View Full Version : Desert Mountain Enduro - March 16, 2003
All,The annual Arizona Trail Riders Desert Mountain Enduro will be held on March 16th, 2003. The event will be staged at the MP11.5 area on Highway 74 West. This enduro will be run as a Qualifier which means that only the special test times determine rider placement. Overall speed is not a determining factor. No time keeping equipment is required. If you liked our November enduro, or happened to miss it, come on out and see what all the fun and games is about. All the info you need is on the entry form. Check out the Arizona Trail Riders website at www.arizonatrailriders.org and go to the Events Section. If you have questions or need more info you can PM me here or email be at dohood@us.ibm.comLets Race!
Haha, not missing this one ;)
"More than bar wide is too wide ;)"
cuttin2ride
01/10/03, 5:40 PM
Oh my gosh, I can't wait:D[8D]!
I Highly encourage all the wives,husbands,families and friends of these guys and gals that get out there and compete. What an absolute blast to spectate and even help out. There is so much fun no matter what.The weather in march should be perfect!
I hope to run a check point again:D[:p]!
Which reminds me, I'am looking for "The cactus boy"from Novembers Enduro. I finally got the pictures back. Anybody see or talk to him, I will be there working with the all the other volunteers[^]:)
"IT'S ALL FOR FUN"
Becky*
Polaris Srambler 500 4x4
I sure hope i can make this one, I had a blast at the last one.
I can't think of cactus boy's name right now. When it comes to me I'll let you know. He shouldn't be too hard to find.
David Gronlund,
Ride for fun, race to win.
why is it all the good races have to be on sundays, i have to work sundays, this gets me boiling at times....
Fistfull
01/23/03, 8:34 PM
You would have to band-saw that quad in half to ride in the enduro. It's kind of a two wheeler thing.
quote:Originally posted by Zhvonte
why is it all the good races have to be on sundays, i have to work sundays, this gets me boiling at times....
Lighten up Francis :D
imported_n/a
01/30/03, 5:48 AM
So is the Fistfull going to run this one? It's a cool race but the length on this one will test you hard.
Never met a CR500 I didn't like.
quote:Originally posted by ArmPump
So is the Fistfull going to run this one? It's a cool race but the length on this one will test you hard.
Never met a CR500 I didn't like.
The first loop (A,B,C) is 50 miles and the second loop (A,B only) is an additional tough 35 miles.
OUCH!!!!
David Gronlund,
Ride for fun, race to win.
neWRiver
01/30/03, 7:01 AM
Yeah, those sure are some tough miles. [B)]
I raced this event last year and it was an EnduroCross format which basically means your best speed through the entire course. The attrition rate was pretty high. I raced (my very first race ever) the C loop after just learning to ride singletrack and it was gruelling. I did finish the entire 50 miles and felt that I had accomplished alot even though they had to consult a calendar to score my time card. [:p]
This year I will race in the B division in order to ride the whole course. I've gained some pretty good experience over the past year and feel very comfortable with the demands of the C loop portion. I will, however, be expecting to feel some pain on the second A/B loop. What can I say, I'm a glutton for punishment. [B)]
This year's event will be a little different with the qualifier format we did in November (actually I think they have clarified that this is a Reliability format really). This should alleviate some of the full on exertion requirement, but still, riding to finish is a good strategy.
Definitely not an event for the rank novice, but with some decent singletrack experience the C loop is very doable (and fun).
:D
Kevin (kevinknorr@msn.com)
2001 WR250F
Kevin, I thought the "reliabilty" format was the same as the "qualifier" format. From what I have read elsewhere it seemed like the same. Could you please clarify for me. I like to know what I'm getting myself into.
David Gronlund,
Ride for fun, race to win.
David if I was to do this, what class would be good for me. Or what class do you ride in? What is the cost?
Ben Hutchinson
Whiplash #32
BITD #940
neWRiver
01/30/03, 10:22 AM
quote:Originally posted by El-Gato
Kevin, I thought the "reliabilty" format was the same as the "qualifier" format. From what I have read elsewhere it seemed like the same. Could you please clarify for me. I like to know what I'm getting myself into.
David Gronlund,
Ride for fun, race to win.
David, yeah it is a little confusing to me too. I think for our purposes it is really just a clarification on the name of the format. The race is not really a "qualifier" since you won't really be qualifying for anything. Other than that, I believe the formats called "ISDE Qualifier" and "Reliability Enduro" are one in the same.
Here is a link to the AMA rules:
http://www.ama-cycle.org/rulebooks/03amrules.pdf
You can also go here to read more about RMEC and how events are run in this circuit:
http://www.racermec.org/Main.htm
Phxman can speak more specifically to the details on this year's Desert Mountain Enduro, but my understanding is that the format will be exactly as was run in November. The biggest difference will be in the course itself. It will be longer and more challenging. Keep in mind that the Desert Mountain Enduro is traditionally a National event and the club is working to bring back the National (maybe next year?). So, the course is designed to challenge national caliber riders and to meet the AMA requirements for a National event.
Although timekeeping will be pretty simple as it was for the Cactus Classic, I expect that there will be a larger spread in the resulting scores and that we will see guys dropping points on total loop time where mostly everyone came in under the total loop time limit in November's race. I'm not real clear on how that part is scored.
Kevin (kevinknorr@msn.com)
2001 WR250F
El Gato
01/30/03, 11:29 AM
Ben,
I raced the last enduro qualifier in the 4-stroke A class last November. I won it, but then again I was the only one in the class. They actually gave me a trophy for beating myself. Go figure.
That race was a lot shorter and probably a lot easier than the one coming up. I didn't have any problems in the last one with difficulty, length or endurance. Of course the length was about half of this one.
Brian Brunning kept waiting for me at the check points and insisting that I go through the special tests ahead of him. He would then reel me in and try to pass me on virtually unpassable trails. We got tangled up a couple times on the "A" loop and I inadvertently put him in the bushes once. I still don't know why he wouldn't just go ahead of me, Oh well.
I'd be happy to have an additional rider or two in my class so I could actually have some one to race against.
David Gronlund,
Ride for fun, race to win.
I will try to be there to give some good racing. At least for the first 20 miles, then you will check out.
Ben Hutchinson
Whiplash #32
BITD #940
Fistfull
01/30/03, 12:56 PM
quote:Originally posted by ArmPump
So is the Fistfull going to run this one? It's a cool race but the length on this one will test you hard.
Never met a CR500 I didn't like.
I havn't decided yet, I tried it last year on the 650, BAD idea.
Will decide later on. Have to see how the WR and I are getting along. Newly married ya know :D
Lighten up Francis :D
All,
The only real difference between a Qualifier and Reliability Enduro is how the special test sections are timed.
Qualifier:
Here riders start the special test on their minute and the idea is to get to the end of the special test on your minute as well. The promoter usually will set the speed average so high this is impossible which means you come in late and drop points. Each point you "drop" counts against you and the guy with the lowest points dropped wins. This format also means means that you could have up to 3 other guys with you on the trail as you go fast.
For a Reliability enduro a riders minute is only for starting the race and/or second loop. Riders start a special test seperated by at least 15 seconds and just go. Their elapsed time on the special test is their score. This is how we run ours. The advantage to going this route, especially in the desert, is that the dust factor is eliminated.
If anyone has questions you can always email me at dohood@us.ibm.com
"Rocks are my Friends"
Don Hood
Vice President - Arizona Trail Riders
Promoter - OHV Fun Runs
So yes, in case you're sitting there scrathing your head...the event last November was actually a Reliability Enduro and not a true Qualifier. The name "Cactus Classic Qualifier" just sounds better. :D
"I didn't crash...my bike just fell over."
'01 DRZ250
imported_n/a
02/07/03, 9:32 PM
So who is running and what class?
Never met a CR500 I didn't like.
I'll probably ride the 4-stroke A class again.
Hey AP, you going to help me and Todd train? I need to chase you down some ST to see how it's supposed to be done. I'm used to 5th tapped on a graded dirt road. I feal like a fish out of water in the technical stuff.
David Gronlund,
Ride for fun, race to win.
imported_n/a
02/10/03, 8:14 PM
Sure thing on the ride for a little singletrack practice. As far as the singletrack mindset, it's just a shift of focus and speed is relative. Right, phxman? ;)
Never met a CR500 I didn't like.
HHUUMM, I don't know if I have any relatives with speed. Will you be my brother, brother?
David Gronlund,
Ride for fun, race to win.
imported_n/a
02/12/03, 6:07 AM
Well, I guess I meant that you can blow a corner at 80 mph [:0] in a race or blow a corner at 30 mph in a different setting. The corner is still blown but the speed is different. And probably so is the distance you blast off the course before you get it reeled back in. [:p] Not that I've ever blown a corner.[^]
Never met a CR500 I didn't like.
CRAP!!:(
I just committed to the San Felipe-250 which is the first race of the SCORE Baja series. I didn't realize it was the same day as this enduro:(. The San Felipe race is inked in and payed for so I'll catch the enduro next time.
David Gronlund,
Ride for fun, race to win.
imported_n/a
02/15/03, 6:27 AM
Hey, if I had someone else to pay the entry and someone else's bike to thrash, I'd go too! Next enduro it is. Good luck, Dave.
Never met a CR500 I didn't like.
Hey guys, what are special tests and what do they consist of?
Thanks in advance
Ken
It's going to be expensive, but of course that's only an estimate.
quote:Originally posted by berger
Hey guys, what are special tests and what do they consist of?
Thanks in advance
Ken
Special tests are just really nasty timed sections of the course. Every other part of the course is just a transfer section, which means it's just an easy road or trail that gets you to the next specail test.
All your times will come from special test sections. There is an overall time limit, but it's pretty easy to stick to if your just cruising in the transfer sections.
David Gronlund,
Ride for fun, race to win.
Just moved this topic over to a newer better place.
David Gronlund,
Ride for fun, race to win.
Hey all,
I have half way talked myself into riding this enduro. This would be my first one. Is there anyone that can give me some pointers on set up and what I will need. It would be great to do a practice ride this weekend. I would be riding in the old,fat,slow guy beginner class.
Thanks
Ken
It's going to be expensive, but of course that's only an estimate.
neWRiver
03/04/03, 11:46 PM
Go for it Ken. This race only comes around once a year and is the only one of its kind in the state. I raced it last year as a fairly new C rider and though I had reservations, it was a defining moment in what I hope to be a fulfilling enduro racing career in the old-timer classes. Since I am now an ATR club member, I will not be racing this year as I will be working the event. I do plan to follow the RMEC series to the other racing events in other states because I got such a big thrill from competing in the Desert Mountain Enduro.
This is a pretty tough course in rugged desert conditions, so prepare well and ride smart. Your physical conditioning (or lack of in my case) will be a factor. You'll encounter lots of rocks and sand that will wear you out over time and a good number of challenging hills even on the C loop. Oh yeah, and lots of rocks. Bring lots of water. That is probably the easiest mistake to make. If it warms up at all, dehydration will surely challenge many of the competitors. Good rubber on the rear will pay off big time on the various hills which will be a rutted jumble of loose rocks by the time most of the field runs through ahead of you. Conserve energy and run your race with the idea of making it to the finish. The nervous energy in the beginning and early mistakes will take a big toll, so focus on smooth riding and find a rythm. Most of all race your own race and have fun. Don't pay too much attention to the other novice riders passing you early on. If you are smart you'll be passing most of them later down the trail. And no matter your finish results, it is quite an accomplishment and an awesome experience just to be out there giving it your best.
Good luck. :D
Kevin (kevinknorr@msn.com)
2001 WR250F
250RDude
03/05/03, 7:37 AM
Thinking about this enduro also. :D Sounds intimidating though for a newbie. What extra parts do you bring? Bike prep? Gearing for a stock KDX? Any help is appreciated.....Don
Suppose you were an idiot. And suppose you were a member of Congress. But I repeat myself. -Mark Twain
QWest Sucks/forum/uploaded/250RDude/hippy.gif/forum/uploaded/250RDude/mouse.gif POLARIS!
Ummmm, what happened to AP?
"More than bar wide is too wide ;)"
250RDude, The great thing about this race is that you are only racing against the clock. You dont have to worry about somebody stuffing you into a corner or beating someone to a turn. If you have never raced I would recommend this event because if you just run your race, you will have a good time and have stories to tell for years to come.
For bike prep the following will come in handy and are essential to have a good race.
New tires, front and rear.
Check tire pressure. I would run 13psi front and 16psi rear.
Use heavy duty tubes in the tires and put Slime in them.
Install handguards to ward off cactus and other thorny flora.
Make sure you chain tension is set properly.
Carry water, at least a 70oz container.
I'm not sure about gearing for a KDX so hopefully someone else can help with that one.
"Rocks are my Friends"
Don Hood
Vice President - Arizona Trail Riders
Promoter - OHV Fun Runs
quote:Originally posted by phxman
The advantage to going this route, especially in the desert, is that the dust factor is eliminated.
So are you hauling some dust in for this event, Don? [:p]
Stock gearing is probably great for the KDX. I think that a KDX is probably just the thing to run this on, especially the A/B loop.
I'm in the 40+ A class. Who's in and what class?
Well, I am going to be in San Felipe doing the 250 race on saturday for sure. This may sound crazy, but if everything goes well and the race is over early enough (which it will be) I may try to jet back saturday night and do this enduro on sunday. I've been super bummed out the last month that I won't be able to race this one. I've done crazier things believe me, like the time I did a desert race while working graveyard shift. I got home from the race with just enough time to unload, clean up and go to work. That was one rough night to say the least. Although I have never done two races in one weekend, especially two as tough as these. You only live once I guess.
Look for me, I'll be the one with bags under my eyes. The only way I will make this work is if my wife can't go. She doesn't think she can get off work until mid day friday, and I'm leaving wednesday to prerun. If she can't pull off an early week leave, I'll be forced to go down by myself and staying an extra night would be boring without her so I may come back saturday just to be home. If I'm not to beat up I'll be at the enduro for sure.
David Gronlund,
Ride for fun, race to win.
neWRiver
03/10/03, 11:15 AM
Good luck in San Felipe, David. [8D]
That would definitely be a real ironman feat to pull off both those races in one weekend. [:0] That's a lot of "ifs", though. ;)
Love to see you out at the Desert Mountain this weekend if you make it, but otherwise, I know you'll be with us in spirit one way or the other. :D
Kevin (kevinknorr@msn.com)
2001 WR250F
Good luck, Dave, at San Felipe. Hope no gremlins pop up and it'd be great to see you out at the enduro Sunday.
crazyguy
03/11/03, 3:24 PM
i'm riding in the 200 B class....i'm scared but its a good scare heh
1998 KTM 125SX
Slowtogo (son)
Excmark (son)
its not fun till you start breakin things :)
blaster44
03/11/03, 3:42 PM
quote:Originally posted by crazyguy
i'm riding in the 200 B class....i'm scared but its a good scare heh
THink your scared now wait till your reay to go out on the course. This will be your first race right Chris?
I've NEVER lost
(but I have been a little behind when time ran out)
Daniel
2002 Blaster with Toomey B-1 pipe kit.(getting redesigned silencer)
crazyguy
03/11/03, 4:06 PM
no it wil be my 3rd race...first race 2nd place second race 1st place now third is going to be hard
1998 KTM 125SX
Slowtogo (son)
Excmark (son)
its not fun till you start breakin things :)
blaster44
03/11/03, 4:10 PM
yup have fun and good luck to all
I've NEVER lost
(but I have been a little behind when time ran out)
Daniel
2002 Blaster with Toomey B-1 pipe kit.(getting redesigned silencer)
quote:Originally posted by ArmPump
I'm in the 40+ A class. Who's in and what class?
So just a "maybe" from El Gato if all goes well at San Felipe, CharlieB is running it and that's it? C'mon Fisty, you can't let Charlie and Dave be the only "lil blue diesel" riders out there! And what about the KawHuna making an appearance in support of the dying 500 class? I don't want to be the only clown on an oversized bike. ;) And what about dezrcr and 250R dude, among others. C'mon folks, this is an epic event and right in our own back yard.
I was poised to support the "dino" class when I was struck down by a back ordered piston.
quote:Originally posted by ArmPump
And what about the KawHuna making an appearance in support of the dying 500 class? I don't want to be the only clown on an oversized bike. ;)
I MAY still be in it though, I'm working on my nephew to borrow his 250
"More than bar wide is too wide ;)"
Fistfull
03/15/03, 7:20 PM
quote:Originally posted by ArmPump
quote:Originally posted by ArmPump
I'm in the 40+ A class. Who's in and what class?
So just a "maybe" from El Gato if all goes well at San Felipe, CharlieB is running it and that's it? C'mon Fisty, you can't let Charlie and Dave be the only "lil blue diesel" riders out there!
Sorry can't make it, the spring maintenance on the truck took to long, (something about the front brake squealer making contact). I don't have a thing bike wise ready to go and I still a few things to do to the truck tomorrow.
Little blue Diesel ... :D
CharlieB
03/15/03, 9:07 PM
no idea what class I am going to ride in. Hopefully a slow first timers class :)
Charlie
'03 WR 450
'02 Chevy 2500HD 4x4
'03 Raptor (shared)
WELL????
Who kicked who's butt, and who got their butts kicked?
Any cacti stories? San Felipe was just to awesome to bail early.
David Gronlund,
Ride for fun, race to win.
Sorry Arm pump, I need more time on single track before I do one of those. I am to used to Whiplash racing styles, and would like to do slower races, along with a motorcross race here and there. Maybe in the fall I will race it.
quote:Originally posted by ArmPump
quote:Originally posted by ArmPump
I'm in the 40+ A class. Who's in and what class?
So just a "maybe" from El Gato if all goes well at San Felipe, CharlieB is running it and that's it? C'mon Fisty, you can't let Charlie and Dave be the only "lil blue diesel" riders out there! And what about the KawHuna making an appearance in support of the dying 500 class? I don't want to be the only clown on an oversized bike. ;) And what about dezrcr and 250R dude, among others. C'mon folks, this is an epic event and right in our own back yard.
Ben Hutchinson
Whiplash #32
BITD #940
crazyguy
03/17/03, 1:01 PM
i got my butt kicked and i got 2 flat tires...i only made it to the gas stop :*(.....so yea i had a bad day hehe but life goes on and i'm waitin on the next race so i can go and see what i can do...i hope everyone else did good and i hope nobody got hurt
1998 KTM 125SX
Slowtogo (son)
Excmark (son)
its not fun till you start breakin things :)
This wasn't a desert race...it was a u-boat adventure! [:0] Leave it to Mother Nature to put on an incredible show. No complaints about the rain since we need it so much, and in the end, I'm sure it will generate a lot of great stories.
"I didn't crash...my bike just fell over."
'01 DRZ250
CharlieB
03/17/03, 6:15 PM
It was a very wet race. I ended up in the hospital on the first special test area. My rear tire was too worn out and the lack of traction made for a tough ride.
Charlie
'03 WR 450
'02 Chevy 2500HD 4x4
'03 Raptor (shared)
Helmet Camera to see where I went and a GPS to find my way home
TRAJISTO
03/17/03, 7:15 PM
Chain wore a hole in my hydraulic clutch actuator cover on the first special test of the first loop. How in the world can that happen, darnit. Done way, way, way too early. Aaargh![V] For 15 or 20 minutes it was incredible. I truly hope we (Arizona) begins putting on more of these type of events. They are so fun, safe and challenging to only have two a year. Please Don and ATR. Please.
Travis Epperson
I got a shot of pretty much everyone who came through the second checkpoint. Once Charlieb is feeling better I'm hoping he'll edit and get it posted someplace.
~~Treena~~
'03 CRF230
'03 Raptor
Gilbert, AZ
I got worked hard. Something about being in shape? I ran the 85 miles. Man, was that weather or what?
Supreme kudos to Don, Trish, Kevin and Becky, all the ATR folks and everyone else too numerous to mention. A class event. I'm with Travis, more please!
Here's my view of the enduro. Its a little different from the racers.
Sunday 4am: Wake up a little tired from the previous days activities. Look out the window and what do I see? Nothing...it's too stinking dark. Thinking "c'mon rain!" I start getting ready and go roust Jeff L. who is in the guest room sawing logs. Pour a cup of coffee and look outside again. Even though there's not much light I can see the steel gray of big ol' clouds. IT'S GONNA RAIN!! YESSSS! Mother Nature has decided to be good to us and grant the wish of everyone participating in the enduro. Hmmmm, we shall see.
Sunday 5:45am: Jeff L. and I pull into the staging area about 5:45am and things are already humming. Pete Marckmann has the generator going and is setting up the paperwork for registration. Becky Knorr and her crew have the hot coffee and some awesome breakfast burritos ready for the masses. Things are coming together nicely........we don't have a clue. I was grinning ear to ear as it had rained and spat on us all the way out to the staging area. By now you could see all the big clouds drifting around so I knew it would probably keep raining. At that point I really didn't care as the dirt had that nice tacky feel and I was feeling very jealous of the lucky souls who would get to ride the trails.
Sunday 6am: Start corralling everyone for the Check Captains meeting. It's still raining. We all meet inside the big tent and I explain to everyone what is in their little checkpoint "goodie bag" and how to use it. Most everyone has done this before so there aren't too many questions. Thankfully all the check captains are there and we quickly get the radio operators teamed up with the right check. Everyone is talking about the rain and how great the course is going to be. A quick trip around the tent to answer some questions and say "hey" to friends and it's time for the riders meeting.
Sunday 7am: Start corralling everyone for the riders meeting. It's still raining so the meeting is held in the tent. The riders seem pretty excited about the rain and I can't blame them. It was '97 or '98 the last time we had rain for the enduro and you can see the grins as I explain how things work. Heck, I was wondering how I could get someone to take my job so I could go race! After explaining the race format, where the gas pits were, where the start line was, how the course was marked, course safety..etc, there were a few questions but that's to be expected. The idea of starting a special test whenever you wanted was a little unique to most of these guys but I could tell they were liking the idea.
Sunday 8am: At the Start line to get things started. It hasn't rained in about 20 minutes so things are looking excellent. The clouds are still there but a few more sprinkles would just keep the ground wet....right? As the riders start taking off it starts to rain again. Not too hard but still enough that I'm very glad to have my Moose enduro jacket on with a couple of layers underneath. It feels like the temperature is around 55 but with a hard days ride in front of them, few riders are wearing rain gear. It's fun starting the riders because you get a chance to chat with everyone in the race. Since it's hard sometimes to tell who you are looking at I always try to sneak a look at the score cards so I know who I'm talking to. Some have been coming to the race for years and it's always good to see familiar names.
About 9am the last rider has started and I'm getting ready to head back to the tent. I'm just about in the truck when I hear somebody on a big bike coming down the road. I look and can see 47A on the front number plate so it must be a rider but why the heck are they running so late? Whatever the reason, there's no point stopping him so I just wave him through. Turns out this guy locked himself out of this truck as he was getting dressed. He was on the outside and a lot of his gear was on the insid
BikeDestroyer
03/18/03, 10:32 AM
Treena, I hope Charlie gets feeling better soon. Sorry to hear about the crash. I was # 45E I don't remember seeing anyone with a camcorder, but I couldn't see very good anyway. That was an excellent race and I would do it again in a heartbeat.
neWRiver
03/18/03, 10:46 AM
What a wild weekend! Man, I am so bummed that I was not out there racing this one. :( I did get to do some riding will working the event and the course conditions were quite interesting to say the least. Wet, wet, wet! The soil condition was awesome, but the rocks got a bit slippery and the runoff got pretty much all the washes flowing pretty good. We got soaked to the bone working our remote check which we had to ride our bikes to. I would have killed to have had my truck (with heater) instead. I'm sure the constant down pour took its toll on the racers as well and the visibility through goggles was pretty miserable.
Most of the riders who made it to our check at the end of the first test section on the A/B loop seemed to still be running pretty good although many stopped to take a breather or to collect themselves and make minor adjustments. We did have one rider stranded with a broken chain back in the first section. We got him towed out of there and back to the highway once the sweeps came through.
ArmPump came through with his boots all duct taped up and asked for some more duct tape. Sorry we did not have much in the way of rider support items for you, Tracy. I felt for you when I saw you ride off with the soles of your boots flopping all over the place. [:0]
Becky worked very hard at setting up and running the food concession and even with the tough conditions she still held it together and took care of a lot of hungry folks. Although that activity did not generate huge profits for the club, Becky seemed to love doing it and it added a very nice and welcome element to the whole event. Great job, baby. :D
Many of us worked very hard and there are just way too many folks who's contributions were invaluable to try and remember them all, but in particular my hat goes off to Don as the Race Director. What a tough job. I know he had to stress a lot over every detail from the earliest planning stages months ago up until the last of us pulled out of the staging area after the event. But, he seemed to bring it all together in a very organized fashion and met every aspect with a calm smile and a solution. Thanks for the hard work and dedication to our sport, Don. :D
Kevin (kevinknorr@msn.com)
2001 WR250F