Enduro: Wise Words
This year the PMBA Hope WMN enduro is a series. Round 1 kicks off at Gisburn in less than 2 weeks, round 2 is at Ae and round 3 at Kirroughtree.
(Entries still available on all 3 rounds.)
Coming back in October is the stand alone Hope WMN Enduro. Once again at Gisburn, this time we’ll be making a weekend of it!
Having ran successfully in 2017, 2018 & 2019 we’re really looking forward to having it back on the calendar.
…So are you thinking of entering your first Enduro, but you’re just not sure?
With the PMBA Hope WMN enduro series just round the corner we thought we’d ask our Hope WMN Ambassadors to share some pearls of wisdom from their experience of racing Enduro…So we asked them a few questions:
What was your first Enduro?
How many Enduros have you raced?
Enduro racing top tip?
What’s the best bit of advice you have for someone thinking about entering their first race?
JULIA HOBSON
First Enduro?
Dudes of Hazzard Enduro, Kinlochleven November 2012
How Many?
No idea, enough to not remember them all!
Photo: Sven Martin
Top Tip?
Don't take it too seriously (unless you're actually a pro!) Treat the day as a way to meet new people and ride some new trails ...you'll ride best and smoothest when you are relaxed and having fun and not really stressing about trying to go too fast!
Advice?
Find a buddy to enter with if you can. The best thing about Enduro is you can ride together for most of the course like it's just a normal day out, then race the stages and wait for each other at the bottom of each one!
CHERI MILLS
First Enduro?
Innerleithen UK Gravity Enduro Series 2012
How Many?
To date completed 20 enduro’s
Top Tip?
Get your timing right, you want to get to the top of the stage with enough time to sort yourself out but not too early where you can get cold and mentally switch off.
Advice?
Don’t put too much pressure on yourself, remember it’s just bike racing, everyone has been the newbie and most people will help you.
Rosie Holdsworth
First Enduro?
Can't actually remember, but it was back in the mists of time when enduro had just started being a thing. It was either the "661 Gravity Enduro" at Eastridge, which was all a bit blokey and serious, or one of the Innerliethen Day/Night Enduros which I still think stacks up as the best possible format for racing ever: Laps of Inners DH deathtracks, ride up the disgustingly steep push-up several times, then repeat, but under cover of darkness. They had an entire series, I don't think anything I've done on a bike since has improved my riding and fitness as much as those ludicrous races. Excellent.
How Many?
No idea, I'd hazard a guess at a few dozen.
Top Tip?
Unless someone is paying you to be at a race and podium, you're doing this because it's fun. If it stops being fun and all starts getting a bit too serious, give yourself a break, take any pressure off yourself to "ride well" and focus on enjoying the trails and being outside with your pals - you'll probably end up riding faster as a result and regardless of your time, you're guaranteed to have a much nicer day out than if you pile on the pressure and crash on every stage 'cause you're so tense. Also, don't be too polite at stage starts and let everyone go in front of you because they look fast, only to get stuck behind them 20 metres into the stage!
Advice?
Just do it! Enduro is a brilliant format to start racing and there are an ever increasing number of different events. Maybe start with a race or series that's as much about the inclusivity and good laughs that biking brings as it is about the actual competitive element, turn up and have a bash! If you're super nervous, take a pal, either to ride with (preferably someone you're just a wee bit faster than for the ego boost!) or just to mooch about race HQ with, everything's a bit less scary if there's a few of you.
JESS STONE
First Enduro?
My very first Enduro race was in Djouce, Co Wicklow in Ireland 2012 when I was riding for Unior Tools Team when I was racing Downhill. I was invited to be there as a rider for Trek at the time as they were sponsoring the series. Irelands Gravity Enduro was founded in 2011 so it was cool to be part of the start of it. I wasn't really sure what to expect or anything but I went to have fun and do my best. I had an absolute belter of a time, was very well looked after. Loved it so much I went back in September to Carrick, and won the race again. We stage jumped off the podium as well it was so good!
How Many?
To date I've done 35 Enduro Races (and 130 DH races!). While I did the odd enduro race here and there, I didn't start racing it properly till 2019. I've done 28 Enduro races since 2019.
Top Tip?
Eat loads and drink loads soon as you finish practice so you have plenty of energy and hydration for race day.
Advice?
Do not go into the race with any expectations or focus on a result. Literally go to have a good time and use it as a good opportunity to push yourself a bit. My first season (2019) I just rode round with a spice girls tshirt and had fun riding round with my awesome group of friends. We laughed so much, it was brilliant.
Also it's perfectly normal to feel a little intimidated, I remember feeling intimidated by fast riders with nice bikes etc on my first ever DH race but, roll your sleeves up and get stuck in. If the Hope WMN series is your first set of races - it will be a fantastic supportive environment for you.
Keep an ear out for me and my spice girls music as I ride around !!!
laura Martin
First Enduro?
West Highland Wheelers at Nevis Range in 2014, I think.
How Many?
10
Top Tip?
Try not to overthink. Relax and enjoy the experience. Everyone gets nervous and it is only natural but everyone is in the same situation. Everyone started where you are, remember that. You got this. Also, pack snacks in your pockets you will need snacks.
Advice?
Do it. I recommend starting with local races or why not try the Hope WMN PMBA races? They are super friendly and relaxed and full of women of all levels out on the trails having fun with a bit of racing thrown in. Try not to put too much pressure on yourself. Go out and have fun that's what mountain biking is about. Racing is good fun and a great way to meet fellow mountain bikers. Also, don't be afraid to ask for help. You will find people are more than happy to help with everything from directions to helping with bike repairs.
FFION JAMES
First Enduro?
2016 Welsh Gravity Enduro at Afan (on my hardtail XC bike!)
How Many?
8 races total
Top tip?
If it’s mash up, take it chill on your first runs so you have the energy for (at least) a second go at them all. I always find it surprising how much faster I go when I know the trail, even when I think I’m too tired to go again.
Advice?
Find someone to do it with! It makes the whole experience more relaxed and enjoyable - literally like going for a trail ride with your mates!
Becky Preece
First Enduro?
PMBA Lee quarry
How Many?
I’ve only ever raced the one enduro but can't wait to do more!
Top Tip?
don't let it scare you, it's the most fun, chilled racing you will ever do!
Advice?
Before I entered my first race I was absolutely petrified, I was scared I was going to be judged because I was on my xc bike, I was scared of coming last but now I have experienced it, it's absolutely nothing to be scared of. Everyone is so kind and helpful. If you are scared of how gnarly the stages are going to be, don't be. There are ways round all the scary things and people are always around to help you out! I can assure you, it's one of the best weekends you'll have on a bike!
Roos Op de Beeck
First Enduro?
My first ever enduro race I think it was in 2014 in Rendeux, Belgium. At that time I was 15 years old. I can’t remember that much but my goal was just exploring it and finish the day. I remember that my dad helped me out to keep me hydrated and gave me food whenever I needed. I didn’t know a lot of people at the race so I was happy that my dad was there at the end of each stage. At that moment I didn’t train for enduro , I only was focused on Downhill. Now, I do also more Enduros, specially during the winter.
How Many?
I think I’ve done 12 enduros in total. Last year I only managed to do one race, it was the Belgian Champs and I came 2nd, that was my best result so far. But the day was horrible, it was hot and after stage 4 (out 7) I had a lot of cramp in my legs. Maybe it was because I had not trained that well but also because I think I didn’t eat and drink enough
Top Tip?
So that’s my top tip, eat and drink! Also don’t forget to take electrolytes. That was probably the cause of my cramps.
Advice?
When you’re racing blind, you have to keep concentrated , look in front of you where the tape is taped and trust your skills. Don’t push too hard if you’re doing your first enduro enjoy it and you will do well! 🙂
Hannah Davies
First Enduro?
The first enduro was the 2021 Welsh Enduros series round at Llandegla in North Wales. I thoroughly enjoyed it. It gave me the confidence to enter the whole series in 2022. I have only raced the Welsh enduro Series for one year and am now entered into some single event races such as Ard Rock, based in Yorkshire.
Top Tip?
My top tip for racing enduro’s would be ask for space if you need it. It gave me more confidence on my race runs and I was able to relax and focus on my own riding, rather than worrying if I was going to have another rider storming down the track behind me. Usually you have a gap of 30 seconds or a minute between you and the rider behind (depending on track length. However, if you feel like you need more space ask the marshal to hold the rider behind for a little longer. The Marshal won’t mind at all and neither will the other rider as it will cost them time trying to pass you if they do catch you up.
Advice?
Best bit of advice would be to give it a go!
Everyone at races are really friendly and encouraging and its a great atmosphere of people enjoying bikes! If you can find a race at a venue that you already know well, it that takes the edge of learning new tracks as well as getting to grips with racing.