Over 290 dirt bike racers, ages 5 to 77, took to the woods and rocky hills west of Tamaqua during five races held via the 8th annual RORR (Reading Off Road Riders) ECEA Series Hare Scramble.

"We keep coming back to Tamaqua. We love the rocks and hills," said Dale Sweigert, RORR Vice President. "Tamaqua offers more challenges for racers compared to other southern races."Sweigert said that the RORR is an Eastern Pennsylvania organization formed by off-road motorcyclists. "We hold four large events every year, to include Enduro, Hare Scramble and Dual Sport races or competitions." RORR is part of the East Coast Enduro Association (ECEA), which is a group of AMA chartered clubs engaged in the sponsorship and promotion of off-highway motorcycling events. Sweigert pointed out that the ECEA is dedicated to the betterment of the sport of off-highway motorcycling event riding, as well as to provide the individual competitor with a quality, challenging event."A number of local riders stood out as they traversed to course. Thorn Devlin, 15, Tamaqua, took first in place overall in the morning race against 102 other racers, while Matthew Digilio, also of Tamaqua, took 11th place overall, and Loran Yackanicz of Weatherly, took 27th overall. In addition, many other local racers took part in the large morning race, such as Bud Guers of Orwigsburg, Ronald Anderson of Beaver Meadow and Don Weibel of Effort.Also showing off his riding skills was Leonard Rehatchek III of Nesquehoning who placed 3rd overall in the main race against 122 other racers. In addition to Rehatchek, many other riders took part in the main event, such as Keith Oliphant of Tamaqua, Robert Allen of Lehighton, Adam Toth of Tamaqua, Jerome Lynn of Effort, Anthony Castagnera of Slatington, Tom Mealing of Orwigsburg, Kevin Pruckenmiller of Northhampton, Tanner Barnhardt of Easton, Anthony Corvino of Slatington, and James Lasco, Brad Matto and Bud Matto, all of Pottsville.Members and volunteers of the RORR gave their appreciation to Reading Anthracite for the use of their land, American Hose Fire Company for offering food and refreshments and Tamaqua Ambulance for providing emergency services. They also gave their appreciation to all the volunteers, Thorn's Cycles and ATV's in Tamaqua and Matto Cycles in Pottsville for providing various types of assistance and services to the riders."Good rocks, good fun," said Jarred Folweiler, 22, of Quakake, who has been racing since he was 5 years old, as he came out to cheer on his friends. "The scenic trails offer a tight experience to any visiting rider."For more information about future races or to check to results of any past races visit

www.ECEA.org and

www.RORR.orgEd Folweiler, Quakake, who has been riding over 30 years, described the atmosphere of all participating riders, saying, "The yearly event offers great times with friends. We are a big family. Everybody rides together."