The Times

They are a-changin’...
Bob Dylan sang those words almost four decades ago, and things are still changing. With the advent of the Canadian Enduro Championship Canada will finally have a truly national off road racing series, with events held in Alberta, British Columbia, Quebec and Parry Sound, focussing on the World Enduro style race (with untimed transfer trails connecting timed, spectator friendly, “test” sites), rather than the traditional, single lap, extended loop enduros (such as the Corduroy Enduro). Not only does the multiple loop format allow riders to learn fast lines to pick, it makes the events much friendlier to spectators, and the more spectators, the easier the marketability of the product, in this case enduro races. With events in four provinces, riders will be given a unique chance to enjoy not only the natural beauty of Canada, but also the chance to compete against other racers from across the country. Canada is a massive country, with diverse terrain and an equally diverse talent pool. We have riders who are experienced with mud, some who are at home on the giant rock shield, and others still who find no trouble in navigating dense single track woods trails. And they will all find something they love, and perhaps loathe, in the course of the eight race series.
This new form of Enduro racing in Canada is sure to be a hit with the riders, and promoters are working hard to make sure that this series is a success from a spectator point of view. It is unsure whether it will be an Eastern or Western rider who takes the overall title, but what is sure is that this summer will be one of change, hopefully good changes, but definitely change.
Changes, this writer thinks, are long overdue. Canada deserves a national enduro series. Canadian enduro racer deserve the recognition that comes from a truly national series, the pride that comes from being able to say “Yes, I really am the best in all of Canada,” and the exposure that only a cross country series can provide.
I hope that everyone who reads IM and IMX, and who follows this blog, will turn out to their local enduro races, hare scrambles, or even a WEC event if one comes close to you. Fan/spectator support means so much to organizers, who put tonnes of effort into getting this series off the ground, and to sponsors who financially backed these races, in times that are less than optimal. But more than organizers, more than sponsors, fan turn out and spectator support means the world to the riders. They do it for themselves, let’s be honest, but to hear “Great ride,” from a spectator can turn a crappy day of being stuck in the mud into the best ride you’ve ever had.
First round takes place in Blairmore, Alberta, July 4 and 5; can’t wait to see you there!
- SuziQ