The Appalachian Dirt Riders in hosted Round 2 of ACES on Sunday, April 12 in Wellston, Ohio. Perfect riding conditions were in place for the more than 160 riders who competed.

Broc Hepler, in his third year of riding ACES and a past pro factory-supported motocrosser for seven years, smoked the competition. Hepler, aboard his Five Star Cycle KTM XC250, managed only to drop four points for the day, while second place finisher Zach Klamfoth dropped 11.

Hepler said his motivation for winning came from the first round not going as planned.

“I thought I was well prepared for it, but they caught me at an out-check during the first race of the season, and that cost me the race,” Hepler said. “It was my fault, but I wanted to rebound with some revenge.”

He said it felt great to do so well, but he is still learning the KTM.

“A new bike has allowed me to be challenged and bring some excitement to my riding,” Hepler commented. “Plus, the best thing about this race being restart format is that I didn’t have to worry about the check points. I could ride as fast as I wanted.”

He said he also really enjoyed the race because of the long sections.

“With the awesome mileage, it allows riders to put more time on the rest of the field,” Hepler said.

Rounding out the top five was Jeff Melik who dropped 12, and Brett Zofchak and Jake Fiola who each dropped 13. Not to be dismissed is sixth place finisher, Robbie Jenks, who rode aboard a 2005 KTM 450.

Overall A

Jake Walters, aboard his Wheelsports KTM 150XC, secured his first-ever Overall A for the day. The 200 A class rider dropped only 15 points.

“Winning Overall A was an eye-opener for me,” Walters said. “When I switched from the B to the A class this year, I thought I would struggle more than I am. Now, I’m just pushing myself to see if I can work myself closer to the pro level.”

“Beating Trevor

[Kline], who is a great rider, probably mattered more to me than the overall. It’s cool competing against people that were my ‘speed goal’ just a few years ago.”

Walters said his 150 is awesome, and it’s so light and fun for him to ride. He hopes to ride the national enduros one day if he is able to get more support.

Overall B

Turning to the B class, Josh Konecheck in the Open B class, took home the Overall B award. Senior B class competitor Terry Hartman, missed the Overall B by one point. Chad Fording of the Open B class tied with Hartman, only to be beat by the emergency check tallies.

View detailed results at aces-races.com/2015-results

The next round of ACES, the Grassman Enduro, will be held on May 31st in Chandlersville, Ohio. The event is hosted by the Ohio Woods Riders. Key time is 10 a.m. Sign up will be held from 8-9:30 a.m. on race day. Primitive camping will be available at the enduro location.

Race photos by Zayne Watson

Heather Wilson is a motorcycle enthusiast that rides both dirt and street bikes whenever she gets the chance. She grew up riding dirtbikes, attending local motorcycle races and helping out in her parents’ motorcycle dealership. She’s an Ohio University Scripps School of Journalism Alum and now does public relations and marketing in the motorcycle industry.  HeatherNWilson.com