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Just got an email from the organisers, am I reading this right?
It seems to imply that the full course (7 and something miles) will be ridden in one loop/lap and that riders will set off in groups of ten approx 5 mins apart.
Is it me or does this just seem like a ride around the woods...in groups....using the in-vogue term of 'Enduro' to get people to enter?
It worked, I entered thinking this would be timed stages, you know, like an Enduro race....but it seems to be an XC loop instead.
Anybody want my entry?
There's 3 timed stages, but you will set off in groups and ride the full loop, like all enduro's 🙂
I've never ridden timed stages on an Enduro in groups, that can't be right surely?
The email is poorly worded, is it instructions on transitioning instead?
It seems to imply that the full course (7 and something miles) will be ridden in one loop/lap and that riders will set off in groups of ten approx 5 mins apart.
Thats how Enduro works. With a load of timed stages en-route. Or would you prefer it if x hundred riders all charged off together at the start and were then stood queuing at the first stage?
You're failing to understand.
Small groups of riders set off a set intervals from the start so as per my post above, you don't have a load of riders all hitting the start of the first timed section together. Spreads everyone out a bit. The timed stages are where you set off on your own 30 seconds apart or whatever. I wouldn't worry - I've raced two of the PMBA enduros this year and they're extremely well organised.
No, they usually just set you off in groups so there isn't a huge queue once you get to the stage start line.
Double post..
Ah good, thought it sounded weird. The last Enduros I did were the UKGE ones a few years ago and it was a free for all getting to the stage starts.
Yep, did the PMBA Enduro series this year and had similar concerns when the (lack of) information turned up with just a few days to go until the event. Turns out the events are well organised and fun - I'll be back next year. But yes, the 'information pack' isn't easy to read through and is pretty ambiguous in places. Also, keep an eye on the facebook posts as quite often important information turns up there...or even just in the comments! It's just how it is! Mike and Kev (plus others) are great guys and put on great events. Turn up, race and then enjoy the atmosphere...not much else to worry about in my experience.
I think the lack of categories has lead to it being organised like that. Certainly in the enduuros I've done, as you pre-select your category (and your ranking within that e.g. 1 > 5) you get pre-determined start times which you then just make your way upto the first stage to hit.
I think its similar in UKGE but you are seeded for those instead of ranking yourself?
Anyway, whether they sort everyone out on Sat and then just send you off in groups according to your category remains to be seen. I think it'll work fine for the race but I'm yet to be convinced it will work for practice.
Its interesting that practice is mandatory though.
Stage 1 looks pedally.
Stage 2 is ruddy awesome.
Stage 3, if its the second new section + the final descent should sort out the men from the boys!
i was planning on riding there this sunday as part of a weekend tour around wales, sounds like its best to give this a miss?
Race is Saturday only so you should be fine.
Probably just a few hungover reprobates loitering about though!
Anyway, whether they sort everyone out on Sat and then just send you off in groups according to your category remains to be seen.
I assume it'll be run in the same way as the other PMBA races in that you choose what time you set off. That way its easy to go around with a group of mates etc.
Ah right, thanks.
Going across with a mate so if anyone fancies trying to somehow coordinate a STW group of 10 to set off at the same time that could be attempted...!
double post.
I'm not going but like others have said, I imagine it will be run like other rounds - you just stick your number down against a start time when you pick up your timing chip. First come first served though so if there is a big group of you, you risk getting split up.....but, it's only your set off time, nothing to do with your time that you start any of the stages. There's nothing to stop to setting off slowly and waiting for riders in a later group to catch you up or riding flat out to catch your mates who started earlier. It's simply to try an stop a long shivering queue at stage 1 and has generally worked ok at previous rounds.