70th Annual Little Brown Jug Enduro
SOME LOCAL RACE ACTION IN SOUTH CAROLINA
Hey there, fellow riders! It’s Kari, and I’m here to share my experience at the 70th Annual Little Brown Jug Enduro, which took place on September 3rd, 2023. This race was not just another event for me; it marked my entry into the enduro scene in my new home state of Upstate South Carolina after relocating from the Nevada area.
An Introduction to the Little Brown Jug Enduro: The 70th Annual Little Brown Jug Enduro is hosted by the Greenville Enduro Riders. This historic event took place on a super nice, not to hot September day, drawing participants from all over the south. For me, it was a chance to make new friends, explore the local riding scene.
Venturing into Uncharted Territory: Why did I decide to participate in this particular enduro race, you ask? Well, this race was new territory for me. It marked my first race in South Carolina, and I saw it as an opportunity to meet fellow riders, learn more about the local trails, and embrace the adventure spirit in my new surroundings. Starting on the 114th row due to my last-minute decision not to pre-register, it turned into a bit of a solo journey.
The Racecourse and Terrain: The Little Brown Jug Enduro was unlike any race I’d experienced before. It featured five individual enduros, mostly winding through tight tree-lined trails with occasional bursts on double tracks and quad-style sections. My personal favorite was the final race, which led us through a fun creek bed section—this reminded me of the fun rocky rides back in Nevada/Cali and Alberta. I’d wholeheartedly recommend this race to anyone in the area, especially those who crave single-track adventures.
Challenges and Triumphs on My 2018 KTM 250 XC: My 2018 KTM 250 XC was my trusty companion for this race, but I did make a last-minute modification by installing a JD jet kit. The goal was to adjust the bike’s jetting to match the lower elevation of South Carolina after its high-altitude setup in Nevada. However, this adjustment led to some issues during the first enduro. My bike decided to stick to first gear, which put me way behind in the scoring. Thankfully, I received a helping hand from a kind rider who worked at a KTM dealership in Georgia, and my bike was back in action for the subsequent races.
Racing: A Test of Fitness and Determination: The race served as a stark reminder that I needed to get back into shape. Between the cross-country move and adapting to a new environment, my fitness had taken a hit. It was a challenging race for me, but it rekindled my determination to regain my peak fitness and riding form. As they say, the first step is acknowledging it, right?
Spur-of-the-Moment Decision: My decision to race was quite spontaneous. Originally, I planned to spectate and meet fellow riders but, at 9 pm the night before, I had a change of heart and decided to jump into the race. Sometimes, those last-minute decisions lead to the most unforgettable experiences.
Lessons in Racing and Life: The race taught me that it’s not always about winning or placing; it’s about having fun, riding safe, and making friends along the way. Sometimes, the best part of racing is connecting with the racing community and sharing the love of two-wheeled adventures.
A Solo Endeavor with Camaraderie: While I started far back in the heat, essentially riding solo, there were plenty of friendly riders around to share the experience with, both on and off the course. The enduro community is filled with great folks, and I had the pleasure of meeting many of them during this race.
Maintaining Momentum and Pushing Through: I didn’t employ any specific strategies during the race, but I held on to one mantra: don’t give up. My lack of fitness became evident after the third race, but the determination to finish each section and conquer the course kept me going.
The Spirit of the Little Brown Jug Enduro: The camaraderie and community spirit at the 70th Annual Little Brown Jug Enduro were heartwarming. I had the chance to connect with riders from different states, and I was struck by the kindness and friendliness of the racing community. It reminded me why I love being a part of this world.
What’s Next? As for my final results, I placed 6th out of 17 female riders—not my best performance, but considering the circumstances, it wasn’t too shabby. Racing straight off the couch after a year away from my dirtbike was physically demanding, especially with the first-gear ordeal in the initial race.
As for the future, I’m excited to dive back into racing and riding, regain my fitness, and take on new adventures. While this race had its challenges, it reignited my passion for enduro, and I can’t wait to see where the next race takes me.
So, fellow riders, that’s a glimpse into my ride at the 70th Annual Little Brown Jug Enduro. Keep the rubber side down, stay safe, and never stop chasing your two-wheeled dreams! 🏍️✨