2012 Enduro Series race in Bend | Photo © Mike Albright
The first of five races in the Oregon Enduro Series (OES) is next weekend in Hood River, Oregon. The organization, based in Bend, is in high gear readying themselves for the season’s first event. This year’s series will further fine-tune a racing format with deep roots in the Super D race style.
Super D vs Enduro
For the uninitiated, here’s a quick primer outlining the differences between a Super D and an Enduro format race. Super D is single stage, 20 to 40 min long ride, which contrasts with an Enduro which is multi-stage and sometimes multi-day. In the Enduro format, the stages are connected by climbs. Marketing and Media Director, Justin Serna says they try to avoid shuttled climbs, preferring the racers climb under their own power to the next stage start, but it depends on the course and terrain. Sometimes a shuttle is the best option to make the race accessible to more racers.
While it’s true that some courses appeal to racers with certain strengths, an Enduro course favors not only those who can descend, but also those who can climb, incorporating elements which don’t necessarily require a full face helmet, body armor, and a bike specially designed for downhill riding. Serna feels that’s one of the reasons why it’s the fastest growing bicycle racing styles; competitors can ride most of the series’ courses on a mountain bike with four to six inches of front fork travel.
In the 2013 Edition
