Ever Thought of entering an enduro race?

DD regular Natalie gives us the low down on what it's about and why you should give it a go!

We're absolutely thrilled to be back at Comrie Croft for their enduro race, Clans @ The Croft in October! Our very own Dirt Diva Emily Greaves is race director this year, and is on a mission to get more women on the start line, so we thought we'd share a little bit about what enduro racing involves by asking DD regular and Clans participant Natalie some questions...

When did you start mountain biking and why?

My love of bikes started in 2020, lockdown had hit and I was unable to work being furloughed, I found in my garage a very old bike I had got when I was about 12 years old, I spent many days out on the bike in the sun and seeing how much further I could go, 2021 I got my first hardtail mountain bike after a few suggestions from a bike friend. I took to the trails at Cathkin brae with some mountain bike people I hadn’t met before and it was since then that my love for mountain biking grew, I loved being outside, on the trails and the thrill of coming down a steep hill is the best feeling ever. Over the last 5 years it’s still the best feeling ever, along with the many places I’ve ridden and the amazing friendships I have made on the way.

What is an enduro race?

Enduro is a form of mountain bike racing which anyone can enjoy, There are all different levels from the expert to the new mountain biker wanting to test their skills, It consists of 3-7 downhill stages and each stage is timed and over all kinds of terrain, You are given an overall time to complete but you are not timed on the climbs, it takes the timed downhill stages and the fastest wins, and combines all elements of racing disciplines from physical fitness, mental stamina and downhill bike skills. Its like a bike ride with

friends but the downhill is timed you can race it hard or take your time and enjoy the ride.

Natalie winning 1st place at our Funduro at Comrie Croft last year

What made you want to try enduro racing?

I got into Enduro racing when I decide to enter into Tweedlove Enjoyro and Evo Enjoyro I was meant to ride with friends but they couldn’t make it so I decide to ride it alone, I really wanted to challenge myself. I really loved both events and was hooked, I love the trails, made some new mountain bike friends and I absolutely love the bike festival atmosphere.

You took part in Clans at the Croft last year as a solo rider! How did that go?

I’d had a lot of personal struggles and I really wanted this challenge, the climbing was really tough and the first few stages I struggled with but ultimately its just you, your bike and the clock, coming down the last stage was the best, feeling I had really achieved something I hadn’t thought possible, although it’s a race I like to compete against myself and want to improve on the next race. I have entered Clans of The Croft this year 2025 I decided to do the 5-stage event again and hope to improve from last year.

What would you say to someone thinking about giving racing a go?

I would highly recommend for more women to get into mountain biking and Enduro events, mountain biking is not only a fun sport, but you can make some amazing friends and will boost confidence in your ability and that you can achieve more than you realise.

Thanks for sharing your story with us Natalie! Find out more about Clans at the Croft here! Not quite ready to race? Join one of our coaching sessions here!