Thought I would post this thread to try and start some planning. I'd like to hit some of the local/regional events this year and, of course, would just as soon do it with "The Usual Suspects." So, here is what I hope to participate in over the 2009 season and would love to make it a group thing if at all possible. Obviously, plans/circumstances change, so even with the best intentions, it sometimes can’t be helped that folks can’t make it. However, I think there’s a lot more chance of a successful outing if planned out early enough. Hence, the reason for this thread…
Anyway, besides the regular riding (RV, Union, SE, and FR,) I hope to hit the following places/events: (***all drive times based on Mapquest from my home, 204th/Dodge, to the event city***):
- Bluff Creek: Bluff Creek, IA (at least once) (about 3.5 hr. drive)
**best if can do overnighter/camp (primitive)
- Rally Point: Humboldt, NE (at least once) (about 2 hr. drive)
- Razor’s Edge: Farragut, IA (at least once) (about 1.5 hr. drive)
- White Sands MX: Ashland, NE (about 30 min. drive)
- 05/31/09: Brooks, IA (Harescramble) (about 1.5 hr. drive)
- 06/07/09: Castana, IA (Harescramble) (about 1.5 hr. drive)
- 09/13/09: Winterset, IA (Enduro) (about 2.5 hr. drive)
- 10/04/09: Bartlett, IA (Enduro) (about 1 hr. drive)
The ones below are a little further away (3 - 3.5 hr. drive,) but may be good backups if not able to make it to my preferred list above.
- 05/17/09: Stratford, IA (Harescramble)
- 08/16/09: Ft. Dodge, IA (Harescramble)
- 08/23/09: Dayton, IA (Enduro)
My participation in these events would be just that...as a "participant." I'm not terribly worried about hitting them all. I don't ride for points and don't really expect to be any competition to anyone. I see these events as a chance to ride an area not usually available to me and the opp to improve my skills/experience more so than "racing" other riders.
In case you don't already know:
- The harescramble is a flat out race on a pre-determined loop that brings you through the start/finish gate every lap (usually 8 miles or less.) You receive a sign off every time you pass through the gate. You do this for two hours.
- The enduro is a timed race. Race officials have pre-ridden the loop (usually in the 40-mile range.) Along the loop they have established “gates.” The idea is to get to these gates in a specific amount of time, get signed off, and continue to the next gate. Typically, it consists of two loops. Personally, I suck so bad, there's usually no way I make it to the gates on schedule. Basically, I do it for the experience and the fun.
More details on harescrambles and enduros:
Enduro Description: http://www.iera22.co...description.php
Harescramble Description: http://www.iera22.co...description.php
All these events require an AMA membership ( https://home.ama-cyc...p?tmpnum=IJAP05 ) and either the D-22 membership ( http://www.iera22.co...embership09.pdf ) or $5/per event fee. IERA (District 22) general website has all calendar of events and much more info if you want to check it out: http://www.iera22.com/
As far as the harescrambles go, no special equipment is needed on the bike. We should all try to have a reasonable sounding bike and spark arrestor. In the events I’ve done in the past, the officials never checked for DB’s or spark arrestors. Doesn’t mean they won’t, but I think they’ve been pretty cool about things in the past.
Enduros, however, can have some requirements as the races typically cross or follow county roads (depends on the event.) Your bike may need to have lights and a plate. Now, assuming they operate the way they have before, the lights do not have to work (or even have wiring going to them.) I rigged up a thing that gave me a front head light that mounted to my bar clamps and duct taped a red light to my back fender. Got these lights at an auto parts store (about $10 I think) and a piece of L-shaped 2" X 2" aluminum. Cut and drill and bolt to bike. They never checked the bike and I saw plenty of bikes that didn't even have that. The plan is to go prepared just in case the race officials are looking.
The plate can be any plate from a bike or trailer. The plate does not need to be mounted to the bike. A lot of guys, including us, zip tied them to the back of our chest protectors. The plate doesn't even have to be current. I was given a couple old plates by Eric (an Iowa TT-er) a couple years ago when my son and I went to Winterset. I'm happy to loan my son's to someone as he doesn't ride any more.
Okay then…that’s “my” plan. Again, who knows...circumstances can change everything, but above is what I’m basing my 2009 season on as it sets right now. I’m really hoping these plans work out as I am really looking forward to riding some different areas. Hope you guys are too.
Again, give it some thought and we’ll see you in 2009! Happy New Year!
.) They used to have the "Sportsman" class. Basically, the Sportsman class was pretty much defined as: "I'm here to ride the trais....NOT race!" That's the class I ride.
