The Flying W National Enduro kept the theme of “Missouri Technical” that I’ve experienced over this year of racing in the Show-Me State. The added element we haven’t experienced much this year was dust; the Flying W Ranch dirt was silty from lack of moisture, hanging in the air like a veil of secrecy. This elevated the technical nature of the loose rocks and raw terrain. 

I forgot to register when the National Enduro registration opened up on Livelaps, so I was back further on row 61 than I normally like to be (mid-40’s). There were also fewer racers registered than I would think for this event. TSCEC, TORCS, TCCRA and OCCRA all had races scheduled on the same weekend as the Flying W National. This sucks. This is a small, niche sport, and these national level events need to be supported by local racers as they come through the area. Registration also looks low for the Zink Ranch National Enduro, which is another regional event these same series have control of where their racers race. 

I haven’t been driving to Missouri this year because I enjoy being behind the wheel. I’ve become a road warrior because the new terrain and new single track have been challenging to learn and ride. The Blackjack Enduro Circuit has a lot of venues and single track that I think other enduro racers would enjoy. 

Flying W Ranch didn’t disappoint in following the Missouri trend of technical, flowy single track that challenges a rider to push themselves, while also trying to stay off the ground. As with Hardwood Hills, there are a ton of small rocks that move underneath the bike. It’s a constant dance of attack, balance, brake, “OH SH!T”, I made it, attack again; repeat. It’s quite the challenge, and the local racers have a leg up on outsiders. That’s ok, ask questions and watch the locals, then adapt and grow.

The terrain across the race venue felt very similar per test section. The single track was raw, trimmed enough to get through, leaving downed logs and saplings to keep you on your toes. The elevation created fun descents and climbs, while never getting too steep. Test 6, the A Section at the end of the day, elevated all aspects of the off-chamber, flowy, tight, raw, ravine riding trail. Sidenote, the Flying W Enduro arrowing was the best of the year for a BJEC event so far. 

Some may complain about the dust, but that’s environmental and based on the current weather that’s been through the area. This is enduro racing, we race the conditions given to us. My only personal complaint is the number of race miles. With five test sections at 6 miles long, and one at 4.5, we only raced 34.5 miles. I believe the longer transfers were there to get us between two different properties, but having an 8-10 mile test section adds a different level of endurance to a day of enduro racing. I hope they can cut in more trail for their next National Enduro, or layout it out a little differently for a longer test section to finish off the day.

Next up on the schedule is the Zink Ranch National Enduro, Golden Eagle Enduro (BJEC), Iron Mountain Enduro (TSCEC), Barteau Ranch Enduro (TSCEC/BJEC) and lastly Dino Valley Endurance Run for my first 50K ultra marathon.

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