“Retro National: Real Deal?…or Gimmick?”

Mike Komer Interview:

Reporter: What is this gimmick about a Retro National we're hearing about on September 20, 2026 at your Tryals Park?

Komer: No gimmick. Return to 'Retro' is a return to the thrill of the Ride Plan--thrill of Everyone on the same comparable course, all inclusive-- thrill of Two lines Only--and where a 1 or a 3 might be your MOST thrilling, Excellent Ride-- that you're most proud of.

Reporter: What do you mean "Everyone riding the ‘Same’ course"?

Komer: Just as back in the '70s, there's only two Classes. Riders will sign up either Champ or Support. Support Class rides 3 Loops of 12 Sections (36 rides) while Champ Class rides those same 12 Sections, 3 Loops- as well as an additional special 3 Sections (tailored just for them)- making it 3 Loops of 15 Sections for the Champ Class (45 rides).

Reporter: So you are saying that the Champs will ride the same core 12 as Support, but then with an added 3 Champ-only sections, right (?) But won't those 12 Sections for the Support-level riders be… well….sort of ‘gimmees’ for anyone at the Champ level?

Komer: (Laughing) Perhaps, but within the core 12 there will not only be a good mix of difficulty...but also…(Laughs some more) you will see.... as always happens....you'll see some Support Riders who get to snicker at the dab the Champ Rider took in those Sections...cuz the Champ Rider was sailing cocky through what they think is… your word: a "gimmee". Remember as well that the Champ line will be tasked with the 9 (tough) additional rides due to their 15 Sections requirement- which can be a great leveler… by day's end.

Reporter: I see. Can you elaborate on what precisely you mean by a "1 or 3 might be the most "Excellent ride" to be proud of-and also more on what you mean by "varied levels of difficulty-all inclusive"?

Komer: Since there's only the two Classes (Support and Champ) there automatically has to be different degrees of difficulty in each Section because one size doesn't fit all (of course). So both Classes in the core 12 Sections will find: 4 Relatively Easy Sections, 4 Medium, and 4 Relatively Tough. Then, the additional 3 Sections for the Champs will, of course, be Toughest. The Champ-only Sections, for instance, will contain either a Big hit, or an alternate line around the Big hit ...that is more technical than sh**.

Reporter: Let me back up because I think I'm seeing why this is so cool. Please, a little more about your statement that the 1 or 3 might be the most Excellent ride for everyone for the day(?) From what I gather, I think it pertains to the set up of "one course- with only two lines- of varied difficulty levels" ?

Komer: Right. Exactly right. That’s what makes it so special. This Retro National is designed to be FUN... as well as CHALLENGING. And as is always our hallmark here, I want to have something for EVERYONE on both accounts. This Retro Format gives me the ultimate FLEXIBILITY to have something for each rider. Every level rider....even those not as skilled… or Youth riders...will find some kind of joy for themselves for the day. Everyone will have some sections at this Retro National that they definitely CAN DO. There will be other Sections where a Rider possibly gets a 1 or a 3 with some real work and a good ride plan...and that's the sweet spot for the magic for the day. That's where the excellence and satisfaction will come in... for those Riders ( Champ and Support alike) who find their way through the tougher ones, maybe with a much deserved and satisfying 3. Also there’s an opportunity for any Riders who wouldn't necessarily feel comfortable (in regular Club Events) calling themselves "Champ" to do so....Here at the Retro National, those riders may want to sign up Champ- and get the thrill of trying those extra three Champ Sections (?) and if so… I say feel free to sign up Champ- if you can hang for the 45 rides (versus the 36 for Support). Those riders might be curious if they can make it through the technical stuff... with a satisfying 3. If they can, they will call that an Excellent Ride...and that's what I meant. A 3 can shine.

Reporter: It sounds unique and I can see you are excited about it Mr. Komer.

Retro National Sept.20 Noon Start. Riders Meeting just prior. Flag Marking. Sign up Support or Champ. Questions to Mike 315-497-3268.