It wasn’t called “Hard” for nothing. It might feel like all the odds are against the racer, with all the obstacles, pits, rocks, logs, cliffs, steep and other related stuffs to pass through. But those things are what make Hard Enduro worthwhile. Just as the tracks being prepared by the organizers, the rider itself must prepare all the necessary preparations and equipments ahead of time. It might be a new gear, some parts of yor bike that needs to be replaced or the rider itself.
Protect Your Bike
Know what type of environment you’re heading up to for this will help you better analyze the situation in order for you to maximize the effectiveness of your bike. It will be crucial if your bike suffers mechanical failure because of the factors lying around the track. Here are some points to consider for protecting your bike.
- Use a thermostat operated genuine ventilator and not a manual one
- Ensure that your current battery is in good condition; if not, buy a new one
- Radiator guards is a must have
- Use exhaust pipe and engine guards for 2 strokes.
- You may also want to add a rear break disk guard, for some of the course will be very tough to tackle.
- Choose mousse. Use the one that you incorporate during your training time, so that they will get softened.
- Use soft tires.
Protect Yourself
Of what value does your bike will give you if you yourself will go to the race unprepared? Hard endure races will take an enormous amount of energy from you. It will drain you physically, that is why you need to prepare the essential gears and clothing for your race to avoid or at least lesson the damage (if any).
- Use hand guards and decide for yourself if you want an open or closed type. Choose the one that is comfortable for you.
- You may buy or make a good GPS Steering bar case. You may try it during your practice time for you to get used to it.
- Protect your headlight. Some races will be during the night and who knows? There might be objects that are just waiting for the right time to smash your headlight. And when it does, it will be very difficult to race without it.
- Use steering grips, wire them and use installation glue. In case of emergency, bring extra.
- You might also need an extra pair of socks and boots. It might get a bit wet in some areas of the course. Better be ready than sorry.
- Having a dry and clean riding gear each race day is a suggestion. It is better to race in clean and comfortable gears right?
- Pack plenty of gloves.
- Anti fog spray and a vented dual lenses will help you have a clear vision.
- As much as possible, avoid non-breathable waterproof gear.
Plan for problems
Sometimes, those very common problems that were unattended will cost you the entire race. Being ahead of the situation and being prepared will guarantee that you will finish the race even if problems will arise.
- Taking spare parts is essential if the ones you are using are damaged during or after the race.
- Pack the special tools that some parts require to be installed. An example is a tyre changing device.
- Pack the bike consumables you will need.
- It is ideal to have straps on the front and rear fenders for pulling the bike, as well as a towing strap for tough uphills.
Hard endure competitions are created to be tough. There will be times that you will be riding through the forest, or any remote place without spotting any human presence. At the end, it will be only you, your bike and your intellect that will stand side by side when a tricky problem shows up.
