Alligator Enduro |
| March 17, 2000 Greetings: First of all let me say that the Alligator Enduro was fabulous. I commend you on all the hard work that went into making it a superb event. This was my first Alligator and although I did not finish the ride, I got a lot further thanks to another rider, Ron Higgins from Atlanta. Let me explain.... I was in the first 6 miles of the Enduro, right about the 4 mile mark, when the chain came off the XR 250R Honda. Not only did it come off, but it doubled up around the front sprocket. Of course, the only tool I had was one of those multi-tool combo wrenches I received in a Dual Sport ride back in Ohio. I was working frantically trying to get the chain unstuck, sweating bullets and getting more upset as I watched rider by rider go by. I got a good lesson on how to miss that hole that popped my chain off. Anyways, here comes along Ron, who had apparently ran into a little trouble with a tree and decided to pull off and take a rest. A very smart thing to do, but little did he realize I am not the bashful type, so I asked Ron if he had any tools. Although, I really did not expect him to help, he proceeded to come over with the only tool he had, which was a ratchet and socket. We tugged, pulled, pounded and pried .We decided to take out the master link only to find that the pins were smashed and we could not get them out. After about forty minutes, we finally got the chain back on, loose or not , I was back in the saddle. So it was "so long " to Ron, and I was on my way. Of course at this point, all of the other riders were finishing Loop 1 and I had yet to get back to the first gas stop. After riding down to the Start of Loop 2, I realized I had not even started Loop 1, so it was back to the gas stop to find out where Loop 1 began and to get my first mark on my ticket. Finally, back down the road whence I came to the starting point of Loop 1. There was no trouble running into anyone, the coast was clean. At last I came to my first check stop in Loop 1. Mark number two on the ticket. I managed to get through Loop 1 without too much trouble, and was actually feeling pretty good about getting that third mark. Back at gas stop 2, the crew was getting a little worried, as I had passed by them the first time. A drink of water, a little gas, a laugh or two and back in the saddle. I knew where to go to start Loop 2, since I had been there before. As I was getting my fourth mark, they questioned me as to whether I really wanted to start Loop 2, but there was no question in my mind. Of course, after taking a spill on that nice wooden bridge, I was beginning to wonder. Whoop after whoop, palmetto by palmetto I went. They tell me now the trick to the whoops is to ride the tops. I would really like to see this done. Anyways, at this point I am thinking if I get through Loop 2, better judgement tells me I should call it a day. I get to the first check point at Loop 2 and the gentleman informs me that I am done. I tell him I realize I have houred out, but he says they are sending the sweeps through, so he could not let me continue. Disappointment sets in, but I get the directions and back to the start I ride. By the time I get back to the truck, I realize he did me a big favor. More disappointment starts to enter, so I decide to drown it in the free lunch. This was my first hamburger in about twelve years, but I needed something. It was excellent! I never did see Ron to thank him for the help. Although, I did not finish the whole Enduro, I got a heck of alot further because of Ron and my disappointment a whole lot less. A big "Thanks" to Ron Higgins and to the DDR. June Wasche |