MidwestEnduros.com Forums : Improving Enduros in the Midwest http://midwestenduros.com/forum This is an XML content feed of; MidwestEnduros.com Forums : Improving Enduros in the Midwest : Last 10 Posts Copyright (c) 2006 Web Wiz Forums - All Rights Reserved. Sun, 17 May 2026 22:17:32 +0000 Sat, 07 May 2011 05:12:27 +0000 http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rss Web Wiz Forums 8.05 30 midwestenduros.com/forum/RSS_topic_feed.asp?FID=11 MidwestEnduros.com Forums http://midwestenduros.com/forum/http://midwestenduros.com/images/site logos/mwelogo.gif http://midwestenduros.com/forum Improving Enduros in the Midwest : Local clubs deserve recognition http://midwestenduros.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=323&PID=1044#1044 Author: ssalisburyktm
Subject: Local clubs deserve recognition
Posted: 07 May 2011 at 5:12am

I'm writing a series of articles for Trail Rider Magazine on off road access advocacy. The next one (June deadline for the August issue) is on local clubs who are leading the way on making sure we have access to land to ride on-either public or private land. Previous articles included interviews with guys with names like Watts, Bobbitt, Lafferty, Fredette, Penton and others. This one's about local heroes-riders and organizers-who are making sure this sport doesn't wither and die for lack of places to ride. I wish I had room to include everyone who's working on the issue, but I'm looking for a few great stories to drive home the point that it's up to all of us to ensure our off road future. Do you know of a club that deserves national recognition?
]]> Sat, 07 May 2011 05:12:27 +0000 http://midwestenduros.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=323&PID=1044#1044 Improving Enduros in the Midwest : IERA and Dist 22 http://midwestenduros.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=167&PID=968#968 Author: Oldman440
Subject: IERA and Dist 22
Posted: 13 July 2010 at 4:35pm

The split started back in 1981 when the District 22 officers were very supportive of motocross and did little to support enduros and hare-scrambles. They took our money for District cards and used it to support motocross related events and banquets. Several of us got together to discuss what we could do to better support the enduro and hare-scrambles events within the state of Iowa, we even considered separating from the AMA.
I don't remember the dates but 1982 was the first year we ran under the Iowa Enduro Riders Association organization, we were incorporated, and we had our startup problems and discussions, but persevered to make it work. Mike Coulter served as Chairman the first year, I was Vice-Chairman, and forget who else held offices after that.
(In 1983, I had to step down as Chairman in May because of loss of employment at John Deere Product Engineering Center, causing me to move to Indiana for work.)
( I currently reside in Minnesota - been here for 24 years, and am a member of the Straight Arrow Enduro Riders club.)
Hopefully another MORE SENIOR member of the IERA will respond, when he gets back from Alaska.]]> Tue, 13 Jul 2010 16:35:17 +0000 http://midwestenduros.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=167&PID=968#968 Improving Enduros in the Midwest : Restart format at Pearson http://midwestenduros.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=239&PID=856#856 Author: 16Prez
Subject: Restart format at Pearson
Posted: 19 May 2009 at 9:34pm

I think it was a success.  The club's idea was to put on a Hare Scrambles and try to get some of the riders to stay and ride the enduro without timekeeping equipment.  Since the Enduro Grand Champion was decided by 7 seconds at the tiebreakers between 2 Hare Scrambles riders I guess riding some single track can work for both HS guys/gals and Enduro guys/gals.  Thanks to Brian "da Pope" Mullane for working out the Start/Restart and resets.  Had a few B and C riders hour out but not too bad overall.
 
Also, I appreciate the patience enduro riders showed during the "protest period".....which is really a time to check the math on the score cards.  We made a few errors and everyone who found an error was cool with pointing it out and giving us a chance to post them in the correct finish order.  Confused
 
KenS.
]]> Tue, 19 May 2009 21:34:33 +0000 http://midwestenduros.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=239&PID=856#856 Improving Enduros in the Midwest : Improving Enduros for Newbies http://midwestenduros.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=211&PID=761#761 Author: Quintin
Subject: Improving Enduros for Newbies
Posted: 17 January 2009 at 7:21pm

Welcome. I don't disagree that it appears to be a closed group but that is far from true. We all are willing to share. My wife didn't want to to get involved but at the first enduro I took her to (after going 20 years by myself) she met another wife. It just progressed from there. Enduros are a solitary sport but if she would ask to ride with my wife or one of the others she could get into it more, maybe not bring all the kids at first. Most of the pit crews have a lot better idea where the riders are than we do. Before the race probably isn't a good time but at the end everybody enjoys bench racing, just stop by. My wife complains that I talk too much.
I agree that at least everyone who gets a trophy should wait around till all are handed out. At Hale the pits are closed during trophy presentation. Even if you go back to your truck you aren't going anyplace so most people just stay put and cheer for all the winners.
The timekeeping is actually quite simple, Just don't try to memorize all the rules at once. The main thing is to go in on time and ride as hard as you can thru the section. As you get faster add the rules you need. Few riders can maintain the speed average. Talk to someone like me or my son who has riden for years and we can give you a lot of pointers that simplify it. In a lot of ways a 4-5 hr enduro is easier than a 2 hr HS. The terrain isn't as beaten up, not as much traffic and there are usually little rest periods along the way for all but the very slowest.
Shortening the course for the c and master riders makes it a little less intimidating. Just do like I do and ride the second loop for fun.
I've tried to get the media involved in the past but they don't seem to think it's exciting enough. An enduro even a HS doesn't have the spectator involvement and constant excitement that a mx race has.
Most races don't have a lot of riders there the night before and the ones that do come get there late. I've gotten to a lot of enduros at 2:00 am. Also the club has been working all day getting ready and dealing with a last minute crisis.
Join a local club, in your area it's CC Riders. Help with an event. That will also give you a lot more understanding of what is involved in putting on an enduro. Plus you will find riders to ride with and places to ride.
]]> Sat, 17 Jan 2009 19:21:04 +0000 http://midwestenduros.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=211&PID=761#761 Improving Enduros in the Midwest : Improving Enduros for Newbies http://midwestenduros.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=211&PID=759#759 Author: FESdir
Subject: Improving Enduros for Newbies
Posted: 11 January 2009 at 4:40pm

Some good ideas here. 

Spectator maps are a must to keep the non riders entertained.  Food is always a good thing and the local charities are always willing to help.

50/50 drawings and swag will always keep people till the end of the awards presentations.

Weekend events....in Michigan and Indiana we do a family enduro on Saturday.  It allows people to network more and is family friendly.  The district event is on Sunday.  This program has been successful for D14 and D15.

Mike Maurer - Director of the Family Enduro Series, Inc.

]]> Sun, 11 Jan 2009 16:40:09 +0000 http://midwestenduros.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=211&PID=759#759 Improving Enduros in the Midwest : Improving Enduros for Newbies http://midwestenduros.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=211&PID=723#723 Author: JGNYC
Subject: Improving Enduros for Newbies
Posted: 10 December 2008 at 6:46pm

Some very good points Brian... many seem to be common sense improvements to enduros overall regarding sport support and moral. The sport of enduros is unique in that it forces riders who get involved to network on their own either through weekend fun rides or local clubs. Networking at the event itself can be quite difficult due to most riders are focused on prepping for the day and the race itself. Even guys who ride together on a regular basis arent doing alot of socializing on race day other than what is necessary. I agree, new riders need a way to get more involved at the events via introduction,etc. By posting on this forum you have already started the process of getting more involved. Start with your local club and from there you will certainly make life long friends in this sport.]]> Wed, 10 Dec 2008 18:46:08 +0000 http://midwestenduros.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=211&PID=723#723 Improving Enduros in the Midwest : Improving Enduros for Newbies http://midwestenduros.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=211&PID=718#718 Author: peterb154
Subject: Improving Enduros for Newbies
Posted: 17 November 2008 at 7:42pm

Hi all. Let me introduce myself. My name is Brian Peterson, I live in Omaha, NE, I’m 34 years old and 2008 was my first full year racing. I am grateful that so many racers have paved the way before me and given me an awesome outlet to re-invigorate my life. I’m proud and tickled to have earned 2nd overall in the D-22 Enduro C-class on my first year out. Along the way, I’ve met several great riders who just happen to be great people and I had a ball mixing it up with all of you. In my first year of racing, I’ve been both in awe of how well established the sport is and at the same time disappointed to see how hard it is for a newcomer to get involved and feel included in Midwest off road motorcycle racing scene.

So many great people are obviously putting a LOT of effort into making the Iowa racing circuit work. I can’t imagine how much effort it must be to plan and organize one of these events. (I plan to volunteer to help in 2009, so I’ll soon see). I thank every checker and organizer that will shake my hand every chance I get.

The main complaint I have is that it seems like everyone already knows everyone. I’d be interested to see what the return rate of new riders is, I’ll bet not as high as we’d like. I think the only thing missing is community that embraces new riders. We newbies need moral support and encouragement from other riders who are slow and struggle like I do. The problem is that we can’t easily find each other.  Looking to the podium will certainly help us find some role models, but not necessarily peers.  I have a few suggestions that might build a sense of community, encourage new riders to check out the sport and hopefully stay.

1.    Need to connect riders together. When I get to a race I don't know who my competitors are. It would be nice if the point’s listings on the district web sites also included email or PM addresses so that I could contact the guy that beat me last week and wish him congratulations. We might also then be able to link up for play riding, ride sharing or fun taunting before and after the races.

2.    Bikes should have numbers. It would also be really helpful if riders were assigned numbers that were displayed on our number plates. I’d like it if the numbers were posted on the points boards after the race and on the web sites. It would make it a lot easier for me to remember the guy who passed me so I can find his bike and congratulate with him when the race is over.

3.    Need to involve family. My wife doesn’t like to come along and watch the racing. She says that we take off in an unspectacular way (as compared to MX or hare scrambles) and ride off into the woods for 4 hours. She has no idea where we are going and when well be back, its boring for her. When my wife won’t come, my kids can’t come. With no wife and kid participation, my chances of making it out week after week are very limited. To allow the family to get involved, each race should have published maps of the areas where spectators will find interesting viewing locations (Bartlett did this). Another nice touch would be to encourage local vendors or charity organizations to bring food on site (Bartlett and Leaf River did this).

4.    Need to get the word out. Invite local news crews for coverage. On a Sunday, when news is slow, a motorcycle race might be just the ticket for the sleepy Sunday evening news. It might build some community advocacy and tickle the imagination of would-be racers... It can’t be a bad thing. I’ve also been amazed that none of the bike dealerships in Omaha are promoting AMA Enduros or Hare Scrambles. I’d expect them to have schedules and points published, simple sponsorships and local hero’s recognized. We could help them with promotional materials that encouraging rider participation.

5.    Encourage a weekend long event. Have a BBQ on Saturday night before the event to encourage camping. Camping will get families out and meeting each other.  Geneseo had a 2 day race which was great. A lot of people camped and it makes getting to know people a lot easier.

6.    Create an Incentive to stay around for awards/trophies. I was disappointed to see that more riders don't stay around for the trophy session. And when they do, many people leave the minute they get their trophy. Not very sportsman like if you ask me. Ryan Moss did a great job at the Leaf River Enduro this year keeping riders entertained with give-away’s while the points were being tallied.  Thanks for the window sticker Ryan!

7.    Make them simple. I didn't think learning how Enduros worked was all that complicated, but I have several riding buddies who are intimidated by the time keeping aspect of Enduros. The duration of a 4-5 hour Enduro scares people too. The trail rider class for ½ price is a great way to get new riders out there. I am not in favor of making the c-class shorter however. I also liked the restart format at Leaf River.
I know all of these suggestions mean more work for organizers. I guess I can’t complain without also throwing my hat in the ring, so here goes. Let me know how I can help!



Edited by peterb154 - 17 November 2008 at 7:43pm]]> Mon, 17 Nov 2008 19:42:35 +0000 http://midwestenduros.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=211&PID=718#718 Improving Enduros in the Midwest : Advancements http://midwestenduros.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=192&PID=682#682 Author: Learch
Subject: Advancements
Posted: 04 May 2008 at 7:57am

I agree Jorge.
I appreciate the support of the Family Enduros by Ryan on this website.  We had a family enduro in Michigan last weekend.  We had 164 attendees and 25 newbies to enduros.
One guy and his daughter drove from Florida to ride the event.  He had read the article about the Baby Buzzard in a national magazine and he wanted to ride one.  He found the schedule on Midwestenduros.com and made the roadtrip.  I talked to him last week and told him that if he returned to Michigan a bike and entry fee would be provided.
]]> Sun, 04 May 2008 07:57:19 +0000 http://midwestenduros.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=192&PID=682#682 Improving Enduros in the Midwest : Advancements http://midwestenduros.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=192&PID=681#681 Author: endurokids
Subject: Advancements
Posted: 02 May 2008 at 6:56am

I think that the Family Enduros are the way to "market enduros" for the foreseable future.
We need to get families out riding because that is the only way to expose the kids to how much fun it is to ride single track trails. If the kids like it, the parents will bring them back and participate in the weekend event.
Not just the enduro.
Many first time enduro riders (and ol time riders wanting to come back)would ride the Saturday event and not be intimidated by the difficulty or lenght of an actual enduro. Remember, they are all paying riders looking to have fun.
Just my 2 cents,  Jorge
]]> Fri, 02 May 2008 06:56:57 +0000 http://midwestenduros.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=192&PID=681#681 Improving Enduros in the Midwest : Advancements http://midwestenduros.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=192&PID=680#680 Author: FlyinRyan
Subject: Advancements
Posted: 30 April 2008 at 9:05pm

Jay, the AMA handles B to A advance for enduros so all enduros are uniform in theory.  The C to B is up to the districts and the A to AA is up to the districts.  I know most districts do a good job of the C to B advancement and almost all Districts take the top 7 to 10 overall A riders from the previous years for the AA class.  So I think that isn't a real problem in enduros.  Maybe HS this is a problem and I can't speak to that except for in D17 Jay Hall (Director) does a very good job of moving riders up and keeps the sandbagging down as much as he can.
 
As for the classes being aligned between the districts that is something we have to work on as they are not close.  IERA doesn't have a Vet class, D16 doesn't run a AA class and combines 250/Open A & B (they don't have the riders for AA or to split up the classes), D14  & D15 runs a Super Senior A & B, and there are some other classes that don't match up.  Many of the directors tried to get classes aligned last year but each District has it's own reasons to run or not run certain classes so it didn't work out.
 
You say we should market our sport to grow, I would love to here some ideas that you have to do that.  I've tried with this website but I'm only one guy so the more ideas that get presented to everyone the better chance we have to grow our sport. 
 


Edited by FlyinRyan - 30 April 2008 at 9:07pm]]> Wed, 30 Apr 2008 21:05:26 +0000 http://midwestenduros.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=192&PID=680#680