PUSHING THE LIMIT - Mondon Hill FTR Hare Scramble 2018

[@kilsekddd]

Hey, an FTR friend told me about your channel and that you mentioned some guy posting a full race and inspiring you to keep going. He was curious (I am too) if you were referring to my videos from last year, starting with my first hare scramble on the XT250 and on from there? If not, no problem. If so, feel free to link/reveal the video you're referring to, because I don't mind the criticism at all.

[@shadetreesurgeon]

Haha yes I am! I didn’t say anything because I didn’t want to be insulting... it wasn’t meant that way at all. I literally watched your early videos over and over and over again to psych myself up for my first race! I owe you a lot!!

[@kilsekddd]

No insult taken! I can barely watch that video now because it's so horrible. But I'm glad to hear that you were inspired, because that's the entire reason I post videos of my 43 year old ass taking lumps on the dirt bike. Hit me up at Gatorback, I race in the mornings, Senior C.

[@kiwi-moto]

Got a link to that video? I need some inspiration ! lol! Hope to do my own event soon. @shadetree surgeon and @kilsekddd - For what its worth all your videos are very encouraging to us (older) noobs who want to give it a go!

[@billclinton6629]

FUCK, FUCK, SHIT, FUCK, GOD FUCKIN DAMMIT, SHIT, FUCK Lmfao

[@petergoddard1960]

Dude, I'm so full of admiration for your guts and spirit to even do this in the first place. You won that race because you beat yourself. if you get what i mean. I've never ridden off road, and at 57 perhaps its a little late to start but I'm sorely tempted to get into some gentle enduro riding in so far as its possible here in the UK. I certainly feel inspired to do so by watching your determination, and also watching Everide. This was a superb video. Well done that man.

[@Hinch55]

I loved your response at the double jump at like 33: 30: "Nope." All of these Hare Scrambles videos are awesome. Keep doing what you're doing and the speed will magically appear.

[@Clarkbait]

I love how you put your internet fam over everything else by narrating the whole thing. Thank you for that! There is so much potential, I would love to see how you do with 100% focus on the race instead of us. We will watch regardless. Go get some!

[@GuyFromLV]

First season man, don't beat yourself up too much, all that matters is that you're improving! Love watching how enthusiastic you are!!

[@shadetreesurgeon]

Thanks my man! Enthusiasm is about all I got... but I’ve got a limitless supply lol

[@toddb8479]

You are improving each race Josh. If your having fun that’s all that’s matters.

[@SmokeManHavel]

Almost a whole hour with my favorite... Shadetree! YESSSS!

[@shadetreesurgeon]

❤️❤️❤️

[@andysklarsh4138]

Much respect for getting out and getting it done. I am not a professional and am a weekend rider. You are motivating me to get in a local race to check it out. You probably get a lot of riding tips but the one thing I can share is momentum is key. Don't be afraid of speed, you'd be amazed what your bike can handle with a little more speed and technique. Keep it up!

[@JourdonGulick]

When I have the time, these hour long race vids are great. That crash at the 20 mark looked gnarly. Hopefully I can get into some scrambles up here in Montana come summer time.

[@toddoverby5538]

Great video. I found that when I started I crashed more trying to get out of the way for fast guys than anything. With practice you get a better feel for picking your spots and signaling the guy behind you with a leg. Also helps when you get a little faster.

[@GavinsGaming_]

Shade Tree, a tip for going down steep hills is put pressure on the handlebars down and shift your Weight back on the bike so you done go end over end.

[@Gee_w_photo]

You’re definitely looking more comfortable on the bike and gaining some speed my man! Progress is good whatever level you’re at or whatever goals you have..keep smilin!

[@StevenGuest]

you are still learning so dont be dam hard on yourself you still finish the race riding your bike not in the back of a ambulance with a twisted up broken bike..you are doing great keep it up

[@GoodDogTheRottweiler]

You've been an inspiration to me, and I don't know if I would have ever finally learned to ride, if it wasn't for your (and other motovloggers) videos. I'm an old man, to be starting at 34, but I'm not stopping anytime soon. Regardless of Michigan winters! (roads are clear and it's above 20 degrees? I'm good to go!)

[@shadetreesurgeon]

Dude hell yeah! I didn’t start riding dirt bikes till I was 32, it’s never too late!

[@victorfahlen5739]

Good work buddy! If you're having problems with mud etc. on your goggles I recommend 100% Forecast system. A roll-off system is a must racing here in Sweden...

[@caseydecocker1]

Josh your progression is awesome. You can defiantly see your riding improving in your vid's. Keep it up!!!

[@uncagedjuganaut7337]

Great vid, don't beat yourself up too much, i was where you are not too long ago then i dedicated 1 year to riding as much as i could, in 6 months of riding every week i was leaps and bounds ahead and felt totally different on a bike and I'm not super fit either, but I'm bike fit (as you are realising you are becoming). Keep at it, don't be deterred by your placing, just focus on consistently finishing and improving.

[@aandptech10]

One of the best things I did for ridding was to get contact lenses and dual pane lenses for your goggles. I rarely have fogging issues.

[@_RussD]

*Worries about messing up in front 5 people* ... *Sends video out to fifty-six thousand subscribers* :D This looks so fun. I really want to get into dirt biking again.

[@shadetreesurgeon]

LOL! Ok fair point 😂😂😂

[@svjj]

Excellent job! Very inspiring for me. Been trying to convince myself for a year to do a hare scramble. Keep up the good work. 👍

[@steve3011]

Heart of a lion. You're the man Josh

[@Burner-Adventure-Chronicles]

I know its hard to run in gear...but when you ran to the bike at the horn, the way your arms were swinging, it reminded me of BxDs 'mi gusta' intros! :)

[@jeffreylynn7340]

Just started watching your videos today. Its definitely going to help me as I have been worried about looking like crap out there as I have been riding dirt bike since i was 10 but have not touched one in years. I am currently going through a pretty bad divorce(no kids thankfully) and I am going to get into hare scrambles and stuff soon to keep my mind occupied. I currently live in Lakeland(right next to bartow) so I am going to be going to crooms to practice and join FTR so I can start racing around here once I get some practice in. Maybe one day Ill meet you in person and race against you or see you on the trails! lol but really watching your videos is making me relax a lot about looking like crap out there. thanks dude! Keep it going!

[@shadetreesurgeon]

Dude hell yeah! You’ll love racing, and if you’re looking for a distraction I can’t think of a healthier one. It’s great exercise and you meet amazing positive people... win win!

[@darvindiaz5302]

Congrats shadetree surgeon! Keep on racing, only practice makes us better, if not fuckit at least we all have fun!

[@papaal7014]

I'm 69. Started riding dirt bikes 2 years ago. Have finished 4 of 5 enduro events entered. Using an old trials bike; $1500, perfect. I fall a lot too, but EZ to pick up little bike.

[@dknight1221]

I love ever ride videos he was the first vlogger I watched on KZbin

[@papaal7014]

Nice footage and production of the racing.

[@Tbunnz]

Man you’re looking great. Hard to tell from the pictures with all your gear on but that talking head intro really showed the amount of weight you have lost. Your racing is improving as well! You’re able to overcome obstacles that would make me cringe at the very sight of it. I watch in amazement that you’re able to talk at depth about various topics all while managing the terrain of the race trails. Great stuff man keep it up!

[@Tbunnz]

I still really want to see you send it over one of those jumps tho 😂

[@MrTrollnWatch]

Very cool dude. keep working at it. I've been riding for years and still crash. just broke my collar bone two months ago. one more month til i can ride again. I'm headed out to do the Odessa Washington desert 100 in a week lol cant wait one more month to be able to ride. when you said its always hard to get going fast again after a wreck i know exactly what you mean. very awesome. your videos are sick and probably inspire lots of people to get out and do competitive events. thanks man.

[@Chalz108]

Good guy shadetree. Makes all content for free on KZbin

[@rubbers3]

The thing that you've said about motivation in the beginning - that hit me too. When watching your videos where you go around your local trail I thought that you're quite good (granted - I don't watch a lot of dirtbiking). Seeing you struggle a bit, but overall still being able to do your best and not suck too much is motivating. Buuuuuut, it's winter (-5°C/23F + snow), my supermoto is 50cc broken piece of shit (that doesn't start and leaks oil when warm and inspection expired) and I've been riding two-wheels for 2yrs now, so I won't go out and ride right now... But when the spring hits (and if I manage to fix the bike) - then I'll ride! I almost promise!

[@shadetreesurgeon]

Haha an almost promise is good enough for me! Hope y’all thaw out soon

[@aaronc09hdfxd]

hay Shadetree.....great vid...I work in a steel fab shop and we have the same problem with our safety glesses......we use a thin coat of dish washing detergent and it works great

[@philwilliamson3370]

By the time you can talk about one near miss 3 more have happened once you start getting faster. Eyes up, always remind yourself to look farther ahead through the corners, and go for it. The more you look ahead, the more you can attack the corner vs dealing with it last moment.. Constant battle to once you start getting tired but it will help save energy. Have to say though, you're getting much better since I've started watching. Look out Jarvis! (knuckle pound)

[@stansabick2700]

Man that ride looked like a blast! Thanks for sharing that.

[@2wheeledadventures293]

Respect all the work your putting in bro! Inspiring to watch!

[@rebelred1458]

Great job man! It took me a few days to finally watch the whole thing, but I'm glad I did. These videos are making me regret selling my dirtbike and having a fat ass. lol

[@johnnyrye5779]

Honestly your best bet with racing shade tree is contacts instead of eye wear. I wear contacts and I have never had any issues while racing. Everyone is different though so best of luck to you.

[@dicktaterbear4424]

Get some contacts bro. I watch all your races, love it, keep kickin ass for the old guys.

[@nickblack9992]

Hey man keep it those races are tough, one thing I did see is your pulling in the clutch on the down hills, let the engine help you brake... Also works coming into a turn as well

[@brandonvaccaro2960]

Hey Shadetree! Ive been watching your channel for a while now and finally subbed because of your harescramble videos. I have my first race in May and ive been training as hard as I can. But there is some reassurance watching your videos and knowing its OKAY TO SUCK.

[@harryhiggins9680]

You did good glad you got golden tires they're excellent tires you're having fun that's what counts keep it up you'll get better when you don't get so tired out there have a good time excellent videos enjoying them

[@midnightrider1827]

Funny how when we laid out this track we tried to factor in difficulty for riders such as yourself. Looks like we got it about right as you were challenged yet didn't die...lol Great job and keep at it!

[@aaronmachado13]

Honestly shadetree those wrecks could've been way worse and glad you finished. I agree with motivation because I told my buddy who did the hare scramble those exact words and he has a blast

[@markgunnison]

You have inspired me to think about racing again - thanks!

[@shadetreesurgeon]

AWESOME! That’s the best comment I can get! :D

[@solartherm]

Nice job! Next time you go riding try to ride only in the stand up position,grip tightly with knees and over exaggerate your body positioning you can conserve energy like this and make the problems happen behind you you need good form to ride that beast quickly in the woods!

[@kay-zed4407]

Very nice! Keep up the good work, Josh. Your getting better and having fun that's all that matters. I like these longer videos. Wouldn't mind if the rest of them were longer. Although the talking head vlogs seem about the right length for the wandering minds of today.

[@ronhamilton515]

Man that looks so fun. Makes me want a dirt bike so bad!!! Thank, JOSH 🤑

[@jay34ever54]

Congrats on 4th from last... that looked like an interesting course!

[@TheJohnChiara]

That was awesome man! Proud of you!

[@cerebralfailure8804]

I'm thinking that steering stabilizer would be a good investment for you, after watching all your races so far it seems most of your crashes are happening when your bars jerk suddenly due to the ruts and roots, I bet you would crash a lot less with one than you do now, but you are improving a lot over these few races, I enjoy watching your progression

[@BRAMMOTO]

Looking better and better every time. Keep it up.

[@theponkster]

Your doing fucking great dude - stop giving you self a hard time - and stop looking where you dont want to crash ( look up target fixation) - steady improvement is improving and you are sounding stronger !

[@twolaneblacktop8034]

Keep at it ST , you'll just keep getting better and better and who gives a shit anyway you're having a blast with some buds and that's what it's all about, great ride !

[@terrypoff7781]

Shade ,ever watch the erzberg rodeo hare scramble,held in Austria annually. .probably the gnarliest event on the planet. .best riders in the world go there to try it.

[@kalvin8335]

hell ya love your hare scramble uploads

[@GladiusJon]

Been waiting for this! Out riding with the boys now. Will watch when I get home.

[@shadetreesurgeon]

Have fun man!! Pop a wheelie for me haha

[@cruxc4459]

Dig deep brother you can see the improvements plus you got some good coaches around you. Good look moving forward

[@bradb9146]

There's a road not too far from Croom called Mondon Hill Road , and its one of my favorite roads to ride on my dual sport because of all the twisties . If you go past Croom towards u.s. 19 on s.r. 50 , I believe it's the next light past the interstate at the western wear store . If you go left at the light it will take you to Powell Road , which will be on the right , and has some really great twisties too . If you go right , you'll be taking Mondon Hill Road … both rides are nice country roads with lots of hills , and sharp turns . There's always about 100 or more bikes of all kinds every weekend at the gas station that's at the intersection , who meet up just to ride these two sections of road in Brooksville . = )

[@shadetreesurgeon]

Yeah it was nice out there, definitely wanna ride out with the street bikes

[@Plastic_Utopia]

Keep at it Big Dawg! I'm rootin for you every time

[@Brainhalfcooked]

Can I have the old tires? please. lol. Hell yeah man just keep at it you are getting better. Less crashes on a more difficult track than the others that is progress.

[@bhr1337]

Great job looks like a fun track! Check out the GNCC race when it comes to FL in March. Keep it up look forward to seeing more

[@Burner-Adventure-Chronicles]

BTW: I like the dirt vids mo gooder. If it helps, I always catch myself doing little mantras while riding, especially in tricky spots: Eyes ahead, breathe, toes in to keep knees pressed into bike. relax grip. STAND! Keep feet on pegs if at all possible. You're getting better, brochacho. Wish my friend has a gopro yesterday. I got bucked off my bike. Misjudged going up a couple rock steps.

[@shadetreesurgeon]

Oh shit! Hope you’re alright, luckily we don’t have many rocks to deal with here in Florida

[@Burner-Adventure-Chronicles]

Thanks, am good. Leg got a little banged. My dignity is still MIA :)

[@RoosterGunther]

You are totally progressing dude! Go look at your first dirt bike jump vid... I LMAO and I don't have much ass... need to laugh my gut off! You motivated me, I am going to get a dirt bike again and give Hare Scrambles a shot too! Thanks for the motivation!

[@jtnw2842]

Love these vids man! Very inspiring and makes me want to try this kind of racing out.

[@TallTeeLee]

Congrats on the bump up from last man! Really torture testing your gear and body out there huh? Good! It means you're actually trying.

[@HippoDrones]

Fantastic stuff, really enjoyed watching that and the crashes even had me putting my foot out trying to stop it happening! :D

[@monomakes]

Definite improvement on the other races! Well done mate. No need to be so self-deprecating ;)

[@papaal7014]

Laugh my ass off watching you fall and struggle. Been there. Yugely entertaining.

[@MrTehnics]

Love these race vids and your atitude is brilliant,its all about a personal challenge and improving bit by bit,big hello from ireland :)

[@1Rustychain]

Nice video. I give you lots of props for going out there and giving it your all. Don't give up, have fun. But.... you can't tell me on that last hill you took a digger on, that all you really wanted to do was look into the bottom of that stump. Haha. Stop dogging the hills and give it some gas. That's why you fill the tank. And let the clutch out.

[@shadetreesurgeon]

Yeah I was close to Giving up on that last one... so frustrating!

[@jetmuchacho]

Literally the best tire change tips on youtube hahah.

[@markmtbrider]

Looked like a pretty technical track for Fla. Check the cross training channel for log crossing and clutch control vids.using trials techniques and strategy will have you flying up and down those hills and over obstacles while still on the bike.

[@Mrfish2015]

Good stuff you've got there a guy called Lyndon poskitt rates the golden tyre , he uses them whilst going around the world on his KTM ( not sure if he uses them on his Dakar bike ) .. you should check out his channel of the of the same name you might like it

[@davebruzdzinski424]

Try to keep a little more momentum through obstacles and that’ll help ya a bit more! Your doing awesome dude!!!!

[@TheCarPlace268]

The thing about obstacles is that even tho you may find it scary at the start,if you hit that log or that mud patch with a bit of speed and with the correct body position then it’s guaranteed that you will be able to cross it with ease! I’m just lucky I guess because I have a track in Wales that I own that covers 27 acres.

[@smward1126]

I hope you keep up on these videos!

[@davidrockwell9776]

Good job you made it through your second race! You are doing better with positive mind talk. I still think you should concentrate on riding better and stay focused on the basics (elbows up, race stance, etc). Please consider voice over vlog so you can race with out thinking of content. This will make you faster guaranteed.

[@adventuresof_baldy]

36:50 never a more true statement!! The struggle is real. Awesome job man you are doing great. If you crash in the woods and nobody sees it does it even count?

[@shadetreesurgeon]

LOL! I’m gonna go with no... except I put my on KZbin 😂

[@iamlegionforwearemany9289]

Try seadrops for anti fog. I don't ride dirt. Also if you ever can afford it lasik i had that done back in 2005 my eyes are still good

[@PatFarrellKTM]

My KTM300 will not start using the eStart button if its under about 40 degrees. You have to kick start it the first time of the day. After that, its works fine with the magic button

[@michaelrizzo5492]

I live close by that track. Love the video. You are real hard on that Josh guy though. Btw. You do test equipment to its limits. Maybe this old man will join you on the trails. My Polaris RZR has made me lazy

[@bilbottles1339]

Tops race - you are getting better mate 👍

[@mothman4676]

Awesome video shade, I’m glad you made it. #chaotic #watchedeveryminute👍

[@mikeyj3439]

Awesome video. This looks fun as shittt. And I like how you try to stay positive and keep telling yourself to do better even after you fall. Great job man. Way to have a positive attitude in a stressful situation.

[@Burner-Adventure-Chronicles]

Ok.....your last crash that you did for the 3rd time? Maybe....would you think it is in your head that you picture yourself crashing? Sort of like target fixation? Just my .02 worth.

[@Team2Gils]

Sucking and coming in last is very important to racing. Tell people if it was not for me coming in last, then it would be you. I am 3 for 3 coming in last and I smile the whole time I am racing. The rest of you slow folks get off the couch and get out there, it is a blast.

[@JamieKeefer]

Downhill crashes are the worst. How did the fatty work? I got one I need to mount.

[@shadetreesurgeon]

So far I love it, but I don’t have much to compare it to

[@aleksstaiger4186]

Hey bud I just wanna say you look like you've lost quite a bit of weight and your looking good man keep up the good work man and it makes me feel good watching a fellow big man doing great and amazing shit dude. You are one of my favorite KZbinrs to watch 😊

[@shadetreesurgeon]

Thanks dude!! I really appreciate the support my friend, big dudes unite! No reason we can’t do rad shit too! Haha

[@aleksstaiger4186]

Hell yeah!

[@huyked]

7:42 I know it was the same way with me when I tried contacts for the first time on my bike. Lane splitting felt a bit sketchy until I got used to them. 23:01 What do figure the percentage of girls vs. boys in this race, and/or in general? 24:30 Are you at that point yet, to make the jumps... or willing to ever? 37:25 How many laps? [52:45 Okay, so 4 laps total is my guess.] And on a scale of 1-10, how tired or sore were you at the finish?

[@shadetreesurgeon]

Definitely way more guys than girls but more girls than you would think! As far as jumps go, I did some in the beginning but after I got more tired I didn’t want to chance it. And I wasn’t thaaaaat bad when I finished, I could’ve done another lap. But I definitely was sore!

[@huyked]

Hey, man, thanks for the answers. I appreciate it.

[@spacecowboyrides4762]

I love these videos. Been wanting to get into racing for a while now. Now that your racing would you have chosen a different bike or are you happy with the six days.

[@irishkid615]

Was wondering if I should go practice riding trails today..(after falling a bunch and being tired.) now I’m def going out.

[@shadetreesurgeon]

Hell yeah!

[@CelticRider84]

I know I'm late.. But those goggle inserts, sounds like you have the same issue with them that I had with my prescription safety glasses I got for welding. You probably just need to spend more time wearing them to train your brain to copensate(sp) for the curve. It'll probably just take some time with them. Hope it's worked out for you by now.

[@NinjaLifeCrisis]

Loving these vids dude! So keen to do this myself!!! Go you good thing!

[@nomdeguerre13]

new subscriber... love this channel, makes me wanna ride .

[@tritriplekylie]

Thanks for the plug... not the butt plug in the mail as that was definitely well used and at the end of it's life, but I mean the advertisement lol. Those hills definitely smashed you to bits but you kept going so take that as a positive, you definitely don't give up I had Goldentyres a while back, amazing and grippy but on our rocky trails the back got shredded in no time. Front had long life and was the best I've used apart from Metzeler 6 days, my tyre of choice now all round

[@shadetreesurgeon]

Thank YOU for making awesome parts!! And being a generally awesome human being ❤️

[@tritriplekylie]

shadetree surgeon woahhhhh easy now, I’m nice but I wouldn’t go that far. Supports always there for people like you and Jess though, the two nicest people I’ve never met 😊

[@frankielemonjello]

Okay, okay you two, get a room... This ain't 'The Shadetree Love-in' channel...

[@uncagedjuganaut7337]

tritriplekylie Metzler 6days come stock in Aus on KTM/Husky, road use approved and hard as fuck, you can't give them way.

[@tritriplekylie]

Uncaged Juganaut yeah come stock on husky’s over here. Front end I got no complaints about but back end does lack a little grip but is hard wearing. Sort of riding I do at the moment I’m happy with the compromise. Goldentyre would be preferred but even with gentle trail riding i think it lasted me about 3 days max before it was near enough dead and offered up next to no traction. Horses for courses really

[@therevenantofyourex2236]

Well done bro, your getting real good. WHERE'S JESS??? when will you be getting back on the road mate? I'm missing your random rides and meet up's mate!

[@billcharlene1450]

Hey bud, weight loss is coming along good...my hats off to you after the dirtbike weight loss vid I found myself looking at some dirtbikes, may settle on cushy raptor seat as id have to spend an hour after riding pulling a dirtbike out my ass.

[@chuckbaldwin4858]

Wanted to watch this, but the clip isn't loading for some reason - just a black screen above the comment section.

[@stephendavis7707]

Once you get rid of the silly mistakes ,(you could take a day course off road riding skills )well worth the money for anyone not just beginners! shadey cycle shorts with the pad reduces the monkey butt syndrome...Dare i say a little vaseline too.. Momentum comes with confidence but it takes time so dont be hard on yourself ,treat every race as another chance to practice take the pressure off! gary semics ,ryno hughes all make dvd's on how to ride i found them helpful..well done on finishing i really look forward to your races

[@shadetreesurgeon]

Thanks for the support man! And I’d really love to take some off-road classes... unfortunately no one offers them around here

[@stephendavis7707]

I feel like i should thank you we have all been where you are now wether its mx ,enduro does not matter .Everything has gone a little performance based and to that end the reason why we all ride bikes has been somewhat forgotten we all got into it for the fun and love of it to share time with like minded people and you are reminding that to people myself included ..Keep doing what your doing learn dont be scared to try new stuff copy others concentrate on the basics, body position and control ..One thing i did notice when you practice your faster race day comes and your slower with more mistakes ,my point is take those thoughts and experiences of riding well with you to the next race dont let the event stress you into riding differently i have been racing /riding for over 35 years and i am still learning .Great job keep it up (a steering damper may help )

[@knerdrider]

Never give up, never surrender! Activate the Omega 13! 😎