Thinking about riding the Alligator in '03

[leeinmemphis]

Hey guys,

My club is going to daytona for 2003 and we are talking about riding the alligator enduro. I am an "average" c class rider and am a little curous about how my stamina and capability will be. My question is does anyone have any special idea for what to do in order to prepare for the abuse? I normally race 6 hare scrambles a year but am wondering if I need to consider riding a couple of enduros. With everything I have going on I only have time to ride once maybe twice a week. I do get to go to the gym regularly. Any suggestions? Thanks.

-lee--:think

 

[FLBob]

Lee - Come on down! You did mean 2002 didn't you.

My club puts the Alligator on. I'm new in the club but it seems it's not as tough as it used to be - a lot to do with the lack of rain for the past few years. But the rainfall seems to be getting back to normal, and the water table is rising, so...

We get national caliber riders but lots of average C types.

Prepare for the heat. Heat exhaustion is for real and it is dangerous. Even in March it can get pretty hot for enduro riding. Make sure you have a hydration system!

We have a limit on the number of riders and it fills up early. If you are on our mailing list you'll get an invitation probably by the end of Dec. or so. If you're not on our list or don't get one PM me. Also we'll have a web site up soon.

 

[leeinmemphis]

no I meant '03. I am gonna do some local event next year and try to prepare for it. A few years ago some of our club's members went down there and noone in our club finished. I'ld at least like to say I finished it. I was told that the majority of the race is nothing but sand whoops. Thanks.

-lee-

 

[lawman]

hey buddy, a little free advice: do some enduros! it's different. little stuff that you don't notice in a 2-hour hs or trail ride will drive you nuts over the course of 100 miles. it also tires you out mentally to concentrate that hard for that long--remember, you are trying to go fast on terrain you haven't seen before, for hours. you might talk to collin, he thought he might be ready for the alligator, then he went with us to maplesville. he said he had alot of fun & wants to do more of them, but i think he wants some more practice b/f he does the 'gator. we'll be doing 10 or 11 of them starting in feb, let me know if you want to go & we'll hook you up with the info. john

 

[gawoodsrider]

Fun in Daytona

Lawman is exactly right. Don't let FLBOB fool you-it may not be as tough as it used to be but believe me it can get real ugly down there. Remember, in Florida they don't cut any trail- they just hang arrows. They don't move logs-they just staple arrows. They don't cut faceslappers--oh well you get the picture. Oh yea, don't forget about the never ending 4 foot sugar sand whoops with palmetto roots running all through them. Hey, don't get me wrong the Daytona Dirt Riders are a damn good club and I try to make their race every year, but your ass had better be in good shape if you want it to be a fun race. Like Lawman says, this ain't no 2 hour h/s. See you in Daytona!!

 

[fatherandson]

I raced the Alligator this year for the first time. The best section was the Alligator Survivor section. I had a great time, but they saved the 4 ft whoops section for last - it kicked my butt. We don't get many chances to ride in Michigan in February/March = major blisters on the hands!

I would recommend the trip to Daytona