Why Are Hard Enduro Riders Nicer Than MX Riders? A Perspective

I have been attending and shooting media at dirt bike races for a while now. It always shocks me how different the energy at a motocross race is versus a hard enduro race. I notice a trend: the pros who participate in hard enduro are much nicer to eachother han those who solely ride motocross. This article will explain my perspective on why hard enduro riders are nicer than motocross riders. Hard enduro is all about conquering insane obstacles and pushing your physical and mental limits. So why the nicer attitude? After spending time around each sport, here are a few things I’ve noticed. Table Of Contents: Respect for the Challenge Hard Enduro Burros Motocross Attitudes Appreciation for Help Camaraderie vs. Competition Notable Example - Mani Lettenbichler and Billy Bolt Why The Difference? Conclusion FAQs about why are hard enduro riders nicer then mx riders Is hard enduro harder than motocross? Is enduro better than motocross? What is the difference between enduro and MX bikes? Why are two strokes better for hard enduro? Conclusion Respect for the Challenge Hard enduro is a true test of skill and endurance. Riders have an unspoken bond; they know how tough the journey is. They respect anyone brave enough to tackle the crazy courses. That respect shows in how these riders treat one another, on and off the track. Hard Enduro Burros A great example of this camaraderie is the Hard Enduro Burros series on Youtube ( https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tk7WhQCiXhk ). This web series showcases some of the top hard enduro racers in the United States riding together and challenging each other. The energy in these episodes is quite addicting and just makes you want to go for a playful ride with your own friends. These guys are all competitors, and at the end of the day, racing for big championship points and money. Yet, they all make time to ride together for the series and seem to genuinely enjoy it. You will notice how they support each other, share tips, and even help each other up features. Even though they are competitors, the camaraderie and shared love of hard enduro shines through. This supportive attitude extends to amateur racers. If you’re struggling with a particularly brutal obstacle, it is almost guaranteed that another rider, or even a spectator, will help guide you and cheer you on. Motocross Attitudes This kind of camaraderie can be less prevalent in the motocross world. Motocross riders experience their share of competition, but the courses generally aren’t seen as incredibly difficult to conquer. Most riders can get around a motocross track, and many can go very, very fast doing it. That often means the racing and rivalries boil down to split-second differences on the track, which sometimes leads to tension. Appreciation for Help It’s nearly impossible to ride hard enduro without assistance. Whether stuck on a hill climb, needing help picking up your bike after a crash, or needing some encouragement to keep going, you can count on other hard enduro riders. I experienced this firsthand a few years ago when I attended my first enduro; it felt like everyone was rooting for each other to finish the race, and the support was unreal. In contrast, because motocross courses tend to be less brutal, help isn’t needed as often. Motocross riders might find themselves on their own more frequently, fostering a more independent, sometimes even a ‘me-against-the-world’ kind of mindset. Not exactly fertile ground for brewing friendliness. Camaraderie vs. Competition Because of the insane level of difficulty associated with hard enduro, the races often become more about personal accomplishment than who’s beating whom. Of course, everyone wants to win, but the vibe is entirely different. It seems many hard enduro riders share this thought. Motocross races can feel different. It’s still friendly, and folks still help each other out. It just feels more like the primary focus is competition. Notable Example - Mani Lettenbichler and Billy Bolt One compelling example highlighting the different dynamics in hard enduro played out at the GetzenRodeo 2023 race. Two fierce rivals, Mani Lettenbichler and Billy Bolt, battled it out for the lead. Yet, despite the high stakes and intensity, they demonstrated true sportsmanship. Check out a recap video of the event here - it perfectly encapsulates the respect these riders hold for one another: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WbNojIVvitA . Even in the heat of competition, this event revealed the camaraderie within the hard enduro community. That camaraderie contributes to why hard enduro riders are nicer than motocross riders, but there is more to the story. Why The Difference? A possible explanation for this disparity might be found by exploring the nature of these disciplines: Factor Hard Enduro Motocross Track Difficulty Extremely challenging, often requiring specialized skills and physical endurance. Technically demanding but generally more forgiving, focusing on speed and agility. Rider Focus Completing the course, overcoming obstacles, often collaborating with others for support. Outperforming competitors, prioritizing speed and precise maneuvers. Overall Culture Community-oriented, emphasizing camaraderie and shared passion for the sport's inherent challenges. Strong sense of competition, with more focus on individual achievement and outperforming others.Understanding these differences might give a clearer picture of the unique camaraderie that flourishes in the hard enduro community. Conclusion So, why are hard enduro riders nicer than motocross riders? While both disciplines boast awesome athletes, there’s no denying that something about those crazy hard enduro courses cultivates a uniquely supportive community. From sharing tips and tools on the trail bike to lending a hand (or a footpeg) to fellow competitors, there is a uniquely strong sense of camaraderie in hard enduro, a truly amazing aspect of the sport. FAQs about why are hard enduro riders nicer then mx riders Is hard enduro harder than motocross? Yes. The insane obstacle courses, extreme terrain, and races that last for multiple hours with extreme physical demands put hard enduro on a different level of difficulty compared to motocross. Is enduro better than motocross? It depends on what kind of rider you are. Both are very cool, but motocross is more about speed and competition, while enduro emphasizes navigating technical obstacles. There’s no clear “better” option. What is the difference between enduro and MX bikes? Enduro bikes have larger fuel tanks, softer suspension for navigating obstacles, and different gearing. They are designed for long-distance events and slower-speed maneuvering compared to motocross bikes. Why are two strokes better for hard enduro? Their lightweight design and punchy power delivery, especially in lower RPM ranges often favored for technical riding, make them a popular pick. That being said, the latest generation of 4-stroke enduro bikes are slowly bridging the gap. Conclusion So there you have it; those are just a few reasons why hard enduro riders are nicer than motocross riders.