LBL 200 dual-sport ride celebrates 25th year

By Kurt Bauer and Jesse Thomas

This year would mark the silver anniversary of the LBL 200, one of the longest-running dual-sport rides in the United States and is part of the AMA KTM National Dual Sport Trail Riding Series. It was a fitting event to mark such an important anniversary of a series that can trace its roots to 1987 when AMA Organizer Services got the idea that a trail ride, instead of a race, would appeal to recreational riders. The interest was there, particularly from former racers who no longer wanted to meet the time, financial and physical demands of racing but still wanted to ride.

The layout of the events would be similar to an enduro with marked trails and a route sheet, but no timekeeping. This allowed the riders to suit up for an organized event (just like a race) but free them from the pressure of competition and timekeeping. They could ride at their own pace, not obsess over their time and avoid the craziness of a mass start.

The West Kentucky Trail Riders out of Cadiz, Ky., had been hosting motocross, hare scrambles and national enduros. Jesse and James Thomas had been members, helping with numerous events. So in 1987  when Roger Ansel from the AMA phoned Jesse with the idea of an organized trail ride, Jesse took interest. Roger suggested that the event should be run in the Land Between the Lakes in Kentucky and Tennessee. It was stressed that the event should not be a race and require street-legal bikes. Jesse was doubtful this could happen but made trip over to LBL too see.

Jesse had worked with Jerry Conley, the outdoor recreation manager at the Turkey Bay ORV Area. After the riding series was explained, he was very receptive. Jerry explained that they were having problems with hiking trail maintenance and some of the trails were getting overgrown and markers were missing. He even had a letter on his desk that stated the trails could possibly be closed due to lack of maintenance. Jerry suggested that if the club could help with marking the trail that it could use the trails once a year for the national dual-sport ride. So, Jesse, James and a few others took on the task of putting on a 200-mile trail ride.

In the early years of the LBL 200, the ride consisted of all the hiking trails that included the Canal Loop. It was incredible single track. The popularity of the ride grew. Over the years, riders would ride their bikes to the event, ride both days then ride home. Once, a participant rode a 125cc bike from Oklahoma. Another from Ohio did the same (but after two days of riding, the Buckeye reportedly was looking to catch a ride back home).

One rider, Joe Montag, has participated in all of the LBL 200s, riding the same 1986 Honda XRL250 that he bought new in '86. This year, Joe was presented a t-shirt with the slogan "One Man, One Machine: 1987-2011."

This year's ride started on the Piney Campgrounds near Dover, Tenn., with an early riders' meeting on Saturday, allowing riders to get an early start on Day 1's 140-mile route. Two trailers hauled riders' gas cans, so there were no worries for the bikes with small tanks. The day's route went 70 miles north, where lunch would be served. The trail and gravel roads were, but as long as riders stayed spaced out, the riding was fantastic.

Sunny skies made for some great views of the lake while riding the North-South hiking trail. Riders who were still riding later in the afternoon were greeted with some nice rain showers. As the rain subsided, everyone gathered at the campground shelter for dinner and awards as Joe Montag got a plaque to go with his t-shirt. Of course, because the event is part of the AMA KTM National Dual Sport Trail Riding Series, each rider also is eligible to win a 2011 KTM 530 EXC.

Sunday's ride would be only 90 miles with less trail but as we made our way north, the trails improved. The morning's trail was still dusty, but how bad can it be on a hiking trail with no ruts? Since the day's ride was shorter, the lunch was served at the campgrounds, ending a great two days of riding southwest Kentucky and Tennessee. A special thanks goes out to all the hard work of the K-T riders for keeping this trail ride alive over the last 25 years.

Saturday Night Awards:

• Longest Distance Traveled: George Muntean Jr., Richland, Wash.
• Oldest Rider: George Muntean Sr., 80 years young
• Newest Bike: Tom Barr, Huntsville, Ala., 2012 KTM 250
• Oldest Bike: Don Engehnetson, 1975 Bultaco Alpina
• 25-Year Award: Joe Montag, Brookville, Ind., 1986 Honda XRL250
• Iron Butt Award: Mary Gresham, Rome, Ga., for riding two-up on a Husqvarna 630