I just started racing scrambles. You about summed it up, but I would add one thing: Don’t go alone. If you get injured, you may have a tough time driving yourself home. Other riders will certainly help you load up, but driving home with a sprained wrist or dislocated shoulder can be a pain... literally. Good video!
sorry to be so off topic but does anybody know a trick to get back into an instagram account?? I was stupid forgot my login password. I love any help you can give me.
@Dakari Gregory i really appreciate your reply. I got to the site thru google and im trying it out now. Seems to take quite some time so I will reply here later when my account password hopefully is recovered.
Most of the time as I'm now 63 years old and still racing I rarely enjoy a race while I'm in it. The next week going over the event with other folks in my class it becomes the blast I enjoy so much
I plan on racing for the first time ever this year. 40+ LWT novice. One BIG tip is to get in contact with any local motorcycle club(MC). They are all super friendly and willing to help you out. Plus guess who puts on all the weekend races? The local MC clubs.
I've watched these videos at least 5 times each. I just registered for my local hare scramble season her in Colorado. It'll be the first time I've races in about 15 years so these are super helpful.
@@jaredwyatt8133 It's was humbling lol. It was very dry and hot but I had fun. If your not used to the elevation, it takes a toll. I raced the Colorado Off Road Championship Series (CORCS). Theyre a smaller series so they're not AMA sanctioned but they're pretty well organized. The Rocky Mountain Enduro Circuit also runs through here but they're a.bigger series and cover an area all the way from Texas to Wyoming. You can watch some videos on my channel of my racing this year.
Enjoyed your video im 57 and raced when i was a teenager started back again last year i race in 50+c i made a whole lot of friends met a lot of good people im not a serious racer mostly ride for fun my wife goes with me and we always have a great time i do love it so ive had a kidney transplant back 2012 so my energy not what it once was but it is great exercise and your right it is expensive but worth every penny keep up the good videos
Just found your channel. I just got back to racing Hare scrambles and Enduros this year after a 36 year layover from Dirt bikes. I'm loving it, training my Grandson how to ride. I plan on looking at all your videos. Great content. Thanks again.
Thanks for the tips it's been 20 years since my last race I started back at dry creek and ran monster mountain finished 7th and 5th 55 c class its a good feeling to be back at 64 years of age looking forward to 2022 and being a part of something I really love doing have watched alot of your videos and enjoyed them they are helping me to know what to kinda expect at each race feels good to be back most of all making new friends and enjoying life thanks for the videos see yall at the track
Great video Donnie. 4:56 is great info. After two years racing hare scrambles I learned the start and the first half lap don't mean anything. You can't win it there but it is where most riders lose it. Also I discovered a strange phenomenon that supports this and that is that a rider already has a lap time they are gonna run when they drive through the front gate. That Lap time is how hard the rider is willing to work that day, bike setup, physical condition of the rider and the experience and wisdom to avoid problems. The 30 seconds you gain or lose on a start won't mean anything at the end.
@Natedogtv I somewhat disagree with that statement about the start. i'm from England so we call them hare n hounds races here, and they're usually 3 hours. i think it's important to know the venue, i just raced yesterday and the whole lap was single track woodland with a handful of places to pass on a 5 mile lap without trying to make dangerous moves and hit tree stumps hidden in grass and undergrowth. i knew that it would be hard to pass, so made the conscious effort to get a jump on the start as i didn't want to get caught behind slower riders in the group. we were started in groups of 4 to ease congestion at 30 second intervals. i beat the other 3 guys to the first corner and soon caught up to the 4 who started before me. having only faster riders in front then meant i had a fairly clear track ahead of me and save myself vital minutes every lap giving me the potential to do 1 more lap than some of the other guys in my group. The start would matter so much on a track that was faster and more open as you wouldn't lose much time behind slower riders, but on a track that will be hard to pass on i think it matters a lot. that 30 seconds you might gain on a start will mean something in the end as its not outlasting people for 2 or 3 hours that gets you the win, its the number of laps you do in that time. getting a 30 second lead off the start will give you a clear lap ahead while the guys behind you will be getting bottlenecked and caught up with slower riders, that 30 seconds is soon saving you minutes a lap and when it comes to the end you may still have minutes on the clock allowing you to get another lap in, while the guys who lost time at the start will get the chequered flag. that one extra lap could put you in the top 10 or get you the win
This is our first year, I have two boys currently racing and 1 that will start soon. There is always a great family atmosphere and we have had so much fun!!! Really enjoying your videos.
I'm hoping to do my first scramble next season. It was great hearing the perspective of someone who, ehm, qualifies for the age restricted classes (like myself)! Thanks for making this vid, seems like sound advice!
I'm in uk and only started off rd riding just over 2 yrs a got to totally agree with #1 met more mates a had such a laugh doing hare a scrambles started in beginners got a 4th a 2 wins then went up a class for last 2 races of the season a held my own so this season stayed in the 2t class a ended up 6th out of 45 ish riders through the season best of 4th , cant wait for 23 season to get started new class over 40s 💪💪
Really good video, we’ll dome! I’m a 52 year old rider who rides twice per week weather permitting. I’ve been looking for a nudge to try racing and this is it!
The "look for opportunities" part is tough depending on the conditions you are riding, out in the open desert you can sometimes barely see the guy infront of you or the sides of the trail, its really tough to see the ribbon and arrows unless you are at the front, so even without trees it is hard to find times to pass because you can't see a side trail until you are past it and although bushes aren't as bad to hit as trees they still can knock you down and if you are on the trail big rocks are marked with larger signs than the turn arrows but if you are off the side to pass someone those kinds of hazards aren't marked and you really do just have to hope that the guy infront doesn't get lost because all you can do is follow dust, I was in a race where about 20 people all got lost at the same time and we were riding all different directions trying to find the trail again, I still don't know how we got lost, there were at least three people infront of me and I could see the arrows aiming right because there were multiple of them at one spot making them easier to see and we all turned right and never saw anything from that point until the people infront started slowing down.
Another good idea is to cut about an inch from your handlebars on each side -- it will definitely help you squeeze through tighter tree sections than other riders. This is absolutely essential if you're going to do Enduro's.
This is good insight for new racers. Well thought out and accurate. I might add concentrate on finishing rather than winning, because you first have to finish to win. I'm 60 now and still race a handful of events a year. Why, because it is a whole lot of fun! I'll add 35.00 is cheap to go riding with 200 of your friends knowing that if you break down someone is gonna tow you back to your truck!
Great video, Been wanting to try a hare scramble for a few years now but been kinda intimidated, your video makes it seem a little more realistic! Thanks!
Solid advice! If I could add a #11.. it would be to join a club, get involved, help out at an event when you can. Without clubs or members to help.. there would be no race. Nice video!
Good video! Make sure to get your bike prep done and gear on well in advance of your start time. Give yourself plenty of time and do your routine slowly so you don't spike your adrenaline. When you go to the start line walk around and do some exercises and talk to other riders. It helps keep the adrenaline level lower.
You said you should have started in the C- 40 year old class rather than the D class. How much dirt riding experience did you have when you entered your first race? I'm an experienced motorcyclist, new to dirt and looking to get started riding hare scrambles, probably next spring. Not sure what class I should begin with.
Very cool . Rules it funny how sometimes the Officials dont know them. It's cool that you and son can spend time with each others. I thank you should set up a mic . So can catch does comic moment. Merry Christmas
Love the videos. I live in Cullman Alabama. I ride trails with my friends but i have never raced before, this makes me want to try it even more. Maybe I'll see y'all out there sometime soon. What series so you race in? If you ever want to come up and ride our area i would love to have you guys over. Keep it up!
Good list. But #1 is the best. I have always said have fun doing what your doing. I have wanted to try a race. Do they stop at 50+ or would they have a 60+? I guess each racing group may be different. Thanks for the video.
dragonrider385 You should go for it! SECCA has 50+ classes but no 60+. We have guys over 60 in the 50+ class. I’ve seen other races (like the Gobbler Getter) that have 60+ classes.
Great tips. My first attempt I forgot to turn off my choke so yes a checklist on the most simple things I fully agree. I hope to redeem myself this year. You have a new sub. Stay safe
Our first race is tomorrow so I am getting ready now. The race is in Kentwood La which is 4 hour drive so it depends on just how I feel in the morning rather I wanna drive 4 hours or not. Stay safe
@@DirtBikingwithDonnie Ok. The 2hr countdown starts with the 1st line flag drop BUT each rows actual time starts when they go. I guess I was just confused because I was thinking originally that the 2hr mark started when I went 🤣 But, what if I was in 6th row, caught and passed all ahead of me? I'd be going off the 1st rows clock and the officials would figure out white and checkered flag
@@my-max-media7621 Yeah, I think you have the idea. There are numerous scenarios where you may be on the course for longer than the specified time depending on where the race leader is.
Rule #1 don't show up to a race alone. Everything is better with another set of eyes. Also you have a chase person so you don't have to go to the truck for anything. pretty much have someone with you
"Hare scrambles expensive, 500$/month" Cries is road racing budget lol I can race a whole month for the cost of a day on my sport bike, that's the whole reason I'm moving to dirt more
"Dress for the crash that will eventually happen." Nailed it.
I just started racing scrambles. You about summed it up, but I would add one thing: Don’t go alone. If you get injured, you may have a tough time driving yourself home. Other riders will certainly help you load up, but driving home with a sprained wrist or dislocated shoulder can be a pain... literally.
Good video!
That’s a great point. Thanks for commenting and thanks for watching!
I've been riding dirt bikes for 45+ years and raced quite a bit, that's a really nice video. Good job.
flashdrz Thanks for watching and commenting. That’s great feedback.
sorry to be so off topic but does anybody know a trick to get back into an instagram account??
I was stupid forgot my login password. I love any help you can give me.
@Saint Wesson instablaster :)
@Dakari Gregory i really appreciate your reply. I got to the site thru google and im trying it out now.
Seems to take quite some time so I will reply here later when my account password hopefully is recovered.
@Dakari Gregory It did the trick and I actually got access to my account again. Im so happy!
Thanks so much, you saved my account :D
Most of the time as I'm now 63 years old and still racing I rarely enjoy a race while I'm in it. The next week going over the event with other folks in my class it becomes the blast I enjoy so much
I plan on racing for the first time ever this year. 40+ LWT novice. One BIG tip is to get in contact with any local motorcycle club(MC). They are all super friendly and willing to help you out. Plus guess who puts on all the weekend races? The local MC clubs.
Absolutely, without a doubt! Thanks for watching.
Excellent video. You nailed it and the family angle was touching.
Thanks for watching!
I've watched these videos at least 5 times each. I just registered for my local hare scramble season her in Colorado. It'll be the first time I've races in about 15 years so these are super helpful.
Thanks for watching. Good luck at the races!
Old comment but relates to me. I just moved to Colorado and looking to get into the hare scramble scene like I once was. How this season treat you?
@@jaredwyatt8133 It's was humbling lol. It was very dry and hot but I had fun. If your not used to the elevation, it takes a toll.
I raced the Colorado Off Road Championship Series (CORCS). Theyre a smaller series so they're not AMA sanctioned but they're pretty well organized.
The Rocky Mountain Enduro Circuit also runs through here but they're a.bigger series and cover an area all the way from Texas to Wyoming.
You can watch some videos on my channel of my racing this year.
Enjoyed your video im 57 and raced when i was a teenager started back again last year i race in 50+c i made a whole lot of friends met a lot of good people im not a serious racer mostly ride for fun my wife goes with me and we always have a great time i do love it so ive had a kidney transplant back 2012 so my energy not what it once was but it is great exercise and your right it is expensive but worth every penny keep up the good videos
Thanks, I’m glad you enjoyed the video. Best of luck with your racing season. Stay safe and thanks for watching!
Just found your channel. I just got back to racing Hare scrambles and Enduros this year after a 36 year layover from Dirt bikes. I'm loving it, training my Grandson how to ride. I plan on looking at all your videos. Great content. Thanks again.
Awesome, thanks for watching and good luck at the races!
Excellent video! Nicely done, great edits, and to the point.
Thanks for the tips it's been 20 years since my last race I started back at dry creek and ran monster mountain finished 7th and 5th 55 c class its a good feeling to be back at 64 years of age looking forward to 2022 and being a part of something I really love doing have watched alot of your videos and enjoyed them they are helping me to know what to kinda expect at each race feels good to be back most of all making new friends and enjoying life thanks for the videos see yall at the track
That’s great! Congrats on getting back into it. Say hello at the next race. Thanks for watching the videos!
Great video Donnie. 4:56 is great info. After two years racing hare scrambles I learned the start and the first half lap don't mean anything. You can't win it there but it is where most riders lose it. Also I discovered a strange phenomenon that supports this and that is that a rider already has a lap time they are gonna run when they drive through the front gate. That Lap time is how hard the rider is willing to work that day, bike setup, physical condition of the rider and the experience and wisdom to avoid problems. The 30 seconds you gain or lose on a start won't mean anything at the end.
NateDogMXtv Thanks! I’ve never really thought about it that way but you’re exactly right!
@Natedogtv
I somewhat disagree with that statement about the start. i'm from England so we call them hare n hounds races here, and they're usually 3 hours.
i think it's important to know the venue, i just raced yesterday and the whole lap was single track woodland with a handful of places to pass on a 5 mile lap without trying to make dangerous moves and hit tree stumps hidden in grass and undergrowth. i knew that it would be hard to pass, so made the conscious effort to get a jump on the start as i didn't want to get caught behind slower riders in the group. we were started in groups of 4 to ease congestion at 30 second intervals. i beat the other 3 guys to the first corner and soon caught up to the 4 who started before me. having only faster riders in front then meant i had a fairly clear track ahead of me and save myself vital minutes every lap giving me the potential to do 1 more lap than some of the other guys in my group.
The start would matter so much on a track that was faster and more open as you wouldn't lose much time behind slower riders, but on a track that will be hard to pass on i think it matters a lot.
that 30 seconds you might gain on a start will mean something in the end as its not outlasting people for 2 or 3 hours that gets you the win, its the number of laps you do in that time. getting a 30 second lead off the start will give you a clear lap ahead while the guys behind you will be getting bottlenecked and caught up with slower riders, that 30 seconds is soon saving you minutes a lap and when it comes to the end you may still have minutes on the clock allowing you to get another lap in, while the guys who lost time at the start will get the chequered flag. that one extra lap could put you in the top 10 or get you the win
Awesome tips! Family...love that one!
Ron C Thanks for watching!
This is our first year, I have two boys currently racing and 1 that will start soon. There is always a great family atmosphere and we have had so much fun!!! Really enjoying your videos.
You are right it is a blast. And the make even more fun
Thanks for watching!
Donnie, smartly put together video! Those are all things I have had to learn, but just about 3 years before you. PERFECT!
mike magee Thanks Mike. Glad you like it!
I'm hoping to do my first scramble next season. It was great hearing the perspective of someone who, ehm, qualifies for the age restricted classes (like myself)! Thanks for making this vid, seems like sound advice!
That’s awesome, you should definitely try it, you’ll have a great time. Thanks for watching and commenting!
I'm in uk and only started off rd riding just over 2 yrs a got to totally agree with #1 met more mates a had such a laugh doing hare a scrambles started in beginners got a 4th a 2 wins then went up a class for last 2 races of the season a held my own so this season stayed in the 2t class a ended up 6th out of 45 ish riders through the season best of 4th , cant wait for 23 season to get started new class over 40s 💪💪
Really good video, we’ll dome! I’m a 52 year old rider who rides twice per week weather permitting. I’ve been looking for a nudge to try racing and this is it!
Go for it! You’ll have fun and meet a bunch of new friends. Good luck and thanks for watching.
Great list and video. Those pointers are sure to be helpful for all new hare-scramblers.
Thanks for watching!
I'm going to try my first race this weekend and see what it's like.
The "look for opportunities" part is tough depending on the conditions you are riding, out in the open desert you can sometimes barely see the guy infront of you or the sides of the trail, its really tough to see the ribbon and arrows unless you are at the front, so even without trees it is hard to find times to pass because you can't see a side trail until you are past it and although bushes aren't as bad to hit as trees they still can knock you down and if you are on the trail big rocks are marked with larger signs than the turn arrows but if you are off the side to pass someone those kinds of hazards aren't marked and you really do just have to hope that the guy infront doesn't get lost because all you can do is follow dust, I was in a race where about 20 people all got lost at the same time and we were riding all different directions trying to find the trail again, I still don't know how we got lost, there were at least three people infront of me and I could see the arrows aiming right because there were multiple of them at one spot making them easier to see and we all turned right and never saw anything from that point until the people infront started slowing down.
Thanks for watching!
Another good idea is to cut about an inch from your handlebars on each side -- it will definitely help you squeeze through tighter tree sections than other riders. This is absolutely essential if you're going to do Enduro's.
Anthony Davis Shhh, don’t give away all the secrets. 😀 Thanks for watching!
Great video and advice. Thanks for sharing!
This is good insight for new racers. Well thought out and accurate. I might add concentrate on finishing rather than winning, because you first have to finish to win. I'm 60 now and still race a handful of events a year. Why, because it is a whole lot of fun! I'll add 35.00 is cheap to go riding with 200 of your friends knowing that if you break down someone is gonna tow you back to your truck!
Thanks for watching! I agree 100%.
Nice video! Second year racing and riding and it has officially taken over my life!
Yes, I know the feeling. I'm in my 3rd season now and can't wait for the next race. Thanks for watching!
Great video!!! Me and my 66 year old dad are doing our first race next month!
Good luck! Thanks for watching.
Great video, Been wanting to try a hare scramble for a few years now but been kinda intimidated, your video makes it seem a little more realistic! Thanks!
Thanks for watching! You should definitely try it. It's a ton of fun.
Solid advice!
If I could add a #11.. it would be to join a club, get involved, help out at an event when you can. Without clubs or members to help.. there would be no race. Nice video!
Absolutely! Thanks for watching!
Having a race lining up with my day off is the reason I dont do more races, its a blast as you said. Stay safe
Thanks for watching!
really appreciate this vid man, its like your reading straight from a "Harescramble for Dummies" book
That’s great! I’m glad it helped you and good luck at the races!
Great Info Donnie !!
Brandon McLain Thanks Brandon!
Great list! Aside from picking the class, the list would be the same for back when I was road racing.
Mark Gunnison I thought you might like this one. 😀 Thanks for watching!
Very good presentation
Glad you liked it!
Hey that’s me at 6:51
EXCELLENT video and top 10 list! Very accurate and many good tips for what to expect. I laughed at #3. 🤑
I’m glad you found it helpful. Racing does get expensive for sure, lol. Thanks for watching!
Great advice here and perspective
Awesome list.
John Wortham Thanks for watching!
Good video! Make sure to get your bike prep done and gear on well in advance of your start time. Give yourself plenty of time and do your routine slowly so you don't spike your adrenaline. When you go to the start line walk around and do some exercises and talk to other riders. It helps keep the adrenaline level lower.
Jeff Scott Yes, great tips! Thanks for watching!
Nice video helping others with your knowledge and personal experience. Ride on!
biketothetop Thanks, I’m glad you liked it. Thanks for watching and commenting!
Well done and much appreciated! 👍
Thanks for watching!
👍👍👍 I am seriously considering , good stuff to think about first. Thanks
Ryan Curry Go for it!
It was my first year too I race youth on an 85 and it’s the most fun I’ve ever had 🤟🏁🏁⚙️⚙️⚙️
Awesome!
Yep
Thanks man! Entering my first GP next Saturday
That’s awesome! Best of luck to you and ride smart. Thanks for watching!
Great video 👌🏻
Thanks!
You said you should have started in the C- 40 year old class rather than the D class. How much dirt riding experience did you have when you entered your first race? I'm an experienced motorcyclist, new to dirt and looking to get started riding hare scrambles, probably next spring. Not sure what class I should begin with.
Very cool . Rules it funny how sometimes the Officials dont know them. It's cool that you and son can spend time with each others. I thank you should set up a mic . So can catch does comic moment. Merry Christmas
Thanks for watching! Merry Christmas to you too
Great tips, well thought out!
Appreciate it! Thanks for watching!
That's great info brother keep it up!
The Hungry Hunter Thanks for watching!
Love the videos. I live in Cullman Alabama. I ride trails with my friends but i have never raced before, this makes me want to try it even more. Maybe I'll see y'all out there sometime soon. What series so you race in? If you ever want to come up and ride our area i would love to have you guys over. Keep it up!
Thanks! We appreciate you watching. We race in SECCA mostly (Southeast Cross Country Association).
Good list. But #1 is the best. I have always said have fun doing what your doing. I have wanted to try a race. Do they stop at 50+ or would they have a 60+? I guess each racing group may be different. Thanks for the video.
dragonrider385 You should go for it! SECCA has 50+ classes but no 60+. We have guys over 60 in the 50+ class. I’ve seen other races (like the Gobbler Getter) that have 60+ classes.
Awesome video! Thanks for the tips!
Trent Kenworthy Glad you liked it. Thanks for watching and commenting!
i forgot to swap helmet stickers from the pit bike race and had to fly across the pits and swap my number and my row number sticker
Great video, nicely done.
ISLAND RIDERS DIRTBIKES Thanks for watching!
Great tips. My first attempt I forgot to turn off my choke so yes a checklist on the most simple things I fully agree. I hope to redeem myself this year. You have a new sub. Stay safe
Tankerman Thanks for watching. I can’t wait for the season to start!
Our first race is tomorrow so I am getting ready now. The race is in Kentwood La which is 4 hour drive so it depends on just how I feel in the morning rather I wanna drive 4 hours or not. Stay safe
Tankerman I have a friend going to that race. He wanted us to come but it’s just too far away. If you see Steve Smith say hello for me.
I sure will. What class will he be in? Stay safe
Tankerman He usually runs C40
Great video and great advice!
Glad you enjoyed it. Thanks for watching!
Donnie is the man…
Thanks for the post!!!👍
Thanks for watching!
Great video. Thanks!
Thanks for watching!
Excellent. Thanks!
Thanks for watching!
This was great. Thanks!
I’m glad it was helpful for you. Thanks for watching!
Loved the tips
Thanks for watching!
Great video! You got a new subscriber
Awesome! Thanks for watching!
Do you see an issue with going to first race in 30+C class just to see where you stand endurance wise? Even if you don't finish the whole race.
@@AmoneyC No issue at all. Just let others pass if/when they catch you. Good luck!
@@DirtBikingwithDonnie thank you man. That is very helpful. I’m a solid rider but that is some serious seat time 🤘
Awesome video!
Thanks for watching!
Good info.
awesome video!
Thanks for watching!
Great video thanks
Glad you liked it! Thanks for watching.
When does the 2 hour count down start? ...when the 1st row starts OR when your row starts?
When the first row starts.
@@DirtBikingwithDonnie
Ok. The 2hr countdown starts with the 1st line flag drop BUT each rows actual time starts when they go. I guess I was just confused because I was thinking originally that the 2hr mark started when I went 🤣
But, what if I was in 6th row, caught and passed all ahead of me? I'd be going off the 1st rows clock and the officials would figure out white and checkered flag
@@my-max-media7621 Yeah, I think you have the idea. There are numerous scenarios where you may be on the course for longer than the specified time depending on where the race leader is.
Good job!
Rod Overstreet Thanks for watching!
Is there a class for a 40 year old over weight guy that’s just kind of fast?
How exactly do I get into hare scrambles? Do I need a sponsor to start off?
You don’t need a sponsor. If you have a local Harescramble organization just join, sign up and race.
Where yall from I saw abunch of Alabama towns
In the Birmingham area.
@@DirtBikingwithDonnie 10-4 I live in hayden
Rule #1 don't show up to a race alone. Everything is better with another set of eyes. Also you have a chase person so you don't have to go to the truck for anything. pretty much have someone with you
Man I miss racing SECCA
Chase Hewett Thanks for watching! Starts back up on 2/23/19
Yeah, I raced in the C250 class in 2015, 16, and 17, but I had to stop. Still got all the gear but I have to work on Saturdays unfortunately.
You forgot to add. Dont hit trees. They dont move and they are stronger than you.
JBird117 LOL, yea I can personally verify that is true.
@@DirtBikingwithDonnie, yea I've had a few run ins with Mr oak and mrs pine myself.
"Hare scrambles expensive, 500$/month" Cries is road racing budget lol I can race a whole month for the cost of a day on my sport bike, that's the whole reason I'm moving to dirt more
Great video!!
Thanks for watching!