4 Musts for the Fastest (and Safest) Enduro Ride of Your Life

Sarah’s voice was warm and friendly, and I felt connected to her right away. Sarah is a Grand Enduro racer herself as well as the marketing director for MRP, a company manufacturing high-end mountain bike suspension and drive-trains. She’s riding buddies with Noah Sears, who helped MAD Racing Colorado create the Grand Enduro course. I asked her, what should Grand Enduro racers do to ensure their bikes are fast and safe for the race? Here are her recommendations:

Proper suspension is the difference between a safe and dangerous ride.

Proper suspension​. The Ribbon stage is a rocky, technical course. A lot is riding on forks and shocks. Improper suspension can not only hold you back, but it could even be dangerous, so don’t overlook this importance maintenance step. Proper suspension is based on rider weight (your body weight ​plus ​your cargo), geometry of the bike, and the terrain.

New, properly inflated tires and will maximize your race time and minimize tire hassles.

Sturdy tires and the right pressure​. Jagged terrain, sharp rocks and sand all make up the unpredictable nature of the Grand Enduro. “People from out of town may not understand how sharp the rocks are,” Sarah warns. You’ll need fresh tires, the right size, properly inflated, with good tread that can take a pounding. Be prepared for punctures by bringing repair kits, including extra tubes.

Good brakes will give you the peace of mind essential to pushing your maximum speed.

Fresh brake pads​. A wide open sandstone slab awaits you at the last half of the Ribbon Stage, tempting you to hit speeds of 30, 40, even 50 miles per hour. With a special prize for the fastest Ribbon descent, good brakes are not just for safety, but the peace of mind essential for squeezing every ounce of speed you can muster in the short time you’ll have.

Pre-race tune up​. Not sure you have the expertise to ready your bike? Sarah recommends asking for a pre-race tune up at your favorite bike shop. Not only will the tune up address these top three maintenance concerns, but your whole bike will get the once over for your maximum safety and performance. Sarah recommends Ruby Canyon or Bicycle Outfitters, and if you’re coming from out of town, call ahead to be sure the shop can get your bike in. (Bicycle Outfitters is the Stage 3 Sponsor of the Grand Enduro, FYI.)

“The Grand Enduro is super fun,” Sarah says. “I’ll do it again this year. The course is incredible. It’s super challenging. It hits all the best parts of Lunch Loop. The atmosphere is relaxed and supportive. It’s more of a party atmosphere: competitive, but everyone is friendly and supportive. By the end, you know everybody. The first time I did the race, I met people that I ride with now. And, it’s only day and a half–not a three day huge endeavor that people have to take off work for. As enduro races go, [the Grand Enduro] is attainable and affordable but at the same time it’s not some podunk race. You have to be a solid rider.”

Click the link for deets about the June 1 & 2 ​3rd Annual Grand Enduro​, including course descriptions, lodging info, and registration. Register now for the lowest fee. Follow @GrandEnduro on I​nstagram​ and ​Facebook​.