Amazing! That is the word that I would use to describe my first ever OMA experience. Over the past few years I had kicked around the idea of trying the OMA Series, but I never had time. My race schedule was always full and when I had a weekend off, I just took time to get things back in order for the next race. So at the end of 2007 I decided to pencil in the entire series to my schedule.

As I headed down to Tennessee for round #1 I had an idea of what to expect, woods, hills, roots, and rocks. However, I was not sure how the entire organization and attitude of the race would be. I had heard from other competitors that the promoters really tried to cater to the riders and not focus on the big dollar picture. So I tried to carry a positive outlook headed down.

Things started out well as a very happy and energetic woman at the entry gate greeted us. Signup went very quick and painless and I was even able to spend a minute with headman Mr. Bill Gusse. As I prepped my bike for Sunday, a lot of riders opted to go for a practice ride. Little did I know that the practice lap was on the actual racecourse for Sunday. I chose not to go because it was super muddy and I figured I would get to see things on my first lap. So I finished up my bike, ate some dinner, watched a movie, and went to bed.

When it was time to line up for the start on Sunday, I found a good inside spot on the third row and began collecting my thoughts. The flag dropped (kind of) and I found myself buried deep in the field of riders. I knew I had to keep calm, make good passes, and charge forward. There were a lot of riders having trouble all along the 9-mile course. Whether it was the creek, rutted up hills, or tight trees, I always tried to pick good lines and stay smooth. I was never really sure how I was doing, but when I pitted, my crew said I was doing well, “just keep pinning-it!” So, that is what I did and I was able produce a fairly mistake free 6 laps aboard my Halls Cycles/Kenda/G2 Ergonomics backed Gas Gas 200. In fact, it was good enough for the win in the Lite A class and 25 th overall.

I would have to give the event and the promoters two thumbs up! The course was a true, tough woods race, well marked, and fun! The promoters did a great job of rerouting some areas and scoring was done within a reasonable time frame. In my opinion, if you have never ridden an OMA or are just not sure, come out and give it a try, I think you will be as amazed as I was!!

I would like to say thanks to Halls Cycles, Gas Gas USA, G2, Fastway, EBC, PG, Arai, MSR, Kenda, ProClean 1000, Engine Ice, Pro Grip, Dirt Tricks, RTT Stabilizers, Spectro Oils, FMF, FRP, my Mom and Dad, Britt, Megan, Damien, and my girlfriend Lisa!

See you in Kentucky!!

Daniel Janus #27