Getting Started
Although it appears difficult the process is very simple and wor events have built a reputation on friendly advice and support for beginners to the sport. Whilst it might seem intimidating once you have done it once you will find you cannot wait for the next !
This list is WOR Event's idea to help those of you that are completely new to the sport, and might be contemplating entering your first cross country event; it is by no means a definitive list and we would be more than happy to add any suggestions or ideas. We will always try to make the process of competing as easy as possible and the emphasis will always be on having fun, no matter what your level of skill or experience.
How do I enter one of your events?
Check our Events Calendar and decide what event would suit you.
If you are a complete beginner, maybe coming from a road riding background, we would always suggest you try one of our Race Experience Days (R.E.Ds). These are open to all riders and will give you a full days riding and practice; Steve and the Gang are always on hand to help you if you need any help or advice. The day includes a timed practice session of 1 hour, when you can put all you've learnt into action.
Whichever event you choose you will need to give us a ring on the entries line or enter online, we will book you in and allocate you a race number. You don't need to pay any money at this stage and for most events you can simply pay on the day, but you do need to book in with us!
If you aren't sure which class to enter just ask, we have a wealth of experience and will be able to help you decide. To try it out you do not need to be a registered member and do not need any licences.
What about my bike?
You can ride any bike you like as long as it has a quiet exhaust pipe!
If you need advice about which bikes are suitable please get in touch, most bikes will do but it is rarely necessary to have anything bigger than a 450 4 stroke bike, and as a general rule the bigger and heavier the bike the more tired you will be and the more you will struggle.
Tyre pressures
Will vary according to the conditions; if it's muddy and wet then you would want quite a low pressure, say 10-12 psi (front and back), but if the course is hard and stony you might want to up the pressure a bit to say 12-14 to avoid punctures.
Most of the WOR team run with mousses in their tyres to avoid punctures altogether, but these are quite expensive and they are not road legal.
We would always recommend that you fit new tyres if you have doubts about the ones you have fitted.
Race numbers
You will have allocated you a race number and this will need to be displayed on both sides and the front of your bike, the numbers can be bought at the event. The numbers need to be visible at lap scoring, so you will need white numbers for a dark background and black numbers for a light background.
Scrutineering
WOR Events do not scrutinize your bike, the condition of your bike and its suitability for racing is your responsibility! However, we will check that you have signed on and that your race numbers are clearly visible.
Tools and spares
Any tools you generally use on your bike, spare inner tubes if you don't have mousses and a roll of duct tape is always handy! Spare levers if you haven't got brush guards fitted (you should have!) and a spare spark plug of the correct type.
Fuel
You will obviously need enough fuel for the day or the event; you need to take your fuel to the refuelling area (will be signed, but ask if you can't see it) as this is the only place you are allowed to refuel, ever!
Food and drinks
Personal preference but you will need plenty to drink (especially in the summer), drink or re hydration backpacks are a good idea.
It's the day of the event, what do I do?
Always, always check the website for any last minute changes to venues, times or cancellations; these will be posted as soon as they occur.
Get to the venue, the website or secretary will have given you the directions and the venue will be marked by orange arrows as you get near to it. You should always get to the event in plenty of time to sign on, walk and inspect the track and get ready.
When you get there, follow the direction of the marshals and park in a safe and orderly position.
- Go to the 'signing on' trailer and sign on.
- Walk and inspect the track.
- Take your bike through scrutineering and onto the start line at least half an hour before the start of the race. All the different classes will be well marked, make sure you get into the right class.
- Take your fuel and spares to the designated refuelling area, relax.
- Get your kit on, relax.
- Get to your bike at least 10 minutes before the start, relax.
- Listen to the rider briefing, relax.
- Wait for the start with a 'dead' engine - on the flag go, relax.
- Don't go mad on the first few laps, get into a rhythm, relax and remember to enjoy yourself.
There will be other beginners at their first event, you won't be the worst rider on the track, so take it easy and …relax!
Enduro Markers
The course will be marked by orange arrows and a series of gates (two arrows, one each side of the track, you have to go through these gates; for your own safety you must stick to the marked track, there can be stones and other hazards off the track. Take notice of any instructions given by the officials, it is sometimes necessary to change the course of the track during the race, so be aware.
You will be told when the race is nearly finished, remember that you have to go through lap scoring at the end of the race to get a finish, if you don't you will be classed a non finisher and DNF will appear in the results next to your name.
At the end of the race take your bike back to your vehicle and get changed.
WOR Events are one of the few organisations in the country that give definitive results on the day and usually within 10-15 minutes of the race end. All riders should gather at the signing on area for the presentation of results and trophies, trophies are given to the top three finishers in each class.
That's the end of the day, and it's now that you realise just how old and unfit you are!
Please check around your vehicle for any litter and rubbish and take it home with you.
Hopefully you will still be in one piece and will have thoroughly enjoyed yourself, remember you will get better; you will get fitter, stick at it!
Cheers
Steve Ireland and the team.
