San Jacinto Endurance Ride

The San Jacinto Endurance Ride is a single-day endurance ride similar in organization (or lack thereof) to events such as those in the Arizona Endurance Series and others. This event springs from the minds of a few of us riders in the Idyllwild, CA area.

Mary Metcalf-Collier will give a slide show presentation on Tour Divide at 6pm, October 21st at the Rainbow Inn, in Idyllwild California.

The ride start is set for 6am, October 24th, 2009. Expect a long day in the saddle, with some route options. The full course length & profile is approximately 73 miles with 11,000 ft of climbing, broken down over two separate loops. Time will be tabulated for the 48 mile first loop & the full route. Printable maps & turn-by-turn cue sheets will be available to all riders via RSVP email to sanjacintoenduro@gmail.com

Rules (adapted from other self-supported events)

• Ride your bike, self-supported, under only your own power, along the entire SJ Enduro route.
• No pre-arranged support, no outside assistance of any kind. This means you should be prepared take care of yourself and not burden any other person. This includes but is not limited to navigation, mechanical assistance, and medical support. No caching of food, water, or anything else. Any food, water, etc, acquired on route must be from public sources, ie stores, restaurants, spigots, etc.
• Prepare & behave in such a way as though you were riding the route entirely yourself. If you can’t handle that, the SJ Enduro is not for you.
• Don’t break the law.
• No iPods, unless the music is good.

Inspiration

- we love riding our mountain, and we’d like to introduce other experienced riders to it.

- grassroots racing/touring is fun.

- we like to bring new faces to our town for a grill-out.

Philosophy, what’s different?

Where “pay” races are a great way to bring lots of people together for fun times on two wheels, permitting & land managers can restrict the venue, make the ride cost prohibitive, etc. By hosting a small, free, no award/no entry timed ride, we seek to bring the grassroots enduro experience to our mountain- with full access to public lands, and even some private property with permission.

The SJ Enduro aims to provide a backcountry experience for experienced mountain bikers. We are providing a route, suggested start time, and tabulation of results. You are completely on your own, just as you would be if you chose to ride the route on any other day.

Unlike many other self-supported rides, the SJ Enduro has two route options. Time will be tabulated for both the 48 mile first loop, and the full 73 mile complete route.This is the two-wheeled equivalent to a Choose Your Own Adventure novel.

It will be VERY tough, riding on rugged terrain with mileage and route options to hone your enduro experience.

how to do it?

We will provide printable maps & cue sheets with turn-by-turn instructions.  Basic map-and-compass skills will be required. Importantly, a healthy respect and comfort level for being on your own, in the wilderness in harsh conditions is required. Expect no assistance in any way. We will be following rules similar to those of other self supported events.