COALINGA, CA (March 5) -- Rain, snow, mud, tough terrain, and man-made obstacles greeted a record turnout of riders at a major off-road motorcycle event in Northern California. Almost 400 participants attended the AMA sanctioned 35th Annual Quicksilver National Enduro hosted by the Salinas Ramblers Motorcycle Club (SRMC) on February 25 at the Clear Creek Management Area (CCMA)

Event Winner, Brian Garrahan, Celebrates Hard Fought Victory on Podium. (photo supplied by Ed Tobin)

The FMF/BRC Sound Testing Program for Off-Highway Vehicles (OHVs) was on hand to make sure the riders complied with California's 96dBA exhaust sound limit, spark arrester, and registration laws. A certified sound technician from the TimeKeepers Motorcycle Club and other volunteers helped at the event's official technical inspection station.

The top four overall winners respectively were Brian Garrahan, Russell Bobbitt, Mike Lafferty, and Patrick Garrahan. This year's Quicksilver was the first time it had used the new "no timekeeping" format adopted recently by the American Motorcyclist Association for national enduro competition. In addition, what made their victories even more impressive was their ability to navigate the Endurocross-style obstacle course that SRMC had prepared for them at the end of the final test section. Helmets off to all riders who tackled this event.

Don Amador, western representative for the BlueRibbon Coalition (BRC), states, "I think this new enduro format really brought out a new batch of riders as SRMC saw a 20 percent increase in entries. While the debate on this new no timekeeping format versus the traditional method continues, one cannot argue that it hasn't energized the sport."

"The overall champion, Brian Garrahan, and the 4th place winner, Patrick Garrahan, showed true class when they donated their portions of their purse to BRC's Clear Creek Legal Defense Fund to help in the ongoing legal battle to keep CCMA open for responsible OHV recreation," Amador said.

Brian Garrahan stated from the podium, "I love riding at Clear Creek and this is my way to help keep it open." Patrick Garrahan echoed his brother's remarks. This was the second time that Pat donated his purse. The first time was after winning SRMC's 2006 Picacho Creek Challenge Hare Scrambles.

Salinas Ramblers Motorcycle Club Official, Frank Rodgers, Points Out Designated Trail System on Pre-Event Resource Tour of Clear Creek.

In addition to the purse money, enduro contestants donated another $700 through the purchase of "Save Clear Creek" bumper stickers.

"Having professional athletes join forces with off-road clubs and casual riders to help keep riding areas open is something that is truly positive," Amador concludes.

The BlueRibbon Coalition is a national recreation group that champions responsible use of public and private lands, and encourages individual environmental stewardship. It represents over 10,000 individual members and 1,200 organization and business members, for a combined total of over 600,000 recreationists nationwide. 1-800-258-3742. http://www.sharetrails.org