Sandy Lane Enduro / missed opportunities

In 1984 I entered Sandy Lane on a Kawasaki 175 KDX (or was it the 200cc model, I forget). Very early in the enduro I lost my front brake, they were still drum brakes at that time not the more reliable disc brakes that modern dirt bikes have today. I stopped at the second(?) check to readjust the front cable and when that didn't work I tried moving the brake lever on the backing plate for more leverage but the brakes were completely worn. Racing on a budget, I guess, I payed the price for trying to get every last bit out of parts. Being a beautiful clear spring day I wanted to ride but I knew the race was over for me. I recalled that the previous year there was a "trophy" for Low Point Finisher made by Ed Hertfelder that was shaped like a gold toilet and thought it might be cool to 'win' Low Point. I began to ride at a comfortable pace not worrying about losing time, in fact that was the goal. See a rider fall? I would help him pick the bike up. Thirsty? I would stop for a drink - these were pre-camel back days. I had a leisurely lunch break. I was really enjoying the ride while carnage (racing!) was happening all around me ;-)

The second half went like the first, just meandering. Until at the next to last check, when I arrived at exactly 60 minutes late, the maximum minutes lost before getting a DNF. I had miscalculated, and was about to lose Low Point. The race was on, finally! I was suddenly racing not to lose any more time! I was warmed up yet not at all tired! That last bit was fun as I let it all hang out worried I might not make it, but I did get to the final check within my hour ... Low Point was mine! No cool Hertfelder trophy though, just a free entry to the next Sandy Lane Enduro.

I sold that KDX after riding the last event that year while still at the event to another club member I trusted would send payment. The next year I rode Sandy Lane on a 250 KTM that I got from H&H KTM, shipped in a crate for $35? from Georgia. Back in those days we could do things like that, I'm not sure they would do the same today. I was riding that KTM at the Sandy Lane fast like you should skimming over some deep whoops when sudenly I crashed hard and went flying over the handlebars.... I didn't know what happened and thought maybe I caught a footpeg on something but when I got back to the bike it turned out the rear shock had blown out, a first for me. While it was the first enduro on the new bike I had ridden it and broken it in trail riding. Naturally I was disappointed I had wasted my free entry! That 250 KTM turned out to be one of my favorite bikes, fast and stable but it didn't always show in the results. It was the bike I rode to to a top 3 finish on the first day at the Corderoy Enduro that year and then suffered a DNF on Sunday because of the failure of a small part.

And I think that was the last Sandy Lane I rode until riding in the 75th. I never had any luck at the Sandy Lane!