MODERN

ary Enman, a 15-year-old hare scrambles racer from Bangor, Pa., admits that he wasn’t sure what to expect when he started enduro racing. “For the most part, I didn’t have any idea what I was doing when I lined up for my first enduro,” says Gary, who decided to try the national when he was just 13 years old. “My younger brother, Neil, and I were looking for something different. Our dad used to ride traditional time-keeping enduros, so we decided to give enduros a try. It wasn’t that hard to transition into.” The Enman brothers say their parents are their pit crew, but their dad hopes to ride with them next year. On occasion, the boys get to ride on the same row, and that adds to the camaraderie-building experience. “The enduros have a great community vibe,” Neil says. “It’s like being part of a huge family. Someone is always there to One Of help when you need it.” While racing is the main focus of the weekend, the Enman ’s brothers say they enjoy camping, hanging out with their race friends and checking out the terrain. They also try to Oldest Disciplines, experience something local to the race location, whether it’s seeing a national landmark or eating at a local restaurant. Enduros Are Evolving For “If you’re someone wondering if you should try enduros, I say A New Generation just go for it,” Gary says. “It’s nice to go out and race all day, but be able to take breaks and reset your mind. For me, it’s been BY HEATHER WILSON really fun to ride.” Shan Moore

22 AmericanMotorcyclist.com 22 the assigned minute as possible, The Format based on the arrival time indicated Enduros date to the 1920s. Early by the route sheet. Riders who arrive contests used mostly road courses at a checkpoint when they aren’t (although early 20th century roads supposed to are considered “off their were little more than rough two-track minute.” A rider who shows up early in many cases), but a typical modern is said to have “burned” that check. enduro is a woods race. The 75- to The route sheet is made up of 150-mile competitions consist mainly a combination of numbers and of single-track trail where racers letters. The first row of a route sheet ride from checkpoint to checkpoint, might read: 1R | 1.82 | 10:04:33. ultimately returning to the starting This indicates that the turn is area. In all but the rarest cases, the number 1, it is a right turn, and the trail is ridden only once, so it stays in correct mileage is 1.82. The time prime condition throughout the race. indicates that the rider should arrive Riders leave in small groups of at 10:04:33, or 4 minutes and 33 three to five. These groups, also seconds after starting the enduro, referred to as “rows” or “minutes,” assuming the start time, or “key typically start at 10 a.m. and every time,” was 10 a.m. minute thereafter until everyone has Regardless of the rider’s row or entered the woods. Because of the minute, the wristwatch or computer desire to limit the number of riders can be set so that it will tick over in each group and to make sure to 10 a.m. when the rider starts everyone can finish by a reasonable the enduro. Then, the rider simply time, enduros cap the number compares the time on the watch to of groups and riders they can the time on the route sheet to know if accommodate. he or she is early or late. Each rider is individually scored In addition to the route sheet, based on when his or her row is most clubs mark the course with scheduled to arrive at each check. ENDURO ESSENTIALS » Without a route sheet arrows and post signs on the course Because of this, a row can include holder (top) and route sheet, you won’t know that state when a rider should have a mix of classes. This is one of where to go or when to arrive. The transponder arrived at that intersection. enduro’s endearing qualities, (middle) has modernized racing. It’s mounted After the enduro, penalty points because it can allow a dad, perhaps underneath the visor of a rider’s helmet and are tallied, with one point assigned racing the 40B class, to race on the scores the rider electronically when he or she for each minute a rider arrived late. same minute as his son, perhaps rides through checkpoints, rather than manually If a rider burned a check, the rider racing the 200A class, and a friend writing the score on a paper under the pull is given two points for the first who might be in the Open A class. scorecard (bottom) mounted to the front fender. minute early and five points for each Engineering Enduro Most enduros assign each rider additional minute arrived early. a number printed or written on a Enduros can have emergency sticker that is applied to the front number plate. checks, as well. These are scored to the second, This number reflects the row, or minute, the rider is on. So, riders counted from the minute the rider was due to arrive. For example, on row 20 might be given numbers 120, 220, 320 and 420—or a rider due on minute 20 who comes in at 21:30 receives a score perhaps 20A, 20B, 20C and 20D. of 90 seconds for the emergency check, not one point. There are two broad types of enduros most popular today: Because of the penalty for arriving early, traditional enduros traditional time-keeping enduros and start-control/restart enduros. aren’t just a flat-out race. Although many sections will be difficult and only the best riders are at risk of burning these sections’ out-checks, so-called transfer sections and checks in unexpected Traditional Time-Keeping locations can catch riders who are riding too fast. For decades, traditional time-keeping enduros were the most “There is a significant benefit to time-keeping, especially if popular, and many local and regional enduro series still operate you’re not the quickest rider,” says Kevin Brown, a long-time this way. Traditional time-keeping enduros often use public roads enduro rider and volunteer with the Appalachian Championship to route riders to different sections of the course. This requires the Enduro Series in Ohio. “Sometimes the winner may not be the rider to have a valid permit, and a motorcycle that is fastest rider, but he or she is the smartest rider.” registered as a street legal vehicle. Brown says he grew up riding the traditional enduro format and Riders equip their bikes with a route sheet holder, scorecard likes the challenge of it. He thinks riders like Mike Lafferty always holder and odometer. They also need a way to track their time, did well in the traditional time-keeping races because he was a which can be something as simple as a wristwatch, or a purpose- smart rider and had to use his head. built enduro computer. Although traditional time-keeping enduros have a reputation The route sheet lists key turns on the course and the correct among new enduro riders as tricky or difficult, they are fairly time and mileage for arrival. The arrival time is based on a required simple. Riders will know whether they are riding in an easy section, average pace, which is typically 24 mph. The scorecard is used as where they’re at risk of going faster than the average or in a a backup for, or in place of, electronic scoring. It mounts on the difficult section, where they can ride as fast as they can and still front fender and is where the check workers record each rider’s not burn the out-check. official arrival time at the checkpoints. Thanks to the enduro format, a new rider likely will be on a row The goal is to check into and out of each section as close to with an experienced enduro rider. Because this rider is most likely

December 2014 23 MODERN ENDURO Checkpoint: Mike Lafferty Enters New Era in a different class, they’ll almost certainly be willing to help the newcomer. Eight-Time Champ Retires From Professional Racing Start Control/Restart But Is Going Nowhere Fast At the beginning of the year, Start control/restart enduros have Mike Lafferty announced that he grown in popularity recently. In 2007, the AMA National Enduro Championship would retire from his two-decade Series switched to this format. long racing career at the end of This format doesn’t penalize a rider the Kenda AMA National Enduro for arriving early at a check. Riders are Championship Series. Lafferty is checked in and out at points along the one of the top enduro riders in course, and all competition takes place in history. The eight-time national closed-course sections. enduro champion managed to rack Because riders can never burn a up 70 national enduro wins over his check, they simply ride as fast as they can. Transfer sections route the racers career as a Factory FMF/KTM rider. from the end of one timed section to the “Everyone always thinks it’s just start of another. If riders arrive early at the 70 wins, but that’s actually only Mike Lafferty start of a section, they just wait to enter my national enduro wins,” he says. Age: 39 until the check workers indicate it’s time “I had a couple GNCC wins, hare Hometown: Port Elizabeth, N.J. for their row to leave. A flip board at the scrambles wins and ISDE qualifier Accomplishments: start displays the current minute, so riders wins. I think altogether, it’s close to • 8x National Enduro Champion (1997- know when their turn is coming up. 100.” 1998, 2000-2003, 2005, 2007) For most riders, the start control/restart • 2010 AMA East Hare Scrambles format is the most accessible, particularly On Sept. 14, Lafferty swung his leg over his bike for the last Champion at the national level, where bikes don’t • 2003 ISDE Trophy Team have to be street legal. time as a KTM factory racer at the • 1996-1998 ISDE Junior Trophy Team “Since I’m not very good at math, Muddobbers National Enduro in • 1993-1994 East Coast Enduro the traditional time-keeping format is Matthews, Ind. We caught up with Association Champion harder for me,” says Zach Klamfoth, a him a few weeks after the race. rider who competes in the Appalachian Championship Enduro Series, a local traditional time-keeping series, as well as national enduros. “Even with the computer mounted on my bike, I burn checks on AMERICAN MOTORCYCLIST: You come ML: That’s all we had around here. occasion because I ride too quickly. The from a motorcycling family and Moto wasn’t very big. I just grew up Shan Moore start-control/restart format takes the you’re the youngest. Did that spark with it [enduros]. There have always thinking out of it.” your competitiveness? been 18 to 20 enduros with ECEA. The start control format also makes MIKE LAFFERTY: Yeah, my oldest brother, There’s always something to do. Then scoring simpler. The nationals rely on Jack, was always going to races, so there was the hare scrambles series. It transponders attached underneath helmet my other brother, Rich, and I always was nice, because I could go to school visors so no manual scoring is required. tagged along. Back then, there weren’t and make enduros on the weekends. “Under the traditional time-keeping any youth races. We had to wait until ECEA was a great association to grow format prior to 2007, the series got 200 we were 18 to ride races... unless we up in. to 300 riders,” says Alan Randt, who snuck into a local race at 15 or 16 years runs the National Enduro Promotions old. We went to every ECEA [East Coast AM: Do you remember your first race? Group, which contracts with the AMA to Enduro Association] race there was. ML: I rode a local enduro — the Green promote the national series. “Now, we When I started racing, I was competing Briar Enduro — that my dad put on. get anywhere from 500 to 600 riders.” against Jack, who won the local series I was 12 and on a YZ80. I ripped my like 10 times. I was going against the foot-peg off, the brake side. I just kept guy I looked up to the most. riding. Hardest thing I ever had to do, 100-Year Success Story but I finished the race. I just put my There aren’t many forms of racing in AM: Family seems to be a theme with foot up on the case or something. I was which you can ride alongside your buddies you and motorcycling. dead tired, but I finished. throughout the entire race and chat during ML: Yeah, just last night my two breaks. Maybe that’s the draw of enduros. nephews came over. Justin is 13 (Jack’s AM: Who were your biggest racing Maybe it’s the challenging tight-woods son) and Ryder is 16 (Rich’s son). When idols when you were younger? trail—a reason you should have hand I’m home, I try to hang out with them ML: My brother Jack was my biggest guards mounted on your bike. Maybe it’s as much as possible. When they have idol. Once I got into national enduros, the great family atmosphere. Whatever the dinner and stay the night, I get up and it was Terry Cunningham and Kevin reason, enduros are alive and well. About take them to school the next day. Then Hines. Then it got to be Jeff Russell and 100 AMA-sanctioned enduros were held we do some riding after school. Randy Hawkins. Later, I got to know throughout 2014. Find one near you by Randy even more, and it was cool to be searching the upcoming events at AM: Why enduros and not GNCCs, competitive against him toward the end www.americanmotorcyclist.com. or another form of racing? of his career.

24 AmericanMotorcyclist.com 24 AM: KTM picked you up in 1995? another Alligator win, but it was also cool to little bit in the morning when my mom and ML: Yeah, I graduated from high school in do it for the brand. dad were there, because they never get to 1994, and then Rod Bush [late president come to any of my races. And of course my of KTM North America] called and wanted AM: How have the bikes changed over girlfriend, Brandi. It got a little emotional, but to restructure a bit. So he brought me your 20-year career? What is your all- when I took off it was like a weight was lifted onto the race team, and I traveled and time favorite bike? off my shoulders. I was happy, because I did all the nationals. Matt Stavish, from ML: My ’97 KTM was one of my most was going out on my terms. This is what I Minnesota, was the guy who showed me bad-ass bikes. It was the first time I wanted. Plus, the week prior I was signed where to train and how to ride. Al [Alan figured it out and made the bike do what I on as a KTM employee, so I knew what was Randt] was also on the team, and I got to wanted it to do. ahead. I just wanted to ride and have fun. be friends with him. About halfway through The KTM 400 from 2005 to 2007 fit me When I got done with the first test, the 1996, it materialized that Al would be my so well, too. I loved that thing. KTM staff was excited and screaming. I mechanic. He still raced a little in ‘96, then My last 350 this year was probably one figured I was top five or something. Then was my mechanic fulltime in 1997, and of the trickest factory bikes I’ve ever had. we got back to the truck, and I was told we won our first championship that year. That thing was pretty ridiculous. I won by 30 seconds. I thought to myself That’s also when Melissa [Randt] took over Of course the suspension has gotten “maybe I missed part of the track…” the whole chase and gas thing. They were better and better. I was always a PDS guy Going into the last test, I was eight with me until 2006-07, and then Al took on in the rear shock. This year, I had linkage. seconds behind Russ. So, I went over and running the national enduros. I was tired of getting beat by Charlie sat on his lap at the gas stop and joked [Mullins] and other guys that were running around. It was fun to finish off my racing AM: Most people don’t think of linkage. So, I thought I had to go that career that way and to let the other riders numerous off-road riding opportunities direction to beat them. It took me a while know that I respect them and know that when they think of New Jersey. to get my confidence up about that setup. they respect me. ML: Everyone thinks that there is no place to ride in New Jersey. Where I live, in AM: Why did you decide to retire from AM: KTM hired you for the Ride Orange South Jersey, there are a lot of riding areas racing this year? program. Now that you’ve worked a and sand quarries. We can ride out of the ML: I thought about it a lot here recently. few weeks, are you ready to go back to back of our house. There are a lot of tight Not winning for a while, I knew I wanted to being a racer? woods and sand whoops. I didn’t think of be done. I just wasn’t happy with the way ML: No way. I’ve known [KTM Ride it then, but looking back I think it helped I was riding and not being competitive. I Orange Manager] Mark [Hyde] a long time. out a lot—if you can ride the sand, you think a lot of guys that are competitive are I’ve done a lot of the demo rides and am can ride anything. We live in a tough place riding two series. I only ride enduros, so it excited to be a part of that now. I love [terrain-wise], so other places seem easier. was hard to get up to pace. KTM—as far as the bikes, the company A big eye opener was also riding with my and the people I work with. AM: What is your key to getting on top nephew, Ryder. Monday through Friday I KTM is building bikes that are leaps and of the podium so many times? had to work so hard to even keep up. My bounds better than other bikes out there. ML: There’s a lot of pieces to that puzzle. body has been beat up a lot. I need a lot of Letting people ride them and test them One, having a great bike. KTM is a great recovery time. I just knew it… I knew it, and out is only going to help make the brand fit for me. Plus, the bikes got better and I felt it. There was still a fire there, just not bigger. I’m happy to be a part of that. better over time. near as strong. I knew I still wanted to ride Two, having great support. I always say and not grow to hate it. I still want to be a AM: What advice do you have for those to surround yourself with good people. part of the national enduros and involved just getting started in enduros? Once Al and Melissa knew how to handle with KTM after they have stuck with me for ML: This is what I keep telling my me, we made a great team. They are like so many years. I want to give back. nephews—they want to win, they want my second set of parents, and they taught to win, they want to win—but I tell them me how to be a champion and get the AM: You won the first three tests and to remember all the memories and have most out of my goals. Also, my mechanics placed second in the final race of your fun with it. Try your hardest every time over the years: Evan Yarnall and Adam professional career. What was on your you ride, even when you’re practicing. I Burke. They traveled, worked with me, and mind when you lined up for your last don’t care if my nephews win races or not. really put their heart and soul into it. When race and throughout the day? That’s not what we got into this for. We you get close with someone like that, they ML: It wasn’t too crazy. It kind of hit me a just love . have your back so hard. It’s good to have someone like that.

AM: In October 2009, you switched to and gave the brand its first- ever national enduro win at the Alligator Enduro. Did it mean anything to you to make history for the brand or was it just another win in your mind? ML: At the time, with KTM, I raced a 400 a ton until 2008, then the company got rid of the 400. Husaberg had a 390, and it was just the perfect fit. I test rode it and thought, “this thing is pretty good.” It just worked out for me that way. For me personally, it was just

December 2014 25 MODERN ENDURO Modern Champion: Andrew DeLong Takes The Reins

Husqvarna Rider Gets First National Title In 2014 Factory Husqvarna rider and Pennsylvania native Andrew DeLong took home his first national championship title at the close of the 2014 Kenda AMA National Enduro Series, presented by Moose Racing. He finished the season with 212 points, 31 points ahead of competitor Jesse Groemm aboard his KTM and 32 points ahead of Factory KTM’s Grant Baylor. Although DeLong struggled in the first race of the season, it only gave him the motivation to work harder and he ended up securing two overall wins during the season—the Loose Moose National in Marquette, Mich., where he finished a minute and four seconds ahead of Steward Baylor and the Snow Shoe National in Grand Junction, Colo., where he once again beat Steward Baylor, this time by 20 seconds. DeLong went on to have a strong season and never finished a race further back than seventh overall. DeLong took some time to speak with us about his championship and tell us more about how he got started in racing.

AMERICAN MOTORCYCLIST: What or who AM: Do you remember your first race?

inspired you to start riding enduros? AD: My first race was on a KX80, at my Duncan Kendall ANDREW DELONG: My dad when I was 11. I local club (Reading Off-Road Riders) in wanted to be like him. Reading, Pa. I actually won it. It was a AM: When did you first start riding? pretty sweet feeling. It was a race that I will AD: I started riding when I was 4 years always remember. You won’t ever forget old, but didn’t start racing until I was 11. the first time you race a motorcycle. That’s My parents said I had to be good enough what made me keep pushing to do better to do the trail here at home before I and become a professional motorcycle could start racing. So, it took until I was rider. 11 to accomplish that. Then I went to a couple local races, and I did really good. AM: What’s it like traveling across the I raced locals up until about four or five country to race for Factory Husqvarna? years ago. It took from then until now to AD: It’s a lot of fun. I was contracted for win a national enduro championship. 23 races this year between GNCCs and Andrew DeLong national enduros. Age: 24 AM: What’s fun about enduros vs. other Every weekend it’s pretty much leaving Hometown: Morgantown, Pa. types of racing? and driving over 10 hours to races. At AD: Bike: Husqvarna FC350 I race enduros and GNCCs. I like the beginning you’re anxious to see the enduros because it’s really good single- country. Traveling can get old toward the Started Racing National Enduros: 2009 track trail and the national enduros are end of the season. You get run down, tired Other Series He Rides: GNCC really well-organized events. It is really of driving. I wouldn’t have been able to see Past Accomplishments: 2011-2013 good trail the clubs throw together, and or experience as much without riding for ISDE Junior Team Gold Medalist that makes it really fun. Factory Husqvarna.

26 AmericanMotorcyclist.com 26 When I do the farther races, it’s usually traveling by myself with my dog, Oreo. He’s my buddy. Sometimes when my fiancée has time off from grad school, she comes with me and supports me.

AM: Who helps facilitate your racing? AD: My family is a big part of my racing. My mechanic, Joey Maurer, and my boss, Andy Jefferson, are also key. That’s pretty much my go-to group right there. They are the people who support me the most. That’s who I look to for advice.

AM: What was your most challenging AM: Did you know that you are the first AM: What are your goals going forward? race of the season? Why? Husqvarna rider to win the National AD: The goal is to definitely defend the AD: I’d have to say the first one of the year Enduro Championship since 1986? title. The series is going to have some was probably my toughest, because I only (Note: Terry Cunningham won the 1986 title.) really good guys coming back. The top 10 rode my bike two times before I raced it. It AD: No, I didn’t know. That’s pretty cool. will be stacked again. It will be tough, but took a while for me to get happy with the I knew it was a really long time ago since I’m prepared for the challenge. The goal is bike, and comfortable. Husqvarna won. That’s awesome to know. to defend the No. 1 plate. I’m ecstatic about it. I met Malcolm Smith, AM: What impact does the variety of Terry Cunningham and all those guys out AM: What are you going to do in the locations for the national enduros have at VMD [AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days] off-season? on testing and bike setup? a year or two ago. It was an awesome AD: Continue to train after I race the AD: Usually I run the same setup experience. I don’t want to compare last few rounds of GNCCs. Last year I everywhere. I have a comfortable feeling myself to that group, but it’s pretty sweet stopped training, because I had plates about what it does. If it’s rocky, I go softer to have won on a Husqvarna. It’s a dream and screws taken out of my hand. After with my bike setup. I get there and look come true for sure. the GNCC season is over, I might try to go at the ground and decide what tires will on vacation and re-amp the body for the be best. But I try to run the same setup, AM: What does it mean to you to win upcoming season. Just be prepared and because I’m comfortable with it. Tires I the championship? ready for next year. change as much as I can. AD: It means the world to me. To me it’s like a one-in-a-million sort of deal. Not a AM: What advice do you have for people AM: What’s your secret to winning? Is it lot of people get to achieve this goal. I was just getting started in enduros? mental, bike setup, or physical fitness? thinking earlier in the year, I’m just lucky AD: The biggest advice I have is just to AD: I really don’t know. The top guys are to become a factory rider for Husqvarna. have fun riding your motorcycle. That’s all in pretty good shape. Training is part of For me, it’s just an unreal goal for me to why people do it. They ride because it’s it. But I think a lot of it is mental strength. achieve. To be honest with you, I can’t fun. When it becomes a job or not fun Once I get a little bit of confidence, I can even believe it still. It hasn’t even set in. anymore, that’s not what you want to work off of it. I tell myself I can do it and I still have racing to do in the GNCCs. happen. That’s the way I try to live my life. nothing really shakes me too much. I try to Training to do. So, I’m still focused. I don’t It’s something I like to do to get out and stay confident about what I can do. really have time to celebrate yet. clear my mind and have fun.

AM: Is there a competitor or past racer that you respect and learn from? AD: I’d have to say Charlie Mullins. He actually helped me this year when he got hurt. I can’t thank him enough for being a competitor and helping me out. That’s really cool and says a lot about him. He’s a good guy.

AM: At what point during the season did you feel confident that you were capable of winning the championship? AD: Probably after winning Loose Moose in Michigan. I won that by a pretty convincing lead, I think it was over a minute. From then out I knew I could do it, I just had to string it together. You just tell yourself you’re better than everyone else, and it keeps you going. Whether you are actually better than everyone else or not, you just tell yourself that and it keeps you going. Shan Moore

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