MASS enduro series experience?

My daughter and I did the MASS Steel City Enduro last year as our first Enduro race. Even with mechanicals for her in the last two stages, we still had an absolute blast. I'll reiterate that the vibe was relaxed and friendly.

If anyone is reading this, is enduro curious but too intimidated to give it a shot, you shouldn't be. Everyone was pretty welcoming. That said, we also did Trexxxfest which is not part of MASS or any series that I am aware of, and that is probably the least intimidating enduro you'll find. Mostly flowy and smooth trails, and a bit of a festival type feel with food trucks riders in halloween constumes etc.. Very mellow but fun.
 
tree hugger said:
Thanks Matt. honestly it’s all stuff I’d find out when I get there but figured I’d start the conversation. I’m excited and this is way better than work emails.

At this time I’ve got Raven, Pig Iron, Jones, Blue and Steel City as probable. Greek, Glen unlikely.

I’ve ridden Blue and Walking Purchase. What did you think of Glen Park? Looks like a great spot.
Click to expand...
Glen Park is awesome. Just like with Blue Mnt, you can use the ESC race as practice, if you are going for MASS points.
 
Dave Taylor said:
Southern Tier is a cool place. I don't do enduro but I did ride a few of the runs and they are steep and flows on good dirt. The locals put a lot of work into those trails.
Click to expand...
@tree hugger Heads up on Southern Tier: Somewhat far drive to NY. Even if it is dry the day before, be assured that a storm will pull in and you'll be racing in mud over lots of roots, but that is the fun part about the event. It's not techy, and it's very fast when dry...but as said: I never had the chance to race it dry. 2020 was rain the day before and the day off. 2021 was super dry and fast the day before and we all had a mix of emotions during our pre-ride: happy for a chance to race and experience it dry, but also bummed a little because you expected a mud fest LOL Of course it didn't disappoint and a storm pulled in by early evening, creating a fun mud race.
 
WickedSistahEast said:
@tree hugger Heads up on Southern Tier: Somewhat far drive to NY. Even if it is dry the day before, be assured that a storm will pull in and you'll be racing in mud over lots of roots, but that is the fun part about the event. It's not techy, and it's very fast when dry...but as said: I never had the chance to race it dry. 2020 was rain the day before and the day off. 2021 was super dry and fast the day before and we all had a mix of emotions during our pre-ride: happy for a chance to race and experience it dry, but also bummed a little because you expected a mud fest LOL Of course it didn't disappoint and a storm pulled in by early evening, creating a fun mud race.
Click to expand...
good tip on Jones Park. that's really funny. love it.

you're right. I'm in Bridgewater so Jones Park, Greek Peak and Raven are around 3.5hrs. I'd love to go up Friday morning to pre-ride and stay the weekend. would have to go up Saturday at the very least. No way I'm driving up on Sunday to race (assuming an ~9AM start?). Glen, Blue and Walking Purchase are only an hour so that'll be much easier but I still hate driving TO a race on race day.
 
I agree with most of what's been said. Glen Park is an awesome venue for enduro as it was pretty much set up for that type of riding: one climbing trail and multiple options back down. E-bikes at Glen Park during a race might be a bit of a mixed bag since the climb is mostly single track so you would have folks on e-bikes passing folks on regular bikes. Huge opportunity for cheating too as someone could buddy-up with an e-biker to tow them up the climb (assuming additional course marshals to watch for that). That said, Glen Park is one of the main reasons I want an e-bike. Spring Mtn in PA is similar.

Blue Mtn, PA is fun, but as mentioned - kind of a multi-stage DH race as most of the stages start with a lift ride to the top. There is usually one stage when you finish halfway down and then climb back up on one of the green ski runs to the start of the next stage. In the past that has been the "bonus" stage where the fastest climber gets a prize of some sort, but it is not counted towards the total time.

I have a love-hate relationship with enduro. The "just go ride" part is fun, but the racing part is tedious to me. For racing, I would rather do straight-up XC or pure DH where I practice on one track over the course of an event.
 
tree hugger said:
good tip on Jones Park. that's really funny. love it.

you're right. I'm in Bridgewater so Jones Park, Greek Peak and Raven are around 3.5hrs. I'd love to go up Friday morning to pre-ride and stay the weekend. would have to go up Saturday at the very least. No way I'm driving up on Sunday to race (assuming an ~9AM start?). Glen, Blue and Walking Purchase are only an hour so that'll be much easier but I still hate driving TO a race on race day.
Click to expand...
Yes, I usually drive up Sat morning, pre-ride, then get to a hotel/airBnb and meet ppl for dinner. Most places are within 20 min or so of driving and you can grab breakfast on the way. Just be aware that there is NO CELL RECEPTION at Jones. So either remember your first few turns to get home (if they are to the left out of the park) or just take a right towards town and cell service will kick in closer to the hwy.
 
Robin said:
I've done a few of them - including Raven Enduro (mix of sand/roots and some rocks/tech) - and while I haven't raced at the new venue in Danville, the Pig Iron, I've ridden Geisinger trails a lot (steeper/shale).

I like the vibe of enduros (over XC) where the climbs are more relaxed and I prefer riding in more of a time-trial format. The MASS races are a great way to try out Enduro - the ESC is a step up as far as terrain (and competition) IMHO.
Click to expand...
For the Raven, are there enough trails nearby for a rider who isn't racing? A friend of mine wants to come up with me, pre-ride then decide on Sunday to race or not. If not he'd like to take the bike out elsewhere.
 
tree hugger said:
For the Raven, are there enough trails nearby for a rider who isn't racing? A friend of mine wants to come up with me, pre-ride then decide on Sunday to race or not. If not he'd like to take the bike out elsewhere.
Click to expand...
I didn't ride the other trails as I was focused on pre-riding...the area is large and there may be other trails but I wouldn't be able to tell you how to connect. Sorry! I don't think you are too far from Rothrock...
 
Robin said:
I didn't ride the other trails as I was focused on pre-riding...the area is large and there may be other trails but I wouldn't be able to tell you how to connect. Sorry! I don't think you are too far from Rothrock...
Click to expand...
no worries. I'll check out Trailforks. I'm sure we'll make it work.
 
tree hugger said:
no worries. I'll check out Trailforks. I'm sure we'll make it work.
Click to expand...
Raven I believes uses the safe start point as TSE. Your friend will have access to all of Rothrock's trails from that point as well if willing to ride some gravel to get there. Or drive 10 minutes. Just check with Trailforks, lots of great riding there.
 
rsinger814 said:
Raven I believes uses the safe start point as TSE. Your friend will have access to all of Rothrock's trails from that point as well if willing to ride some gravel to get there. Or drive 10 minutes. Just check with Trailforks, lots of great riding there.
Click to expand...
Stage 5 of TSE rolls thru SMCC and uses 1 of the trails for an Enduro segment. Raven is all on SMCC property. TSE base camp is on the other side of the ridge at Seven Mountain Scout Camp.

'22 TSE Stage 5 - https://www.strava.com/activities/7217132178
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom