KTM enthusiasts came from the far corners of the US and Canada to join forces at the 6th Annual KTM Adventure Rider Rally in beautiful Riggins, ID near the famous Salmon River.

The event was a huge success with KTM riders participating in guided rides with KTM Dakar Rally rider Paul Krause and Shock Doctor/KTM Factory rider Mike Lafferty. KTM Factory Hare & Hound rider David Kamo was also present and gave a mini-riding school for interested KTM riders.

Saturday night's awards dinner honored the rider who traveled the farthest distance on his motorcycle to attend the event which was given to Gregor Halenda traveling from New York state. Steve Berde, at age 70, was the oldest rider in the group and was honored with the Vintage Rider award. Canada's Blair Murray took home the coolest tech gadget prize with the addition of an air-horn to his KTM 990 Adventure. The hard luck award went to Brad Tawzer who had an unfortunate issue with a leaking container of gas during one of his rides. The final award gave recognition to the participant with the most miles on their bike which was handed out to Craig Johnson and his KTM odometer totaling 52,700 miles.

The KTM Adventure Rider Rally is the only national festival for KTM owners and enthusiasts. This year's rally offered unbelievable adventure riding opportunities, games and more. The KTM Adventure Rider Rally travels from east to west coast each year and will return to the east for the 2010 adventure.

For more information on other KTM experiences please visit www.ktmusa.com.

Two wins this year and a 12 point lead going in to the final 3 rounds, how do you feel about your year so far?
It is always hard to judge your speed after a long break like we have had - but I still feel confident and am ready to give it my all at the next round.

You have been working at this racing thing for quite a while now, working your way up through the ranks from a top amateur, to a top 10 guy to a top 5 guy and now this year you have put it all together and are winning some races finally, what has allowed you to just keep getting better year-after-year?
I have always been a more cautious rider and I don't really ride over my head - I think that is part of the reason for it taking me longer to be on the top of the podium. I tend to be rather consistent and I hope to race for another 10 years or longer and if I keep progressing at the rate I have been I should do well.

Through the years you have raced in almost every form of off-road racing including WORCS, Hare and Hounds, Hare Scrambles, Best in the Desert, ISDE, World Enduros and you even had some success at Red Bull Last Man Standing, how does a kid from the Idaho desert become such a versatile rider?
I just try to ride everything - whether it is raining, snowing or if it is just plain hot and dry I ride. I like to ride where I need improvement the most which I feel really helps me in becoming a more versatile rider. However, I am still scared of trees!

Up until the last 2 years it seems like you have raced pretty much anywhere you can on the West Coast, pretty much being on the road every weekend, is it nice to be able to take a step back a little and just concentrate more on desert racing or do you miss being at the races all the time?
At first it was nice to have a big break and have some time off - but sometimes with the break I feel like I might be getting slower and I miss being at the races. For 2010, I plan to race more during the long break in the Hare & Hound Series - possibly some WORCS rounds.

This October you are once again headed to the ISDE as the captain of the Junior Trophy team, what's your expectations for the ISDE this year?
We have a really competitive team this year. I am really pumped to go because we know we have a great chance of doing well. We obviously expect to finish at the top. We are all determined to work together to meet this goal.

Thanks for your time, David.

Thanks.