Endurance Mountain Biking
Mountain Bike Endurance Races are becoming more popular through the years. These events are well-known to the non-professional and recreational riders, since more often than not, these are races against oneself. Unlike lap racing, Endurance Racing courses are either larger laps or point-to-point. Rehydration and refreshments may be taken anytime and anywhere. Assistance within competitors is allowed in order to promote camaraderie amongst riders.
Endurance Racing is much more informal than other types of Mountain Bike Racing. Sometimes, it is done in teams or partnerships especially with those races that involve orienteering. The social aspect of these races is evident in overnight camps and after race festivities.
Mountain Bike Endurance Races can cover very long distances or include many laps. Some last a couple of days but many can be done by daylight. Examples of Endurance Mountain Bike Races are Karrimor Enduro 6 (6 hours), and Polaris Challenge (two days). Karrimor Enduro 6 is a major annual Mountain Biking event held every May at Trentham Gardens, Staffordshire. Soloists or teams of two compete in a 6-mile course within 6 hours. On the other hand, the Polaris Challenge is a two-day endurance event wherein aside from Mountain Biking, skills in navigation and touring are necessary. Pairs of riders use maps in locating checkpoints which have different score values. For instance, checkpoints which are hard to access correspond to higher score values. Participants should be able to get as many points as possible within the set time limit.
Endurance Mountain Bikes are designed to be light. Bikes are generally heavier than XC bikes and have more suspension travel. They are designed to cover long distances in comfort.
Endurance Mountain Bike Races can offer more than just the thrill of Mountain Biking. It will be so nice and well-worth it if you win in a race. But meeting new friends who share the same passion for adventure makes participating in an endurance event a rewarding experience.
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