FIX IT QUICK
Now this is something that you won't see at a supercross race! With little time between heat races and major case damage a high possibility at EnduroCross, you may have to throw a little Quicksteel patch on busted cases, water pumps or clutch covers. This simple compound can be molded like putty and applied to the hole where it will dry quickly and get you through the day, just like out on the trail.
REMEMBER THE BASICS
It sounds simple, but concentrating on the proper basics of riding a motorcycle can improve your EnduroCross-type skills dramatically. For example, when using the throttle know the difference between feeding the power on slowly or just whacking it open. Correspondingly, don't grab the brakes for all they're worth if you need to slow down, control is the key. The most important control that you need to remember to use correctly is the clutch; it is a tool-not a crutch. Use the clutch to pop the front end up or urge the bike through a tough spot, but stay away from fanning or popping it; doing so will wear you and the bike out in no time. Plus, it generates an incredible amount of engine heat. And if you really can't come to grips with the clutch, just make it automatic! Several companies make auto clutches specifically for off-road, and these are growing in popularity among riders of all skill levels. You'll find Rekluse auto clutches (www.rekluse.com) on more than one pro's bike.
STAY BALANCED
Of all the basic skills that can be put to use at a high level to make an obstacle easier, balance and body positioning are critical. When approaching and hitting an obstacle, you must remember to remain firm yet loose on the bike, yet you need to let it work underneath you. Fighting the handlebar or holding on with a death grip are sure signs that you aren't working with the bike. Grip with your ankles and knees, but keep your weight centered over the top of the machine. Use input on the pegs to help the tires grab traction, and don't be afraid to lean around a bit with your top half in order to keep the bike balanced. If you are rigid as a broomstick and at odds with the suspension, you will have a much tougher go at it than if you remain neutral, relaxed and in control.
DON'T FOLLOW THE LEADER
Want to make a pass in a tight section? Rule number one: Don't follow! If you take the same lines as the person in front of you, you are essentially at their whim if they mess up or want to take a slower line. Instead of sticking to someone's rear fender and hoping they mess up or move over, try anything to get around the person. Also, follow the unwritten rule of passing-which is to not look at or focus on the person in front of you. Instead, stay on your line and find a safe, clean way around them. And if that doesn't work, don't be afraid to give them a little nudge!
DON'T CRANK THE PERCHES
Worried about busting a lever off in the rocks? Even with hand guards, it happens all the time. One way to avoid snapping off a lever is to make sure that your brake and clutch perches aren't tightened down as tight as you can get them. If you back off a bit and run your perches so that they stay in place but can still swivel on the handlebar without too much effort, you help your chances of not breaking one off in a fall. Also, should you have a hard get-off and need to readjust your levers, running them just a tad looser than snug will allow you to pound them back into place without a tool.
HUMBLE YOURSELF
"I think the number one thing you need to do to have any success at EnduroCross is to check your ego at the door. Prepare to humiliate yourself, prepare to fail in front of a crowd of people. Be prepared to look like a fool. There are many riders with tons more talent than I have, but their tender egos will not let them even try EnduroCross. The number two thing about EnduroCross is understanding the difference between riding well and riding fast. Too many riders focus on fast but don't ride all that well, and it becomes brutally evident at EnduroCross. Think you have what it takes? Then get signed up for the next round, because the crowd will tell you if you really have what it takes to be an EnduroCross star!"
-Weekend warrior and EX enthusiast Charlie Williams
THE ULTIMATE TIP
"Want to do really well at EnduroCross? You'll first need to get your KTM, Husqvarna or Kawasaki covered by a Geico Insurance plan (you never know what can happen out there). Once that is handled, hop on www.thumpertalk.com and tell everyone how fast you are. When the race finally rolls around, be sure to pound a Monster Energy drink before the main event. Then, throw on your Moose gear and Alpinestars boots and head on down to the starting line. When the gate drops, drop your Rekluse clutch and use your Maxxis tires to grab traction as your FMF-equipped motor pulls you toward the first turn. If anyone gets in your way, show 'em the end of your ProTapers--right in the ribs. When you get to the water section, try not to get your Uni Filter wet, and pull a tear-off from your Scott goggles, but only if necessary. Don't worry about breaking a case in the rocks and spilling your Lucas Oil on the track; your Pro Moto Billet components have the protection side covered. Ride the rest of the race out in confidence, knowing that the Motion Pro tools and Kal-Gard lubricants you used to prep your bike will get you to the finish. After crossing the checkers well ahead of second place and spraying Monster flavored champagne all over, take your huge cardboard check to Girardi Wealth Management and head over to RideNow Powersports to pick up a new bike for next year." -Lance Bryson, EnduroCross Director of Sales and Marketing
Hungry for some EnduroCross race action? The 2009 season spans six rounds all over the U.S., so there is no reason not to get in on the action! Whether you want to attend as a spectator or as a participant, tickets and entries are available online, along with a wealth of information regarding the series. For more, log on to www.endurocross.com.
2009 AMA/ Geico EnduroCross Presented by E3 Spark Plugs Schedule:
Las Vegas, NV - July 25
Guthrie, OK - August 15
Florence, SC - September 12
Columbus, OH - October 3
Denver, CO - October 24
Las Vegas, NV - November 21