2010 Big Nasty Hill Climb

The Hardwear!

Before the Climb!

The PF Cheerleaders - Emily, Mallory, Elyssa and Lindsay!

Thank You for your support Ladies, "You make it Fun"!



The Project Filter Motocross Team was on scene for the 2010 Big Nasty Hill Climb. The Big Nasty is a great chance for us to get out and do something different. The Motocross Series is over and the Big Nasty is a chance to unwind.

This is my second year attempting the Nasty, which allowed me the opportunity to develop a little strategy for the event. I competed in two classes this year, I was looking at the first one as a warm up for the one that I really wanted to win. Don’t take it wrong, I definitely gave it my all in the first class but experience from last year proved that I went farther each time I climbed. My strategy worked. I felt like I got the bugs worked out in the first to climbs and then I was ready to battle in the Vet class.

I had a great run in the Vet class and was able to walk away with the win that I wanted. The cool thing about the Hill Climb is, each time you climb; it makes you want to come back for more. I was wishing for one more climb. “That’s what it is all about”. You gotta love what you do and it’s the heart and desire for whatever you do that makes it all worth it.

Once I was finished, I walked through the event with my family, Ann and all of our children. I took a moment to reflect on how fortunate we are to live in this country and have the opportunities and freedoms that we do. It is a great privilege to be able to enjoy something as simple as a sporting event that we love, within the confines of the security that we are all accustomed to.

As you know, I am in the military; Idaho is on the forefront of another deployment. Several of my peers, subordinates, friends and associates are headed out for another tour. I want to thank each and every one of my comrades that are getting on that plane in the next couple of days. Thank You for your service to our country and to all of us who will stay on the home front.

I encourage all of you, to take a moment to think about the sacrifice that these soldiers and their families are making. It’s huge and I know that I have a deep appreciation for it.

This event wraps up the 2010 season for me. I want to thank all of you who came out and supported us, Project Filter and the Smokefree83 Racing Team.

Thank you Project Filter for offering this excellent program for the State of Idaho and for your sponsorship support this season.

"See ya next season"...

Kootenai County Fair Arenacross, Coeurd'alene, Id, 25, 26 Aug 10

This week I traveled to Coeurd’alene for the annual Kootenai County Fair, Arenacross. Danielle and I got to represent Project Filter in our first ever Arenacross Race.

What an amazing event! We set up the Project Filter booth in the fair grounds and got to talk with hundreds of people about our Tobacco Free campaign. We got to meet the staff from Coeurd’alene and work with the TATU’s (Teens Against Tobacco Use). What a great group of people! I thought about how cool it was that we all came together from different parts of the state as a group with the shared goal of fighting for a Tobacco Free Idaho.

This was by far the coolest event that I have ever raced. The energy at Arenacross is amazing! There were about one hundred fifty riders and three thousand fans. They had music playing, to get everyone pumped up and we were riding under the lights. Wow!

I had a great ride! In the main event I got a good start but slipped back to fifth through the tight right hander, headed into a fifty yard long whoop section. By the end of the whoops I was in forth and was on a mission to move to the front. Two laps later I was in second place and not too far from the leader. Arenacross is run on a very tight track and the main event is only five laps. You have to be aggressive and willing to take some chances in order to be a contender. I ended up finishing second overall, which I was completely stoked about! Not too shabby for my first ever Arenacross.

The entire event was a great experience. The promoters of the event were happy to have Project Filter on scene and invited us out on the arena floor during the half time break to throw some PF Footballs into the crowd as they talked about our program. The announcer made the comment that there is no way Dani and I would be as competitive as we are if we were under the negative effects of tobacco. He’s right!

I was impressed by the professionalism of the entire event. Thank You MRP for your hospitality and Thank You Project Filter for this unforgettable experience!

The last round of the Idaho State Championship Motocross Series is coming in two weeks at Mountain Home. See Ya There!!!!

Idaho State Motocross Series Rnd 7, Kimberly, Idaho 14, 15 August, 2010

This weekend the SmokeFree83/Project Filter Motocross Team met in Kimberly, Idaho for round seven of the Idaho State Motocross Championship Series. It was great to get the Project Filter Team back together again after a long four week break.

The Kimberly track is located out in the middle of what seems to be hundreds of acres of farmland. The facility is nice and the track is challenging with several jump sections, soil changes and a small whoop section just to keep you on your toes. One tough challenge in Kimberly is the wind; it is amazing how the wind can push your motorcycle when you are in the air. There are a couple table top jumps that you have to be careful on because the wind will sweep your front end out from under you. Some riders will approach these jumps to the far side of the takeoff and expect to land on the other side at the landing after being pushed four to five feet to the side, it can be a little scary.

I had a pretty solid weekend with a moto win and second and third place finishes in my two classes. As usual my Project Filter backed Yamaha was running great as I battled back and forth with the competition that I have been fighting with all season.

Like I said, “The Kimberly track is challenging”, it takes a lot out of you physically and mentally. I can’t imagine trying to withstand the pressures of this grueling sport if I was also battling the negative effects from Tobacco use. As an athlete I train for motocross to try and build my endurance and overall body strength. Tobacco use helps to deteriorate your endurance and body strength and causes you to use more energy just to breathe properly. Carbon Monoxide from cigarettes also damages your lungs and has detrimental effects on your performance. Also, another problem with smoking is that it slows down your body’s ability to heal itself by hindering the employment of cells to the injury site. I don’t know about you but it sure doesn’t seem worth it to me!

All I know is that I am glad to be Tobacco Free and I am glad that many of you are joining me I the fight for a healthier lifestyle.

We are headed into the last round of the Championship Series. I am in a points battle with #955 Bob Harris, he has me by three going into the last round. I have to win this one in order to take the title. Let there be no doubt, I’ll give it everything I’ve got.

See You in Mountain Home; it should be a good one….

Idaho State Motocross Series Rnd 6, Mountain Home, Idaho 10, 11 July, 2010

This round of the Idaho State Series was held in Mountain Home. The Mountain Home track is located at the MH Optimist Park. The track is an arena still course and the cool thing about it is you can stand on the bridge that extends out on the course or sit in the bleachers and see the entire race track. Tag and Robin run the track and they always do a great job. It is always fun to attend their events.

The Smokefree83/Project Filter Race Team showed up in full force for the Friday Night test and tune practice session. We got to share some laps together and figure out all of the hot lines before the Saturday kick off.

It was apparent that one challenge we would face on Saturday was the Heat. You gotta remember, Mountain Home is in the desert and we experienced temperatures into the triple digits. To go along with our motto, “We Were Hot but We Weren’t Smoking”. Lol…
It was a great weekend of racing, the track is challenging but friendly and other than a few minor scrapes we all made it through safely. I enjoyed the company of my two nephews Tim and Shane; Shane brought his family down from Lewiston. Thanks for coming out to watch me throw some dirt.

I got some really good starts on my Project Filter backed Yamaha and managed to stay pretty close to the fight, finishing second and third in both classes, both days. I am in a really tight battle for the championship with one of my fiercest competitors, Bob Harris #955. Bob and I have been trading positions all season and it has come down to just a three point difference going into the second to the last round. We are headed to Kimberly in August, last time we were there, I beat Bob on Saturday and he beat me on Sunday. It should be a good one…

I got a chance to race against my Teammate Danielle on Sunday. We were not scored together but rode in the same moto. Danielle is the reigning Idaho State Champion in the Woman’s class. In the first moto we had a great battle, we were never more than a bike length apart, she made an inside pass on me on the last lap and took the checkered flag. In the second moto, Dani got the holeshot and was gone; she showed me why she is was Idaho State Champion in 2009 and is on the way to another Championship for 2010. Great Ride Dani!

We had some fun on Sunday as we roamed through the pits, handing out Project Filter footballs, pens and drink coolers; we helped to share the word that Project Filter is offering 4 week supplies of nicotine replacement therapy for those in need. It is a good feeling to know that we are making a difference as we continue to fight the Fight for a Smoke Free Idaho.

Thank You Project Filter!

Project Filter Allstar Challenge, Meridian Speedway 10 July, 2010

This was another awesome experience with Project Filter. After racing four motos each in Mountain Home on Saturday, Matt, Dani and I washed some of the crud off of our bikes, loaded them up and headed to the Project Filter Allstar Challenge at Meridian Speedway. This was also Military Appreciation Night at the speedway, the stands were packed and the energy at the racetrack was remarkable.

When we arrived, Project Filter already had the booth set up; we rolled our bikes right into a very warm welcome. The crowd was great and the interest in the fight to be Tobacco Free was in the air, we got to talk with a lot of great people as we all signed autographs, footballs and hats.
Matt and I got to ride our bikes in the opening ceremonies during the National Anthem and I got to carry the American Flag. It was a proud and honorable moment for me to carry our nation’s colors in front of the great crowd. After the National Anthem, Matt and I got to take a fast lap around the track. Matt pulled a wheelie all the way down the back section and the crowd went wild.

The night only got better as we were once again invited out on the track. This time, I walked out with Jack and Trevor and Matt came out on his bike to entertain the crowd with burn offs and wheelies, which the crowd loved. After the event, some of the kids were calling Matt, “The Wheelie King”, it was cool.

Jack and Trevor surprised me with the presentation of an award. They presented me with an American Bald Eagle Award and a plate inscribed, “Thank You for Your Service”. I have to say, “I had a big lump in my throat”, what an honor. This is my Twenty Fifth year of Military Service, as many of you know I am a Chief Warrant Officer in the Idaho Army National Guard. I am proud to be a military member and I am proud to be a member of the Project Filter Team as well. Thank You for recognizing my service on such a great night, you guys are awesome. Thank You to my family, friends and fans. I had family come from as far as Lewiston to attend the Motocross races and share this night at the Speedway.

Still, that wasn’t it; we got to go back out on the track, following the finish of the 100 lap main and congratulate the winner, Kenny Chandler. Congratulations on a great race Kenny! We helped push Kenny’s car into the Project Filter Winners Circle, where Kenny and the entire Project Filter Race Team signed hats and hung out with the fans.

What an amazing Night! Thank You Again Project Filter for another great experience and another opportunity to represent in the Fight for a Tobacco Free Idaho.

Idaho State Championship Motocross Series Rnd 5, 26 - 27 June 2010

My main competition, Bob Harris #955.

Fossil Bowl is known for this knarly downhill.

The Creek Jump.

Riley Kienbaum, Project Filters newest team member. Im thinking he will be Mayor of Clarkia someday...

Hello Race Fans! The Smokefree83/Project Filter Race Team traveled to Clarkia, Idaho for Round Five of the Idaho State Championship Motocross Series.

Clarkia is tucked away in the pine trees somewhere between Lewiston and Coeurd’alene. Clarkia has a population of about 100 people. This picturesque little town is known for two things, their 15 million year old Fossils and their 29 year old Motocross Track that draws riders from all over Idaho, Washington and Montana.

The Fossil Bowl Motocross Track is the most challenging track that I have ridden. It offers a little bit of everything, from a challenging up hill / down hill section, technical jumps, hard pack, dry slick and a creek jump that is for real. The Creek Jump is about twelve to fifteen feet across with an eight to ten foot drop to the creek. If you don’t jump it, your going in, there is no way around once you take the approach. They run the track in one direction the first day and then reverse the direction for the second day, this gives you a chance to get it all, both ways.

Matt, Dani and I arrived on Friday to take advantage of the Test and Tune Practice session. This gives us a chance to learn the track, get warmed up and work the bugs out before the actual race gate drops. Matt had already mastered most of the jumps and Dani was trying to follow suit. Dani quickly found herself on the ground and before too long, Earl was changing a set of mangled handlebars.

Over the weekend there were several riders that hit the dirt, two went into the creek and one face planted into the swamp. Life Flight was on scene the entire weekend, thankfully no one had to take a ride. I had a few close calls myself but managed to keep it on two wheels all weekend. I ended up with second and third place overall finishes.

We met a really neat young man named Riley Kienbaum, he is nine years old, his family owns and runs the track. Riley helped us out in our fight against tobacco use by helping to hand out Project Filter footballs and drink coolers throughout our two days on site. We made Riley a part of the Team and he promised to help to keep Clarkia and the Fossil Bowl Motocross track smoke free. Thank You for your help, Riley!

Overall Clarkia was an awesome experience. Project Filter was welcome with open arms by all and once again, I am glad to have been a part of it. Thank You, Project Filter!

See Ya all in Moutain Home for the next round with White Knuckle Racing...

Gowen Field Health and Safety Fair 9 June, 2010

Pig Lung Demonstration.

Ed n Ann

The National Guard Patriot Chopper.

Wow! What a cool experience. Dani and I headed out to Gowen Field to represent the Smokefree83/ Project Filter Team at the 2010 Gowen Field Health and Safety Fair Day. This is a designated day for Gowen Field Military members and their families to celebrate, learn and share about health and safety concerns. It is a chance to connect as family, friends, teams and co-workers in an effort to promote healthier, safer, life styles to be shared by all.

This is where we came in, since that is exactly what we do in representation of the Project Filter Program. We support the fight for a smoke free Idaho and a healthier life style to be enjoyed and shared throughout our communities.

We talked with several Military Members, young, older, present and retired who made that same old statement, “I Sure Would like to Quit”. We let them know what Project Filter is all about, the resources that are available and that help is as easy as picking up the phone or going to the website. One thing that really helped us today was having the visual aid of actual pig lungs that were prepared to show the devastating effects that smoking has on the lungs themselves. We showed the comparison of a smoker’s lungs to that of healthy pink non-smokers lungs. This comparison really opened some eyes and sent several people away from the booth with literature in hand and with the intent of using the program. It also helped to confirm for many of our patrons, again, young and older that they do not ever want to smoke.

I feel like this was a very beneficial event, even though the military has made specific efforts to discourage soldiers from using tobacco it is evident that it is still a wide spread concern. I am glad to have this opportunity to educate people on the negative effects of the habit and to be able to show them that help is available.

Thanks to all of you who stopped by the booth and Thank You to Project Filter for offering this program in support for a Smoke Free Idaho!

Idaho State Championship Motocross Series Rnd #4, 15, 16 May 2010

The Smokefree83/Project Filter Team. Ed, Matt, Danielle.

Shane Kipper.

John Kipper.

The Smokefree83/Project Filter Motocross Team made the trip to Salmon Idaho this past weekend for Round #4 of the State Series.

This was, by far, the most mentally and physically challenging race weekend that I have had throughout the State Series Races. Salmon offers a long, rough, hard-packed, dry, dusty and difficult pure motocross track. The Salmon motto is, “Go Big or Go Home”. Last year they had a set of jumps called the six-pack that sent a few riders to the hospital. This year they turned them into a set of doubles that were doable but challenging. I did the doubles in my first two motos but I was having some trouble with them. It became a mental challenge for me as I cased them three times and almost experienced a trip over the handlebars. I decided it was in my best interest to roll the first one and clear the second, which was very frustrating for me.

Another mental challenge I faced was watching my best friend’s son (Shane Kipper) being loaded into the ambulance after a violent crash that put his foot peg through the side of his leg. His dad, John and I were sitting on the start line because our moto was the next one up. Needless to say John did not ride because he accompanied Shane on the ambulance ride. I rode the moto with a heavy heart. One thing that really touched me is that my daughter Emily came up to me and said, “Daddy, please don’t ride this one”, I told her I would be ok and she said “I know because I already prayed for you”…

The event signified once again that motocross is a family sport; it even goes deeper than family, the camaraderie throughout the community is awesome. The word had spread throughout the pits about Shane and several people were asking about his status, they were truly concerned. We found out that nothing was broken but he had to have surgery on his leg and would have to spend the night in the Salmon hospital.

The event also signified the fact that motocross is a very dangerous sport. I have been asked many times why I do it and all I can say is that I love the sport, the challenges and the competition. It is just like any other sport in the fact that it is that one good start, that one perfect lap, that really cool jump and that one good finish that keeps you coming back for more.

So, I ended up finishing with a 2nd, 3rd, 5th and 5th overall, which I didn’t consider to be too bad for a rough weekend.

As I thought a little deeper about the weekend and the challenges that I made it through, I began to think about all of the people that have approached me and have asked about Project Filter. They always say the same thing, “I sure would like to quit”. I would challenge all of you to bring heart and desire into your decision to quit. Accept the challenge, the end result is worth the fight. The benefits to quitting are huge and it is so awesome that there is a program like Project Filter available.

I personally support a healthy life style and I know I could not overcome the battles that I face on the racetrack if I used Tobacco, “It would slow me down”. So, to all of you who have said you would like to quit, “What are you waiting for”? You tell us when and we’ll show you how…

Next Race, Clarkia Idaho. We’re headed North so stay tuned…

Idaho State Championship Motocross Series, Rnd #3, 1 May 2010

Matt. Big Air!

Danielle.

Once again the Mighty Fighting Smokefree83/Project Filter Race Team was on scene for another eventful weekend of racing, this time at Pleasant Valley Raceway in Boise. As you all know the weather situation has been challenging lately. It’s like “Mother Nature” is teasing us by jumping back and forth between 80 and 40 degree days. We had a little bit of everything at this race; a little wind, a little rain and even a little sunshine with a definite chill in the air.

Danielle and I attended the Friday practice session, which generally gives us a chance to turn some laps, test and tune, and get the track dialed in before the first gate drop on Saturday. The wind was blowing so hard on Friday that we had had to roll all of the jumps. Anytime our wheels were in the air, the wind would try and sweep them out from under us. “Scary”. You know that my policy is to always try and keep my Project Filter Yamaha, “Rubber Side Down” so I slowed up and didn’t push my luck. It was frustrating, so we packed up early and hoped for better conditions on Saturday.

Saturday wasn’t as windy but we got some rain and it was a little chilly all day. All in all it was pretty decent; the cloud cover helps to hold the moisture in the ground so the track was in good condition all day.

Again, the rider turn-out was less than expected. Because of the sparse attendance the promoter opted to run a three moto format on Saturday and cancel Sunday’s events. So, we rode three motos on Saturday, all finishes were combined for an overall score and double points were awarded to cover Sundays canceled event.

I rode six motos to cover the two classes that I am riding this year. Two of my greatest rivals were in attendance so I had my work cut out for me. I ended up finishing 2, 1, 1 in the Over 30 to take the overall win and 3, 2, 2 in the over 40 which put me second overall. For me, it was a great day of racing, the conditions were challenging, my competition was good and I was happy with my performance.

Thank You Project Filter for the support and for allowing us the opportunity to be a part of the fight for a Tobacco Free Idaho. Project Filter is becoming a familiar, respected name throughout our Motocross Racing Community. The program is outstanding and your involvement is appreciated!

The next race is in Salmon, Idaho. I am looking forward to this one. If you remember last year Matt was not only Smoke Free, he was hands Free over the 100 foot table top jump! The track motto at Salmon is”Go Big or Go Home”, so stay tuned, it should be a good one…

OMC Thunder Mountain Series Rnd #1, 24 April, 2010

Elyssa, Lindsay, Emily and Mallory. The Project Filter Girls!

Once again the Smokefree83/Project Filter Motocross Team joined forces in the fight for a Tobacco Free Idaho at the Owyhee Motorcycle Club grounds. This was the first round of the Thunder Mountain Series that is being run this season. It was a good weekend of racing. OMC is our home town track; it is always a good familiar feel at OMC. I am not going to do the entire series but I thought I would ride the first round just to mix things up a bit. OMC is a supporter of Project Filter and is offering a smoke free environment for our racing community.

The racer turnout was a little less than expected but probably not too bad considering the number of series that are being run in the valley. I raced both the over thirty and over forty classes. Out of four motos I finished 2nd, 4th, 1st and 1st which gave me the overall win in both classes.

Since it was a local race I had several family members, friends and Project Filter supporters in my pits. It was an awesome day of racing and it felt great to get my first win for the season.

The next race is also local; it’s at Pleasant Valley Raceway in Boise. Praying for “Sunshine”. See Ya there!!!

Idaho State Motocross Championship Series Rnd #2

The Smokefree83/Project Filter Race Team headed to Rock Creek Race Track in Kimberly, Idaho for Round two of the series. Round two was originally scheduled for Payette but unforeseen circumstances caused the switch to Kimberly.

It was a different weekend, the turnout of riders and spectators was less than normal because of the switch in location; I am thinking some just could not make the trip due to the last minute change. The weather played a major factor for the weekend as well. When we arrived at the track Saturday morning it was 20 degrees, the ground was frozen like concrete and there was no way we could ride. The races were delayed several hours while the track crew tried to get the track ready.

Once the track thawed out and the racing was underway we began to battle the wind. The wind blew so hard that we had to be careful off of the jumps because it would blow you from one side of the track to the other while you were in the air. It was a challenge, especially for the high flyers. One thing about racing motocross is that you are definitely at the mercy of “Mother Nature”, but like I always say “We are all faced with the same conditions”.

As usual, my Project Filter backed Yamaha ran great. I felt a little off the mark this weekend but hung in there for second, third and a fourth place finishes in my two classes. Remember my battle from Glenns Ferry? It was on again, pretty much all weekend; Rob Glodowski #604 and I battled it out in all eight motos. We each went four and four. Rob won the Championship in this over thirty class last year so he is fighting to defend his title. All in all it went well and I felt good about my results, I am glad to have finished safely.

Project Filter is the title sponsor for the Idaho State Championship Series and I have really noticed a difference in the interest for the program this season. I have had several people ask me about the tobacco free program. I had gentleman from Salmon approach me this weekend and tell me that he wants to quit smoking and could use the help. I told him that is great because that is exactly what Project Filter is about, “You Decide When, and We’ll Show You How”. I am going to follow up with him at the next race to see how he is doing.

I would like to Thank Project Filter for their Support at the Races and for supporting the fight for a Smoke Free Idaho and offering it through our Motorcycling Community. It is awesome and I am proud to be a part of it all.

Next race is at Pleasant Valley Cycle Park in Boise. See Ya There! (I am praying for 70 degrees and sunny!!!)

Idaho State Motocross Championship Series: Round One, 20, 21 March, 2010.

This past weekend the Smoke Free 83/Project Filter Race Team traveled to Glenns Ferry, Idaho, for the season opener of the Idaho State Motocross Championship Series.

It was a great weekend of racing! The weather was beautiful, the competition was fierce and as always White Knuckle Racing did an outstanding job with the events for the weekend.

I am riding two classes this year, the over thirty Veteran class and the over forty Veteran class. Yes, over 30 and over 40 refer to the age brackets for these classes. Some say they are the old guy classes but I like to refer to us as “Seasoned Riders”. Most generally, these are the riders that have been doing it for twenty years or more.

As the gate dropped for the first moto of the season my Project Filter backed YZ250F launched me into the lead and I was able to stay in the front of the pack for the first three laps. I was passed by a rider that I was not familiar with and I ended up finishing second in the moto. I considered it a good start to the season and I figure it will only get better as I begin to work the bugs out. It is funny because I still get butterflies in my stomach, on the start line. I think that is how you can gage your love for the sport, if you’re still getting the butterflies and the excitement is still there then you must love it.

On Sunday I had one of the most fun battles that I can remember. In the last moto of the day I was in the position that I would have to take the win in order to get the overall for the day. The start (holeshot) is sometimes critical in motocross, this time I didn’t get it. I came out of the first turn in third place. The rider that I needed to beat was in second and quickly moved into the lead. I knew that I needed to get around the rider in front of me as quickly as possible so that the leader didn’t get away. It took me about a lap to move into second and I caught up to the leader pretty quickly. It was on. We were no more than a bike length apart all through the entire moto. Sometimes it is hard to pass another experienced rider without getting overly aggressive and ending up on the ground. After several failed attempts, I ended up crossing the finish line in second. I certainly wanted the win but I am happy with the ride and the fact that I finished safely, “rubber side down”.

I came out of the weekend with second and third finishes overall. It is going to be another great season!

As I always say, Motocross is a family sport; it was great to see everyone out and about for this first race of the season. Project Filter is a title sponsor for the series this year and we have added a new addition to our Team. I am excited once again to be back in the saddle and supporting the fight for a tobacco free Idaho.

Thank You Project Filter! Round two is in Payette at the Clay Peak Raceway. See ya in a couple weeks…