The East Coast Enduro Association opener, hosted by Sandy Lane Enduro Riders has always been a favorite of mine on the local enduro schedule. It is on record as the oldest enduro in US history. Dating back to 1934. They have a perpetual trophy awarded to the overall winner each year, and your name gets engraved in it. I have been lucky enough to win it 4 times now. My older brother Jack holds the record of five.

The race itself was a bit on the easy side compared to past years. But I was eager to start the season off and race test a new Yamaha WR 450. Fitted with my rekluse clutch and my LeoVince exhaust I was ready. This was especially new to me because I have had very little luck racing a 450. I have always rode 250's. The more I ride it the more comfortable I feel. The 4 actual tough sections were rather short, which means that every second counts. I was holding my own posting the best times, but in the longest section of the day, being 8 miles in length is where I went to work. I put a complete minute on my closest competition. Which actually surprised me because it was rather tight (in jersey its tight trees at 28" apart) and did not play to 450's advantage. Or so I thought. This sealed the deal for me, and helped me make my decision to ride the WR450 over the 250 from now on. My LeoVince exhaust helped me ride the bike more smoothly by having great power off bottom with pull all the way through. Thanks to all my sponsors for their help. Till next time keep it twisted....Rich Lafferty

Got LeoVince power but need some enduro riding tips? Let a pro show you...www.rlafferty.com