Hours: 36
Mods this month: Holeshot graphics, Selle Dalla Valle seat, KTM PowerParts sprocket, chain, clutch and brake lever and TC and Map switch
Mods next month: Mapping

I NEARLY CRIED like a bitch with excitement when I returned from my first ride after five months off dirtbikes. I don’t know why, I’ve hurt myself before and been off the bike for much longer.

I think the scale of this accident made me appreciate how awesome it is to ride and also what a privilege it is to be able to do it. During my spell, I was often asked if I’d go back to riding in light of my accident and, more importantly, what happened to my brother Sam, who was in a coma for two weeks after a road accident.

My return ride on the KTM 350EXC-F was a quick squirt up at a place we call the Letter A, near Peats Ridge in NSW. ADB Digital Editor Olly Malone was there for emotional support and to laugh at me while I regained my confidence.

My next ride was on the family farm. No trees and no pressure. I wanted to build my confidence before the DSMRA Kowen Forest Ride the following weekend. Without the pressure of a rider up my arse and copious trees my confidence grew.

Kowen was epic. For my build the 350EXC-F was great for the terrain, which featured tight singletrack with brutal rock gardens and tree roots. There were a few hillclimbs that had me begging for more cubes and my shoulder ached by the end of the day, but I couldn’t break the 350EXC-F.

Next up was another farm session and another Letter A run. I haven’t changed the oil since before Kowen so it’s
well overdue.

The 350EXC-F has done 36 hours in six months and, with the sticker kit peeling, I decided it was time to freshen things up. There were also cracks in both footpegs, a busted clutch lever, tired chain and slightly worn rear sprocket.

To replace these parts, I went through the KTM PowerParts catalogue and talked to Holeshot Graphics to sort the worn decals. I told Cam Kenny from Holeshot I wanted the bike to look like the KTM world enduro team machinery but we had to overcome the Red Bull copyright crap. So Cam cleverly incorporated the ADB masthead. I love the graphics kit, it’s a real head turner.

To match the graphics kit, I ordered a Selle Dalla Valle seat. I also picked up a KTM chain and sprockets and some Motorex oil. But more on all this stuff next issue.

Editor Mitch Lees