What is an Enduro?
An enduro is an organized trail ride over a
marked trail. It is an event wherein the physical and mental
ability of a rider and the dependability of a machine are matched
against a predetermined course which must be followed under
controlled time constraints. Enduro riders - usually four per row
- start at one minute intervals. Your number is the assigned
minute after key time at which you leave the starting line. Key
time is scheduled starting time and the scheduled time of arrival
at each check.
What do I need to ride?
It helps to have a well maintained and
prepared motorcycle. Most events last from 3 1/2 to 5 hours or
longer, so your physical condition is important too. Proper
safety equipment like a helmet, boots, goggles, etc. is a must.
The only special equipment required is an odometer and a
rollchart holder - and even these are not necessary if you're
just learning. If you're a beginner, we'll put you on a row with
an experienced rider and he'll show you how it's done. Once you
finish your first enduro - your hooked!
But you still haven't told me what an enduro is all about!
Like we said before, an enduro is a trail
ride over a marked trail. The course is marked with brightly
colored arrows and surveyor's tape. How the arrows are placed
denotes whether the course proceeds straight ahead or turns left
or right.
Riders must stay on the marked trail and
maintain the posted speed average. This is done by referring to
your odometer and rollchart. The more difficult the terrain, the
more challenging it becomes to stay on time. Checkpoints crews,
hidden at various places throughout the course, will measure your
progress on a scorecard that you've taped to your front fender.
If you're late, you will be assessed 1 point for each minute you
arrive after your key time. If you get there early, you'll lose 2
points for the first minute and 5 points for each additional
minute. If you're on time you will receive a "zero".
The rider with the fewest number of points
at the finish line is the winner. A speed average of 18 mph may
not sound very fast but when it's over the river and through the
woods, the trip to grandma's house can be pretty demanding. The
location of these checkpoints is not always known. Most of them
are hidden along the trail where, due to the difficulty of the
terrain, you are most likely to be late. These are called
"secret" checks. Other checkpoints may be
"known" and you can arrive at them up to 15 minutes
early without a penalty. Another type is a "tie
breaker" which notes the exact second your front wheel
arrives at the check. These are used to determine a winner in
case of a tie.
Regardless of your score, simply finishing
an enduro can be an exhilarating and rewarding experience - only
known by those who match their skill and stamina against the
terrain. Any skill level can compete on any size motorcycle.
What is a Rollchart?
Your progress during the enduro is compared
against a rollchart. The rollchart is a sort of "scroll
checklist" that displays the minute and mile that you should
be at when you're "on time". If your watch says it 11
minutes past key time and the speed average is 18 mph, your
odometer should read 3.3. Rollcharts are normally one continuous
strip of paper and are affixed to a holder on your handlebar.
They can also display the speed average for the particular
section, mileage resets, and any free or "extra" time
allowed during the race.
Rollcharts can either be handmade
beforehand or purchased at the race. Other club members can help
you prepare yours.
How do I get started?
The first thing to do is attend
one of our meetings. It's an informal get together that usually
lasts 60-90 minutes. We plan races, trailrides, discuss circuit
business, and have Blue Ribbon Coalition and Texas Trails
reports. We're just a bunch of guys who enjoy riding dirt bikes
and want to see our sport grow. If you like the same thing and
want a chance to ride some of the best terrain around - come join
us! We'd love to have you along!
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