Can you tell how long a run it's going to be or is that a secret :)

Thanks FlyinRyan,  I'm heading to Kentucky this weekend for a 200 mile dual sport ride so my rump should be in shape   The wife and a friend are coming to watch the enduro.  I'm looking forward to riding it.

Cheap $ tip...

If you do ride an event that involves timekeeping equipment (that I prefer), consider this cheap dual purpose solution:

If you wear a watch and need a new one, get the Casio SGW200. (reg retail $65, sale prices around $45)

http://www.casio.com/products/Timepiece/Sports/SGW200-1V/

This is a runner's training watch.  Click on the link above and read the 'technical specs' of this watch.  Runners can measure their normal stride length (by running through a puddle and measuring the footprints) and then set an audible beeping pace signal.  If they want to run a four minute mile, they set the pace signal that they then match their pounding footsteps. 

So, how does that help an enduro rider?  The technical specs say that the stride length can be set between 12 inches and 118 inches. 

#1, set the stride length at the superhuman 118 inches (a 9.83 foot stride length)
#2, set the pace at 215 steps per minute.

The watch will then tell you how many miles you would have run for any period of time that you could maintain this pace.  As an example after one minute you would have run 118 inches times 215 paces.  You would have covered 25,370 inches or 2114 feet or .4 miles.  After 30 minutes, you would have covered 2114 feet times 30 or 63,425 feet or 12.01 miles.  The watch will display 12.01 miles.  After 60 minutes the watch will display 24.02 miles.

If you match your bikes odometer to the distance travelled on the watch, you will maintain a 24MPH average.  If your odometer reads more than your watch, you are 'hot'.  If your odometer reads less than your watch, you are slow.

So, if you need a watch anyways, you now also have a nice mileage computer for your next enduro that uses a 24 MPH average.  This is the maximum speed average that this watch can compute.  If the enduro changes speed to lower averages during the enduro, you'd have to stop and reset the watch to a different pace and reset your odometer.  (that might be a pain) 

Casio made the J50 Pacesetter watch back in the eighties when I use to run 10K races.  I had this watch and figured out that I could use it for my enduro runs.  Now Casio makes the SGW200 which has the same functions.  Like I said, if you need a new watch anyways...

Thanks, Layton.  That's just what I expected.  I'll be happy to see 30 miles of 'new to me' trails.  I just enjoy the ride...don't care about the time or speed.

Originally posted by chiefgrayhair How about some more advice for an old rookie.  What do you carry as esentials regarding tools or spare parts?  Do you carry much? '

If I was riding a Frontera, I would want to carry a spare clutch, piston and rings, chain and sprockets and maybe a crank.    Just joking.

The modern bikes are so reliable that, if you have done your maintenance, you almost don't have any problems on the trail, unless they are self induced. With your bike, you might want to carry a plug or two, if it fouls easily. Maybe some zip ties, wire, etc for a quick emergency repair. Some kind of multi tool, or small tools that easy to carry. Me, I'm lazy. I figure if I break, it's a good excuse to quit.

Just for your information there are a few places that run a true vintage class in hare scrambles and also the Midwest VMX motocross series. Don't let the motocross part scare you off. The tracks are tame and nothing like modern MX and were all old and slow.

I seen they have more info posted on the Enduro with a sweet gun raffle

  I also looked at the terrain and was wondering about my gearing. Right now I have a crf250x geared kinda low for tighter woods....but I can only cruise roads about 30 - 35mph comfy.  I could gear it up to run 40ish comfy but at the cost of being able to work mud/tight trails and lofting my front tire. 
  Any advice??

Originally posted by WarrenM I seen they have more info posted on the Enduro with a sweet gun raffle  I also looked at the terrain and was wondering about my gearing. Right now I have a crf250x geared kinda low for tighter woods....but I can only cruise roads about 30 - 35mph comfy.  I could gear it up to run 40ish comfy but at the cost of being able to work mud/tight trails and lofting my front tire.    Any advice??

I don't know what you've changed your gearing too, but I have a stock CRF250X and the gearing works fine for this event. Comfortably cruising speed of 50mph.

Thanks...  from the weather it looks as if the dust should be settled by now

Barkbusters? Ryan isn't the idea to miss the trees? Just checking.

Originally posted by chiefgrayhair Anyone from the Elgin/St.Charles area going to the Geneseo Enduro?  I could use a partner/ambulance driver just in case I need one.  I'm probably coming by myself.  If I ask, would someone from the club load up my stuff and take my truck to a safe location if I am in recovery mode?

Think positive!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!