My First Enduro - Long Cane 1999

I think I am going to change the name of this column to the one lap wonder. So far, I have raced 3 NCHSA races and not completed the full time in either of them. In the first I busted my forks when I hit a tree, the second I busted my arm when I hit a tree and this past weekend at Circle T… well, I just couldn’t handle the heat.

I felt good all day up to the race. I rode the day before and dialed in my bike as best as I could. The jetting was good but the suspension still a little stiff.

Sunday came and I got to Circle T just in time to register. I got the bike going and changed plugs and headed to the start. The first couple of rows go out fast. Then we find out there was a major pile up and somebody had a broken arm.

Right then I decide to take it easy.

My row comes up and I go. I move wide and let everyone move in under me. We go and I am staying close with the rest of the field but that is only because the dust is slowing everyone down. We get to the tight stuff and I am feeling good and staying with 3 other riders. I am a little faster than the guy in front of me but not by much.

I hear the non-members come yelling in from behind me. I don’t want to lose the guys I am following so I try to find a wide spot but after a few hundred yards I pull over and let the faster riders by. I lose a lot of ground.

I start back out and catch up to a Kawasaki. I fall in behind him and about 5 other guys. Then we pass 2 other riders. 1 of them was the one I was following before I let the faster riders by me. Later on I pass a few more.

I finally settle into a good pace with a guy on a DRZ. He and I are doing well and there is an XR behind me but not pushing me too hard.

We hit an open area and I blitz it and go. I got to 5th gear and it felt great.

Back in the tight stuff I see I am gaining on some more riders. I can’t believe it. I hit a big hill and shoot straight up it. I was feeling great.

Then I go through the barrels. After that I hit a wall. My arms turn to rubber and the same section that I felt good in I had trouble keeping the bike on the track. I pulled off to the side and rested. I had a funny feeling in my midsection and I was tired.

I finally go through the barrels a second time and decide to go away healthy. I go back to the truck where my wife is standing and ask her to help me. I am throwing my helmet (a new MSR Superlight) and gear. She looks scared but rushes to get a rag with cold water so I can cool down.

I finally cool down enough and load up. I end up leaving before the race is even over. I am bummed that the heat and dust got to me so bad. However, I am glad that I felt good enough to race with a few guys.

I have to say that Circle T was my favorite course of all the ones I have run so far. It had enough tight stuff to be fun but the ground was too rutted out and it had some fast stuff too. A lot of fun if it wasn’t for the dust. The creek was fun too.

Next race isn’t until August but I may wait until the Devil’s Ridge race to ride again. Thanks for a great time.