Step One - Get yourself some Regs.

Event organisers publish a set of regulations ('Regs') for each event.  These set out the rules of the competition, and help ensure that everyone is treated fairly and safely.  They also give key information such as when and how to apply and how much it will cost you.  We try to make these regulations as clear and simple as possible.  However, if you are new to our sport you may have some questions, so please don't hesitate to contact us.

You will need to state which 'class' you are entering.  These are Expert, Clubman, Sportsman, Twin Shock, Trail, Ladies, & Veteran.  If this is your first event you'll probably be in the 'Sportsman' class.

A few days before the race you will receive 'final instructions' by post or on-line.  The Final Instructions will also tell you your rider number.  You need to display this number clearly on your bike, as set out in the instructions.  Numbers are not provided by the race organisers.  (You can make the numbers out of insulating tape if you don't want to buy pre-cut ones.)

Step Two - On the day

When you arrive at the event you will find the normal enduro facilities -

And maybe a few extras, perhaps some trade stands selling bike spares and so on.

Who's Who:  The Marshals

First a word about the most important people at the event - The Marshals.  These are not just a few blokes we dragged in off the street, they are experienced riders and organisers trained to ensure your safety and the fairness of the event.  Each can be identified by their number.  They will be all over the course, checking and watching, re-placing markers, and so on.  They will be in radio contact with race control, and the medical team.  The person in overall charge of the event is the Clerk of the Course, you will find his/her name in your Regs.  There will also be a Centre Steward; this is the independent official who ensures your safety and fair play.  They must not be a member of our club.

Step Three - Sign On

The first thing you need to do when you arrive is to find the Secretary and 'sign on'.  You need to show your ACU licence if you have one, or purchase your single event licence otherwise.  This is your insurance.  You also need to make a one-off purchase of a transponder wrist-band for the computer lap-counter.

Important - if you are using a transponder from another club you must inform the Secretary so that it can be logged into the timing system.

Step Four - Scrutineering

Once you are happy that your bike is prepared, take it to the 'Machine Examiner' (aka Scrutineer).  This is a basic safety check.  Some events will require a noise test.  Your helmet will also be checked.

Step Five - Parc Fermé

Having passed the Scrutineer, take your bike to the Parc Fermé ('Closed Park') AKA Bike Park for your class.  This will also be your re-fuelling area during the race, leave your fuel cans and any tools you may need behind the parked bikes.  It's a good idea to clearly mark your fuel - faced with 150 fuel cans honest mistakes can be made!

Step Six - The Start

Just before the first riders start you will be given a final verbal briefing.  This may include such details as ground conditions, depth of water out on the course, and so on.  You cannot 'walk the course' to gain prior knowledge.

You will be called forward, one class at a time, Experts first, and given time to warm your engines.  You then line up, 'under Starters orders'.  This is a dead engine start.  The Starter will display a board giving you a 5 second warning.  He/She will then retreat to the side and raise the flag - when this is waved/dropped you may start your engine and race up the track.

Course marking.  The course will be clearly marked using a combinations of tape and arrows.  Arrows will be used to indicate a change of direction.  A single arrow pointing to 2 o'clock indicates a turn to the right.  Double arrows pointing to 9 o'clock indicate a sharp turn to the left, and so on.  Where the course is marked with parallel arrows you MUST ride between them.

Step Seven - Lap Count

At the end of each lap you will pass a computerised lap counter.  This area will be marked with blue tape and must be ridden at walking pace.  The operation of the computer lap count is currently under review and will be clearly explained during the riders briefing.  (We no longer use the tag & punch system.)

Hold your yellow transponder wrist band close to the grey scanner panel.  The red light will flash once to confirm that your lap has been registered.

Step Eight - End of the Race

When the set race duration is up (2.5 or 3 hours usually) no one may start a new lap.  Those riders out on the course must complete their last lap.  This will count towards their total.  However, the time you spend on the course after the end of the race duration is a penalty against you.  So for 2 riders with the same number of laps it's the first one home that wins. (I.e. the rider with the lower penalty time spent on his/her last lap.)

Step Nine - Results & Presentations

As long as the computerised results system holds up, we aim to have the provisional results printed and on display in around 45 mins. after the last rider finishes.  Presentations will follow shortly after.

Step Ten - Too Many Steps!

It's not that complicated, just get out there and enjoy it!  We are here to help you.