Its amazing how much money some riders will throw at at their race bikes to - give them an extra horsepower or two, or just to make them look good. But if your serious about race day performance, there are a few other basics that need looking at first - especially if you want to be there with a fighting chance when the chequered flag drops!!!

At the beginning of September the South West region are sending at least two teams of three riders to the ISDE - International Six days Enduro. Where the riders will cover up to 1,200 off-road race miles in one week. For the scope of this article we are going to assume that the riders are fit? - And just look at a few other aspects that are so important if you want a chance of finishing a proper enduro.

With a three hour Hare & Hound events many would be heroes don't bother with preparation. They pay their £30 odd quid entry fee, turn up on the day and hope the bike hangs together. If anything stops the bike, the attitude is often oh well - I would have won but...

And this may well be OK for a local event, because it doesn't cost too much money or time. And if no one expects you to do well, at least you have a great excuse for not winning!

But many competitors who are drawn into off-road racing through the simplicity of H&H events, often aspire to something a bit more challenging. Like a 2 Day British championship enduro, or the 12 hour Dawn to Dusk race.

Both of these are very special events and as such demand so much more from competitors who want to do well - or even finish. Plus they both cost so much more in time and cash. Entering one of these usually means 1 or 2 nights away - often in a B&B, and hundreds of pounds in fuels, entry and tyres alone...

...So it is well worth making sure that your in with a chance and that is where hopefully this article will help you!

After many years of - muck-ups, break downs and general chaos, when I first started racing, I realised that something needed to be done very soon to rectify this desperate situation. Especially as my fanaticism for competing in British championships enduro's was continuing to keep my family very poor and I felt that I had better start getting results somehow - to justify their lack of money and holidays!!!

One of the biggest problems for me when going away for three days to race was the stress and pressure of getting ready during the previous week. There was always to much chance of for getting to either do an important job, or pack something important in the race truck.

This also meant that instead of relaxing and thinking about the race, I would be hyper - thinking about what I might have forgotten. Hence I would arrive at the start on day one, stressed right out and panicking.  

Come on now - hands up, those of you who also do this?  

What sort of things do we put on our list?
Well all bikes are different - and we all have different riding kit needs. But there are a lot of basic things that apply to everyone - whether riding 2 or 4 stroke bikes, or old or new. 

For example:-

• Check chain tension ....
• Fuel tank full up ....
• Helmet packed in kit bag ....
• Check brake pads or shoes ....
• Take bottles of drink ...
• Food ....
• First aid box ....
• Check oil, water and tyres on race truck ...

The list goes on - a long long way, BUT
... to save any of you from having to scratch your heads to much, I have here already for you to download and print off - 'Biker's Race Prep Sheet'.

It is a fairly comprehensive list and some items won't necessarily apply to everyone. But hey it is in Microsoft Word format, so you can easily alter it to suit your very own race day needs.

This check list really works. - If you are a serious racer, you can not afford to ignore it - FACT!!!

As always, your comments regarding the helpfulness - or not of this article and race prep sheet, are welcome in Bikers' Chat & Help Forum, in the 'Feedback' Section.