[Closed] 2019 Enduro Racing Thread

Fitness for me at the moment, was a very disjointed year what with moving back and all the expense of that. Planning to do a January calendar check and start booking things in for 2019.

Wish I could be heading back to EWS Derby again as I'm sure the weather will be perfect this year.

Still fancy doing a race on the continent again for some sunshine and a different vibe.

As for improvement the people I know who have had the most success have been excellent across everything but I'd say not being hanging by the time you hit the back end of the course is a major advantage!! So some good fitness work, enjoying the gravel commute at the moment 🙂

Yeah im in

With a bit of luck I will be watching again. Doing my one token race at the weekend before I have my foot operated on again next week so will be off the bike for a while. Need to keep my fitness up so that I can ride in places I wouldnt normally ride.

On a mum point of view I hope next year that we dont have to get through as many injuries as we have this year. I cant think of a race that we have gone into without one or come away unscathed.

From a spectator view point more and more riders are being injured which is never good for the sport or the individual and their families

Next years calendar is filling up quickly

I need to ride my mountain bike more. I spent 6 months of this year without one, then when my new bike turned up, so did a baby.

I'm probably the fittest i've ever been but not carrying any speed at all through corners so i'm still dying at the end of a stage. Riding round Marple means that I'm fine smashing through a rock garden at warp 10 but corners, yeah, not so much.  I actually came to a stand still a couple of times at the weekend for absolutely no good reason.

I'm just glad to make it through this season without actually smashing myself to bits. Which is the first time in 3 years. That said, I still have some physical and mental hangups from the above injuries, which have meant I've spent most of the year riding like an idiot.

I can't complain too much though, I managed to come second overall in the Southern Enduro series, I won a few races, I podiumed a few others, and had plenty of top tens. I managed to make it out to an EWS (Finale) and despite a total race day balls up of punctures and crashes, I survived and could take some positives that I should have been around the 50% mark in my category, which given the above, I'd happily have taken.

This winter I'm not doing any specific training. Over the past few years I've tried to get into the turbo & zwift etc, but it boxes me to tears. I'd rather be fatter and less fit than put myself through it. So I'll focus on the gym & keep up with the functional fitness stuff, carry on playing squash all winter and ride my bike as much as I can over the weekends, probably head to toe in waterproofs.

Next year I probably won't bother with the whole Southern Enduro series, what makes them good is annoying me a bit with them now, being only a day means little loops and short stages. I want to do some bigger races again.

So, a select few of them, some nationals pending locations, the Southern Champs as that was great, and hopefully a couple of EWS's if I can get entries.

My main goal is to get back the lost bit of speed which is mostly in my head but will be facilitated by going to the gym and getting fitter and stronger.

I've got a couple of races left this year, one DH race (my only one this season, which isn't good, need a local series again!) And the last round of the WGES in Cwmcarn.

I'm definitely racing again this year. I was a solid mid pack in my age category at the UKGE, and top 20 at the ard moor and southern enduro champs.

I've been recovering fitness and confidence after bad injuries and illness last year. I really struggled with the first few races, but the last few went better, I rode ok, and the results showed that. Ii'm hoping for top 20s in the masters category of the new national series next year.

Fitness is definitely a factor, i've got some good results on individual stages, but always slow down at the end of the day. one race i was 6th on the sesond stage, by the end i was back in 24t. I do best when the tracks are steeper, and techier. I just got a new bike as well, which according to STRAAVAA! and how i feel, i'm alot quicker on.

TImes are so tight at the nationals that every second counts, so hopefully ill do better with the new bike and gym work this winter.  im gutted the last 2 rounds of the UKGE were cancelled as those races were just excellent.

I'm entered into the Welsh gravity enduro at cwm carn in a few weeks, i'm looking forward to trying the Mash up format.

I'm very much hoping to be in. I missed most of this year and the second half of last year due to injury. Back is getting stronger and healing very slowly. Hoping for a full PMBA season, some XC, and then whatever other events I can get in such as Ard Rock/Moors/Scottish/Welsh Enduro.

I really need to start on my fitness soon, that's really lacking. Mid pack rider hoping to make the top 30%.

Oh and for added novelty for me I go from the oldest in Masters to youngest in Vets!

How does one get into Enduro?  Can someone point me in the right direction please?

https://www.rootsandrain.com/event-calendar/filters/2018,gb,en/

This covers most of the 2018 events, best bet is probably look for something local, check the requirements for helmet etc. and sign up

Thanks Mike, appreciate that link.

Am I right in thinking you can just pick & choose which ones you want to enter then?  Is it that simple, or am I just being a bit thick?

Apologies in advance...

Yep, pick what you want, probably shout out what area you are looking at and people will be able to give you some more specific advice, I've been out of touch having been on the other side of the world for a bit

@ready This maybe a better site to look at events / races: https://www.moredirt.com/events/gravity-enduro

So, say you want to enter the Southern Enduro QECP Mash-Up 2018 listed here:  https://www.moredirt.com/event/3106 click on the organisations website link and they will give you a link either on their own website or third party to purchase a ticket. You get confirmation, and nearer the time they will email you details about the race, start times, practice, recommendations on protection etc.

Always good to like the organisations Facebook account as well for updates.

I'm not going to be able to commit to races months in advance like in the past due to some changes at home, so the big events like BEMBA National Champs/Tweedlove etc might be out for me unfortunately.  Intended on doing the full WGES this year but missed a couple of races so hopefully will do it all next year along with last minute entries to Southern Champs and possibly whatever BEMBA set up as a national series.

It'll be my last year in Masters and I'm generally top 30-35% but increasingly just focusing on having fun rather than trying to break into the top end - proper, regular training isn't quite for me I've discovered but I'll do a bit to keep my fitness ticking over now I'm no longer riding to work every day!

Close to buying a new bike - although the sensible part of me says there's no point if I'm not racing as much.  SHUT UP BRAIN!!

Did a couple this year and hoping to do more next year - leaning towards the WES as a possible series...

Very definitely at the back of the pack but as I said on the other thread it’s already inspired me to give up fags and up my training - so will be watching closely for tips and inspiration!

I fancy competing a bit more next year too.
Anyone have any experience in the Hardtail category? Is it as serious?

Managed a massive one race this year, Mini Enduro at FoD, which didn't go great but I enjoyed it. Having lots of other stuff and being over a 2 hour drive away from pretty much everything got in the way.

Hoping to do 2 or 3 races in 2019 but no doubt things will get in the way again.

Hoping to do a few more races in 2019. I entered Boltby Bash this year which was amazing, so I'd like to do that again. I'm also keen on Naughty Northumbrian (did it last year but missed this year), and a few others when I can. The PMBA's at Grizedale, Graythwaite and Lee / Havok could be good too.

I'm in (hopefully!) after a couple of years of no racing.

Fitness should be fine but i need to get my head to let me use the extra 5% i know is there but only comes out on certain occasions.

Might need to temper expectations of past top 10's though as im in the top end of Masters and all the fast boys around here have just turned 30!

After dabbling this year, I hope to enter and complete the Southern Enduro Series in 2019. Maybe do the Southern Enduro Champs or The Ex, and Ardrock if I can find the time.

I have no delusions of doing anything other than 'making up the numbers'/'bringing up the rear', but I'll have fun regardless!

I entered my first few enduro's this year, a couple of Pedalhounds ones and the swinduro. All very chilled and  good fun. Nothing too serious for me, usually mid-table in the Vets category. Will do more of the same next year and hope to do a couple of the Southern Enduro rounds as QECP/HeadDown & Millford are close to me. Need to grow some bigger balls and up the fitness though.

Millford - I meant Milland!

I'm planning to have a crack at few low key events like some of the local NDH races. No aim other than to finish alive and hopefully not last.

I dunno, seems as Enduro has grown, my interest (in taking part) has dwindled. realised id sooner just take the day ive alotted for racing and go ride a mountain or something else instead. paying to ride trail centres (but with added queues)  basically killed my enthusiasm.  that and that crushing feeling when you think you have ridden really well but your times tell you otherwise!! was not fun for me. The Mega 2016 was my last race, which turned out to basically be an inconvenience in an otherwise awesome week riding Alp D’huez…

However I have been tempted again a few times this year, Tweed looked amazing! so I might dip a toe in again next season….

Family commitments meant 2018 was the least racing I've done for several years.

I'm not sure 2019 will be much easier, have to agree that short loop races don't really do it for me, even though the format might be family friendlier.

With the demise of ukge it's tougher to find those big races, but I'll try for at least one tweedlove, southern champs again, WES races are good, Dyfi this year was excellent, maybe WGES, but mash up doesn't suit me.

Would love to get back to thetslps for a race, but not sure how likely that is.

Training this year has been tough, need to do longer rides, as well as some strength training, this year has been poor for that.

if, as an expat in Sweden, one was to travel to the UK to do an enduro , what would you guys recommend?  something fun but on really good trails. so like scotland or the north methinks.

Same questions for a DH race or event.

Depends on your idea of fun trails.

Same questions for a DH race or event.

For a chilled fun race have a look at a summer pearce race.

Isle of Man 2 day is the only definite for me so far. 10 natural, techy stages and total race time is normally 30 mins for the winner. Highly recommended for anyone wanting to try somewhere different.

I'll try for Ard Rock again, and wouldn't mind giving Ard Moors or Tweedlove a go.

Interested to have a go at something in France, has anyone got any experience of doing these (looking at something more 'normal' than the Mega or EWS)?

@simon  ok. technical trails, natural, not bike parky or trail centrey

Did my first couple of races this summer and really enjoyed it, looking to do a few more next year.

Did a French national series race in Val d'Isere (EWS Qualifier level) and a one-off regional one in Les Sept Laux (which was actually more tech!). Really loved the trails at Sept Laux.

Managed to come top-third in Masters in both, top-10 in one, which I was happy enough with, especially having made a few mistakes.

Hopefully the French cup will be back in Val d'Isere and there should be an Italian cup at La Thuile, so keen to do both of those, plus the Sept Laux race at the end of the season again. Beyond that, will be looking out for anything happening in the Spring or Autumn when I'm not working/guiding all the time.

Spoke to a few folk this summer who were keen to turn the Val d'Isere or La Thuile events into a holiday + race package, so might try to make that happen for people as well.

@howyoursdad I would say Tweedlove. Lots of good events but thats the only one where you get the off event riding, town setting (so very convenient) & atmosphere all come together with a bloody brilliant race too.

Hob Nob

I’ve got a couple of races left this year, one DH race (my only one this season, which isn’t good, need a local series again!)

Rogate??

Didn't race as much as I'd have liked this year as my main two riding/racing buddies struggled for time and finance.

I did Vallelujah, The Dunkeld Enduro (the local one, not SES), the practice for King And Queen Of The Hill  - I tweaked my neck (fairly innocuously at the time as I finished practise) awkwardly saving a wash-out on one of the trails and woke up on race day unable to move my neck (raging!!) and the Drumtochty Local Enduro at the weekend past.

For next year, I fancy some of the SES if I can get my mates in for them, I feel with them being tougher and longer I need the moral support. But I think I like the smaller, more intimate races, so might try Dunkeld, Ballo, Pitfichie and maybe some of the Tweedlove ones for the additional craic. All at the discretion of my mates and wife and son - not necessarily in that order....

I had my best set of results this year. Not sure if it’s because it’s year two of being one of the youngest in the vets category, clipping in for racing, decent fitness, I’m just generally getting faster or a combination of all of the above.

I’ll try more gym work, spin classes and running to tide me over through the winter and do lots of local steep and muddy stuff for skillz once or twice a week. I struggle to get long rides in and decent mileage with family, work commitments and my other hobby. This is generally my downfall as I'm usually hingin' for the last couple of stages of the longer races.

This year was the least amount of gravity racing I have done since 2011. A high light was definitely going to Greece for a round of the Greek National Enduro Series.

View this post on Instagram

Hopefully I will get to a couple more race in 2019.

If all goes to plan Southern Enduro should have some new venues and projects in 2019 too.

QECP mashup is my next race. Any help on how to deal with the no practise but repeat as many times as possible format?

I am doing my first event there too. I have read the format too but how does it actually work ? Do they give you a map of where the 3 dh timed bits are ? Do you have to do particular stages between them ? (presumably uphill). Are the uphill sections timed. I researched this but the info for absolute enduro racing beginners is scarce...thx for any pointers and sorry for being candid

The race area is one hillside, so basically the smae climb to get to all the stages, no need for a map (can they go from the very top this year now the felling is done Scott?).

Signs direct you to the stage starts, uphills not timed but you have a limited time to complete the entire event - not an issue to complete the bare minimum required runs even if pushing up.

Thank you. Done a know what the DH timed sections will be in advance ? I am going there on Sunday so would like to recce.

Scott likes to keep people on their toes, tracks are always changing!

Fair enough thanks

The stages will all be from the top, well top of the Fireroad.

Stages will be available for walking in the morning before practice.

No map but the race is in the headdown woodland not the main country park.

2 enduros this year, dates and venues for Scottish and PMBA should be out soon. Will try 2/3 next year.

I’ll aim to keep my fitness at a decent level but downhill skills and speed need some work.

Has anyone head anymore about the new national series for next year? Have they got a new Facebook page etc yet?

No, not seen or heard anything yet 🤔

Planning is well under way for the BEMBA National Series, Mid November for Dates, Venues etc...

Well, finished off my 2018 season yesterday with the Welsh Enduro at CYB.  Can’t wait for next year!

<div class="bbp-reply-author">scottfitz
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Planning is well under way for the BEMBA National Series, Mid November for Dates, Venues etc…

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Whoop! 😁

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PMBA Enduro dates are out with a hint that one event may be part of the National Series and an EWS qualifier.

Tweedlove dates are out:

Vallejuah - March 23/24 (am considering this one)

Big Weekend? - 8/9 June

King & Queen of the Hill - 17/18 August

Tweedlove dates are out so we now know two of the National Series events and venues

I'm also thinking of the QECP Enduro event on the 11th, I've never even seen an Enduro event let alone raced one. I bought a new Fuel Ex 29er last year and have really being enjoying my mountain biking again. I have a couple of questions about this specific event.

Do I need body armour? What about a full face helmet?

Are glasses OK or should I wear goggles?

I have knee / arm pads and a helmet with a clip on chin guard, no goggles though.

Check the entry, but you possibly need knee pads. Open face helmet is fine.

Glasses or goggles, or nothing, up to you.

@El Vino

Any helmet is fine but for your first race stick the chin bar on for a bit of extra confidence.

Gloves, knee pads, elbow pads and glasses is what I would wear. I have goggles and very rarely race in them.

Signed up for the QECP Enduro on the 11th with a friend haven't done anything like this before but should be a good laugh, the last two posts have helped cheers.

Might make my long-awaited (by nobody) enduro comeback next year, thinking about PMBA Kirroughtree. Anyone who's raced it care to comment?

done kirroughtree for the last 3 years, always been a good fun event. not the most elevation or miles but mostly good stages.

makes a good weekend doing a bit of practicing on the saturday, into town for some food and a few beers then practice and race sunday.

Southern QECP mashup this weekend

Its currently pissing it down, and more to come on friday.

Recalling my last wet QECP where I couldn't ride an off camber traverse due to back wheel slipping down, I'm thinking a tyre change is in order. Shorty front Minion rear?

For El Vino - I'll be wearing a fox proframe, soft knee and elbow pads (none of which are compulsory, I'm a mid to lower pack mincer). Probably no goggles.

If I was doing it, I would probably run something grippy on the front, it's going to be slip & slide day out there.

Just noticed there is another Mini Enduro @ BPW at the start of next month. Will probably end up doing that as a last race for the year 🙂

QECO mashup for me too this weekend. Minion DHF front aggressor rear not sure i'm going to be pointing forward much, it's gonna be a muddy one.

Doing my first Enduro at QECP this weekend too. Still no idea how the format works. I know about the 3 stages that you do as many times as you want but donyou just turn up at the start ofnthe stages of is there a start from the Race village? Any pointers would be great please.

EWS info out for entries next year:  http://www.enduroworldseries.com/how-to-enter/

So it looks like us mere mortals are no longer allowed into the 'main event' - I didn't bother with a membership for the last couple of years as I was only planning on doing the odd one & managed to get in via a lottery. Need to be ranked now to race, which is fair enough, given it's the highest level, i'm amazed they have let the people they do over the past few years, with the increase in standard of riding & how much tougher they have become.

Looks like the EWS100 replaces they lottery, racing the same as the main event, but a little more relaxed on the rules & the EWS80 replaces the challenger events. All on a first come, first served basis.

I will probably buy a membership this time & plan on doing 2/3 of them this year (Whistler, Les Orres & Zermatt) & see if I can bag enough points to race a few of the main events the year after 🙂

Doing my first Enduro at QECP this weekend too. Still no idea how the format works. I know about the 3 stages that you do as many times as you want but donyou just turn up at the start ofnthe stages of is there a start from the Race village? Any pointers would be great please.

Start from the race village. You need to collect your timing chip. I would imagine being a mash up, its then a free for all. You just ride around as many times as you like.

I think I might give it a skip, my worst ever crash was in the QECP and that wasn't racing in the wet. Might just stick to Surrey Hills this weekend.

Start from the race village at 10. You need to collect your timing chip 9 till 10. You just ride around as many times as you like, stages in any order, ride stages a minimum of two times.

Cheers. Sounds simple.

Some good work has been done to make the sport more inclusive in the past couple of years, this article is about women but I think it applies to u18s and beginners too.

https://www.mbr.co.uk/news/women-only-enduros-381649

@chakaping Really enjoyed it, think it was three years ago now but Im guessing the trails will be almost the same. Very loamy, some short steep stuff but on the whole its not that technical.

Im entering Boltby Bash, Ardmoors, and naughty northumbrian and maybe a PMBA.

I've finally admitted that I just can't be arsed. Will probably do the kinlochleven enduro (missed it this round)...

Oh and MC's bullied me into doing this wee thing, what's it called, Mega something...

Cheers Darren, Bigfoot. Sounds like my kind of thing.

There's been talk of doing one of the Tweed Valley ones, but after riding GT off-piste and the Golfie again last week, I just don't reckon I'd enjoy racing that tight, steep, dark, single-line rut kinda stuff.

Might just leave this here: http://southernenduro.co.uk/southern-enduro-2019/

😉

Not done any racing other than a couple of local XC ones about 3 years ago.

Hoping to have a go at a couple of the Welsh Enduro Series events next year and possibly the Malverns Funnduro.

Fitness isn't great but hoping to keep up the riding over the winter.

https://www.wideopenmountainbike.com/2018/11/bemba-announces-2019-national-enduro-series-dates-and-venues

The big news we have all been waiting for 2019 BEMBA National Enduro Series Dates and Venues.

Stooooooked!

With some family commitments going on next year, I wasn't thinking I'd be able to do much racing but 3 of the rounds are almost certainly doable, one is almost certainly a no (PMBA) and the Southern Enduro round is a tentative :-(.  Really hope the No Fuss Events round works out for me but I'd be gutted to miss Minehead seeing as that would be my 'home' race!

Can't wait to hear more about the SW Series too!

Excellent! I'd figured out a few rounds, and am enterd in to the graythaite round already. I'm planning to do all rounds this year. The southern champs was one of my favourite races last year, so it will be good to do that again.

Just a thought, will there be seeding runs in the BEMBA races? I hope so, as i find seedings work very well.  I was only caught on one stage last year, and only caught someone on one stage.

No seeding runs but it will be seeded from root and rain data. We are working closed with Seb From Roots and rain for Results, Series points, Stats and Seeding data.

blackmountainsrider For reference, I personally like seeding run too but all the other rounds won't have seeding and I thought continuity was important so we dropped it from the Southern enduro champs.

ok, so will the seedings be based from the start of the season, or will they evolve to take injuries etc into account? I had bad results at the start of the year, and better results at the end due to injuries. Then there's a friend who was a midpack rider at the ukge, in seniors on a hardtail, but is racing next year on a full sus. Fingers crossed it works ok.