ENDURO ESSENTIALS

Make sure to carry food with you, either in a pack or your pockets. Enduro races can involve long days in the saddle – I was riding for five-and-a-half hours at the Transcenduro – and it’s important to stay fuelled. Fortunately, there were water stops that provided snacks and energy products, but that isn’t always the case. I shoved some sandwiches in my bumbag, which turned out to be a good move.

Water is another essential. I had two bottles with me – one on the bike and one in my bumbag – but still needed to top up on the way around. Running out of water isn’t fun.

Invest in a good set of all-rounder tyres. Enduro races cover di erent types of terrain, which won’t all ride the same. You’ll need rubber that you’re confident can tackle mud, dust, rocks and roots all in the same day. Plus, something that doesn’t drag too much on the climbs.

Pack spares. While I was fortunate and didn’t have any problems with the Scott Ransom bike I was using, sometimes you’ll be a long way away from any help, and some races forbid outside assistance. A spare tube, patches, pump, good multi-tool and a spare chain link are the minimum you should have with you.

A decent mudguard and some tissues or a cleaning cloth are a good idea. Even if it’s not muddy, you can still come across the odd puddle that can smear up your goggles (we reckon these are essential for enduro racing, even if you’re running an open-face helmet).

Lower your expectations of your own riding. While this doesn’t sound like a confidence-booster, having only one practice run or riding blind means you won’t be able to learn all the tracks. This will inevitably lead to missed lines and errors, especially if you’re trying too hard. Accepting that you won’t be perfect but trying to minimise your mistakes is your best chance of ending up with a good time.

Take a sense of humour with you. At the end of the day, it’s only riding a bike, and if you can smile, enjoy the ride and not get too frustrated with the di cult situations that are sure to rear their heads, you’ll enjoy it a lot more.