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COPYRIGHT 2005 Ehlert Publishing Group
Round 1, February 12
(Practice February 11)
The Lone Star GNCC
[ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]
Location: Gilmer, Texas
Directions: 5 miles north of Gilmer on Rt. 155.
2004 winner: William Yokley
New last year, the Lone Star GNCC brought the series west of the Mississippi, but it treated riders to the same rugged conditions they would expect in the East. Not a desert race, the rocky, tree-lined trails are just a little faster than most GNCCs, but not enough to require major equipment adjustments. There are some steep hills here, too, but the course gives enough run for riders to power up them fairly easily. The soil in Gilmer is a mix of the Ohio-like clay and Tennessee-style sand. That means the track can get slippery in spots, and rough in others.
Conditioning will be a factor here, as the course will be rough with rocks and whoops, and many of the riders will still be in offseason shape since it's winter in most of the country. Fit riders can use this to their advantage.
The race takes place in the Barnwell Mountain Recreation Area, a public riding and off-roading facility. The GNCC track will not use existing trails, however, so pre-running won't give you an advantage. The facility is located 5 miles north of Gilmer, Texas, on Rt. 155. in northeastern Texas, about 50 miles west of Shreveport, La., and 120 miles east of Dallas.
This course has a gravel parking lot, so even if it rains hard, the pits won't turn to goo. If Mother Nature does bring her best downpour, the course won't become a treacherous bog or ruin as many quads as Palatka did in 2004.
Where to stay: Executive Inn (903) 843-6099; Gilmer Inn (903) 843-3033; Super 8 Motel (903) 758-0711; Holiday Inn (903) 247-3000
Where to eat: Gilmer has several fast food options, including Jack in the Box and Sonic Drive-In. For sit-down dining, try Catfish Junction (903) 843-5075, Swanner's Hamburgers (903) 843-5235 or Hadden's Sandwich Shop (903) 843-2631.
Round 2, March 6
(Practice March 5)
Orange Crush GNCC
Location: De Leon Springs, Fla.
Directions: 1-40 to Rt. 11 West. Make a left on Lake Winona Road, follow signs to the track.
2004 winner: NA
After two years of swamp racing in Palatka, Fla., GNCC action moves to De Leon Springs, Fla., which promises higher and dryer ground. The facility is also closer to Daytona's Bike Week festivities, which makes for a good day trip between GNCC rounds two and three in Florida and Georgia.
As for the Orange Crush course, it's sandy, whooped out and fairly tight in the trees. No major hills, and hopefully no mud. Fast, fit racers will do well in this one. Be especially careful with blisters. Sandy, whooped out courses early in the season can do a number on hands, and the Georgia round is just a few days away.
This is the only GNCC ATV race of the year held Sunday. The Daytona schedule means bikes race on Tuesday. There is also practice on Saturday, but it will be on a separate track from the actual race course. Use Saturday to dial in your equipment.
Where to stay: Howard Johnson (DeLand) (386) 736-3440; Comfort Inn (Orange City) (386) 775-7444; Country Inn and Suites (Orange City) (386) 917-0004.
Where to eat: There are four spanish restaurants in De Leon Springs including the Old Spanish Sugar Mill (386) 985-5644. For more dining options, travel 5 miles to DeLand, which has fast food and family restaurants.
Round 3, March 12
The General GNCC
Location: Washington, Ga.
Directions: 5 miles east of Washington on Rt. 78. From Thompson, Ga., take 1-20 to 78, take St. Route 78 for 14.8 miles.
2004 winner: Bill Ballance
Georgia's distinctive red clay makes the General what it is. If there's rain, the soil gets soft and builds huge ruts, so be very careful when approaching traffic and bottlenecks. But when it's dry, this course gets hard and fast. Make a mistake in those conditions, you'll have to struggle to find a place to make up time.
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This course does offer a motocross track with some decent jumps, but if you're not an aerialist,...
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