Round 3 of the 2017 California Enduro Series: Wild Wood Adventure Enduro

Words by Michele Charboneau
Photos by Scott McClain
Video by Mitch Nuyens and Sebastian Bauer

The Wild Wood Adventure Enduro – produced by Mendocino Bike Sprite – served as the third round of the 2017 California Enduro Series, and took place over the weekend of June 16-17 at Jackson Demonstration State Forest and Mendocino Woodlands State Park in Mendocino County. Nearly 300 racers took on a scenic yet challenging course that favored racers with superior fitness and agility on tight and twisty trails.

After a hearty breakfast at Jug Handle Creek Farm, riders set out for their big day under sunny skies with a nice breeze. As the day progressed, light fog rolled in and out, making for comfortable race weather.

Pro/open/expert riders took on a total of 40.2 miles, with ten of those miles – and 4,619 feet of descending – spread over six timed stages, and the remaining 30.2 miles being on the transfers with close to 7,500 feet of climbing. Sport class raced one less stage, but still put in a solid day that totaled 35 miles of riding including 7.7 miles/3,518 feet of descent for the timed runs and 27.3 miles/5,826 feet of climbing for the transfers. Beginners crushed 26.8 miles in total, with six miles/2,602 feet of descending over their four timed stages, and 20.8 miles/4,626 feet of climbing on the transfers.

The lengthy transfer stages took place on both dirt forest road and impeccable singletrack. Riders had the chance to soak in the feel of their surroundings, with lush ferns and towering redwoods lining their route.

The timed stages on loamy terrain were just as scenic, but riders were too focused to notice. The race runs required riders to be on their game and ready for anything. Fast, flowy sections were abruptly interrupted by sharp, powdery corners, tight maneuvering through trees, and other technical challenges.

Riders returned to the farm after several hours of racing with smiles on their faces, despite being exhausted from their efforts. Bike Sprite served up a down-home feast and cold brew, and awards took place in a redwood-ringed meadow once all racers turned their timing chips in and results were tallied.

The Wild Wood Adventure Enduro proved to be a stand-out adventure indeed. Rustic camping and home-cooked meals, epic racing in ideal conditions, and abundant smiles and rider camaraderie all rolled into one incredible experience sure to evoke lasting memories.

View full results here. Cheers to another fantastic day of racing – huge thanks to the riders, sponsors, and volunteers who make the magic happen. Just around the corner: Round 4 – and the 1st round of the CES Golden Tour – the China Peak Enduro at China Peak Mountain Resort in Lakeshore on July 1!

About California Enduro Series

CES is a for riders, by riders non-profit 501(c)3 organization dedicated to promoting world-class enduro events that everyone from amateur to pro can enjoy, at a geographically diverse range of venues. The series is renowned for fostering an exceptional sense of community and encourages its participants to be involved in its planning.

The series is grateful for the support of VP Components, FOX, Clif Bar, WTB, Canyon, Kali Protectives, Michael David Winery, Cranked Naturals, Kenda Tires, DHaRCO, KMC, Adventure Sports Journal, Gamut, Voler, ESI Grips, Mike's Bikes and TrailWorks. Contact CES for information on sponsoring the 2017 series.

Check out the 2017 schedule and learn more about the series at californiaenduroseries.com.