What to Expect at a Family Enduro

Key Time – This is the official start time of the family enduro

Items Suggested
Odometer
Digital Watch
Route Chart Holder
Scorecard Holder
Tape & Scissors

Family Enduros are designed to introduce youth to the sport of enduros, so that we will have future generations of enduro racers. Per the AMA, these events are categorized as recreation, not competition.

The course length is usually between 20 to 40 miles. Many clubs have had successful events with a course 8 to 17 miles in length (or less) and have the participants ride 2 to 3 laps. The loops are typically all off-road, so no lights / license are needed.

The events use the timekeeping and/or restart format. For the timekeeping events, the intention is to teach the new enduro riders how to keep time at a traditional enduro. The speed averages for these events are 12 to 18 miles per hour depending on the terrain and length of the sections. There is a break (reset or pause) in between each loop to allow the participants a break and to allow for the sweep riders to clear the trail.

Gas stops are typically no further than 15 miles apart, so even the smallest bike (gas tank) can make a loop with no problems. As a typical enduro, the checkpoints are secret. Each loop should have an emergency (tie breaker) check. Most clubs will post mileage markers through the loop as some of the riders may not have an odometer on the their bike.  In addition to the secret and emergency checks, the clubs are also encouraged to use observation checks – part of the enduro experience.

When you get to the event and proceed through registration, you will be given a numberplate sticker to adhere to the front of your motorcycle. This is how you will be identified. There can be as many as five or six people riding on your row. (Numbers 1A, 1B, 1C, 1D, 1E, etc)

A paper scorecard with cardboard backing will also be given to you. You will duct tape this to your front fender, being sure not to cover up the scoring boxes with tape.

When you arrive at a checkpoint, the check workers will mark down the time on your scorecard on the front fender.

Don’t forget to turn your scorecard in after the race is complete! All scores are added up from this scorecard.

Best Practices for Parents or Guardians

  • An adult chaperone is required to ride with children ages 14 and under.
  • In general, chaperones should ride BEHIND the child. It is easier to monitor their riding and helps the rider develop a better understanding of timekeeping and strategy if they attempt to ride the event on their own as much as possible.

Best Practices for Clubs

  • Write the parent’s phone number on the kids numberplate sticker
  • Have the numberplate stickers be the inverse of the enduro numberplate stickers (ideally black with white numbers)
  • Put a mileage marker at each whole mile throughout course
  • It’s the club’s discretion to to decide how deep to give out awards
  • It is suggested that classes B and C start in the later rows to help minimize traffic and passing on the trail.  Also, these classes and class A (Buddy) should ride a shorter course or fewer laps. The D class could be assigned to the later rows, but they will be riding the long course.

Season Awards

Review the Family Enduro Rules page for detailed information on scoring and points.