2017 bc Enduro Season Opener in Esneux, Belgium

• Nicolai G16
• Fox 36 HSC/ LSC
• Vivid Air
• Front: Baron 2.2 bar / Back: Baron 2.5 bar

I used the FOX instructions to set up my fork. For this race, expecting smooth, not so technical trails with some bigger hits, I upped the air pressure a little compared to the normal set-up. I did the same with the rear shock to maximize power transfer for the pedalling sections. I also upped the rebound by two clicks.

The stages were short, somewhat flat and with a lot of pedalling without many technical challenges or sharp turns, more on the flowy side. Despite warm temperatures and sun, prior riders had roughed up the trails quite a bit though as the ground still held a lot of moisture. There was not a lot of grip, which made the Baron a good tyre choice. My Nicolai with its Fox 36 performed really well, the bike felt like a rocket. I was the limiting factor in this equation as my early season shape was still a little weak. Two short, steep climbs made me dismount and took me to my limits. That did not reduce the fun factor one bit though.

Awesome weather, a great group feeling with my co-workers from all kind of different departments at bc and great trails made this a perfect day. The great performance of my bike topped it all off. A little mishap during stage 2 did not bring my mood down one bit. It does not happen often that I have that much fun during a race.

• Santa Cruz Nomad
• RockShox Lyrik, 160 mm
• Monarch Plus
• Front: Maxxis Minion DHR , 1.8 bar  / Back: Maxxis Minion DHR,  2.0 bar

Suspension set-up: Increased air pressure for the bigger hits and left rest the same as I did not know what to expect.

It was a mix of compacted and then again muddy ground, which was often covered by leafs, so you didn’t always know what to expect. I was happy with the suspension, but maybe my tyre pressure was still too high as a slipping front wheel made me crash big time and loose loads of time. But I’m sure there was also a lot of over motivation and recklessness from my end involved. The few big hits were absorbed well by the suspension. It also gave me a feeling of extra security and traction as the leaf-covered ground was hard to read.

It was great to be out and about on a sunny, early spring day. Even better to test your limits with your mates going down fast on a bicycle. Too bad that I went too fast and crashed. The Esneux Enduro race is a relaxed event. Everybody is super friendly. That’s how it always should be.

• Santa Cruz Bronson 2.1 CC M
• RockShox Pike RCT3 Solo Air Boost 27.5“
• RockShox Monarch Plus RC4
• Front: Maxxis Minion DHR II, 1.8 bar / Back: Maxxis Minion DHR II, 1.8 bar

I’m still experimenting with my suspension set-up. I go uphill in lock-out and down, my Esneux set-up was as follows: shock at 110 PSI and open with 5 clicks for the rebound; my fork was at 50 PSI and 3 clicks on the rebound. The low speed compression is set to 2 clicks. This base set-up seems to work out pretty well for me.

I hate to admit it, but I still don’t like the uphill riding on my Bronson, even with the suspension locked. The top tube just seems to long for me. The Minion tyres don’t help either. The super sensitive Santa Cruz rear end provides ample traction. One has to be careful with the low bottom bracket though.

On the downhills, the Bronson was great, giving me loads of security and comfort. The big hits were absorbed well, while small bumps are simply smoothed out. to my expectations, the bike surprised me in tight hairpins with sufficient agility. The bike feels very balanced, even in steep and fast sections of the trail. I love the grippy Maxxis tyres.

My co-workers were great! They supported me with all my doubts, giving me great tips and upping my moral. Unfortunately, my legs just didn’t want to turn the cranks anymore on the climb to stage 5 and I had to drop out then. Still, I’m hooked and can’t wait for more racing.

• Transition Patrol 2017
• RockShox Pike RCT3 Solo Air
• RockShox Super Deluxe
• Front: Continental Baron, 1.4 bar / Back: Continental Baron, 1.7 bar

I ride with 20-25% SAG in the front and 30% in the back. I prefer fast rebound to take maximum advantage of the full travel at all times.

Smooth trails with few rocks and roots, but some soft, slippery and loose sections made for an interesting ride. There were some pedalling sections, but not too much. The Patrol performed well, almost discretely, smoothening out all the rough stuff. Honestly, the Patrol can handle more and much worse. It didn’t reach its limits.

Great atmosphere, well organised race, nice people, loads of fun and a great bc team.

Your bike and set-up?

• Transition Patrol 2017
• RockShox Yari
• RockShox Super Deluxe
• Front: Continental Baron, 2.0 bar / Back: Minion DHR, 1.8 bar

I used an all-round set-up.

The stages were easy, some pretty high speed with changing and challenging ground conditions. The Patrol was super reliable as usual and could have dealt with much worse.

It was freezing cold and wet at dawn. Once the sun broke through, it turned into a nice spring day. The event was well organised, little wait times at the starting lines of the stages. The relaxed atmosphere gave it almost a family feel. I look forward to more events like the Esneux Enduro.

Your bike and set-up?

• Transition Patrol
• RockShox Pike Gabel (RCT3 SoloAir)
• RockShox Super Deluxe
• Front: e13 TRS+ (1.7 bar) / back: TRS Race (2.0 bar)

Set-up almost as Transition recommends, I scaled the rebound back a little bit though.

It was a mix of trails and fire roads with a lot of open turns and some steep climbs. The changing ground conditions with muddy and soft sections made it challenging. The suspension and chassis performed well. However, the tyres struggled with the wet and slippery ground.

I did experience a rear brake failure on stage 3, which landed me head over feet in a pond near the finish line. The involuntary bath was pretty chilly and I had to pull out of the race.

Apart from the swim, it was a great, sunny day on the bike. The post-race BBQ made up for the DNF – almost. It’s always good to be out with your co-workers away from work.