs

- Arai Helmets

- Michelin

FRGB

SCEC/Rogershill Evening Summer Series

2009-09-09T03:00:00.000-07:00

The final round of the SCEC/Rogershill Evening Summer Series took place on Saturday 5th September.

A new concept was formulated to get grow some additional interest for competitors and riders alike. The normal two hour hare and hounds would take place around the area of Rogershill Raceway, followed by riders being split into abilities, racing against each other in heats, culminating in an all out final.

The main event got underway at 3pm with the Expert/Pro class straight off the mark. Ben Milward and Tyson Maytom-Jones go the best starts, closely followed Dave Bell, Richard Tucker, Dan Beaven, Stan Watt from Front Row GB and the late arriving Paul Cowshall.

The initial frenzy settled after the first few minutes as the group got stretched out. Ben and Tyson pulled away from Dave Bell, Dan Beaven, Richard Tucker and Stan Watt on his KTM690R. The flowing nature of the course worked well for Stan's KTM690R, who passed Dave Bell on lap 1 and started to close in on Dan Beaven ad Richard Tucker who both had pulled a fair gap.

As Stan settled into a good pace, Paul Cowshall was coming though to make a charge for the front two riders making a permanent pass on lap 4 to push Stan back into 6th position.

By lap 5, Stan was on the back of number X16 Dan Beaven on his KTM and a continuous 3 lap battle pursued with Dan chasing the KTM690R until he eventually drifted off the pace. As Stan pushed hard on his big KTM, Richard Tucker picked up where Dan Beaven left off and another 3 lap chase was on with Stan now pushing hard to remain in 4th ahead of the more nimble and smaller machines.

The trusted 690R was to stay ahead to the finish line with Stan holding 4th position just missing a podium place to Tyson Maytom-Jones by 55seconds and the winner Ben Milward and 2nd placed Paul Cowshall.

With the 3 round series over, Stan Watt from Front Row GB finished a commendable 2nd position overall, 4 points down on Tyson Maytom-Jones

Results

1st Tyson Maytom-Jones
2nd Stan Watt
3rd Mark Cornick
4th Dan Beaven
5th Danny Hall
6th Ben Milward
7th Paul Cowshall
8th Andy Scudamore
9th Steve Harding
10th Richard Tucker

FRGB

Front Row GB at the Dawn to Dusk

2009-08-12T22:54:00.000-07:00

Front Row GB can confirm Stan Watt will be competing at this years Dawn to Dusk in the all new 24 hour event.

Stan will be using a KTM 690R and competing in the 'marathon' class where he will have to cover the course for 24hrs as the sole rider.

The event will include the usual 12hr event and also the 6hr event, with all start times relevant so everyone finishes at the same time on Sunday evening 30th August.

As can be imagined, not only is it difficult to ride for such a period of time on such a technical course, it is also difficult to find enough support staff. Anyone interested in getting involved and helping out please drop the team a line at mail@frontrowgb.com or call +44 (0) 289 581 1149

How the weekend will work

The Team will arrive on Friday 28th August at the event location;

Onllywn, Neath, Port Talbot, Wales, UK.

Follow the A465 west out of Merthyr Tydfil
at Pontneddfechan, turn onto the A4109
The event will be signposted from Benwen

Signing on 11.00am-4.00pm Saturday 29th August
Bike checking 12.30pm-4.30pm
Briefing- 5.00pm in the marquee, followed by Sighting Lap on the video screen
Race Start- 7.00pm

The 24 hour race will start at 7.00pm on the night of 29th August. Competitors will start off around a shortened lap of approximately 7 miles.

As darkness descends, the lights will come on illuminating various sections of the course. Over the night time hours the shorter course will steer clear from the technical, tight sections that Dawn to Dusk veterans are familiar with.

The course will then open up to it's full 15-18 miles when the sun rises on Sunday morning. Sunday morning will also see the start of the 12 hour race at 7am followed by the 6 hour race at 12pm.

The weekends racing culminates at 7.00pm on Sunday when competitors in all three of the races will head towards the chequered flag and then the bar for a few well earned drinks, and a bite to eat, to help celebrate a hard weekend riding.

8.30pm - 9.00pm will then see a small presentation in the marquee where the winners will be announced and presented with their prizes.

FRGB

Front Row GB Update

2009-08-12T22:22:00.000-07:00

Team Reme Tea til Dark

After finishing a good 7th on the day at the final round of the Team Reme, Tea til Dark summer series, Stan has surprisingly placed his unweidling KTM690 Enduro R 3rd overall behind James Jackman & James Giddings even with missing the first round of the series.

RESULTS

1 JAMES JACKMAN
2 JAMES GIDDINGS
3 STAN WATT
4 DANIEL BEAVEN
5 CHRIS HOWMAN
6 DAVE COLES
7 CLIVE GAMMAGE
8 SIMON BEKEN
9 RICH WARNER
10 SCOTT ELDERFIELD

International Six Day Event 2009

With the fortcoming Portugal based ISDE in October closing in, it is with regret and disappointment that Stan Watt from Front Row GB will not be able to participate as part of the original lineup with Danny Hall and Bradley King.

After the ACU stated the team was NOT accepted to compete at this year's ISDE, Front Row GB had made other commitments that unfortuately cannot be altered. It is unfortunate command decisions by the ACU could not have been made sooner and the late change of plan has prevented Stan from taking part in such a prestigious event.

Good luck to the team and Stan's replacement Tyson Maytom-Jones.

FRGB

Podium Finish At Rogershill Raceway

2009-07-16T04:51:00.000-07:00

Round 2 of the SCEC Evening series took place at Rogershill Raceway in Dorset on Wednesday 15th July.

With a potential mix of weather conditions, the event layout was conservatively changed from round 1, the course primarily orientated towards flowing enduro going, with the more difficult sections of extreme routes being omitted and minimal use of the 30 acres of motocross circuits. In wet conditions, the area can become difficult for the best riders, so the decision was made to ensure an enjoyable event for all.

A fast lap would still comprise of 12-13 minutes of smooth and flowing grassland around the normal motocross/arena area, technical sections in both woodland sectors and fast lengths towards the outlying parts of the location.

Stan from Front Row GB, would look to be more competitive, having been supplied a KTM250 EXC for the event, in order to try and push towards the front.

The start was delayed due to a late arrival of the ambulance services, with the Expert/Pro class getting underway 30 minutes late.
After an initial uphill start the first wave of riders hit a gravel pit that looked an easy obstacle, but later reports suggested all groups fell foul of the exceptionally loose uphill stones. As the Expert/Pro riders started to shake out, Paul Cowshall of FUTURE RACING proved to be the pace setter on his brand new 2010 Champion KTM250 SX. Stan eventually slipped into 2nd place within the first kilometre but Paul had already moved into a 200m lead.

The leading pair would stay fairly stable for 5 laps with Stan unable to make up any ground on Paul. Behind the Front Row GB rider, Mark Cornick of ICE CRAFT and Ben Milward of IN CHAINS were seconds apart and only 15 seconds behind Stan. A mass of riders stalled the process at the transponder area allowing Mark and Ben hook onto the back of Stan and a 5 lap scrap pursued.

Near the end of lap six, Stan made two silly mistakes allowing Mark and Ben move ahead with Stan losing well over 1 minute to the two riders.

Stan got his head down for the final few laps and got back into 2nd place when everyone made their fuel stops. A further small mistake and another short delay at the transponder area and the ICE Craft and In Chain riders were back on Stan's tail with only a few seconds separating all three riders fighting for 2nd.

A collision on the last lap between Mark Cornick and Stan Watt was to be pertinent to the final result with Stan damaging sensitive ligaments in his left knee that had been recently operated on. Unable to support the bike with his left leg, Stan made a small mistake towards the end of the lap allowing Mark and Ben through.

Stan was able to hang onto the back of Ben Milward to the finish line, but unknown to the three riders fighting for 2nd, Paul Cowshall in front had run out of fuel 200m from the line and on literally the final push to the transponders was overtaken by Mark, with Ben and Stan on his heals.

An intense and close race with the top four riders being split by 13 seconds after 2 hours of racing. Undoubted, Stan lost an all out win due to small mistakes of no fault but his own. He enjoyed being back on a bike that could be competitive, rather than being restricted by the heavier test machine KTM690 Enduro R.

Many thanks to;

Talon Engineering
Edmondson Racing
Danny at Rogershill Raceway
Ivan F. for the bike
Gary Warr and his helpers at SCEC

FRGB

SCEC Shillingstone Forest

2009-07-06T05:27:00.000-07:00

The beautiful forest of Shillingstone, near Blandford Forum, was the location for round 3 of the Southern Counties Enduro Hare & Hound Championship.
The course had been well prepared but unless there was a mountain of more time and many more hands, it would be impossible to completely clear the lengthy 9 mile course, thus making certain areas quite technical, with a number of hidden obstacles under extensive sections of

undergrowth.

The continuing high temperatures and heat wave would surely be a factor for all riders.

With a good mixture of steep drops, bared tree roots, long climbs and technical sections, the lap was in the region of 20 minutes for the front runners and with a full entry list, then it made for an interesting event.

Stan from Front Row GB was competing on what is becoming his usual mount, the KTM690 Enduro-R. With a change of suspension the bike had been running and handling well and Stan was keen to try and get the KTM690 as close to the front of what would be a course suited to the smaller enduro machines.

For the second race in a row, the KTM690 failed to burst into life when requested on the startline, although only taking a few seconds to resolve the issue, the rest of the field apart from Danny Hall on the BMW450 were stretching towards the first corner. Danny Hall passed Stan in the first turn, relegating him to the back of the field at the start of the race.

It wasn't long until the KTM690 and Stan got into a good rhythm and by a third of lap 1, Stan had re-passed Danny Hall's BMW450 and was making in-roads into the rest of the front runners.

By lap two, Stan had pulled away from Danny Hall, after rear brake failure on his BMW and passed a number of riders to move into 6th place. Putting in good consistent times, Stan set about trying to get further up the pack and by lap 6 had moved into 4th position.
Lap 7 proved to be the stumbling block, when the side stand spring on the KTM690 snapped, killing the power.
With minimal tools to fix the problem, Stan relied on a travelling marshal who kindly produced some bungee cord and with some manipulation, fixed the problem and Stan was back on his way.

Time had obviously passed by quickly, as Stan thought he had only lost a few minutes, but this in reality was closer to 10 minutes dropping him back into 30th position.

Stan attempted to get the KTM690 back in a respectable position but running short of time, only managed a 9th.

Carl Tiley took a convincing win on the TM while Mark Cornick took a good 2nd.

Thanks to the travelling marshal for the assistance, to SCEC/Gary Warr for such a good event and Nick Guppy for the photographs.

FRGB

Dorset's Next Prodigy

2009-06-29T22:54:00.000-07:00

You heard it here first!!

For all those that might have found the recent Wednesday evening event at Rogershill Raceway a little difficult.

Meet 'Ollie Saville', 5 years old, on a PW50 who happily circulated the enduro course on his own, including the technical wooded section.

To make it completely clear, he did struggle slightly on the extreme stage, but we believe this was purely down to the ground clearance of his PW, rather than his inability.

An upside-down excursion into some 5ft nettles, potentially would call an end to the day's riding, but fair play, after some tears, he cracked on to clear the course numerous times.

Possibly the only way to get Britain's talent to the world stage in years to come.

Rogershill Raceway Evening H&H Round 1

2009-06-10T14:39:00.001-07:00

Round 1 of the Rogershill Raceway Evening Events organised by SCEC saw a 130+ rider turnout on a hot Wednesday night.

Luckily, a 3 day long heatwave was passing just in time for the start of the 2 hour race. A number of helping hands had put together a course to be more challenging throughout, with a good mix of cross country and expert/extreme routes, attracting top riders such as Daryl Boulter and Simon Wakely.

A good strong field lined up with the championship and expert riders setting off together. Stan Watt from Front Row GB decided to use the KTM690 Enduro R with the intention to take all the expert and extreme routes.

At the drop of the flag, Stan got away mid-pack but by the third corner had moved past a number of riders into 5th position. As the front runners started to pull away at the beginning of the first lap, a disappointed Simon Wakely with a fuel problem on the Husqavarna, retired early moving Stan up to 4th place.

Finding a rhythm early on, Stan made up another place into 3rd behind the leading Daryl Boulter and Mark Cornick. The first 3 laps saw Stan hold a stable position , 20 seconds ahead of Danny Hall but both riders dropping back from the leading two. The power of the KTM690 made up for its more difficult handling to that of Danny Hall's BMW450 and Stan was able to maintain the exact pace of the 4th placed rider.

Stan's first mistake on lap four in the extreme section, (not clearing the water barrels on the first attempt) allowed Danny Hall to take over his 3rd position. Both riders fought hard and stayed together until Stan made a similar mistake in the extreme section of lap 5, when attempting a passing move on Danny Hall. This allowed Steve Harding and two other riders to move ahead dropping Stan back to 7th position.

Stan pushed hard on the KTM690 Enduro in an attempt to make up time and at least make the same number of laps as the front riders. Although, there were no further mistakes, Stan missed an additional lap by 24 seconds, losing substantial opportunity to make any further ground on the front 5 riders and had to settle for a strong 6th position after Daryl Boulter retired with a mechanical breakdown.

FRGB

2009-06-09T15:21:00.000-07:00

"Rally Dakar" - KTM withdraws!

The limiting of motorcycles with a displacement of 450 cc forces the long term dominator of the Dakar Rally to withdraw.

Following the announcement at a press conference on June 4, 2009 of the French "ASO" - the organisers of the "South American Dakar" that from 2010, only motorcycles with a maximum displacement of 450 cc will be permitted to compete, KTM, after eight consecutive victories, has decided to immediately accept the consequences and announces its withdrawal from the "Dakar".
The company will no longer be represented at the rally in South America either with an official factory team or a KTM-supported team. At the same time, KTM underlines that the company remains committed to rally sport and will now concentrate its efforts on the world championship and other important rallies.

The organiser's short term change to the rules, designed to end the dominance of KTM, and which comes without any advance warning, hits the KTM factory hard. Today, just six months before the start - and at a time when not only the factory team but also dozens of private teams are deep in preparations for this extremely complex rally, the immediate withdrawal of the worldwide market leader of offroad sports motorcycle is the only possible consequence.

"Every sport regulation needs changes and adjustments to new developments to retain an interest in it, but this also require the appropriate lead times. We have the entire material for the 690 Rally motorcycles for our factory team as well as that for 50 customers' motorcycles in our storage facility ready to be constructed in June. Riders' contracts have been finalised and all the team members have been engaged. The financial consequences that results from this decision are enormous. Quite apart from this, we are shocked by the organiser's lack of loyalty, above all because of the huge efforts we made following the cancellation of the Dakar in 2008 by contributing to the new edition - even during a period of extreme economic crisis," said KTM Motor Sport Advisor and "Rally Legend" Heinz Kinigadner in a first statement.

Following the decision for the deployment of 450cc motorcycles, which are unthinkably unsuitable for use in long distance rallies, KTM can no longer economically justify a commitment to be engaged in the Dakar in the future.

KTM Motor Sport Director Winfried Kerschhaggl: "Rally sport serves to prove the efficiency and stability of our large volume series single cylinder. There is no question that we will remain active in rally sport! Having said that, for KTM, the rally in South America is now history. We will now fully concentrate on the Rally World Championship and we will seek out alternatives. Maybe we will soon again see full KTM Rally engagement on African soil - back to the roots!"

With its commitment to rally sports, KTM naturally takes the obligations to its long term worldwide customers seriously because it is they who have decided to put their trust in the products and in the unique service of the Austrian company for rally sport by choosing KTM motorcycles.

Back to Back Victories For Jon Stamper

2009-05-29T02:12:00.000-07:00

Jon Stamper of Front Row GB has taken two impressive back-to-back wins at the National 250cc GP Championship to move ahead of his rivals.

At Snetterton, two weeks ago, Jon thought his luck had ran out when in race 1 his Yamaha TZ250 ran out of fuel on the final lap when comfortably in the lead. Race 2 would see no such mistake handing Jon his first outright win of the season .

Last weekend seen the Championship move to Donnington Park, supporting the British Superbike Series. Jon remained at the head of the pack throughout practice and qualifying and was to keep this rhythm intact for the main race, taking a commanding race win, moving ahead in the overall championship.

FRGB

2nd @ Round 1 UK Rally Championship

2009-05-17T12:20:00.000-07:00

Stan Watt of Front Row GB took a good second place at the first round of the UK Rally Championship.

Stan was on his usual KTM690R for the fairly relaxed event, known as the Tarenig Rally, organised by the Hafren MCC. It's been two years since the event took place and this year attracted an strong entry of 245 riders.

The event was a new configuration for Stan with a 35 mile lap on fast forestry trails with 3 short special tests on each lap, semi-designed around the more enduro type going, with the fast riders around the 5 minute mark on each test.

The Tarenig Rally was to be a testing ground for continuous development of the KTM690R and its ability to be a competitive long distance rally machine, capable of undertaking such events as extreme as the Dakar Rally. With this in mind, Stan used the whole 35 mile lap as a special test pushing on, during the liaison sections as well as the short special tests. This allowed the KTM690R to open up into the suspicious stability area around 110mph

Every lap allowed the Team to change suspension and at one point tyres, in order to assess the way ahead in these two particular fields of development.

Although threatening, luckily, the weather stayed dry for the duration and after 105 miles, Stan finished a mere 53 seconds behind Craig Bounds and Patsy Quick took the ladies with her first run out on the KTM690R as part of a number of riders from Desert Rose Racing.

A good event and thanks must go out to the Jones family and the Hafren MCC for putting a relaxed and friendly rally.

Thanks to Rob Sartin of Talon Engineering for some last minute parts, Derrick Edmondson for a helping hand even though still injured from the Red Marley Hill Climb plus Ivan and Kane for the hands on help.

The next few weeks should see the finished 690R Rally developed by Edmondson Racing and Front Row GB, so keep an eye out for what could be the Rally bike for majority.

FRGB will be out on the 690R on 23rd May at Reading MCC and 3rd June at the 2nd round of the UK Rally Championship; The Ryedale Rally.

FRGB

Eventful Race at Somerley Park

2009-05-06T08:49:00.000-07:00

Stan Watt from Front Row GB started a few weeks of consecutive racing with the Southern Counties Enduro Championship 3hr Hare and Hounds event at Somerley Park, on the Dorset Hampshire border.

If the overnight weather had held then Stan would have competed on the KTM690R, but instead opted for the lighter, more nimble and at this event, more competitive KTM250 EXC Six Days.

With a poor start of 2nd from last (only ahead of Mark Cornick), Stan was quickly pushed back to last position by Mark near the start of the first lap in the 20+ strong Championship class. Quickly getting into his stride, Stan started making his way through the field re-passing Mark Cornick and a number of other handy Championship riders including Danny Hall before settling into a fast and productive rythum.

With a new screen information system at the transponder location, allowing riders to see exactly where they are positioned, was extremely helpful to Stan as he could see he was closing on the leading riders. By lap 6 he was up to 6th and by the end of lap 7 had moved into 4th position. Lap 8 was when it all went wrong, when Stan changed over onto reserve with plenty to finish the lap, only to find the bike ran out of fuel about 800m from the re-fuel arena.

After pushing the bike back to the pits and starting to refuel, it was then realised the carburetor had been levered out of the rubber boot and fuel was running out of the carb as quick as it could be fillled. With the assistance of Ben Saville, it still took over 5 minutes to put things right and get the bike started and underway, putting Stan back to 13th position. With over 10 minutes lost altogether and needing yet another fuel stop, Stan tried to push hard on the last few laps of a physically demanding course but only managed to crawl his way back to 9th by the last lap and couldn't improve any further.

A big thanks to Gary Warr of SCEC for such an excellent event and course plus to Ben Saville for pushing me and the KTM until he was almost sick in order to fire it back into life and sorting the mechanical issues that could have easily have made for a DNF.

If you have nothing to do this weekend and want some different motorcycle racing, Stan will be competing at the Tarrenig Rally in Wales on board his KTM690 Enduro R, running number 2.

Regards

FRGB

Jon Stamper Back in Action

2009-05-02T00:44:00.000-07:00

Jon Stamper springs back into action on his TZ250 GP machine at Brands Hatch and Pembrey for the first time since he sustained his shoulder injuries in Argentina during the 2009 Dakar Rally.

Jon who still suffers from the shoulder injury he picked up in January, has forced himself back onto his high spec TZ250 GP two stroke with immediate success, finishing 3rd at the international East London circuit, Brands Hatch and more recently in South Wales at Pembrey Race Circuit where he took two convincing 2nd places over the two day meeting.

Although his passion for road racing would be classed as his first love, he is slowly getting strong enough to get back on a dirt bike and has spent some time on developing the new KTM690 Enduro R into what could possibly be a good competitive rally bike and some local training on his KTM250 EXC Six Days.

Jon will be competing at the next round of road racing in two weeks at Snetterton Race Circuit, which should suit his factory equipped machine as it is renowned as being one of the fastest in top end speed throughout the UK.

OFFICIAL DAKAR VIDEO ON 'YOU TUBE'

2009-04-04T01:31:00.000-07:00

See the official Dakar 2009 DVD video of Stan Watt on You Tube at the following link

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VNZEVXz88a8

FRGB

Day Out Assessing the 690R

2009-04-04T00:48:00.000-07:00

Jon and Stan from Front Row GB took the KTM 690R on its maiden distance voyage, to assess its usability as a long-term project with a view of being used within the realms of international cross country events.

Joined by Ivan and Kane, the group set off with x2 690R, 530EXC and a Honda CRF.

Recent weeks have proved the 690R can be made to handle reasonably and can easily manage the stresses of intricate Hare and Hound events. Yesterday was to see how the bike felt off-road on the rough trails of Dorset/Wiltshire, plus to assess the potential of the bike being at speed for longer sections and the effects on the rider.

The engine feels as strong as ever, and for longer distances the gearing would have to altered in order to smooth the throttle response and power delivery.

The current suspension made the main impact on the riders, with harsh/stiff feedback, and really does need some alterations, or major changes to provide the subtle feel and movement needed to ride the bike all day, everyday.

With the limited suspension settings currently available, it is fairly easy to induce a tank-slapping feel, which unsettles the whole bike and eventually the rider.

The guys tested a range of suspension and generally with the bike running its current standard fuel load, there was no suspension available to work on the lighter machine. Progressing with some systems to carry additional fuel will obviously again change the reaction of the suspension currently tested, so wait out on that.

At the minute, factory front forks or 2009 EXC suspension appears to work best for enduro and general riding.

FRGB

2009-03-29T12:19:00.000-07:00

FRONT ROW GB AND EDMONDSON RACING TOGETHER AT WOR BADEN HALL

Stan Watt of Front Row GB made the early Sunday morning journey to Stone, Staffordshire for the Wirral Off-Road Hare and Hounds Event at Baden Hall.

Once Stan had arrived at Edmondson Racing, he and Derrick Edmondson set out on the 30 minute journey to the event location.

On arrival it became apparent the course was not going to be as open and flowing as had been originally anticipated, with a number of tight and twisty woodland sections that would be accentuated by the previous day's thunderstorms. The woodland sections were linked by short but fast grass areas incorporating a number of sharp drops and climbs onto treacherously slippery asphalt road crossings.

Stan was entered into the 3hr main Open class and Derrick the 2hr over 40's group. Starting 5 minutes apart, Stan was first away in desperately greasy conditions and within a few minutes, had his first of a few crashes on the first lap, when his KTM690 jumped into neutral entering a grassy corner, dumping the front. This was to happen 4 times on the first lap, causing no damage but making Stan slow his momentum until the course cut up over the next few laps.

Derrick had similar difficulties with the conditions but was going well, staying near the front of his class and had caught Stan within the first 30 minutes. The pair rode nose to tail for almost an hour before Derrick was able to make a pass after Stan yet again lost the front entering a corner and hitting neutral by mistake.

At the 1hr 30 mark, Stan went to pass Derrick over one of the road crossings and was highsided, landing heavily, twisting the forks in the yokes. Stan had to take considerable time straightening the steering, losing a whole lap to Derrick and the rest of the competition. With the pair back riding closely to each other, Derrick was to pull off after his 2 hour limit and Stan would continue for the additional hour.

By this stage the course had cut up well and the sun continued to dry the ground, eventually allowing excellent grip. Both Derrick and Stan we suitably impressed with the KTM690s even on such a demanding course fuelled by the wet weather and conditions.

Derrick was to finish 7th in the over 40's class and Stan 16th overall. A good result considering the course, conditions and losing a full lap. The 690s performed well on a course not suited to their design andcontinue to prove their potential for a variety of racing theatres.

FRGB

Initial Route Released for Dakar 2010

2009-03-04T00:38:00.000-08:00

On the occasion of the two presentations in Buenos Aires and Santiago, the organisers of the Dakar have unveiled the main parts of the course of the 32nd edition that will take off on the 2nd of January in Buenos Aires.

After a first experience in South America, the variety of the territories and terrain, the intensity of the challenge taken on by the competitors and the enthusiasm of the crowd have convinced both the authorities of the two countries and the head of the rally to renew the adventure.In 2010, Argentina and Chile will jointly celebrate the bicentenary of their independence: the Dakar will have the honour of starting these celebrations.

The tracks discovered in Argentina and Chile during the 2009 edition represent for the teams of the rally an invitation to continue exploring. In terms of sport, the potential of these territories offer exalting perspectives: by heading to new regions, the 2010 Dakar will offer an intense and renewed challenge.

The experience of a first edition in South America having revealed some constraints in terms of terrain, several changes have been decided in order to ensure security and equity between the competitors. With more dune crossings and off-piste navigation as well as stages and mileage shared between the two countries, this 2010 event will seduce the amateurs of difficulty.

FRGB

Good Return for Stan

2009-03-03T00:58:00.000-08:00

Stan Watt had a good return to 'competition' this weekend at round 1 of the Southern Counties Enduro Championship.

Just 9 days after knee surgery Stan set about getting back into some riding fitness at the 3hr Hare and Hounds event at Inside Park, Dorset. The choice of weapon would not be to everyone's preference as he put the new KTM690 Enduro R on the start line.

With a strong field of championship and expert riders, the intention was for Stan to put in a steady 3 hours, check out the capability of the 690R, preserve his left knee and not let the red mist take control.

Stan was well impressed with the KTM690 R and with some further minor modifications, believes it is a bike with some excellent potential for a varity of riding. The course was around a 20 minute lap with a good variation of terrain. Although primarily flat, the loop was relentless with no areas to ease off or rest,ranging from fast sweeping corners to tight tree lined tracks. The lap was flowing yet contained enough technical areas to keep everyone concentrating. Good effort to Gary Warr of SCEC and all those that helped him put the event together.

Stan's knee held up well and this would appear he will be contining to get back into returning some riding fitness with the next excursion at Rogershill Raceway on 4th March.

Stan finished 32nd overall from over 200 starters and 13th in the championship class. Hopefully Stan will be getting back to full fitness by the Snow Run in Wales on 12th April.

FRGB

Stan Watt back in the saddle

2009-02-28T03:57:00.000-08:00

Exactly 7 days after knee surgery, Stan Watt from Front Row GB gently tries out the strength of his left leg/knee plus the new KTM690 Enduro R as a realistic dirt bike for round 1 of the SCEC.

Although, in theory Stan should be nowhere near ready to start training, never mind throw his leg over a dirt bike, and definitely not a combination of the unknown territory where 70hp+ meets with lattice frame, fuel injection and a 6 mile enduro loop at Inside Park, in Dorset.

With the Southern Counties Enduro Club running round 1 of their 2009 championship on Sunday 29th February, Stan took the opportunity to assess if he could physically circulate at the event for three hours and see if the KTM690 Enduro R was a machine he could use for the full 3hours Hare and Hounds race.

The initial test was promising to say the least and Stan found the bike surprisingly manageable over the course, with exceptional power delivery to a point where standard suspension struggled

to allow the transfer of power adequately to form positive grip.

A standard set of '09 front forks were inserted into the 690R with great success, allowing the front suspension more travel and able to soak up anything the course threw at it. Rear suspension is a struggle as the standard unit limits adjustment. An attempt is being made prior to the event tomorrow to make an adequate rear shock available, purely with a view for testing purposes.

Further evaluations by the Team of the 690 Enduro R will continue throughout 2009 putting it through situations it probably wasn't initially intended for. As a start point views are positive but only time and distance will provide accurate information.

Anyone directly interested in the KTM690 Enduro R and the Team's findings, then do no hesitate to contact any member of Front Row GB.

If you want to see the Enduro R in action, just drop in at Inside Park, 1 mile out of Blandford on the A354 towards Dorchester, in Dorset. Start time is 11am and Stan will be riding his usual n0.62

We are keeping expectations fairly real as Stan's priority is not to further damage his left knee after only 8 days from surgery. This event will be classed as a test session for bike and rider plus we are really only looking at Stan be back to full strength for the Snow Run in mid-April if we are lucky.

FRGB

SIDEWAYS HOST AN EVENING WITH STAN WATT

2009-02-22T02:11:00.000-08:00

Sideways KTM based in the village of Crossways, Dorset are hosting an evening with Stan Watt at their dealership premises on 19th March at 7.30pm;

Hybris Business Park

Crossways

nr. Dorchester

Dorset

DT2 8BF

Stan will be presenting his experiences of Dakar 2009 in Argentina, followed by a question and answer session.

The evening will also be in conjunction with Rogershill Raceway and Southern Counties Enduro Club, closely affiliated with Front Row GB, Sideways and Stan Watt.

FRGB

Great News For Front Row GB

2009-02-20T23:45:00.000-08:00

Finally, some good news for Front Row GB and Stan Watt.

Stan went under the knife yesterday afternoon with what was intended as keyhole inspection surgery to 'confirm' fears that Stan would need a new anterior crucite ligament (ACL), etc, etc. putting him out of action for at least 6 months.

Although Stan is struggling to get around temporarily, the news is very positive in comparison, as it appears Stan's ACL is intact but his posterior crucite ligament (PCL) is badly damaged.

The PCL will not need operated on as it does not affect stability, thus a dose of physio should do the trick.

This would suggest that Stan will be on a bike very soon and preliminary plans for Dakar 2010 in Argentina are underway. Initial thoughts for the rest of 2009, is that Stan and Jon Stamper will ride the new KTM690 Enduro R at all events, including the British Enduro Championships.

FRGB

TRAIL RIDING FELLOWSHIP - Devon Group

2009-02-18T10:13:00.001-08:00

AN EVENING WITH STAN WATT

Wednesday 1st April 2009 - 7.30pm for 8pm

The Devon TRF are proud to announce their first fund raising event for 2009…

An invitation to hear about the Dakar 2009 from one of the UK’s highest placed finishers – Mr Stan Watt

Hear his stories – and lets face it, there will be plenty

Entry is by ticket only & places are limited

£5.00 per TRF Member & £10.00 non TRF Members

Tickets can be obtained by contacting
Debbie Hutchinson on 07966 438907
Payment to be sent in advance to,
Marcliff, Bakers Hill, Exeter, EX2 9TE

(Please have your TRF membership number(s) to hand when booking)

FUNDS RAISED GO DIRECTLY TO ENSURING THAT AS MANY DEVON GREEN LANES REMAIN OPEN AS POSSIBLE

To be held at

The Gipsy Hill Hotel
Gipsy Hill Lane
Monkerton
Exeter
EX1 3RN

Directions ……………

From J29 of M5 motorway turn right towards Exeter sign posted A3015. At the first roundabout turn right into Exeter Business Park. At the next roundabout turn right again sign posted Monkerton and Gipsy Hill, carry on straight into a little country lane and you will see the sign for the hotel on the right.

From Exeter City Centre follow the signs for Honiton, A30 and the M5. Just after the signs for the Met office turn left at the roundabout into Exeter Business Park (Sowton Industrial Estate is on the right) Turn right at the next roundabout sign posted Monkerton and Gipsy Hill. Carry on straight along this road out of the business park into a little country lane and you will see the signs for the hotel on the right.

WORST NEWS FOR FRONT ROW GB

2009-02-14T00:01:00.000-08:00

After two years waiting for the Dakar Rally to get underway, Front Row GB have lost both their riders for the foreseeable future.

Jon Stamper crashed heavily on day 5 of Dakar 2009, where he sustained further damage to his left shoulder, which was injured during a five day test in Spain, prior to the Team heading to South America.
Back in the UK, Jon's recovery has been slow due to fractures to the collar bone, dislocation of his left shoulder and damage to his shoulder blade. Jon is hoping to have a full season of road racing in 2009 on board his factory built Yamaha TZ250 two stroke, whilst continuing to prepare and practice for Dakar 2010 in South America.
All racing will be dependent on his recovery rate.

Stan Watt, who also crashed heavily on day 5 of Dakar 2009, will be out for the most of 2009 after having xrays and MRI scans to check potential damage to his left knee. It can be now assumed, Stan will need a lengthy operation and recovery, as it has been diagnosed he has multiple small fractures and chips to the top of his tibia and bottom of his fibula, where they meet in the knee joint. In addition he has torn his anterior and posterior cruciate ligaments plus sustained damage to his lateral and medial ligaments, causing further damage to his cartilage.

For those of us not medically minded, his left knee is basically f****d and if the operation doesn't go ahead then he will not continue to ride competitively or take part in any further forms of physical sport. Specialists are confident hisknee can return to full strength without too much difficulty.

Worst case option is both riders will be out of action for the next 9-12 months but on a positive note, may be back in action at around the 6 month period. Recovery dependent. We will keep everyone informed. Outside plan is to have the riders back together and fully fit for Dakar 2010.

Best regards

FRGB

Interview with Stan Watt

2009-02-04T07:49:00.000-08:00

View part 1 and part 2 of the interview with
Stan Watt after the 2009 Dakar Rally in Argentina and Chile.

Part 1 - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EWOaiUgrEXE

Part 2 - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9nLSZ-MGrJ0

These interviews have been recorded and edited by Adventure-Spec, clothing sponsors of Front Row GB for 2008 & 2009

SAND TRAINING

2009-02-02T03:00:00.001-08:00

Stan took an excellent opportunity to sit in with some training for the UK GAS GAS team as they prepared for the season and primarily the first British Enduro Championship event (The Muntjack), Norfolk, in late February.

This was the second of two purposely organised weekends to assist the team prepare physically and mentally for the coming season. Stan ventured out on the Sunday for the first time since returning from the Dakar Rally and was keen to get back on his smaller and more manoeuvrable KTM250 Six Days.

The day was set in Hampshire on a non-disclosed training area with the 3 GAS GAS riders, Ashley, Gareth and Bradley, joined by Steve Plain of Steve Plain Suspension, Rob Sartin of Talon Engineering, Al King from K4 ATV and Dave who organised the weekend's location. In addition the group had the pleasure of David Knight's company for two days who showed exactly what the new BMW450 can do.

The training concentrated on timed loops in deep sand and got all the riders thinking of how to get around a 2-3 minute loop as fast as possible, changing lines and practising various techniques to maximise the benefit.

Sunday seen the predicted 'Russian' weather close in from the east and hit the training location by mid-morning. Sand froze to the spokes of the rider's wheels, plastics and engines, primarily giving the KTMs a problem with carbs freezing, but this didn't deter a full day's riding and David setting a fastest time of 1min 56secs nearly 10 seconds ahead of the nearest rider, which is impressive on such a short training loop.

Everyone progressed well over the weekend and it's now just putting everything into practice as the season opener looms.

Thanks to Steve Plain and Rob Sartin for all the help with riding and suspension. Best of luck to the GAS GAS boys for 2009 and to David at the WEC on the BMW

At the minute Stan will not be competing at the BEC in Norfolk due to the entries being full when he returned from Argentina, but still looking at an late entry if possible.

2009 GETS UNDERWAY

2009-01-30T08:22:00.000-08:00

Dakar 2009 is well finished and the rest of the year starts this weekend as training and practice gets underway.

A big thank you to everyone that came to have a few beers and for some, including myself (Stan) a few more that went on to 5am, finishing with a provided bottle of Henrick's gin. Good training for the next event. mmmmmmmm

Apologies we can't reply to every message sent, but we will try and get a reply out to everyone eventually.

Today, hopefully sees the FIM jury sit again in France and Stan's penalty from the Dakar should be removed. This will be an exceptional bonus moving Stan 20 places up the final standings to 17th. Again, all will be revealed in time.

At the minute there may be a sponsored evening of questions and answers with Front Row GB and possibly Craig Bounds in the coming weeks for anyone who would like to attend. Not sure of location yet and it will be a 'free for all' with regard to bouncing information back and forth for the serious competitor, those who would like to give it a go or for general interest. If you are interested let us know and I will pass it onto the relevant parties so they can assess if it is worthwhile. There will be no cost to attendees apart from turning up.

This weekend will see us back on the KTM250 two stroke, spending a bit of time with the all new UK GAS GAS team for 2009, Rob Sartin from Talon, Steve Plain and at the minute a confirmed attendence by the UK's top enduro rider. If it happens all will be revealed by Monday.

Jon is still recoverng from his Dakar injuries and will be out of action on the dirt for a while competitively. With the first round of the British Enduro Championship starting in 3 weeks Norfolk, Stan is hunting for a late entry to start the season with everyone else.

All the best for now

FRGB

Photos from Dakar 2009

2009-01-20T09:57:00.001-08:00

Images of Stan and Jon riding Dakar 2009 can now be viewed at http://frontrowgb.com/gallery.html

2009-01-20T09:17:00.001-08:00

20th January 2009

The remainder of Front Row GB have today returned to the UK after the 2009 Dakar Rally in Argentina and Chile.

With two primary riders starting the rally, Jon Stamper unfortunately crashed heavily on Day 5 causing substantial damage to a recent injury sustained in Spain 8 weeks prior to the start of Dakar. Jon was unable to continue due to his injuries and would return early to the UK after assisting the remainder of the team to the rest day in Chile.

Stan Watt continued on his KTM690 maintaining a consistent pace but struggled with confidence in the bike for a few days after also crashing heavily on Day 5, injuring ligaments to his left knee. Towards the end of the rally, Stan started to pick up his normal pace pushing through a few days where luck wasn’t on his side and minor issues lost time throughout some stages.

Day 10 saw Stan pick up a 4 hour penalty on the final section to the bivouac where a number of riders missed a concealed waypoint. Stan’s situation differed to that of some riders who actually missed the waypoint. Stan’s bike took a 900ft drop over a sandy/rocky drop, damaging his GPS and Iritrack (amongst other items) locking the system some 100 metres from the concealed waypoint. In theory and in relation to official regulations, this is within the allocated radius to access the waypoint, the penalty was withdrawn by the motorcycle jury after 36hrs, but due to reasons yet to be confirmed was put back in place at the end of the rally, when the Team where unable to find the motorcycle officials to put in place an official protest.

There are a number of rumours why the penalty has been reinstated by the organisors but the Team are unable to confirm anything officially and are currently struggling to make contact with the official representatives now the Dakar has been completed. Stan finished 38th overall with the penalty in place and would be 21st overall if the penalty can be reversed. In addition on Day 11 Stan stopped to assist Francis Gadioux for 1hr who had sunk his KTM690 in the only ‘bog’ in Argentina. Again, with a reprieve, Stan would eventually have made it to 18th overall. All in all a disappointing state of affairs to finish the rally in 38th.

A great learning rally for the Team, we hope to get something together for Dakar 2010, which will be completely dependent on financial assistance.

We would like to apologise for the lack of communication from the Team throughout the rally due to sporadic internet access and would like to thank all those who have supported the team throughout and the fantastic messages put on the ‘blog’ , on our website and by email.

Many thanks to Jo Allen at Savvy and Victor for updating the blog throughout and all the support from sponsors and well-wishers and to Dave Marton, Gordon MacDonald and Stuart Walker who without, the bikes would never have got started never mind getting to the finish.

Commiserations to Jon but he will be back with a finish on the cards.

We will be back in action soon and maybe have some information with what will be happening in the next year. If anyone requires further information on Dakar 2009 or for that matter Front Row GB then just ask!

Best regards

Jon, Stan, Dave, Gordon and Stuart

THANKS TO ALL

2009-01-20T08:25:00.000-08:00

Well,

We have got ourselves back to the UK after an eventual Dakar Rally. We have to say thanks to everybody for all the messages of good wishes. Unfortunately we did not have the internet access as initially thought as the Team would have been updating directly. Many thanks to Jo Allen from Savvy and Victor for stepping in with updating everyone.

We wanted to give everyone a better result to prove we can mix it with the factory boys but certain circumstances has meant we have a 4hr penalty reinstated incorrectly due to equipment failure. Just so everyone is aware there are approximately 12 factory backed riders from KTM, 6 from Yamaha, 4 from Honda and 2 from BMW.

We are back now and able to answer questions, communicate or what everyone needs from us. We would like to confirm plans for next year and the rest of 2009 but this will be down to financial assistance so may take some time coming through

We have learnt a few things to improve what we can do.

If anyone wants or needs to contact us then just ask as you know where we are.

Again, thanks to everyone who has supported us throughout, to the crew (Dave, Gordon, Stuart) and to our sponsors.

Keep in touch and we will be back in action soon

regards

Jon and Stan

AN INVITATION TO A HEROS WELCOME!!!

2009-01-18T11:00:00.000-08:00

A local evening of welcome has been arranged for Stan on Saturday 24th January. Everyone who would like to congratulate Stan are encouraged to join in. Hear his stories (and let's face it, there will be plenty!) and down a few sociable drinks at the Milton Arms from about 7pm onwards.

VENUE
The Milton Arms (on the A354)
Dorchester hill
Winterborne Whitechurch
Blandford Forum
Dorset
DT11 0HW.
Tel: 01258 880306.

TIME
7pm (ish)

WHO?
All who can make it are welcome!

The Dakar 2009 Stage 14. The final day

2009-01-18T01:41:00.000-08:00

Stans race ended as it began with him pushing as hard as he could to finish the day in 18th place on the stage. Another fantastic ride!

Sadly Stans revoked penatly of 4 hrs was yesterday 'un-revoked' and his final position which was 20th overall has now dropped to 38th place...

The penalty was given originally because the organisers believe Stan missed a check-point. This happened because Stans onboard computer was damaged in a crash which caused it to lock out 100metres before he reached the last check-point on Stage 13. Even though Stan went through this marker, his system didn't show it so the organisers assumed he hadn't made it and added the 4 hrs. Although the penalty was originally revoked, a subsequent complaint by another rider forced the organisers to reinstate it.

While disappointed about the penalty, Stan is delighted to have ridden The Dakar so well for his first attempt!

Stan arrives back home on Tuesday 20th with the rest of the team.... Well done to everyone for such an awesome job!!

The Dakar 2009 La Rioja - Cordoba

2009-01-17T01:51:00.000-08:00

Yesterday was another massive day transporting the riders over 800km towards Cordoba but it was again cut short due to excessive rain fall leaving the riders with a 364km liason stage to get to the original CP4 where the racing stage of 220km began.

The open dunes and trackless terrain of the past few days have now gone leaving a sense of relief to those still in the race. On stages nine and ten alone the rally lost over 20 riders and there seems a clear agreement between competitors that this years event has been particularly brutal even with its plethora of shortened stages.

The great news yesterday for Stan was that the 4hrs time penalty announced the day before was revoked and this showed in his 23rd starting place which makes him the UK top rider!!! Today however the 4hrs seems to be back in place this means his starting position this morning was 39th. We are not sure what overall ranking is true at the moment. Suffice to say we are chasing this information now and will anounce it when we know.

Keep watching!

DAKAR 2009 STAGE 12 FIAMBALA - LA RIOJA

2009-01-16T00:36:00.000-08:00

A special stage of 254 km through 'significant' sand dunes greeted the riders today followed by a 261km liason section to reach the bivouac

Disapointment for Stan....
After Stans 4 hour penalty on stage 13 he is now riding to finish the race having lost all possibility of achieving his top 20 goal. A steady ride today brought him home in 55th position and placed him 41st overall.

News from the bivouac regarding the penalty.... 'It seems there was a hidden waypoint just before the finish. A lot of people didn't get it, and they were not allowed to return to find it once passed over the finish line (that's when most of them heard about it). This waypoint was somewhere on top of a big dune we believe.' Thanks to Dave Lomax from Adventure Spec for the info.

Dakar 2009 - Stage 11: Copiapo - Fiambala

2009-01-15T00:14:00.000-08:00

Yesterday’s special stage was cancelled. As the weather forcast announced heavy fog on the whole route of the stage and as the timing of the stage cannot be altered due to the crossing of the Andes and the crossing of the border between Chile and Argentina, the organizers decided to cancel the portion of stage 11 between Copiapo and Fiambala that should have been against the clock. The participants will be getting to the Fiambala bivouac in liaison starting at 8:00 AM today.

If you feel the need for some speed - and some almightly crashes! Take a look at all the videos of all the Dakar 2009 stages so far here....

http://frontrowgb.com/home.html

Dakar 2009 Stage 10 Copiapo - Copiapo

2009-01-14T01:00:00.000-08:00

Yesterday was the longest stage of the Rally and a great opportunity to make up time over weaker or slower riders. Most teams were looking at it as the crux of the rally (barring mechanical issues).

Stan shot off the line after a 2 hour delayed start due to fog and soon showed he was in racing form racing form by an unbelieveably metioric rise through the field as the day wore on.

Start 40th
Km 87.0 29th
Km 178.0 27th
Km 222.0 24th
Km 463.0 19th
Km 530.0 17th
Km 607.0 16th
Finish 26th

Infuriatingly he clearly suffered some issues in the last 70km dune section. Whether that was physical, mechanical, or navigational we have yet to find out but those last 70km cost Stan a hard won 30 min buffer between him and Mick Extance.

Knowing Stan there will a be a lot more 'trying harder' going on today.

Check out the link below for Stans regular call into team sponsor Adventure-Spec. Once on the page click onto Frontrow GB on the right side to access Stans messages.

http://www.adventure-spec.com/rallyraidio/index.html

STAGE 9 - LA SERERNA TO COPIAPO DAKAR 09

2009-01-13T00:48:00.000-08:00

88km of non-competitive section today led to 449km of tough riding through 500m dunes, rocks, feche feche, winding tracks and some dodgy road books to add to the confusion!

Stan fought a steady battle gaining and losing as the long day went on, as high as 28th at one point his final placing of 41st left him at 23rd overall and in a commanding position for the hardest day of the event tomorrow.

Sadly the day saw Stan lose more time to Mick Extance who is now 36 mins ahead and only time will tell if Stan has the pace to pull the time back and become the fastest UK rider...

Visit us later to check his progess!

Stage 8 - Valparasio to La Serena

2009-01-12T00:01:00.000-08:00

Yesterday a 245km liasion stage led into a 294km special through winding gravel tracks and then onwards 113km to La Serena, the start of the Atacama desert stages.

In every Dakar there are a series of consecutive days designed to physically and mentally batter riders into submission. During this part of the race as many as 30% of the field often retire. Over the next two days 1000km of racing with almost no liason stages will enter the riders into that phase.

Stans steady pace yesterday holding his 25th position is a wise tactical move as he nurses his damaged knee and shores up his strength reserves for the ordeal ahead.

Today and tomorrow the racing will separate the mere men from the racers! Watch carefully!

Stage 7 - From Argentina into Chili

2009-01-10T01:10:00.000-08:00

Yesterday was a long route, 816KM in all, stretching from Mendoza in Argentina, through Cordillera of the Andes, to the Chilian coast and Valparaiso on the Pacific Ocean for a much needed day of rest today.

Valparaiso seems to be a very colourful place to rest up, take a look at a few photographs of the town from motorsport photo journalist Judith Tomaselli here... http://www.dakar.com/2009/DAK/LIVE/us/-100/r7_9-carnet-de-route.html#wrap

Stan's race yesterday, was once again, a steady one, he finally rode in 47th which gives him an overall placing of 25. Stage 8 begins on Sunday 11th.

Stage 6 - late start. Dakar 2009

2009-01-09T01:03:00.000-08:00

Yesterday started with some unusual news...

Following a disaterous Stage 5 on Wednesday - 171 bikes started the 505km of timed stage, a mixture of tracks, no tracks, and big sand dunes left the field decimated with only 129 finishers out of 158 starters which resulted in the organisors annulling the whole days efforts. Stage 6 start was delayed by 3 hours to let riders who had failed to reach the time cut off the previous day rejoin the rally.

As if that wasnt enough flash floods further up the track made the days route impossible as a river became impassible and the planned 624km of the day became a much shorter 178km!

Stan made the decision yesterday to ride a steady race, he had a few bangs and knocks in the days previous and felt the need for a little strategic recovery in preparation for a push in the second half on the race. He rode in 39th maintaining a very healthy 22 place overall. Let us see how plays it today.

A day of mixed emotions for the team at Dakar 2009

2009-01-08T00:01:00.000-08:00

Yesterday was a day of mixed emotions for the team. Stan had a good race, he rode aggresively to start with placing him 18th for the middle third of the distance, thereafter, and much to team Coach Derrick Edmondson's relief he settled down for the second half into the early 20s, and finally arrived at the finish in 26th, this places him 21st overall - A Great Result! Jon unfortunaly had an accident soon after CP1, he was picked up by the organisers and is OK, only a potential cracked collarbone and a little beaten up, the bike we fear, has come off slightly worse, we will update with more information when it comes in, suffice to say, for now, it seems the race is over for Jon.

Today sees the beginning of Stage 6. It will be a challenging day starting with sixty Kilometres of dunes, an easier middle section punctuated, however, with a wide ford that has to be crossed, thereafter it's into the foot hills of the Andes mountain range for the final stretch.

You can read about the full route in detail here: http://www.dakar.com/2009/DAK/presentation/us/r3_5-le-parcours.html

Team mentions

2009-01-07T05:40:00.000-08:00

For all who are interested Stan had good a mention here at marker: 6.29
http://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/video/05012009/58/dakar-mag-stage-2-2-3.html
Videos are updated resonable regularly so keep an eye on the page...

Anyone who has seen or heard Jon, Stan or the team mentioned anywhere at all, please feel free to upload here or let me know where to find the piece. Many thanks!

Breaking News - Update on Stan's race yesterday

2009-01-07T02:12:00.000-08:00

He rode a great race... and had time to help out another rider.

After running really well to CP1 Stancame across a seriously injured rider down towards the end of the secondhalf of the stage. Stan is medically trained and stopped to support and give
first aid to the rider until full medical support arrived. He dropped an
estimated 45 mins (his estimate) and was personally thanked for his actions
by Etienne who promised to look at his Iritrack and see about giving him his
lost time back.

If it was 45 mins as Stan predicted that would place him about 18th and make
a typical rally profile for Stan who usually starts slowly and rises up the
leader board as the days get longer and harder...He managed a 3rd place on
the Optic 2000 this year, I doubt we'll see a top 3 place on the 2009 Dakar
but a top 10 is not out of the question.'

A tough day for the guys

2009-01-06T09:52:00.000-08:00

Todays stage at The Dakar Rally in South America seems to have been a tough one for both our riders. For the first time since the beginning of the rally Stan rode in outside the top 30 at 78, and Jon dropped back from his stirling effort yesterday to ride in 133rd. We don't know yet why the guys had a hard race today, but of course we will fill you in when we get the details.

Good Luck For Tomorrow Guys! Check out the full results and follow live tracking at http://www.dakar.com

Jon cuts his stage position by half!

2009-01-05T10:28:00.000-08:00

Stage 3 of the Dakar Rally and Jon finished 77th, compare that to yesterdays 157th position and we can only imagine the effort that went into this ride today, this now puts him 102nd overall!
Stan is riding fantastically well, coming in 27th again today, so maintaining his overall 23rd position!

As always, well done to both riders!

Please do add encouraging comments for the riders below, given the opportunity, they will be checking into the blog to tell you the latest news and gossip from the desert.

For full results in detail go to http://www.dakar.com/2009/DAK/LIVE/us/300/classement/CGM.html

STAGE 2 - STAN RUNNING 23 OVERALL !

2009-01-04T09:10:00.000-08:00

4th January 2008

Stan had a great race at Dakar 2009 today picking off two riders in front which brings him in 27th for this stage and making him 23rd overall!

Jon has also completed Stage 2 and is currently riding 127 overall!

Well done to both riders!

Check out their full results here: http://www.frontrowgb.com/results.html

Frontrow GB get of to a good start at Dakar 2009

2009-01-03T10:27:00.000-08:00

Although Stan seemed to have a shaky beginning before Check Point 1, he soon regained he stance and came in a very admirable 29 position at the end of this first stage of the Dakar Rally.

Both Stan and Jon rode an excellent race today coming in 29th and 119th respectively.

Hopefully both riders are catching up on a bit of sleep now and are dreaming about how they can gradually pick off each rider in front! Fingers Crossed!

Check out their full results here: http://frontrowgb.com/results.html

Dakar 2009 Argentina - Chile begins!

2009-01-03T02:39:00.000-08:00

Stan and John set off this morning at the beginning of Dakar 2009! Starting in Argentina, the course will take them through Chili and back to Argentina on this 15 stage endurance race.

Check out the 1st Stage 733.0 km route here: http://www.dakar.com/2009/DAK/LIVE/us/100/r7_5-parcours.html

For live tracking go to: http://tracking.dakar.com/ASO/index_us.html

Front Row GB Depart for Dakar

2008-12-29T10:47:00.000-08:00

29th December 08

As you can see from the photo, we are on our way, well as far as T5 Heathrow. A few Brooklyn beers in the Giraffe bar and a bit of tukka.

All being well in 17hrs we will be touching down in Buenos Aires and getting our s**t together.

Craig Bounds and Si Pavey have joined us for beer and food and for the BA flight.

We will hopefully be back online in the next 24hrs so by for now;

Stan, Jon, Gordon, Dave and Stuart

Festive Celebrations Slow Down

2008-12-26T10:36:00.000-08:00

As departure for Argentina looms for the Team, festive celebrations slow down and thoughts are turning to the task in hand.
Santa has done his best to cheer up the families left behind for the next 3 weeks and curtail the worried thoughts that are the part of any form of motor sport and no more so than the Dakar Rally.

Personal fitness is now a priority with riders suffering from the ongoing flu's and colds sweeping the United Kingdom were some are to believe an epidemic is on its way.

Gordon, Stuart, Dave, Jon and Stan all would like to thank the support shown to us all as we pack our final bits and pieces before heading to Buenos Aires.

We do have a few days in the Argentinian capital, including a 'steak house' New Years Eve party, arranged by attached rider, Si Pavey.

The next time you will hear from us is on our journey to Argentina. If the satellite communications work then we will be in touch every day through the rally including the buildup.

Catch you soon;

Team Front Row GB

Last Ride Before Dakar '09

2008-12-23T09:31:00.000-08:00

Today saw the final official day of riding for the Frontrow GB riders prior to the start of Dakar 2009 in Buenos Aires, Argentina.

At an undisclosed location in Dorset, Frontrow GB and local riders got together on their enduro bikes enjoying a mixture of woodland, sand and open moorland for half the day followed by a couple of hours trials riding, honing some good skills of clutchand throttle control.

A good day had by all and many thanks to Dinger, Steve H, Alan K and Ben S.

This evening hosts a few fairwell beers before the festivities of Xmas kicks in at the Milton Arms, Winterbourne Whitechurch. Anyone suitably bored and just happens to be passing, is more than welcome to wet their whistles from 7.30pm onwards.

FRONT ROW GB EQUIPMENT REACHES ARGENTINA

2008-12-22T01:44:00.000-08:00

The freight carrier for the European competitors, the Grand Benelux has safely reached its destination in Argentina.

Many freighters arrive daily in the harbour of Delta Dock situated a hundred kilometres from Buenos Aires. This is exactly where the Grand Benelux was to complete a very special mission that started in the French harbour of Le Havre on December 2nd: to carry the vehicles of the European competitors of the 2009 Dakar.

The ship arrived on December 18th at 4 a.m. Once the ship was moored, the 820 vehicles onboard could be landed. From 7 a.m. to 10 p.m., 13 staff of the Dakar and fifty dockers unloaded the Grand Benelux.

At the time of the inventory, only a few flat tyres or batteries had slowed down the operation. All the vehicles were then placed in the Parc Fermé where the competitors will come and pick them up on December 30th and 31st. If you squint your eyes and look hard you can see the Front Row GB truck at the very rear of the support trucks in the distance of this photograph.

Team Front Row GB are due to arrive at 10.30am on 30th December where they will move directly to the port to pickup their MAN support truck filled with x3 KTM 690s and complete the final preparations for the podium celebrations on 2nd January and the start on 3rd January.

Locals head out for a day of fun.

2008-12-21T03:17:00.000-08:00

Local Dorset guys, Phil, Simo, Dinger and Gary, get together with Stan for a fun and enjoyable day out at an undisclosed enduro training facility. An ideal a mixture of woodland, sand, and open moorland was enjoyed by all. Jon was also able to put some time in on his KTM250 Six Days in Kent at his local training area.

FINAL PREPARATIONS FOR DAKAR 2009

2008-12-21T03:08:00.000-08:00

With Frontrow GB only 10 days away from departing for Argentina and Dakar 2009, the riders continue with their training in order to be in peak mental and physical condition for ’09 Dakar Rally.

Both riders competed in the Track and Trail 3hr enduro at Slab Common on 14th December, where overnight rain made for a course that would take its toll on both the bikes and riders as deep water laden sand acting like grinding paste. Jon finished a commendable 16th and Stan Watt had to pull out just before the 2hr mark after contaminated fuel brought his KTM250 Six Days to a premature halt. He was lying in 4th overall.

Welcome to the new Frontrow GB blog!

2008-12-21T02:30:00.000-08:00

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