Mid America Trials Team

December 2004

The next trials will be on Dec 19th in Trenton, MO. Start time is 11 a.m. Directions: Trials site located 3 miles west of Trenton, MO, just north of the junction of Hwy. 6 and Hwy. 146. Trenton is approx. 90 miles northeast of Kansas City. From KC, go north on I-35 to Exit 61 (Hwy. 6) and turn east (follow signs toward Crowder State Park). Turn north on Hwy. 146 (big white cross) and go approx. 1/8 of a mile and turn right on the gravel road (N.A.P. Quarry). Combination lock is 6288 (MATT). Lock gate behind you.

The M.A.T.T. annual Christmas Party is Sat. Dec 11th starting at 6:30 PM. It will be held again at the Barton home. 2609 NW 86th St. in the Northland. The home is located about a mile west of Hwy. 169 and Barry Road. Going west on Barry Rd. pass Platte Purchase and continue two more streets to Marston. Turn North on Marston and go three blocks to NW 86th St., turn left one long block and it's the second house on the left. There are two driveways so feel free to park in either. As always, BYOB and bring your family's secret world famous dish or something else. (816) 468-9430.

The annual Postage Stamp Trials put on by Russ and Larry will be held at the Amos home on Jan 1st with a start time of 1 p.m. Entry is a book of stamps or $7.40. All entry fees/stamps go toward the news line. Great chili is served and other dishes are always welcome. It is BYOB. The trials is located in Shawnee, KS by the 435 and Midland theaters. From 435, head east to Bell Rd (2nd rd on left) and turn left. He is up the road and on the left. For even better directions contact Russ @ 913-962-0159.

Congratulations to the Engels. Grieg and Keri had a baby girl. Amanda Gas Gas Engel.

A Big Thank You to the Dennis family and friends!!! The Dennis's organized, entered, built, decorated, and rode in the large Chillicothe, MO Holiday Parade. (we were #116 entry and groups still behind us) On the first M.A.T.T. float, A big M.A.T.T. banner was on display over the top of the truck, a motorcycle was strapped in the back of the bed with Joey the Snowman Drake waving to the crowd. Two American flags were hanging out the back and a professional camera lady even rode in the back bed. On the 2nd float, a car towed a long flatbed trailer. On the trailer were some rocks, a flat platform and even a staircase. The riders could ride up the back of the trailer, over the rocks, across the platform, over the staircase, onto the back of the car, over the top of the car and then off the hood. Or, they could ride up the car, over the top, etc… The unusual and most challenging part was doing this all why the car was in motion driving down the road. The third float was a van pulling along the stunt trailer that was to be used later in the day at the demo. From the kids riding and doing tricks, to Frosty the Snowman, Rudolph the Reindeer, and the Grinch flying off the car and wonderfully decorated trailer, this had to turn some heads. Well we did, and we were informed that we took first place in the motor division of the parade. After having a blast riding in the parade, we still had the demo we were putting on in the Car Quest parking lot (Randy has some pull). The demo started off with Dawson & Nathan Dennis, and Bryan Drake wooing the crowd with some jumps off a ramp. (We usually save the best for last but these guys were willing to go first) After these guys, Randy, Bill Drake, Wild Bill Sanderson, Jason, Marc, and Scott took their turn. The crowd got to se a little of everything from crashes to a guest appearance by Jess Kempkes (one of the best trick riders in the US). After the demo, there was an autograph session and the line for the little guys was about 3 times as long as ours. It looks like we are going to have to sign these guys up to go on tour with us. A great time was had by all and again, thanks to the Dennis's and friends.