Sorry if this is a dumb question, but I need some help.

I am running my first enduro at Sumter Jan 30th. I have been trying to determine what equipment I may need. It does not seem as though I need a real enduro computer, but I think I will need a odometer and watch. I have a Trailtech Vector which has both and I can rest the odometer if needed.

Never having run any enduro before, I though I sort of understood the regular format. I have searched and cannot find a whole lot of info on the national format. One Dirt Bike article says just go like hell.

Can anyone explain it in plain english or know of a good site that explains it? Are there checks? Secret checks? Anything else tricky that requires resetting time or distance?

Do I need a chart roller?

Anything else I should know? I am training and riding every day and my bike should be prepped well.

Thanks for your help!

You won't "need" either, but it is nice to have both in case you want to reference how you are doing within a section.

There are transfer sections and test sections. You will have a minute that you start on that is your row number. There are cards at the start of the event and the start of every test section that show what minute is up. When you do a test section you start at your minute and go as hard as you can through that test. At the end of the test there will be a transfer section that will get you to the next test section. It is not at race pace, but a quick trail ride pace should get you to the next test start with a little time to rest. The national format does not have any secret checks or penalties for going too fast in a section. That was changed a few years ago to make it a "friendlier" format.

Some people will rest at the end of a test, but I prefer to ride to the next test start to rest. That way when you get there you can look at the cards and see exactly how many minutes you have to rest, get a drink, eat a power bar or whatever.

It is really not very confusing when you get into it and is a lot of fun.  I have done 2 now and really look forward to doing the Wyoming round again in June. Just see who is on your row and introduce yourself before you start. Chances are someone on your row will have plenty of experience and will be more than happy to give you any pointers or answer any questions.

After the first test you will have a good idea of the "pecking order" on your row and the next test start everyone typically just falls in with that order at the start.

Enjoy the race, it is a GREAT way to spend a day and you will meet a lot of great people. If you are so inclined, go meet the pros, they are very approachable and friendly.

Thanks.

So you cannot burn a checkpoint, right? I am not the fastest rider and I just don't want to do anything dumb to penalize me. I'll have enough trouble just making it to the end of the race.

No, you cannot burn a check with this format.

The test sections have sensors that you pass through to start and finish the test section. They will be like the sensors at stores that go off when the checker doesn't disable the little security thing when you buy something. You will know when you are done with the test section when you pass through the gate.

I don't know if this will help, but here is some helmet cam footage from the Inyan Kara National in Wyoming from last year. It will show you a little of what it is like. The rider is slow enough (me) that you should be able to see everything.

Thanks. Nice videos.

Draybob said:

That guy with the ktm must have thought it was a special-stage! No reason to rush like that at all.

Kanista said:

If you're talking about the start of the video, that is the start of the timed test section where you do want to go fast. I know, my lack of speed can be confusing in that way to some. By the way, that guy on the KTM was in his 60's and was VERY fast.

I was the trailboss for the 2008 MN Moose Run National.  I've been using the National Enduro Start Control rules for our event since 2007.

No matter how fast you are, all you will want to know during your event is how and when to get to each Start Control.  The "how" is easy, follow the arrows.  The "when" is pretty easy if you do what "Draybob" said, that is, after each Checkout just keep riding until you get to the next Start Control and take your break there.  

That said, it is better to be able to use a clock to determine what time you need to be at each Start Control, especially after the Gas Stops.

You are going to get a Route Sheet when you sign up.  It will tell you what time you need to be at each Start Control, and the mileage of each Start Control.  You can use the Route Sheet during the event to tell you what time you need to be at the next Start Control.  The mileage part will tell you how far you have to go to get to the next Start Control.

Again, this is particularly handy to get you to the Start Controls after the Gas Stops on time.  

If you are running late, you can also use the Route Sheet to figure out whether or not you are late to a Start Control.  Of course, if guys with rider numbers higher than yours are waiting to Restart when you get there, you will have already figured that out!

And finally, don't forget that the Route Sheet is based on the #0 rider.  You will want your clock to read Key Time (most times 9:00) when YOU leave the Start.  

Thanks.

This all really helps. So I do need a roll chart holder, right? This is a 65 mile race for C riders, me, so I don't think I could just write it all on a piece of duct tape.

So basically, you just ride as hard as you can and stop at the start controls to rest. Hopefully, I will get there in time to take a break.

So how is the winner determined? The fastest through the timed sections?

There is a "target time" set for each test section. This target time is unachievable, so scores are based on how many minutes and seconds you are off from the target time. Lowest cumulative "penalty time" is the winner.

Unless you have some major get-off or mechanical issue, you should have time to rest at the start controls. I am a Senior C rider and I always manage to have a few minutes to rest, get a snack, find a tree that needs watering, etc.

Good questions. You're going to do fine.

Well I can't wait! I am going with five guys I race HS with.

Snow covered, frozen ground stinks! I have been riding in it just because it is good practice sliding around I guess.

The Harescramble series I race in, VCHSS, does not start back up until the end of March. Maybe I'll find some more enduros to fill in the time.

I got my introduction to racing doing the HS series for the ECEA when I lived in PA. I was nervous and had a lot of questions for my first enduro as well. It wasn't as bad as I was making it out to be in my mind.

Both types of racing are a blast and I'm not sure if I like one better than the other. They are slightly different, but both are great ways to enjoy some trails in a competitive setting.

To me I wouldn't waste my time with a roll chart either...it is pretty clear where to go...and you can't start a test until your time...I have rode a few and with nothing...

I like having a roll chart, watch and a odometer so I can keep up with where I am in the enduro and what time I need to check through next check.  Otherwise when they say go, Go like hell.  After first couple sections you should know your "Pecking" order of your row.
Dwight

I ride open B and i just treat enduros like 5 small hare scrambles basically. about the 3rd or 4th check depending on the conditions I start to wear down some but the pauses in between the test are awesome!  that is if its not wet and you not way behind. i ride a couple of hare scrambles still but i get beat pretty bad to where i can go to these and finish with a trophy to take home usually. I absolutly love them and have traveled farther than ever before to ride.  A wrist watch is all i use so I can set my watch to 9am when my row leaves so im on track with the route sheet. the rest is easy easy. ive rode row 1 three different times and i havent had any trouble getting around from test to test.

What do you do if you are running late to a start control and your row has already taken off?

About how much time do you usually have to rest before the start of each timed section?


I will be competing in my first National Enduro this year at the final round in Matthews, IN and looking to gather some info so I can be competitive. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

DC1843 said:

The start crew will see your number and wave you on through.

DC1843 said:

The goal with the pauses is to give enough time for most/all of the C riders to get back on time, so you shouldn't have to worry about being late.  Faster guys may have as much as 15-20 minutes to catch their breath, work on the bike, etc...

DC1843 said:

Basically it's go like hell when in a section, and ride to the re-start after the out check.  Just pay attention to the location of the next re-start and don't lolligag around getting to it.  Take your break at the next re-start.

You should not need a chart holder.
In that format all you really need is watch. I have one stuck to my cross bar.

I take the route sheet and cut out the start times for each section. I use clear packing tape and make a little "post-it" note that is also on my handlebar. There are between 4 and 8 restarts typically, so that little bit of clear tape doesn't get in the way of anything.

I'll reset the watch to account for my row number. When my row leaves , I want my watch to say 8:00.

This all sounds like a lot of fun.  How would I get involved?  I tried an internet search but the results were a little weak.  Are there area events or clubs that host these races?  I'm in Kentucky.

Thanks for the info.

Do they normally run 1 lap or 2?

How strict is the sound testing?

Any other tips or advice?