Overview:
In this 2025 update, we catch up with hard enduro athlete Kurt Damkoehler, fresh off the Tough Like RORR 2024 Main Event. This year, he’s upped the ante — riding adventure bikes at sonar-like speeds, slinging mud with friends, and quoting “if you can dodge a wrench, you can dodge a ball” as the mantra behind his madness.
Still Full Throttle: Kurt Damkoehler’s 2025 Mud-Slinging, Wrench-Dodging Adventures
After racing shoulder-to-shoulder with the country’s best at the 2024 Tough Like RORR Main Event, Kurt Damkoehler hasn’t slowed down — he’s only gotten wilder.
Known for his grit in Hard Enduro circuits like NETRA and US Hard Enduro, Kurt made waves last year after earning a place in the Tough Like RORR Main Event. This is one of the most brutal and unforgiving motorcycle races in the country. Riders at RORR don’t just compete — they survive. With terrain that includes slick boulders, vertical hill climbs, and soul-crushing bottlenecks, RORR is often described as a test of both machine and mentality.
Kurt held his own, tackling some of the toughest sections while keeping his cool — and his signature smile.
But in 2025, his adventure hasn’t stopped at the finish line.
Here is his evolution:
These days, Kurt is riding high-speed adventure bikes, traversing mud fields and riverbeds with a crew of fellow off-road rebels. Word on the trail is they’re “pushing sonar speeds” — an inside joke for how fast they’ve been clocking through deep forest runs. They navigate tight trails and face unpredictable weather. And what’s keeping them grounded? Kurt’s unofficial slogan:
“If you can dodge a wrench, you can dodge a ball.”
That catchphrase, borrowed from a cult-classic comedy, has become Kurt’s rallying cry — a symbol of how he approaches life and racing. Whether he’s flying over logs or sliding sideways through a rain-slick corner, his philosophy is simple: adapt, laugh, and keep it pinned.
Despite the high-risk riding, Kurt continues to focus on community and connection. His @GasGasBros YouTube channel features highlights from recent rides, including his 2024 RORR footage, GoPro reels of wild backwoods terrain, and riding tips for aspiring racers. He’s is backed by longtime supporters like A1 Portable Toilets, Acerbis, Mika Metals, and Wheels Powersports. New collaborations may be on the horizon.
What’s next for the man who races boulders and blitzes mud fields? Only time will tell — but one thing’s for sure: Kurt Damkoehler isn’t slowing down. He’s just finding faster, messier, more unforgettable ways to ride.