As its name implies, an enduro is a race of endurance. The objective is to maintain a predetermined time schedule through a marked, but demanding course. The length of an enduro can range from sixty five to one hundred miles. Along the way you’ll encounter everything from tight, handlebar-width trails which test your technical ability, to open trails and two-tracks that allow you to pick up the pace. Since participants are not allowed to pre-ride the course and enduro trails are seldom used twice during an event, you’ll never really know what you might encounter around the next corner. It could be anything from a pucker-inducing uphill to a creek crossing.

Incorporating sections called “special tests”, enduros challenge riders to stay BOTH on course and on time. Special test sections are generally in very tight and technical areas with higher than average speeds. They are designed to test your ability to ride a demanding trail quickly while monitoring your time-keeping so you arrive at the next checkpoint at the right time, neither early nor late. Checkpoints at the beginning and end of each special test record your performance. Points are added to each rider’s scorecard for arriving at a checkpoint either early or late. At the end of the event, the points on each rider’s scorecard are totaled and the rider with the fewest penalty points wins his class.

Classes divide riders by their ability, age and size of motorcycle. In this way, a 20 year old novice 250cc rider and 40 year old expert can each count on competing with riders of similar ability. And don’t forget there’s a class for ladies as well.

At this point we could continue with discussions of other aspects of enduro racing like bike set-up and timekeeping strategies. For details about entering an event, see the faq from District 36. For good info to the details of enduros, check out the links below.

CERA would simply like to invite you to one of our events to experience the fun and excitement for yourself. We would like to have you and your friends there!