About Enduros

An enduro is a long distance timed event. Although bikes are ridden at speed an enduro is not technically a speed event as there is no element of racing included in the discipline. The courses laid out for enduros range from ‘short’ courses of about a mile up to 20 miles and can involve laps of 50 miles. Riders are expected to complete a certain number of laps dependent upon their class/ability. Enduros arguably provide the greatest number of hours in the saddle per event of any motorcycle sporting discipline.

Enduro riding may take place over open or closed courses and more about having a good range of skills and a high level of fitness than outright speed. Enduros events can last from a few hours to six-days and can take a lot of dedication and time. However, it is hugely rewarding and there is a real sense of camaraderie amongst competitors.

Enduros are the long distance side of dirt biking, with cross country courses varying from a couple of miles up to 150 miles. The bikes are very similar to motocross machines but they have to be road legal, with lights fitted, and also be quieter than motocross bikes; enduro bikes tend to be less highly tuned than their motocross counterparts. When you are riding for long periods of time the hard hitting power of a motocrosser can be a liability after a long day in the saddle.

An Enduro is very similar to a car rally in that competitors set off at staggered time intervals on a pre-determined route. There are time checks and special tests similar to rally special stages. Entrants can be penalised if they fail to keep to their own time schedule or start a test too early or too late. Like Trials riding, it’s good value for money as you get a lot of riding for your entry fee with centre events lasting many hours. The winner is the rider who stays on time throughout the event and who accrues the fewest penalty points; ties are settled by means of the special times achieved by a rider.