[Closed] Enduro - Tell me more please.

depends on the event.

some its practice and a seeding run on the sat, race on sun
some there are no seeding runs
some are practice in the morning, race in the afternoon

Anywhere I can get dates/location for upcoming events ?

[url= http://www.enduro1.co.uk/ ]Southern Enduro series[/url]. I'm always tempted to try one!

Seasons near enough over this year, I think there is one Enduro1 race left at Triscombe in a few weeks, there might be some up north still too though.

Have a look on rootsandrain for a calender.

Generally, even with the smaller regional stuff, you might have a stage that's as easy as a red at BPW, most are more technical, steeper, harder etc.

http://www.enduro1.co.uk/index.php

HobNob, I assume you mean these guys above...

I've lobbed them an email for now to see if the events are still running etc.

Njee, thanks....

What colour is your riding kit?? They might not let you enter..

I have HOPE team green shorts and a Les Gets jersey, they may even pay me to enter I'm THAT cool.

There are some at QECP too, although don't appear to be any left this year. Scottfitz of this parish organises them IIRC, there's also the Gravity Project Honey Series or something, which are like mini enduros, think they do some in this general neck of the woods.

The Gravity Project run the little grassroots DH races, not Enduro stuff, the QECP lot do their own Enduro races, although they have finished for this year. To confuse things the Gravity Project lot have run some DH races at QE though, in conjunction with the QECP bunch.

Yes that's the lot, they have a Facebook page where the info is on, the race as far as I'm aware is on still in about 3/4 weeks time?

Never having ridden over in the Quantocks I don't know if this race would be at my level of ability or whether I'd just be setting myself up for something way out of my abilty to even get down !

I did my first enduro at Grizedale in May. Didn't know what to expect, didn't do any 'training', just turned up as if I was going to have a normal ride. Loved every bit of it. Really quite technical in places mixed in with some normal trail centre type stuff.

Things I learnt:
- keep pedalling. Pedal through every stage like a lunatic. Don't get to a fire-road, sit down and pootle. Fkn mash the pedals like a loony. Don't rest.
- don't get to a section that looks super techy, stop and have a think. You're in a race. Keep pedalling.
- practise every stage even if you think you know what its like. See above. Its not always what it seems.
- wear bright clothes and buy yellow wheels. It makes you faster. This is a scientifically proven fact.

Gisburn round on Sunday which looks like the weather is going to be good for and then the final round in a few weeks time at Lee Quarry/Cock Hill.
Already looking forward to next year and getting a full series in (along with giving me time to buy some brighter clothes/wheels to make me faster).

It Depends- one of the best, and worst things is that enduro's really flexible but that also means you don't always know what you're going to get.

Most commonly ime it's a race day without quali or seeding, and optional (but pretty essential) practice the day before, unless it's a specific no practice race) Basically the innerleithen mtb racing format, well proven and pretty widely adapted.

Some events seed in various ways- sometimes random, sometimes by a seeding stage. (I don't rate either tbh)

or whether I'd just be setting myself up for something way out of my abilty to even get down

This is my concern!

The Gravity Project run the little grassroots DH races, not Enduro stuff

Ah yes, you're right now I think, I'm getting confusled as they both use QECP.

Looking on Youtube at the vids from what I assume is a previous round, it all like pretty viable. Even more so for you. It looks like a slightly trickier Gorrick.

http://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=quantocks+enduro

If you fancy it mate, let me know and we can meet up and chat there etc. I'm pretty sure i'll enter now 🙂

I can't do that one sadly, definitely up for giving one a go though! Would need to procure a more appropriate bike, not sure my 19lb carbon hardtail would be the ideal tool!

I'm lucky that I have the appropriate bike... it's the 19lb Carbon HT I'm missing 🙂

Swap!?

You're more than welcome to borrow it for an event such as this mate. Obviously assuming we're not both doing it.

Thought you were swapping your commencal for a solaris? Have you had a change of heart?

pete68 - Member

Thought you were swapping your commencal for a solaris? Have you had a change of heart?

Yes Pete, after riding it at BPW I decided I can't get rid and need to keep. Plan longer term is a Solaris/FF29 etc once we move house and get a garage, but currently the Commencal is staying.

Cheers for the offer mate, I should be able to procure a Spesh Stumpjumper or Enduro or something with a bit of notice, so shouldn't be too much of an issue!

End of October there is the RedKite enduro rd 3 up in Mid Wales.
http://redkite-events.co.uk/event.php?id=20

2 day event - although there is an option of just the Sunday.
UKGE events have finished now, but from the 2 rounds I did this year, they are certainly more technical and far longer than the smaller events I have done. Transitions are tighter too.

Only 2 QECP Enduros this year and I expect the same next year. Be really quick to sign up though, they sell out in a matter of days!

Weeksy,

I've also contemplated the Quantocks one but can't afford to enter it. I am entered into the red kite one though with 2 friends. None of us have raced before.

If for whatever reason you don't end up going to the Quantocks come along to the red-kite one and be clueless with us!

Email in profile 🙂

Red Kite one has free beer and pasta party 😛

enduro1 events are a good starter, still one left this year

i think theyve sorted earlier issues, 1 day race no practice?
http://www.enduro1.co.uk/shop/

minienduro has one race left in november 1 day eventbut you can practice onthe day and i think camp over and practise the day b4 too
https://www.britishcycling.org.uk/events/details/108508/One-Industries-Mini-Enduro---Forest-of-Dean-November-2014#entry

That's my birthday weekend. Not sure if that's a good thing or bad. Ha ha.

Forest of Dean one may work better.

Thanks again.

i think theyve sorted earlier issues, 1 day race no practice?
http://www.enduro1.co.uk/shop/

Yep but there was lots of grumbling at the last one as the course was taped on the Friday.

Grogley was pretty steep in places but nothing too stupid. Quantocks round should be fun but there's plenty of steep, techy rooty stuff that'll be a challenge if it's wet.

I'm trying to get a team entry together but it's like herding cats at the moment.

Oh. I seem to have entered the one here.

http://www.enduro1.co.uk/race4-2014.php

Question time then guys...

It states if I get to a 'special stage' section later there are penalties and rules for overtaking etc. But what happens if I get to them early ? Am I then just held there till my scheduled release ?

It states you have a set time to reach the stage, what's the usual sort of pacing to get to the next Special stage ? Do I have to ride like a loony, or a gentle generic XC bimble do it ?

I'm sure all of this makes LOTS of sense when you're there.. but jumping in feet first it's all a smidgen confusing.

You just have to wait for your start, transition times vary from race to race, but a steady xc pace is usually enough but that's all relative I suppose

So, getting in between stages, is there any point overtaking the rider in-front then ? I'm assuming not really. Esepcially if they've done it before and have a good idea on transition times/speeds.

Pace was fairly easy on the last round of enduro1. If you get there early you get to have a sit down, chill out and get ready for your run.

JAm,

What were the runs like in technicality and length ?

Anywhere from 2mins, steep DH runs to 7min pedal-fests.

Quantocks should be fun.

[s]Oreoaeaneaeannaaeena[/s] Andy has just postedd a photo on facebook of a fat bike at this weekend's round of the SW series.

In my limited experience It differs from DH racing in that the track can be ridden on any bike. A 5"-6" travel full susser will excel though.

Always struck me as being like car rallying. Get to the start in time (but no rush) and then race the fun bit. Very sociable, very good format. I think it is around to stay, on the weekend warrior scene.

Generally the saturday is practice, the sunday is the timed day (i think!)

well there is two EWS rounds in the UK next year, may be worth a try.

Did Gisburn PMBA today first stage was quite pedally.

How was the event overall?

I'm not scared of a pedal. Its the tech stuff that worries me more

It can all be ridden as long as you are competant. There are no large jumps and drops to deal with. It is not DH racing so it is probably less technical.

Just enter one. You'll be fine. Plenty of differing abilities as well.

i saw something online suggesting the triscombe round of enduro1 will be held on existing trails so everything should hold up pretty well even if the weather does break. When I lived up there and rode the quantocks regularly I never bothered with mud tyres even in the worst of conditions.

do a search for triscombe DH on youtube and you'll get a flavour of what to expect.

Just enter one. You'll be fine. Plenty of differing abilities as well.

I already have matey, this one... I'm entered on it in a few weeks time 🙂

Just trying to gauge what to expect really.

Will be a weird event in some ways as this is the sort of thing I'd usually do with mates, however this time i'll be on my own.

Weeksy- Some info for you about the Enduro held at QECP.

[url= http://enduro-mtb.com/en/race-report-qecp-day-night-enduro/ ]QECP Day & Night enduro 2014 - Race Report[/url]

[url= http://enduro-mtb.com/en/video-qecp-trail-collective-summer-classic-enduro-2014/ ]QECP Trail Collective enduro 2014 - Vid[/url]

[url= http://enduro-mtb.com/en/race-report-grass-roots-racing-queen-elizabeth-country-park/ ]QECP Traill Collective enduro 2014 - Race report[/url]

For 2015 We will have the same 2 races but with some new stages, Day & Night in May and QECP trail collective endure in July. But as Superfli said expect them to sell out fast.

On another note I would highly recommend the Mini Enduro at FoD

Thanks buddy.

Lets see if I survive the first one and how it rates for me personally first before I go in jumping in booking another

They're (Lets be honest here) quite expensive proportionally compared to say XC racing... so for me to do more they're going to have to be pretty damn good fun 🙂

Scottfitz,

that looks bloody ACE mate.

They're (Lets be honest here) quite expensive proportionally compared to say XC racing... so for me to do more they're going to have to be pretty damn good fun

Does look fun. Not as full on as I expected it to be, which for me would be a plus point. I'm looking forward to seeing weeksys report in a few weeks time. Maybe something to have a crack at in the future.

The X-fusion races are pretty hard in the way that there is no practice and the trail is ridden blind. I raced in the opener at FOD and had a blast despite managing to have a substantial off on each stage. Don't get too hung up on the transitions as they aren't too tough and provide a good place to chat to other riders. my group were getting in 10-15 mins early before our start times, even if we had to push up a few climbs. As was posted earlier - pedalling is your friend, looking at the times I could have gained half a dozen places if I'd picked up a few second on each stage.
I'm tempted to race the final mini enduro at FOD in November if its not been too wet. That many riders over the trails means if you get a low start number its a bit of a mud fest late in the day.
Give it a go - The worst case scenario is that it makes you realise you need another bike to race on...:-)

I think I have the ideal bike in many ways.. I can't think of anything more suited

I'll be happy to just not finish last at the moment.

weeksy you sound like me. I like the pedally bit 😀 and it enables me to stay in touch with the more technical types.

I've done two this year now, Eastridge which I found very tough just to stay on the course due to the rooty stuff and Gisburn on Sunday, which had bigger drops and stuff but was far more suited to what I am used to riding.

In retrospect Eastridge was seeded and felt a bit more serious, although the guys I raced with were good blokes, just not the ones I was used to riding with. Gisburn was more relaxed as you rode with your mates, no matter the category and I preferred that.

I am indeed happy that I didn't finish last... yet!

They're (Lets be honest here) quite expensive proportionally compared to say XC racing... so for me to do more they're going to have to be pretty damn good fun

P.S QECP ones are £35

So more expensive than a National XC race, even at Elite level, which is basically what Weeksy said! 😉

Anyone else entering enduro1 event then?

I am, with a mate. We've both done 2 Enduro1's this year plus QECP's last event & thoroughly enjoyed them all. I would say that each one has pushed me a little out of my comfort zone but that has ensured that I've come away feeling like I've really achieved something & with a massive smile on my face. You're gonna love it.

Shout if you fancy someone to chat to mate, save me being all alone.

Weeksy, what category are you in? We're both in Sport Vets.

Competitive masters here. Did the sport masters cat at grogley, got 7th in sport and third in masters so think is better move up to the big boys category.

thinking of entering sport class, would by my first enduro. I have ridden the Greatwood a few times including on the uplift and really enjoy the tracks in them woods, will be a bit different prospect at race pace though!

I'm not going to make the enduro1 race. I have a local DH race on the same day at rogate 🙂 looking forward to that one.

Point to note. Sport class goes off last. Apparently at the last triscombe rd they ran some newish tracks that were utterly destroyed by the time the later riders came through.

Grogley we were pretty much in the last ten out of 150 riders but it had rained early and everything was drying out nicely.

That's just racing, sometimes going last will be advantageous, sometimes it'll be a handicap!

Simwit - Member

Weeksy, what category are you in? We're both in Sport Vets

Same as you mate yeah.

first, last, doesn't really matter. You're only racing the people in your class arguably, so they've got roughly the same conditions as you anyway.

For me it's more about experiencing the event, seeing how it all works, making mistakes having the wrong kit, the wrong plan, etc. Learning from them, learning a few bike skills, but primarily, having a day out of fun.

Simwit - Member

Weeksy, what category are you in? We're both in Sport Vets

Same as you mate yeah.

first, last, doesn't really matter. You're only racing the people in your class arguably, so they've got roughly the same conditions as you anyway.

For me it's more about experiencing the event, seeing how it all works, making mistakes having the wrong kit, the wrong plan, etc. Learning from them, learning a few bike skills, but primarily, having a day out of fun.

BTW, full face or XC lids ?

I've only got an open face xc helmet so it'll be that

Yeah but would you run an FF if you had one ?

From the rounds I've done so far I wouldn't but there's a fair few who do so it's really what you'd feel safer/more comfortable in.

I'll probably go with the FF for my first event. Despite the fact it/I will get sweaty, I could do with the extra bit of protection maybe 🙂

Throw me a mail if you fancy a bit of company on the day, i'll buy you boys a coffee 🙂

Formats vary but generally consist of:

1) riding at a sensible pace chatting with your mates between the stages
2) riding (mostly downhill) stages like your pants are on fire

My top tip is to try not to break your bike by pushing too hard doing 2) because a major mechanical ruins your day. And to finish first, you first have to finish!

Insurance lads ?

Nice to hear some good things about the PMBA series. The final is in 2 weeks, October 4th/5th at Lee Quarry - the venue made famous by the Singletrack weekender - as well as Cock Hill near Todmorden. There are 2 courses, a 3-stage and a 5-stage enduro, both with plenty of gravity.

Press release:

The PMBA enduro series is a grass roots gravity series based in NW England and SW Scotland. This first year has been amazing with over 300 riders attending most rounds. The 1-day races in the forests of Gisburn, Grizedale and Kirroughtree have been great fun as well as highly acclaimed and now its time for the Grand Finale.

The 2 day race based at Lee Quarry and Cock Hill is being held over the weekend of 4/5th October. Free parking and camping is available for competitors and spectators. Saturday will see the majority of riders practice the 5 timed downhill stages before Sunday's 20 mile course. With no seeding runs riders pick a start time and ride round with their mates keeping the event relaxed.

The racing starts with a timed stage in Lee Quarry before heading off over the moors passing near Facit on the way to Cock Hill woods nestled above Portsmouth. Stage 2 is hidden somewhere on this journey, stages 3 and 4 are then raced in quick succession at the popular downhill trail center. The final leg takes them back to Lee Quarry and up to the 5th and final stage.

There is a lot up for grabs, not a single category i decided a handful of riders can win each and every category and get one of the 6 £1000 Empire MX-6 Evo frame sets. With more prizes from KS and Hope Technology. Its not just the winners that win big, a lucky racer will win a weeks holiday with Ride Slovenia for themselves and a friend.

Enter here - https://www.sientries.co.uk/event.php?event_id=1341

For those not competing for the series overall a 1-day, 3 stage option is also offered. With practice Sunday morning and racing Sunday afternoon the compact format is the same as the previous 4 rounds. You will do stages 1,2 & 5 of the main event, and there wont do the 2 stages at Cockhill. The lap will be around 10 miles categories will depend on the takeup but we can promise as much fun as you have become accustomed too in the series.

This event will not count towards the series overall points but will count for your inclusion into the raffle for the weeks holiday with Ride Slovenia as long as you have done 3 of the first 4 rounds.

We are also offering a Saturday only event, if you want to just ride the 5 stages without being timed. Please be aware you cannot ride stages 2,3&4 or some of the transitions other than at this event as we are using private land. Many thanks to Cowm Leisure, AG Aggregates, the Lord of the Manor of Bacup, Bacup Council, Lancashire County Council and Dirt Trax Limited for the kind use of the land without which the event would not have been possible.

As always PMBA's resident photographer Nick Moor will be out and about taking your photograph, many of which will be uploaded to our Facebook page as a free copy.

Can we also take the opportunity to to thank our sponsors:
Ride-On for sponsoring the final round
Empire cycles - who will be giving 6 MX-6 Evo frames to the 6 category winners
Hope Technology
Singletrack
KS Dropper Seatposts
Ride Slovenia

Kev
PMBA Events and Communications

just entered the quantocks enduro1. here's hoping the weather holds for another week or so.

hopefully going up this saturday for a little reminder of what to expect.

You have ? Nice one mate.

I'm still going on my own for my baptism of fire, never having done an Enduro and never having done the Quantocks too. LOL.

Happily, my fitness is pretty decent at the moment, so on that side of things I should be ok... my skills... open to debate 🙂

Looking more likely the weathers going to break. Hope you like wet roots...

As stated mate, this one for me is just to experience the day, the event, how it all works etc. I like wet roots as much/little as the next man I guess.. 🙂

Start timings are up. Lucky no 88 for me...

http://www.enduro1.co.uk/race4-2014.php

Thanks mate.

The event may be a problem for me now. I'll update the thread closer to the time.