Ithaca Dirt Riders Closed Course Enduro – August 18, 2019

In the early 1970s, a small group of local off-road motorcycle enthusiasts came together to form the Ithaca Dirt Riders (IDR).  It was their vision to provide some local trails and events for their club members and other to enjoy. A year later, the club chartered with the American Motorcyclist Association (AMA). With many of its member interested in the AMA sport of Enduros, the club sanctioned its first event.  This year is the 46th anniversary of The Ithaca Dirt Riders Enduro! It will be held on Sunday, August 18 at a new location, 1919 Genoa Lansing Town Rd, King Ferry, NY, starting at 8:00 am. A closed course enduro consists of a series of “loops” through fields and woods. It is a great experience for riders with a good deal of challenge for them also and riders can ride as young as 12 years old, if they have a bike with at least a 19” front tire.  There are NO spectator fees and we have information sheets available to see where the riders will be during the event. Also, on Sunday, August 25, there will be a Sprint Enduro at the location of the Ithaca Dirt Riders previous events, at the corner of Andersen and Davis Roads, Berkshire, NY. This one is being held by Cayuga County Riders. Find out more about these events at amad4enduro.com or ecea.org (8/18 event only) or on Facebook, look for “AMA District 4 Enduro Championship” or “East Coast Enduro Association” for event information. 

SO, WHAT IS AN ENDURO? Enduros are a cross-country event, which not only requires speed and ability, but also endurance, (hence “Enduro”). The rider must also stay on time. A route is laid out for the riders to follow and a speed is set for them to maintain.  Small groups of riders, (usually four), are started every minute. The rider must then try to maintain the speed scheduled for any given area. To score the riders, the promoter has secret “check points” along the route. If he/she is not on time, they are given 1 point for every minute they are late.  Being early is much worse, with 2 points for the first 2 minutes that you are early and 5 points for every minute earlier than that and disqualification if you are more than 15 minutes early. Like golf, at the end of the event the scores are added up and the rider with the lowest score wins. With the help of many volunteers and supporters the Ithaca Dirt Riders have not only been able to host this local event, but many AMA national events over the years.  Those national events have brought rider from all over the USA, Canada, Europe and even Australia. IDR not only promote the sport of off-road riding, but also help the local communities, especially the local volunteer fire departments and emergency squads, who provide great meals at the events, along with their services when necessary.

WHAT IS A SPRINT ENDURO? Fairly new to the enduro world in America, sprint enduros allow competitors to race against the clock on wide, fast-flowing trails and grass track. They ride a small number of  special test multiple times throughout the day, trying to improve their times each ride.

To get a better understanding on Enduros, go to: www.americanmotorcyclist.com/Racing/Story/gettingstarted-in-enduro-1   You will  be amazed at how much the riders have to do (and remember!) as they ride the course. For other local and national off-road motorcycling activities go to americanmotorcyclist.com, www.ecea.org  or go to the AMA District 4 website at: amad4enduro.com.