Page 32 - ISSUE _38

ZACH OSBORNE
250 SX / 1ST
IMAGE /MPG WORDS / MATTINGLY DESIGN / WILSON
>> Welcome to the mecca of the South; a hub blended with cultural diversity, Crisco covered chicken wings, and enough sweet tea to fill the Nile. Hospitality is at the forefront, college football engraved in the lives of all since birth, and a plethora of motocross talent for one particular weekend out of the year, in what many know as Atlanta, Georgia. Zach Osborne feels at home here. The aura of dirt road anthems and the soothing sun have seemed to calm him since his in- ception of stepping on the grounds, as the Virginia native lands on familiar terri- tory. The parking lot, packed to the brim with lavish diesel rigs, stores his prepa- ration for an all out blitz on the event and all that are in attendance. Patiently, he waits. Toe tapping, speakers wired, his head bobbing side to side, he anticipates an all out brawl to the finish, yet he is ready, willing, and able. He carefully walks through the tunnel out on to his stage. This is his platform, a blank canvas that allows him to whisk and spray the Georgia clay in whichever direction he wishes. Once the matador in the doghouse lets the pack out of the gate to dance, he truly feels he will be seeing nothing but a fiery red; ready to bulrush the cape and gorge anyone who steps foot onto his path. The day’s efforts had landed him with a spot in the top of qualifying, and he wanted to reiterate his efforts in the main event. A near third place start saw him chasing Jordon Smith and Dylan Ferrandis, with Alex Martin in the mix, until the French rider went down quickly thereafter. It was now a three horse race. Doing his best to attempt a lasso maneuver of a pair of KTM riders, Osborne was slicing his Husqvarna in spec- tacular fashion, he knew that he must latch on in order to obtain victory. Bang- ing bars with former ally at Club MX (Alex Martin), the two jousted for a heated sequence of turns; coming together multiple times, with Osborne moving passed the 26 heading into the sand. This man was out for a vengeance. And just like that, once he was out to a lead, the writing was on the wall. The veteran of the class was riding more determined than ever, and it equate to a most deserving win. The number 16 was ecstatic with the win, and very well should be.
32 GRITMOTO • FEBRUARY 26, 2017