Gas Stops

Working a gas stop at a TSCEC enduro is one of the most important jobs. You should read the TSCEC rulebook on gas stops as it spells out everything that you need to do. This is just some tips to make it easier.

You should go out to your gas stop on Saturday the day before the race to be sure that you know how to get there how long it will take.

Remember that it may take longer on race day because of pulling the trailer. Set up the gas stop just like in the rule book with the lowest number cans at the FRONT of the gas stop. This is to prevent congestion at the stop by having the earlier riders proceed to the front leaving room for later numbers to fill in. You should use as much room as possible so that you leave 15-20 feet between row numbers if possible. A bike is 7 feet long, and you will have 4 or 5 from each row so you need to allow plenty of room. Also, put out your 5 mph signs, no smoking signs, etc.

You will need one 16 ft. utility trailer for about every 150-175 riders that your event draws. If you are working an A-B-C course gas stop, every rider will go through it so you may need two trailers if your club traditionally has a large turnout. If it is A-B only, one trailer is enough as you will only have 50 to 75 cans. If you will partition off the trailer by row number just like the gas stop is set up, earlier numbers to the front, your life will be much easier when you start unloading cans. Label each section with the row number, either with duct tape on the rail or use the riding numbers provided by Dirt Stuff. You should have signs on the trailer that clearly identify which gas stop it is, Gas 1, Gas 2, A-B only, Short Course Only, or any peculiar situation pertaining to your gas stop. This should all be done on Saturday afternoon.

On Sunday, most riders will have their cans loaded by 8:00 AM, but there are always a few stragglers. Definitely do not leave before 8 and try to stay for a few minutes after, as long as you don’t make yourself late. When you arrive at the gas stop, try to get the trailers in position to make it very easy to unload. If you pre-numbered the trailer, the cans will be in somewhat of an order. The riders are supposed to put their riding number on the can, and you should set it by the proper number. Doesn’t really matter which side. Pit crews are supposed to be on the right and the pit crews will move the cans to the correct side when they get there. Cans that are not numbered may be left on the trailer or in some convenient spot so that the rider can find it himself. Deploy your fire extinguishers in several convenient spots.

During the duration of the gas stop, with help from the TSCEC Gas Marshall, you are to enforce absolute no smoking rules, dead engine gassing,(they may ride at a very slow speed to their spot), and no one under 10 in the pits. These are rules developed by the circuit to insure everyone’s safety and they must be enforced.

As riders are gassing up, you can ask if they are through with their can and get as many as possible back on the trailer. When the last riders have gone and you are sure it is safe to shut down (your club may send a sweep rider through to shut you down), load up any remaining cans and clean the area of any trash left by participants. Be sure and shut any gates that you may have had to open. Take the trailers back to the start-finish area as quickly as possible and find a convenient place to park them so that the riders may retrieve their own cans.