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With all the chat around ESO, World Cups and the future of racing, I suddenly remembered that ESO took over the SES, then quietly binned it this year (understandable, given they've got a couple of things on!)
Does anyone have any idea if it will come back next year, or is it gone for good?
Should it be resurrected by more grassroots organisers such as Doon the Brae, Tweedlove etc?
Are there enough people with enough time to make these happen? If so, I'm sure it would be good to put on a race series or events.
There's currently Tweedlove Triple Crown, the Aberdeenshire series and Nevis Range running their own enduro- so capacity is there outside of ESO.
If ESO can't/wont run SES for whatever reason, then perhaps it should be handed over to someone who can/will continue it, especially as the top level EDR is becoming more elite focussed.
I really hope the SES will run next year but i'm not holding my breath.
I'm still missing the Fair City Enduro, that was more my level!
With the demise of No Fuss Events who formerly started and ran the SES, Spook now works for The Nevis Range. Frazer was brought into ESO to relaunch the SES which they did in 2022 but I believe he's moved on now. Essentially it looks like they need someone to pick up the organising. Now that the world champs are done you would expect ESO to have some capacity but I wouldn't be surprised if nothing happens
It took a lot more than the guys from No Fuss to run SES. You need a team of people who have huge amounts of energy, patience and humour. It doesn't take long for just one of those things to become exhausted. I would very much doubt that an SES would happen again, something else would probably have to fold to make space for it.
Think you've hit the nail on the head there - it takes many people to give up their time to make these things happen. Plenty of people are keen to participate in them, but far fewer are willing to get involved to organise and make it happen.
I see how difficult at a club level to get things done, so suspect it is far harder for a public event to get people involved.
Offering to pay volunteers could help, but it then impacts costs and entry fees go up. I don't think volunteers shouldn't be paid, but that in itself can cause headaches.
Could it be as 'easy' as the current people/groups who put existing events on to group together to brand each of their events as part of a national thing? Not changing the event, but just a sub-note to say it is part of a national series (and may offer points towards an overall leader - all sounds easy, but needs people involved to make it happen.
Sorry, gone on a bit of a ramble there...
Sounds great but never underestimate the ability of people to mess up even the simplest of things.
@mtnboarder it's not a TweedLove Triple Crown next year, as there are 4 rounds.
Having had a chat with a couple key people, the SES is highly unlikely to return next year. I know the reasoning behind it, and I honestly can't see a way forward for the SES at the moment under ESO/DWB.
An alternative has been chatted about, but the lack of alternative organisers and events pretty much rules that out. At the moment there are only three Enduro race organisers running Scottish events next year, with the other organisers giving up.
Would there be an issue with several organisers using the same locations? Obviously not all on the same weekend, but would it be possible (assuming there are enough organisers available and willing) to have multiple events at a location spread over the year?
Thanks Moray- I'm signed up for Laggan already, and E24 as well. Tweedlove events are looking good for next year, can't work out which ones to race and which to volunteer at!
Did ESO/WBD give any reasons? I think they're really not doing themselves any favours by not engaging with the community, not just on this but on every aspect of the World Cup- semis in DH, enduro going ebike only etc.
@mtnboarder nope, just total radio silence, including not replying to messages.
@dickbarton I am pretty sure SES will have used Inners/Golfie within same year as Tweedlove. You obviously run the risk of exhausting a venue and good will within an area by milking it too much.
Could it be as ‘easy’ as the current people/groups who put existing events on to group together to brand each of their events as part of a national thing? Not changing the event, but just a sub-note to say it is part of a national series
We already have a half arsed UK series in this manner. I don't see any value in replicating the same model for a Scottish series, especially when half of the UK rounds are in Scotland. TBH I always thought of SES as another series organiser rather than a national series.
Mark- had similar experience here, tried emailing about a couple of things- SES- not even a courtesy response.
Asked about Glentress access during the Worlds- directly to the email given out to residents by ESO. Nothing, not a peep. Ended up escalating that to Chris Ball and that finally got an answer.
If I'm honest, I'm basically done with anything to do with that bunch. I might watch some of the racing coverage next year, but will likely avoid anything from ESO/WBD. Likewise the school and shop that Mr Ball has interests in.