The 2014 California Enduro Series challenged racers at five venues and on some of the best single track the Golden State has to offer. In just its second year, the series proved to be huge success with over 800 athletes participating and three out of the five races selling out. The organization of the series was incredibly successful with well-planned events, awesome courses, and consistent and accurate timing. Many racers were originally drawn to the series because of the world-class organization of the events, however as the season unfolded participants recognized something even more significant. Series director Steve Gemelos notes, "As the year progressed we noticed we were doing more than organizing a series of races, we were building a community of riders." This sentiment was echoed by many. No matter what category, age, or gender, all racers felt included in the Enduro community. Familiar faces were seen at each stop on the series and friendships and camaraderie were strengthened at every event. "We’re looking forward to the 2015 season, adding more events to the series, keeping the fun atmosphere of Enduro, and continuing to grow the sport, the community of riders, and the series," added Gemelos.
A significant contributing factor to the success of the series was the support of its generous sponsors. Founding sponsor VP Components went above and beyond to support the series, and VP’s Brand Director Erik Saunders organized the series’ second stop, the VP Endurofest at China Peak Mountain Resort. Marin Bikes donated a Mount Vision C-XM8 to be raffled off at the end of the season; April Spooner of San Rafael was the lucky winner of this super light carbon full suspension trail bike. Pinkbike and Kenda also supported the series at the top level, and a deep list of industry businesses showed their commitment to Enduro by contributing a wide array of prizes and more. Contributing to the series’ community environment, FOX raffled off their game-changing new FOX 36 fork at each race, with proceeds benefiting the Stafford Lake Bike Park in Novato and Mountain Bikers of Santa Cruz’s flow trail project at Soquel Demonstration State Forest.
Words and photo selection by Lauren Gregg and Michele Lamelin
Photos by Scott McClain / Called to Creation, Bogdan Marian, Mary DiNapoli, and Tyler Wilkinson-Ray
Videos by Mitch Nuyens and Sebastian Bauer
Individual race results and series standings at http://californiaenduroseries.com.
Pictured: 275 racers were raring to go at the sold out kick off for the 2014 CES season.
The Battle Born Enduro challenged racers on the desert trails of Peavine Mountain in Reno, NV. With loose, sandy single track, rocky technical descents, and punchy climbs, there was something for everyone at this event.
Participants were excited for the season kickoff, meeting their competitors and feeling out Enduro racing and the series. The five stages were accurately timed and racers were stoked about the professionalism of the race—an omen of success for the rest of the series.
