Is there an idiots guide to enduros?

[scottyr]

I want to try enduros this season but I have no clue on how to keep time. Is there any books or tapes that can teach me the basics? My buddies all ride expert or masters class and I am too embarrassed to ask them to teach me how to ride an enduro. Actually, I dont want to swallow my pride as I always told them that enduros were for sissys! Now, I am thinking they might be a lot of fun but I dont want them to know that. Thanks!

 

[Offroadr]

Timr has some great link to enduro tips.

Hopefully he will post them

 

[Timr]

This question gets asked fairly often in this forum. Here's some of the required reading for newbie would be enduro racers:

http://sera.dirtrider.net/EBMenu.html
http://www.motorcycle.com/mo/mcdirt/trailrider/2time1.html
http://www.motorcycle.com/mo/mcdirt/trailrider/3time2.html
http://www.motorcycle.com/mo/mcdirt/trailrider/4time3.html
http://www.motorcycle.com/mo/mcdirt/trailrider/5time-4.html
http://www.motorcycle.com/mo/mcdirt/trailrider/endurosecrets.html
http://www.ecea.org/enduro/firsttime.shtml
http://www.all-offroad.com/DirtBikes/Beginners/BGJun98.html

Other good articles are here:
http://www.ecea.org/
http://www.netra.org/

Once you read these, post your questions here. We won't make as much fun of you as your riding buddies will. :p

 

[sharp]

Originally posted by scottyr


Just follow them little arrows stapled to the trees.:p

 

[KLX4smoke]

It's pretty simple really, look at the number on all the guys you pass. If you see a few guys with a lower number than yours, stop. When you see a few guys with a higher number than yours, GO! Very inexpensive, and works well for me. :cool:

 

[kdxjr]

I see SERA has a short course and a long course, since I would be a beginner
can I ride the short course and compete for points.
I am 38 years old and ride 220 cc's..
And how much shorter is the short course..
What class would I ride in?:silly:

 

[sharp]

kdxjr - I started riding the SERA enduros last year. I am 39 yrs old and was glad some of the sign up forms implied "short course." Be warned - of the races in Alabama I don't know of any "short course." You ride the same course that all the classes ride. There is a SERA race in MS on 02/17/02 which the special classes (to include a dinosaur class) are listed as "short course." But you don't qualify for the special class unless you are a woman because you are too young. However, from what I understand this race would be a good race to cut your teeth on. I plan on riding it and hope to "finish."

You would enter in the "intermediate C" class. Check out:SERA

The races in Alabama are rough and not for the faint of heart which, I guess, makes them the most fun.:confused: I rode Clanton/Rockford/Maplesville and didn't finish. I almost finished Rockford (5 miles left to go). My mind wanted to but my body just wouldn't comply any longer. But you should try those races anyway because you meet alot of nice people and there is no rule that says "Thou MUST finish" or be drawn and quarterd.

 

[Reon]

FIM regulations

I heard some enduros in the US are run under FIM regulations which are a lot less complicated. This true ?

 

[MACE]

I wrote this article for our regional organization.

http://www.nmaoffroad.org/endurobasics.htm

 

[VintageDirt]

Maybe nobody posted this link.

http://www.motorcycle.com/mo/mcdirt/trailrider/2time1.html

Oops, never mind, I see it up there.

 

[CNM]

Anyone know if C classes ride the short course? I don't have a computer either. When you sign up, ask to be on a row with a B or A rider. They will be keeping time for themself. If you catch them sitting on the trail, there is a reason, STOP! As long as they are in front of you, you sholdn't burn any checks. For the most part, you will probably be late so just ride the best you can.

 

[KDXfile]

The "C" class and "Special" classes ride the short course when available in SERA. The short course is usually 35-45 mi. long.
Also, as Neely was saying, be careful over in MS because the clubs are famous for trying to catch riders riding hot. It's easy to burn a few checks over there if you're not careful. If you see a few riders sitting around it usually means they think there's a possible check coming up and they're letting the clock run. Pull over and check their #'s; if you're behind, they'll wave you on, if not, wait for your minute to come up.

 

[clw]

Read a few of the articles but don't get too concerned with the rules. When you first get your row members figured out (usually a few minutes before the start) introduce yourself to the others and determine which ones are competitive. He's your front door, always stay behind him (or her). If you see him sitting on the side of the trail hang out, he's hot (too early) and waiting for his minute, let him do the timekeeping. Enduros are all about FUN, let it be a trail ride for a few till you get the hang of it. Then you can decide to get a computer and get serious.

 

[Unknown Ctrl]

scottyr...don't sweat the rules your 1st couple of times out...the best way to learn is to try and get on a row with someone that understands "timekeeping". I learned as a teenager riding SERA races back in the early 80's before ICO came out with the first PRO...all we had before then was the CountDown rollchart and clock. The best way is to read the rule book, get a rollchart and watch and enjoy....

As for short courses....enter the C class and ride to the short course cut off...if you feel pretty good at that point continue on. Enduro's today are a lot easier than they were 20 years ago. Back then the original SERA member Enduro clubs loved to punish you and made you keep your timekeeping hat on.

Anyway un cork and enjoy!