Overview:
On July 27, 2025, the New England Trail Riders Association (NETRA) hosted an unforgettable off-road race at Moose Valley Recreational in Granville, Massachusetts. Organized by the Berkshire Trail Riders, the event showcased elite talent across men’s and women’s divisions. With grueling terrain, dramatic setbacks, and emotional victories, this race had everything dirt bike fans crave. From Olin Daniels’ first-place finish to Taylor Johnston’s commanding win in the women’s pro class, we break down all the action—including the mechanical heartbreak that cost Jonathan McDougal a podium finish.
A Day to Remember at Moose Valley
Granville’s Moose Valley Recreational area proved to be a perfect yet punishing venue for this year’s NETRA race. It was held under rainy skies on rugged terrain. Riders were challenged by rocky climbs, tight wooded sections, and unpredictable footing. The Berkshire Trail Riders are known for crafting courses that push even the most seasoned competitors. They delivered a course that tested endurance, precision, and mental grit.
Spectators lined the woods, lining berms and jumps with cheers. Support crews hustled throughout the pit areas to keep machines in peak condition. With a mix of pro, amateur, and youth divisions, the atmosphere buzzed with adrenaline and hometown pride.
Pro Men’s Race: Daniels Delivers, McDougal Struck by Misfortune
🥇 Olin Daniels Takes the Win
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Racing aboard his signature Kawasaki dirt bike, Olin Daniels stormed to victory in the Men’s Pro class. Known for his clean lines and calculated aggression, Daniels controlled the pace from early in the race. Through tight tree sections and open field transitions, he maintained a rhythm that most couldn’t match.
With confidence built on a season of consistent results, Daniels’ Moose Valley win puts him in prime position for a championship push. He later thanked his pit crew and family, saying, “It’s races like these where preparation pays off. The bike held up perfectly, and the course was intense.”
🥈 Dennis Leblanc Fights to Second
Dennis Leblanc was right on Daniels’ heels for much of the race. Displaying smart tire placement and consistent throttle control, Leblanc maintained a tight gap. However, the course’s punishing rock garden slowed his momentum. Despite that, he locked in second place, praising the course’s technicality: “These kinds of races make you a better rider. You don’t coast. You fight the whole way.”
🥉 Gage Goralnik Secures Third
Gage Goralnik rounded out the top three with a performance built on resilience and recovery. After a rough opening lap, he made up ground with a blistering mid-race push. He eventually overtook several riders in the most technical parts of the course. His third-place finish reflects not only skill but grit—a true testament to his season’s upward trajectory.
Jonathan McDougal: A Contender Derailed
One of the day’s most talked-about moments involved Jonathan McDougal. He was strongly positioned to contend for a podium finish. The New England favorite was riding with serious pace through the early laps. However, disaster struck: a massive rock broke off the chain guard on his dirt bike, causing a mechanical failure that forced him to withdraw.
McDougal’s exit was met with audible disappointment from fans, many of whom had pegged him as a podium lock. In a post-race interview, McDougal stayed upbeat: “This sport is unpredictable. I was riding strong, and I’ll be back stronger. That’s racing.”
Women’s Pro Class: Johnston Commands the Course
Taylor Johnston Takes the Crown
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Riding with poise, speed, and a technician’s touch, Taylor Johnston claimed first place in the Women’s Pro Class. Her performance stood out not just in her class, but across the entire day’s racing. With flawless form through the rocks and near-surgical control in tight woods, Johnston put on a masterclass in competitive off-road riding.
After the race, she reflected on the growing field of competitive women in NETRA: “It’s exciting to see so many strong women out here. The course was demanding, but I felt locked in today.”
Women’s Amateur: Isla’s Breakout Victory
Isla Rides to Victory with Family Support
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In the Women’s Amateur Division, the rising star was Isla, a youth rider with enormous promise and fierce drive. Her family was by her side, and a dedicated local following cheered her on. She attacked the course with a mix of speed and smarts far beyond her age group. Her first-place finish marks a milestone in a career that’s clearly just getting started.
Racing fans and fellow riders took to social media to celebrate her performance, highlighting Isla as a name to watch in NETRA’s future elite ranks.
Organizers Deliver Another Top-Tier Event
The entire day was made possible by the Berkshire Trail Riders. This team is known for crafting thrilling, safe, and challenging NETRA courses. Their use of Moose Valley Recreational gave riders both fast-flowing sections and gnarly technical elements.
From registration to final lap, the event ran smoothly—a testament to the experience and community dedication of the Berkshire team. Riders spoke highly of the course quality, signage, and safety protocols.
What Is NETRA?
For those new to the world of dirt bike racing in the Northeast, NETRA—the New England Trail Riders Association—is the region’s premiere off-road motorcycle organization. It governs and organizes a range of events across enduro, hare scrambles, and youth circuits. Its aim is to promote safe, family-friendly off-road racing.
More information, including upcoming events, rider rankings, and how to join, can be found at NETRA.org.
Looking Ahead
The July 27 race was more than just another date on the calendar—it was a showcase of NETRA’s growing popularity and the evolving skill of its riders. From pro veterans to youth breakthroughs, Moose Valley offered unforgettable storylines. As the season progresses, fans and competitors alike are eager to see how the leaderboard shapes up. Who will rise, recover, and redefine their limits next?
Whether you’re a lifelong rider or just learning what a trail section is, one thing is clear: NETRA racing is alive and thriving in New England.
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For More Info on Upcoming NETRA Events:
🌐 Visit NETRA.org
Moose Valley Rec Visit Site Here
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