To Race or Not to Race? And Which is Best?

TeamFrog · Apr 19, 2005

Hey Everyone!

I am beginning my second year back on the bike after several years of being out of the sport. I am considering taking part in some of the D-14 events but I am unsure which way to go. I consider myself an average to good trail rider and I would like to race in either the HS series or the Enduro series (or both) but I don't want to get me (or my bike) all smashed up just to take part in the events.

I have read a lot of the web sites (AMA, D-14, and others) and have read other posts but I still have questions. Here goes:

Are the HS mostly moto or are they mostly trails (1T & 2T)? I've never been on a MX track and to this point, keep my tires on the ground. I've just never really came across much stuff to jump (and therefore, learn how).

I've also seen a lot of highlight reels of HS showing a lot of riders being run over (and their bikes) because they happened to crash in the trail. Are HS more dangerous than Enduro races?

Simply put, I'd like to take part in these events but would rather not die trying. I've got the family to worry about ya know?!

Any guidance on which type of race and any other comments would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks in advance for your responses!

Jeff

fatherandson · Apr 19, 2005

Jeff,

I have ridden both and prefer the enduros. The HS track is combination of MX and wide trails. There will be trees and there will be jumps.
The D14 enduro series has a C class for riders in your situation - not an experienced enduro rider. If you want to observe an enduro, the Family Enduro Series would be an opportunity. These events are run at 12 mph because the main intent is for the kids enjoyment. 12 mph is too slow for an average trail rider - first gear barely above idle.
<advertising voice on> In two weeks there will be an opportunity for you. The Lansing Motorcycle Club will be sponsoring a Family Enduro on Saturday (4/30) and a D14 enduro on Sunday (5/1).<advertising voice off>
If it fits into your schedule, I would recommend that you make a trip to Kalkaska. You can watch the Spring Pine Cone and then participate in the C class at the Arbor Day Enduro.

Mike

Godzuki · Apr 19, 2005

in our club (the battle creek motocross club) we have 2 HS races a year, that are a combo of both our mx in part or whole, and a good woods section, that has both wide and tight sections with hills and other obsactles aswell. i havent been to any other HS tracks so i cant say how they are either. i am also back in my second year of being back on dirt bikes(i was on street bike between the dirt bike years though) and i looked around like you are doing i got on a few tracks and thought to myself yep i have lost what i used to know about jumping hehe. our mx track dosent have alot of the do or die jumps it has more of the table top style were if you dont land on the back side its no big deal you just land on the top. we are having a HS race comming up on may 15th and one in the fall on sept 25th, with moto cross race's through out the year. i know they are on the D14 list of race's i have never rode a enduro my self yet so i cant tell you what those would be like. i hope this info helps you out.

katoom125 · Apr 19, 2005

I have ridden many of both - HS and enduros - my vote too would be enduros to start - plus you could always ask for a late number if you don't want the faster guys trying to pass all the time. Don't worry about time keeping on the the first one, just ride for fun, see how you like it and enjoy the ride.

KTM Mike · Apr 19, 2005

Jeff - I go with the enduro route. I am a slow fart, my race pace is barely a slow trail ride pace for many of these other guys here on MTR, and I do a few races each year just for the fun of it. I enjoy them a great deal actually. You will find the enduro crowd quite helpful and fun to hang with! Just try one on for size, see what you think.

Try the Family series that fatherandson mentioned. Great way to learn timekeeping, but dont think of it as an example of the pace you would ride a full tilt event at.

bbarel · Apr 19, 2005

But beware because there is one Rotten Sucker and Trouble Maker at all the enduros!

70 marlin · Apr 20, 2005

Jeff I've only tried racing HS. I feel a Full blown "Enduro" would be fun. HS would be easier for a first timer. You don't need a street legal bike. And you can have a smaller support team. Plus there are a couple races fairly close to SE mi. Just because there's jumps doesn't mean you have to jump them. My first two HS, I rolled all most every jump, just stay to the right on the jumps. Portland’s was mostly MX with a very small woods section. They cut the big air jumps out or take the lips off the jumps. If you've never rode a MX track you'd have fun on this track. It can be kind of sandy though. Battle Creeks HS is a very fun race, good MX track that hasn’t very many big jumps on it. There woods section is fun and can be tough.

INCA · Apr 20, 2005

Jeff - Forget the race part, just ride to ride again, have a few laughs and enjoy being outdoors. Rotten Sucker Trouble Makers should not be a problem.

Young Ted

525 DSK · Apr 20, 2005

Jeff,
I also vote for enduros, but have only done 1 HS.
looks like you and I live close by. let me know next time your up for a ride, maybe we could hook up and save some gas.
Dave

TeamFrog · Apr 20, 2005

Hey guys,

Thanks for all your comments and suggestions. I'm thinking that by the sound of things, Enduro is the way to go (for me anyway). I'd still like to give the HS a try and maybe, as I figure out what my race pace is, I'll even learn how to get a little air under my tires.

I may even jump right in and try out the Portland Trail Riders HS this weekend while I'm waiting for the necessary parts to arrive to DS my bike so I can try out the Enduros.

I'll try and keep you all posted as to my findings.

Jeff

70 marlin · Apr 21, 2005

HS are a good start to racing, at Portland; it's a very small course. Just pull to the right quickly to let the lap traffic by and hit the jumps on the right side, if you’re not going for big air. That way you won't be in the way of the fast guy's. You'll have a blast!

Smit-Dog · May 2, 2005

Hey TeamFrog...

Commerce Township? I practically live in your backyard... right near Northern High School. What part of Commerce do you live?

TeamFrog · May 4, 2005

Smit-Dog said:
Hey TeamFrog...

Commerce Township? I practically live in your backyard... right near Northern High School. What part of Commerce do you live?

Smit-Dog,

You just might...live in my backyard. I too live right near Northern High School - off Newton. Sometimes I hear dirt bikes warming up in the neighborhood - could be you?!

E-mail is st8rfrog1@hotmail.com

Maybe we can hook up some time - let me know.

Jeff

Smit-Dog · May 4, 2005

So you live near the Newton Road that is just north of Oakley Park and Central High School?

Do you know where Ivory horse farm is, right where Carroll Lake Road dead-ends into Cooley Lake Road? My house backs up to the horse farm.

I ride a 200 EXC, and dabble in a couple of D-14 enduros a year. You should have ridden the Arbor Day enduro in Kalkaska last weekend; it would've been a good one to get your feet wet. I'm also planning on doing the 2-day event in June (Wolverine/Harrison). Think about it and let me know, perhaps we can hook up.

And if it's not too late of a notice, there's Rites of Spring this weekend in Baldwin. Should be good weather and good trails for, ah... "conditioning"!

TeamFrog · May 4, 2005

Smit-Dog,

Yeah, you're right. It's Central High School. Sometimes I forget where I live. According to Rand Mcnally, we're about 3 miles apart. We should try on hook up some time but I'm going to be busy (which unfortunately translates into not riding) for a couple of weeks but I look to start hitting some events in June. Between now and then I need to get "legal", which brings me to my next question:

What kit are you (and any other Michigan plated, KTM owners) using to get legal? I understand that I can order the OEM "Euro" legal kit for my KTM from a dealer out in Kansas but I've also seen the individual parts for sale from EE, not too mention Baja Designs, Electrex and so on. I don't mean too change the subject but I guess I started it so that's OK.

Smit-Dog · May 4, 2005

Hey Frog...

Depends on how "legal" you want to be. ;)

Since I only wanted to be legal enough to get plated for enduro events and the occasional dirt road, this is what I did:

1) Rear brake light switch from EE
2) Hi/Lo switch from Radio Shack
3) Cheap squeaky horn from Walmart
4) Small, flexible mirror from somewhere

It's the minimalist approach, and may not pass inspection depending on who's doing the inspection. And if you'd like to get plated and legal for more dual-sport purposes, you may want to be more thorough in your conversion. Lots of good threads in the MTR forum on making a bike legal. Do a search for more info, then RIDE EVERWHERE! :aj:

To Race or Not to Race? And Which is Best?

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