Can a "pro" MTB rider finish the Donner Hard enduro race?!

Head to www.DrinkLMNT.com/Jeff to get your free sample pack with any purchase.
Head over to Motosport.com for all your motorcycle needs- and any purchases here will directly help support my channel: bit.ly/MotosportJKW
That mountain bike I’m riding is my trusty Ibis Ripmo V2s. Learn more about the Ripmo here at Jenson USA, and anything you purchase will help support my channel: bit.ly/IbisRipmoatJensonUSAjkw
If a Ripmo is too spendy, there are PLENTY of other affordable trail/enduro bikes available these days. Have a look at the rest of what Jenson USA stocks with this link: jenson.sjv.io/AffordableEnduroBikesJKW
If you enjoy my videos, you might like my monthly riding tutorials, which I post ONLY to my Patreon page: www.patreon.com/jeffkendallweed
Did you know I post a new riding tutorial every month? These are ONLY posted to my Patreon page, so join now to see these rad videos! Here’s the full list of my riding tutorials posted through June 2023:
4 (and ½) Summer Riding tips: www.patreon.com/posts/4-5-summer-tips-85207251
How to Hit New Jumps: www.patreon.com/posts/hitting-new-and-83883299
Berm line choice: www.patreon.com/posts/line-choices-for-82322348
How to ride like a pro (and not a squid): www.patreon.com/posts/how-to-ride-like-80864886
How to MANUAL: www.patreon.com/posts/how-to-manual-my-79363708
Wet weather riding tips: www.patreon.com/posts/wet-weather-tips-78055037
How to ride ROUGH corners: www.patreon.com/posts/how-to-ride-76582910
50 tips to be a better mountain biker: www.patreon.com/posts/50-tips-to-be-75352100
How to land jumps: www.patreon.com/posts/how-to-land-74063598
How to ride steep trails: www.patreon.com/posts/how-to-ride-72705363
How to sprint without pedaling: www.patreon.com/posts/how-to-sprint-71580461
How to ride flat corners: www.patreon.com/posts/how-to-ride-flat-68552084
How to jump found gaps: www.patreon.com/posts/67255256
How to stoppie turn: www.patreon.com/posts/65842496
How to drop: www.patreon.com/posts/64552391
How to LEAN in corners: www.patreon.com/posts/how-to-lean-in-63176556
How to Ride Light on the Bike: www.patreon.com/posts/how-to-ride-on-61941975
Riding technique differences between hardtails and full suspension: www.patreon.com/posts/60435182
How to rut track: www.patreon.com/posts/59366938
5 tips to make flat trails more fun: www.patreon.com/posts/58058983
5 tips to improve bike control and balance: www.patreon.com/posts/56839920
How to levitate out of corners: www.patreon.com/posts/55607066
Three simple cornering tips: www.patreon.com/posts/54371316
How (and when) to rock roll or drop: www.patreon.com/posts/53126562
How to jump with fluidity- and not DEAD SAILER! www.patreon.com/posts/51914476
How to Lanual: www.patreon.com/posts/50695443
How to climb ledges without a bunny hop: www.patreon.com/posts/49476021
Which brake to use when: www.patreon.com/posts/which-brake-to-48108425
Different bikes, different riding techniques: www.patreon.com/posts/46925782
How to ride FLAT PEDALS through the ROCKS: www.patreon.com/posts/how-to-ride-flat-45662347
How to ride wet roots and steep chutes: www.patreon.com/posts/44507851
How to ride with style: www.patreon.com/posts/how-to-ride-with-43349450
How to jump for height vs distance: www.patreon.com/posts/42202183
My 3 favorite skills drills: www.patreon.com/posts/if-i-could-only-38809964
How to manual: www.patreon.com/posts/how-to-manual-37684861
Cutty: www.patreon.com/posts/36579859
Manual a berm: www.patreon.com/posts/35496772
How to ride in Sedona: www.patreon.com/posts/34436065
Switchbacks: www.patreon.com/posts/3-ways-to-33345804
Nosewheelie: www.patreon.com/posts/32742504
Bump jump: www.patreon.com/posts/31881231
Trials basics for trail riders: www.patreon.com/posts/31145344
Tight berms: www.patreon.com/posts/30389457
Aggressive braking: www.patreon.com/posts/29579507
Confidence for mountain biking: www.patreon.com/posts/28817411
Cornering: www.patreon.com/posts/27981205
Flowing/pumping down the trail: www.patreon.com/posts/27288868
Stoppie through turns: www.patreon.com/posts/26296762
Technical climbing: www.patreon.com/posts/25234847
Boost jumps: www.patreon.com/posts/24161821
Bunnyhop: www.patreon.com/posts/23396959
Utilizing the wheelie on the trail: www.patreon.com/posts/23017910
How to wheelie: www.patreon.com/posts/21879606
00:00 Intro
0:22 moto background
5:07 Preparing for the race
6:04 LMNT
7:03 MTB riding and road trip
9:10 moto technique advice
11:50 not missing the harescramble
12:02 Harescramble (qualifying)
18:38 Hard Enduro

[@JeffKendallWeed]

Head to www.DrinkLMNT.com/Jeff to get your free sample pack with any purchase.

[@russellzauner]

best of both worlds - ebike it

[@spencerlaube4035]

I’ve been mountain biking for 10 years and hard enduro riding for 2. There is no other sport that compares to hard enduro racing. Love the content (Mtb, hard enduro and adventure riding). Keep it up.

[@JeffKendallWeed]

Thanks Spencer! Yeah the physicality and technique required with hard enduro is pretty cool!

[@petedivine]

I ride MTBs...started in my mid 40s. I'm 56 now and signed up for my 2nd enduro race at the end of October. When I was a lot younger mid-twenties, I use to ride enduro motorcycles with my buddies in La Paz Bolivia. I can relate to high altitude riding. It's tough...and your race looked intense. The best part is that you'll never have a better night's sleep and you'll always love what you did.

[@JeffKendallWeed]

Ah you watched the whole vid- thanks!!!! Good luck in the upcoming enduro- which one is it? I might do a local sprint enduro in october.

[@reineherrera8897]

Over the last 3 years I took up riding XC mountain bikes as a way to cross train for endurance-type dirt bike racing. Has served me well, and it is better than doing nothing. I will say though, a bicycle is no where near as physically taxing to ride compared to a 220+ pound motorcycle. I’ve done 50 mile XC races that don’t compare to a 2 hour Hare Scramble. Great to see you showing love to the off-road community.

[@felix-ve8jk]

You transitioning to moto content and buying a bike at pretty much the same time as me is really cool. Been a longtime viewer and love these videos. It's insane *just* how much precision is needed for these hard enduros. The pro riders are incredibly talented.

[@tyreed6208]

MTB and MC rider here. I love seeing the moto content just as much as the MTB stuff. Keep up the good work Jeff.

[@JeffKendallWeed]

Thank you Ty!!!

[@Kengouru]

I'm MTB rider but not MC and still love watching the moto content!

[@mgurkivskyi]

Thanks Jeff helping me with the last hillclimb too! It was tough!

[@AnAverageRider]

At like the 27 minute mark when you're smoked and exhausted, you still have the energy to encourage someone with a "nice!" That's awesome. I've noticed that attitude in other videos and meeting you super briefly in passing. I just want to point that out. Nice

[@JeffKendallWeed]

Thanks steel town gal!

[@MrAllen-gi7pf]

Just a mountain biker but could see the moto thing being lots of fun. Good job finishing :)

[@jefferydemoss4523]

Long time MTB rider that has took up semi hard enduro. They both really make you better for the other. I really enjoyed this video. You exceeded my expectations on your dirt bike and really showed how talented you are.

[@JeffKendallWeed]

Wow thanks Jeff! If I didn't work in the MTB world, I'd likely ride even less moto, but it's cool that it's different but still has so much cross over. Rock on!

[@bryden_smith]

Die hard dirt bike guy here super cool to hear your thoughts and see the perspective of a mtb guy doing hard enduros I wish more people would come try these out and vise versa I do both but mainly dirt bikes

[@bryden_smith]

Also If you want another’s sick event to do check out the corduroy enduro up here in Canada 300km 2 days all the manufacturers offer demo ride leading up to the race just a great weekend overall

[@JeffKendallWeed]

Thanks for the nice note I haven’t checked anything out about the corduroy enduro, but that could be super fun! I was bummed to miss the hard Enduro at Tanski a few weeks ago, we had a Local sprint enduro, that a bunch of friends and I did. Since I work around Byx nearly every single day it’s really fun to have an outlet like dirt biking that’s so different, yet still in amazing form of crosstraining.

[@jasontufty]

MX is fun to watch. I’m considering trying it. I like how you are comparing and explaining the differences.

[@MotoBennyPNW]

some of the best moto content on YT. Been a moto guy for years, and a MTBer 2nd.

[@158158cow]

I’m a MTBer. Had a sport touring bike for a few years but didn’t enjoy street riding a ton (traffic, variable conditions, wet riding). I did a mini moto race with friends which was quite a blast, and humbling. Keen to try dirt bikes, but like you, I really squeeze on my grips when biking and would need to substantially adjust my technique on a dirt bike… Sick video! I’m exhausted just watching your struggle at the race. Kudos 💪

[@JeffKendallWeed]

Agree with ya on street riding- I don't ride my 890 near enough! Thanks for watching!!!

[@HTAracing558]

Im an enduro rider / racer. i was always jogging/running to stay fit. after tearing my acl running wasn't working out for me. knee started to swell after a few km. so i started mountainbiking to stay fit during the week and weekend are for riding the enduro motorcycle around. nice to see you do both too. (so i bought my first mtb. and a week later afriend ask me to ride some enduro trails and bikeparc with him in germany. "OK i'm in" he didn't expected me to really send it off some steep decent and big jumps I was like well i can do this on a 110 kg heavy motorcycle a 13kg bike should be easy he commented: your riding style is a bit off but you're definitely not afraid to go for it) so as you said a lot of stuff is kinda the same but not everything.. You did quite well on the enduro motorcycle! keep it up. cheers from the Netherlands

[@AlpineTreeCare]

I think you and the family deserve a round of applause. I've been riding MTB for 30+ years and always fancied Moto. However where I live there are very few opportunities so took to trials riding instead. Slow and less likely to hurt yourself. This leaves me fit for those gnarly black trails which I still so love. Been following your channel for many years and its great to see you all living a life (The 890 is safer!)

[@tkrey23]

I'm a dirt biker that does a bit of mountain biking with the family (2yo on shotgun seat etc). Been loving your MTB videos lately and just came across this one. Love it. People that don't dirt bike have no idea how physical it is. People often assume motor = easy!

[@tkrey23]

by the way, yes there's tons of overlap! A great local rider just started dirt biking 2 years ago and it's amazing how good he is now. An avid and skilled MTB rider!

[@SNS1212]

Loving all this dirt bike content lately!

[@___asd159gh43]

Love this content! I also just added dirt biking and have been getting "pointers" from the moto guys when I ride like mtb. Glad to hear you're also finding a lot of success with a more fixed feet base and hip hinge. I feel like mtb crosses over so well

[@caseykelly43]

Awesome video! Been watching your mtb videos for years and I think your the first mtb channel making this cross over. Been riding both for a while now, I’m always telling mtb buddies they need a dtb and always telling dtb buddies they need a mtb. So much cross over. 🤘👍👌

[@bondomingo6265]

Great and entertaining video, Jeff! I really enjoyed it. I used to be an avid rider, both on mountain bike and dirt bike. Unfortunately, due to financial constraints, I had to make the tough decision to sell my mountain bike. Nonetheless, I'm still passionate about riding, and I'm determined to get back into the saddle in the near future. I'm actively working on building up my savings so that I can rejoin the biking community and participate in races as much as I can. Your video has really rekindled my enthusiasm! Sendin love from the Philippines!

[@BlindstuffMTB]

This seemed so awesome, enduro and MTB are such great complimentary sports. I used to do hard enduros, but haven't done any if years, this video really gave me the itch again. Kudos on the great results.

[@curtiscooksey1340]

Awesome! I was a local pro motocrosser and dabbled with AMA Supermoto. I ride a KTM 300 and several mountain bikes, I give you props for doing that race. I know how hard that stuff is to ride.

[@kevinread7660]

Thank you so much, Alex, for doing this video I have been telling my friends about the fitness level. I am gaining from riding my Emtb a d getting out by myself is soon much easier. I ride it about 50% of the time and am loosing weight at a great pace just because I want ride more often because of the fun factor. I'm 65 and now with the Emtb am riding as much h as I was when training/racing in my 40s/50s

[@Coastal-rsidedown]

Excellent video from a fellow Jeff, just up the road from you in Vancouver, BC. Ride MTB / eMtb for a long time and for the past 5 years on dirt bikes as well. We have amazing riding around the Vancouver area and on the island. Never raced but have done some local club rides. Always fun. Ride a 300 2t, much easier than trying to control a 125/150 bike when the power is so high strung. Sometimes hard to figure on what bike to ride. 1st world problems.

[@JamesHudson-r4h]

Jeff, you should be super stoked with your performance and your resilience! I just got into riding dirt bikes last year at age 41 and as an New Englander I fell in love with the gnarly rocks and roots right away, working my way backwards from being overbiked with a Beta 430, down to a KTM 250 xcf, and then this year finding perfection in the Beta 200rr Race Edition. You are so right about weight and power with the two strokes. It’s especially important for those of us under 5’10”. I too love Rich Larson, and also, the way we have to attack things is inherently a bit different. With that said, I love your attitude and your content. Your channel inspired me to get back into MTB this year after 20 years away from the sport and I’m enjoying splitting my weekends between the Beta and the new Ripmo V2s. So good 🤙🏼

[@reineherrera8897]

I can identify with what you’re saying about displacement. Not necessarily about rider height when it comes to it, but I will say, less skilled riders will have a better/“safer” time on smaller bore bikes haha. Bigger bore = more fitness and skill but you can get there! I’m 5’5” and race a KTM 250 2-stroke in a Hare Scramble series, RC used to kill it on a 450 at about the same height. Enjoy that Beta though, it’s supposed to be one hell of bike.

[@brettegbert6985]

I’m in love with both sports and do both frequently. I have a 2022 Husqvarna tx300i. It’s amazing how much the two sports compliment each other. I love the variety of content you are putting out!

[@JeffKendallWeed]

Nice Brett, sweet ride! I have so much fun moto-ing, was neat to make this and share it with ya'll!

[@brettegbert6985]

@@JeffKendallWeed awesome! Ps my sister Roshel and brother in law Ryan graham rode with you at poly, and you stayed at my house for a race once..small world!!

[@HeyRiigby]

Dirtbike rider, tried getting into Mountain Bikes but I always gravitate to my dirtbike and never ride MTB but still enjoy the channel. Central Oregon rider

[@JeffKendallWeed]

Thanks for the note, Boardr! I rode Huckleberry Flats near Oakridge once hahahaha! Need to make it to the ISDE qualifier at Tillamook next year!

[@jasonkirksmith2963]

Great video. I’m into all things with two wheels. Haven’t had a dirt bike for a while but want one now.

[@theaveragejoemtb8614]

Love to see you do Some Moto content as well. I recently moved from Washington to Arizona and rode both MTB and MX up there as well as down here. When you come down for Sedona mountain bike fest bring the Moto there’s some killer trails in AZ.

[@AZMOTOMTB]

Love it! I ride both MTB, and race enduro/ hare scrambles in Arizona, B class - just like you. I also ride adventure bikes (on a Tenere 700 currently). Props on riding the 150! I prefer to lug and short-shift, so my weapon of choice is a 300XC lol.

[@8rett]

MTBer and ADV rider, really came here when you started doing the 2x2 rides! I love these vids, your production style is just really cool and not widely used. The technical aspects and how you find it fun are unique to your channel. I'll watch whatever you put out man! Dirt bikes are super cool. Since I have an e-bike I've been wondering what a sur ron or talaria would be like out on OHV trails, maybe a combo of the fun part of dirt biking and the fun part of emtb? Maybe a thought for an upcoming video!

[@JeffKendallWeed]

Thanks Brett! I got to ride a Sur Ron the other day, highly upgraded to 12 kw of power. It was neat! Definitely not a dirt bike, the weight distribution and ergos were super odd, and really needed all its own riding style. I'm not really ready to spend that kinda $$$ for a back yard toy YET. Keen to see what the japanese OEMs come out with!

[@bryankrot2986]

I like to ride all three, mountain, dirt and street. I've always wanted to try hard enduro but always chicken out because of my 29" inseam. Really enjoyed your commentary of your footage.

[@Ah022]

Sick that you did this. I raced moto as a kid. Currently ride mtb only but looking to get into some hare scrambles next year hopefully. This video is really pushing me over the edge to get into it.

[@JeffKendallWeed]

Right on Ah! It's pretty full-on to chase moto dreams, but here and there for fun, it's super neat!

[@karleklund7131]

Rider of both here…good on you for doing a race! I don’t think it could ride two days in a row like that

[@JeffKendallWeed]

Thanks Karl! I've done enough races to know how sore they can make ya, but I kinda went overboard on these hahaha!!!

[@Spindatt]

efffffing loved this! clicked immediately for a few reasons 1. love motorbikes, want to try something like this as a mtber/bmxer myself 2. I know how frigging hard you would have worked on this video 3. 2 Stroke noises Have you ever tried a trials mx bike?

[@JeffKendallWeed]

Wow, thanks Spin! I only briefly goofed around on a trials moto. I'd consider buying one, but it's a lotta $$$, and am concerned I wouldn't use it enough. There is an Electric Motion for sale locally I'm tempted to look at, but the $$$ is tough.

[@Spindatt]

@@JeffKendallWeed heeeeeaaard that, story of most of my purchase arguments in my brain. Curious if some time on a trials rig would quickly translate to faster enduro mx riding

[@bullseye0112]

Brave Jeff, I started adventure riding on my dual sport wr250r and it was fun but hard work and just so much heavier. When I was out there all I could think about was I'd rather be mountain biking. Maybe it's because I'm 50 now it just is a little too much. I got the free pack of Lmnt and you definitely need to add a minimum 32oz of water. I found that it irritates my throat. Maybe it's all the salt. I don't know but I tried it twice and each time my throat hurt. I had to follow it with a lot of water

[@frankmonaco413]

I love to ride both. You have inspired me to try this event next year. You have the perfect bike for this race. Thank you for mixing it up. Very cool.

[@BrickBike]

Yes!! I used to race hare scrambles in the early 2000’s then started riding mtb to get in better shape for the races but ended up fully transitioning to mtb. Fast forward 14 years and I got another dirt bike a year ago and did the Tough Like RORR hard enduro this past spring for my first race since 2008 😅 You definitely have to be a glutton for punishment but it’s so much fun

[@JeffKendallWeed]

Oh cool! Those east coast events look intense!!! So much slippery rock hahaha! Rock on Brick!

[@BigMoose906]

Wow Jeff that race looked soul crushing. Sold my dirtbike and used the money to purchase a nicer mountain bike. Thought I would miss my dirtbike but I'm finding I enjoy pedaling way more. After watching this vid I'm good with my decision. Was fun to watch though. One thing you want if you're going to do any more of these races is the Cycra pro bend hand guards. It will save your controls and hands. Mine prevented a broken hand after smacking a softball sized rock kicked up from another riders rear tire. Nice work!

[@tr4mme1]

Really liked the moto content! Recently picked up my first dirtbike and my buddies are into hard enduro

[@JeffKendallWeed]

Thank you! Enjoy your throttle twistin!

[@tcskibike]

I have a similar story of the evolution from mtb to Hard Enduro. It was the year 2000 I had riding MTB since 1991, experienced the all the first MTB suspension systems and was the first to ride full suspension bike a 1993 DBR Dual response Pro hand built by Control Tech. Anyway along came Crusty Demons of dirt and everything changed and after a divorce at 31 years old I purchased my first motorcycle a yamaha xt225. I couldn't help myself and ride all the mtb trails becoming public enemy # 1. Within the next five years we had a posse of almost 10 that still cut trail and ride to gether to this day. Curernt trail bike is 2017 beta 300RR.. Bikes are a life long obsession.

[@boydcrowder4436]

Great vid Jeff. I rode my last hare scramble some 45 years ago, It was one of the funnest rides I ever had on a dirt bike. "allen wrench & duct tape" had me laughing out loud. Thank you.

[@patdufresne6209]

You'Re a beast dude....bikes, motorbikes or ebikes, guys like you are rare.

[@JeffKendallWeed]

Thanks Pat!

[@JenkinsB]

I ride MTB only but really enjoy watching the dirt bike content. Not something I want to get into but its enjoyable to watch. You tell a good story brother.

[@JeffKendallWeed]

Thanks so much Jenkins! I came into this video thinking it'd be my MTB oriented audience that would be most likely to click on it, so your comment about it being a good story really means a lot- thanks again.

[@danielbunimovich6570]

More content like this Jeff! Good job at lava flow btw

[@jimbo4203]

The 150 and 200 are both excellent , super light and fun , real weapons in the right conditions

[@JeffKendallWeed]

Totally! I rode Brian's Beta 300 RR for a moment and it was the first 2 stroke I've ever experienced that somewhat rivaled a 4 stroke power curve- SO linear! That really surprised me- and another buddy just got one as well. At 170lbs I'm too heavy for the 150 up at 8,000 ft - it really struggled in the loose, steep dirt hill climbs. If I can sell some old bikes, and if I can remain financially stable into 2024, I'll consider scooping up a used Beta or Sherco 300. The KTM TPI and carb 300s have all been too pipey for me.

[@jimbo4203]

@@JeffKendallWeed I've had great luck with the yz 250's and cr 250's aluminum frame any year, fresh motor, fmf gnarly and V force reeds and the heaviest flywheel weight you can get ! Totally transforms these bikes , try one set up like that you will like it

[@reineherrera8897]

⁠@@JeffKendallWeedI’ve been on the 23’ 250 TBI now coming off of my 18’ 250 carbureted 2-stroke. Real linear in comparison. I weigh 165 with all my gear on, and it’s more than rideable.

[@jeremys4705]

Anything on 2 wheels... when I am not injured. The trail you did the day before in Truckee is right behind our house. It's pretty chill but fun for for a quick rip. I can see the hill from the patio. Keep up the good work, both moto and mtb. It's good to share how tiring moto can be, lots of people assume that it's easy because it has an engine. I am way more wrecked from a few hour soft Enduro than a 5 or 6 hour mtb ride.

[@JeffKendallWeed]

Thanks for the note Jeremy! That trail is mellow but fun- I took my daughter's mama on that on her CRF150f back in ~2014 and we had a great time! I'm kinda not concerned with convincing the anti moto peeps that it's a work out, it's like trying to push a rope! But bring them on one ride, and they'll be stuck in teh parking lot unable to figure out a clutch LOL

[@TheMicpat]

Hell yeah man. Great video. Makes me want to try out dirt biking

[@pdsftw]

Yes! Love to see this. Been riding more and more moto this year after only MTBs. It’s so fun. Get yourself a moto trials bike. It does wonders for your big bike and even MTB. Super cool community that’s very helpful and inviting.

[@JeffKendallWeed]

Thanks PDS! I just saw an electric motion pop up for $7400- too much $$$ for me, but certainly tempting! Would be fun to bring the trials bike up to BC...

[@grtdanes0012]

I ride MTB, dual sport bikes, ADV bikes, and I’m a Police Motor for a job. I would love to do hard enduro type riding, but I can’t afford to be constantly fixing broken bikes and broken body parts these days. 😅. Two years out from breaking C6 and C7, so I’m happy to be just riding at all. I MTB in Sedona a few times a week.

[@crjmoto]

Nicely done Jeff! I love moto (2018 KTM 250xc-w) but struggle to find the time as I prefer the simplicity of throwing MTB's and/ or hiking gear in the truck or van; no towing a trailer or gutting of the van or truck-bed needed. We load moto's and it kind of takes away from the carefree adventure, more planning is needed. But man are they a blast when we're out on the trails.

[@JeffKendallWeed]

Well said! Thanks CRJ!

[@ctsingletrack]

This video is giving me dirtbike PTSD. I don't miss fighting with heavy motorcycles. I very much appreciate the ability to pick up a mountain bike and carry it over a pile of fallen trees, and other exhausting situations where you're just expending ridiculous amounts of energy to go 10 feet.

[@JeffKendallWeed]

LOL I understand 100%! East coast grease on limestone is extra gnarly!!!!

[@Sirmellowman]

yeah when I went to riding dirt bikes over from BMX, I had terrible arm pump for YEARS. finally learned to squeeze with the feet/knees for moto, have you been to Reiter Foothills? nice close spot to get some woods riding in? they even have some trials areas, I feel like you would enjoy it.

[@DavidBrownwashingtoninjury]

I do both I am always trying to explain to my mtb buddies how hard moto is even though you aren’t peddling

[@JeffKendallWeed]

I figure the guys that don't understand don't need to understand lol! Thanks David!

[@reineherrera8897]

It’s so much more difficult lol. The shear physics behind the fact that it’s a machine that 9/10 times weighs more than the rider. Every time you brake into a corner or accelerate hard out of it puts way more stress on the body than multiple 5 minute plus efforts over FTP haha.

[@troyesch6203]

Been mountain biking forever. Never got into dirt bikes. That looked like a ton of fun though.

[@doodskwid]

I've been riding enduro and hair scrambles way before I started mountain biking so this video is epicccc

[@JeffKendallWeed]

Thanks for watching, man!

[@lennoxreilly7264]

I race dirt bikes as an A rider mainly but love mtb for sure

[@morgansawyer7961]

Hey man! I have been a mountain bike guy all my life and I have always wanted to get into dirt bikes. This kind of hard enduro has always been something that I have found interesting and hope to get into once I finish up college! Looks like such a fun challenge and I love the mechanical side of everything too! Hoping to buy myself an RM250 and build it into a cheap woods bike!

[@aaronphillips2728]

Just some advice, try to find a good used true woods/enduro dirtbike. Sherco, beta, ktm/husky/gasgas 2stroke. Esp. With eletric start and thank me later . Lol

[@morgansawyer7961]

Haha yeah I get that, my brother has a sherco 125 which is definitley nice. I definitley feel like one of those ktm/husky 300s with the wide ratio trans would be a better option, but I have always thought the suzukis are cool. I will have to take a better look at those bikes cause it would also be easier to find one with a plate on it already which would be nice! @@aaronphillips2728

[@alphakilo7005]

Awesome content Jeff, I’m a dirt biker first that started mountain biking about five years ago. I got into e-bikes after a pretty bad injury to recover and I’ve had a lot of fun with that. One question if you see this, being a mountain biker first, and then a dirt biker, do you set the brakes up on your mountain bike front brake on the right or front brake on the left? I’m always more comfortable having my front break on the right on my mountain bikes, because I was a dirt biker first.

[@Sirmellowman]

you are a very skilled dirt bike rider also jeez

[@Yoda-em5mt]

Great vid Jeff i have been riding both for ages moto trials mx hard enduro desert racing and old school enduro your 150 is a great bike i have ktm 125 exc and 200 exc and love them both moto is a differant kind of hard compared to mtb i race xcm and xco and train riding enduro trails on the mtb anywere from 50 km to 100km and do agree the moto makes you just hurt all over compared to the mtb. If i can gve you a tip dont try to walk your bike down gnarly stuff you can ride down way gnarlier things than you can bulldog down. Look forward to more moto adventure go check out Pat Smadge .

[@dmarsh15]

Great riding with you out there man! Im glad I can finally say Im better than a pro ;) haha jk, I didn't realize you were on a 150! The donner hard enduro is by far my favorite event I have done on 2 wheels.

[@JeffKendallWeed]

Nice to see you out there! I was SHATTERED on that steep climb!!!

[@Dempsey222]

You can do it. I believe in you Jeff.

[@JeffKendallWeed]

Thanks Demp!!!!

[@dnavarrette9471]

Ok I’m glad I just watched that. Gonna stick to MTB . Thanks for posting!

[@kahoycrafts]

MTB only, but I was always curious about dirt bikes and the connection to mtb. Thanks for sharing your adventure. Wow, I was exhausted just watching you. 😬

[@JeffKendallWeed]

Hahaha yeah it was very full on! But it was cool having a real challenge. Thanks for watching, mike!

[@petedivine]

Great video. That looks so gnarly. Gotta keep it new and exciting.

[@JeffKendallWeed]

Thank you pete! It was a REAL challenge!!!

[@gman_273]

Awesome job! That is not an easy race. Love the moto content. Question: Why no full wrap handguards? I know some people are worried about wrist injury in a crash....but they do a great job protecting your levers and throttle tube.

[@JeffKendallWeed]

Thanks Grady! Flag style handguards are better for WA riding- if you bump a tree or something, they have a ton more give, and won't deflect you off the trail. It's extremely rare to bump trees with your hands tho. Flags also allow for another 1/2" of clearance on the outside of the bars, they are a lot lighter weight, and they allow for more bar flex. I've ran flags since March and while the rocks ate my bike up, I haven't had too many issues at home. That said, next time I go hard enduro racing, I'll run full wrap for that. The ODI grips with built in throttle tube have been pretty reliable for me! More issues with traditional style at this point!

[@scottshipp2980]

MTB guy here but rode dirt bikes starting as a kid at four years old all the way up through high school. MTB is my preference since there's fewer barriers between you and the world / nature when you're riding a mountain bike.

[@JeffKendallWeed]

Right on Scott, thanks for watching! MTB is my preference too, but it's still SO FUN to get out on the moto to compliment the pedals. Cheers!

[@inhalethetrail3935]

I do both. I have a 2 wheel addiction. Vintage racing in Woodland WA starts back up in Oct. Going to dust off the CR250. Boy your bike took a beating. Hard Enduro is well HARD!

[@JeffKendallWeed]

I hear ya on the 2 wheel addiction! The vintage thing seems sweet, but I can barely keep a modern bike together. I had a '77 Yamaha IT175 and it was constantly breaking. Who organizes the vintage stuff around here? I could see some vintage MX being kinda cool- less abusive than enduro riding!

[@inhalethetrail3935]

Woodland MX is where the race is going to be on the 14th. of oct. My vintage bike is a 03 CR250. Pretty easy to maintain. They even have a modern class where you can ride any bike 2004 and newer on the vintage track. The vintage track normally means less large jumps :) I have some of my races on my youtube page. @@JeffKendallWeed

[@b5454]

That looks like so much fun. What would you consider a good starter dirt bike for hard enduro?

[@motocraneguy17]

Love Hard Enduro and woods racing..started mtb for fitness and wound up selling the dirt bikes and now am sending it Downhill and riding jump parks!

[@JeffKendallWeed]

Right on Crane! My fave will always be bicycles, but having the throttle to compliment the pedals sure is nice. Rock on!

[@RyanBoardman234s]

When you said “mountain biking has nothing as chaotic as a moto start” the first thing I though of was, I guess he’s never done Mega Avalanche. 😂 Good video Jeff, hopefully you’ll be back next year!

[@JeffKendallWeed]

I did race a maxi avalanche in 2005! Andorra… Started 292nd into qualifying. Eventually finished 13th, it was amazing! That was the year I tried to race a couple World Cup DHs. BITD! Nice to meet you in real life for once!

[@adeverel]

WE need more bike noise! Great channel!

[@ryanc1549]

I ride MTBs and dirtbikes. One tip that I can give you for that loose down slopes with the volcanic rock is that speed is your friend for that. It will help stabilize the bike. Good job though anyways, those races are very physical.

[@JeffKendallWeed]

Cody Webb didn’t even ride down the lose volcano rocks. I couldn’t even walk down it.

[@Squeaks557]

I ride a 150xc-w and a Firebird. Neither nearly as good as you, though! Nice riding, and sweet vid!

[@downhillupside]

Really loving the moto-crossover content. Edit: Might get into it more when there are more options for electric dirtbikes on the market, and range becomes less of an issue.

[@midgetmoney1]

For this type of riding, the electric bikes unfortunately don't have the ability for traction control you need, no clutch. The Ebikes spin the tire way too much. Hopefully in the future.

[@downhillupside]

@midgetmoney1 totally, yeah. Hopefully we'll see specialized hard enduro tuned electric moto bikes that'll handle this kind of riding.

[@JeffKendallWeed]

I would love to rock an electric dirt bike! No pistons, air filters, or fuel filters! I do believe a Stark Varg would have plenty of range to do a single lap at the hard enduro- and maybe even the whole hare scramble under an am racer like me. I barely burned half a tank of fuel in the harescramble, and thats about the range of a Varg. For the hard enduro, it was more like only 1/3 tank. Pro guys use far more fuel than us amateurs.

[@JeffKendallWeed]

I disagree. The pit bikes I own have plenty of power modulation for hill climbs. The Sur Rons I've ridden were also adequate for hard enduro. The Electric Motion and Tecno electric trials bikes both have clutches, but that's far more precise than hard enduro. A few guys are already using Stark Vargs for enduro (no clutch).

[@downhillupside]

@@JeffKendallWeed yeah, the varg stark is exciting. I'm hopeful it'll be just the tip of the iceberg in a new generation of motos.

[@marshallkeller4381]

Hell yeah JKW - Hard Enduro guy, PHX, AZ. Banshee Titan.

[@JeffKendallWeed]

Nice Marsh, I didn't realize you were into the hard stuff? Tempted to drag the 150 out to PHZ this winter- maybe you can teach me how to wheelie this time?! Cheers!!!!

[@eliwebster302]

I cannot believe how gnarly some of those sections are, jeez. I've been riding MTB for probably 10 years now and racing them for 5, and I just picked up my first motorcycle about a month ago. It's such a different body position than MTB, it's such an absolute blast off-road but I feel so incredibly weird on it. How long did it take you to fully adapt to the moto controls/riding position/style?

[@brandonbloomquist3267]

"Dead silence to total chaos" It's such a crazy part of the dead engine hare scrambles. I'm purely a moto rider.

[@ericbulic8589]

Love the crossover content Jeff

[@JeffKendallWeed]

Thanks for watching, Eric!

[@jameshasenjaeger5181]

It’s funny how there’s not as much cross over mtb to moto and visa versa. I’m an A level enduro rider and have been disappointed how much I struggle on mtb. Definitely good to work on both disciplines to improve all your skills. One tip for you in that loose stuff, when traction is tough, try to ride a gear higher and carry more momentum, I know that can be hard when you’re blown out and bonking though.

[@JeffKendallWeed]

Thanks James! I agree, lugging would have been nice, I wish the 150 would ride better a gear higher- I went down to a 12 CS hoping to use 2nd gear more. But up at altitude, I was often in first gear in the tech. Second would rarely be able to carry without massive clutch slip… hence my dreams of a beta/sherco 300 with a smart carb!

[@theaveragejoemtb8614]

I broke my lever like that last ride there’s a company That makes an adapter piece for about 50 bucks so you don’t have to buy a whole new master cylinder. it works so well I’m thinking about buying another one and keeping in my pack for the brakes side if I wind up, breaking it as well

[@CheyenneWills]

Never got into the motor side of things... though my younger brother was really into the whole dirt bike scene. You looked like you where having a lot of fun :)

[@JeffKendallWeed]

It was a BLAST- particularly Saturday's hare scramble, but overall the entire trip is a lifetime highlight memory. Would only be better if my daughter wanted to do the kids race!!!

[@snat6299]

Wow that looks really tough, nice try! Good video I’ll stick with MTB riding and races.

[@jeromep4148]

So how much money was required to get your bike back to normal? Looked like your bike was being trashed from start to finish.

[@JeffKendallWeed]

Oh I dunno, maybe $50 for the fender/number plate, $30 for grips (includes throttle tube), and I can live with the scrapes and scratches. I might spend the $70 for full wrap hand guards if I do another hard enduro. The sticking throttle is more of an adjustment thing. The silencer is pretty smashed, but that's more cosmetic, and the pipe is dented, but not where it's important (near the cylinder). I have tools to pop out the pipe dents. It definitely was taxing, but it's also by far the most destructive event of the year.

[@travistweedle9674]

Mountain Biked 95'-97', Rode dirt bikes 2005-2010, then got a Stumpy in 2020 so I could do something solo during covid. Now at 50yrs and retired MTB is all I do. It's "safer". :D

[@ElectricCycleRider]

Awesome Jeff!

[@JeffKendallWeed]

Thought I saw some of your shirts/stickers out there! You weren’t in attendance, were ya Tucker?

[@mattfstephens]

Enduro is the toughest sport I've taken on thus far. it's also the most rewarding. You'll find More techniques As you go that will save energy and make it even more fun.

[@denisrogers4358]

Rad JKW ! More of this please ! Feel free to not tumble off cliffs. Thanks

[@JeffKendallWeed]

LOL thank you Denis!

[@D-WAKE]

You should make a video riding a big powered E-bike while trying to follow dirt bikes on tight single track. I'm curious if someone with your riding skill could keep up with the average person on a dirt bike.

[@MrPerattzi]

Dang nice job! Doing great on 150 at high elevation when I bet 99% of the competitors were on 300’s 👏👏

[@JeffKendallWeed]

Thanks man! There were a few other 150s, hard to tell since the TPI 150 pipe is almost as big as a 300s pipe, but yeah, not more a dozen small bore. I'll get a Beta/Sherco 300 one day!

[@EmxBrandon]

Brother! Your a beast, that was nuts!

[@JeffKendallWeed]

Thanks Brandon! Next year, on the B1!!!! hahaha!

[@EmxBrandon]

@@JeffKendallWeed 🤣 my back hurts just thinking about that!

[@BBurton1231]

I am curious if you have bottomed out your moto rack behind the van. I have a two bike rack and the longest Transit available. I bottom out everywhere and am paranoid about losing a dirt bike off the back. Any issues with it on the road trip down and back? Great job with the race. I only trail ride and mostly mtb anymore. I do have a Timbersled kit though as well!

[@JeffKendallWeed]

I smacked it exactly once going over waterbars up in BC hunting for the best backwoods campsite. I have only had two issues ever with the hitch rack- once a little CRF150 rolled kinda off of it- but the little 19/16 wheels don't fit in it right. And the second issue was after Brian helped load the bike after this race- we left it in neutral- and it rolled off on a tight, slow speed turn! Didn't damage the bike at all, but I normally ride the bike up, then leave it in gear. We had pushed it up. I also didn't have my usual U-lock holding the front wheel down. That's an important piece of the puzzle.

[@pauleddy5146]

I rode Yamaha dirt bikes in the 70s. Rode a buddy's Penton (now KTM) 250 once . . . once. Scared the sheee-it out of me. 125s were it. Rode a DT400 enduro on the road and on trails (basic rototiller), but motos were 125 Yamies. Didn't ride a made for trail bicycle until a few years ago. When we were kids you rode what you had, even if it was a drop bar 10 speed.

[@JeffKendallWeed]

Ah the green and white pentons looked sick! I saw a dude that set up a small bore modern KTM with green and white decals, looked amazing! 125s are neat, light and flickable! Thanks Paul.

[@chadmanbikes]

Legend😎 Galbraith in the morning and Walker Valley in the afternoon.

[@JeffKendallWeed]

That's a full day!!!! I gotta go ride more of Walker, will certainly make some trips this winter.

[@chadmanbikes]

@@JeffKendallWeed For sure. Smart choice on the 150. I have a 2016 300xcw. My first real diet bike. Walker is fun when wet. PNW at it's best. 🤘😎

[@JeffKendallWeed]

I've done far more Walker on the DRZ400 than the 150 hahaha! Some slippery, tricky little trails hidden in there!

[@chadmanbikes]

@@JeffKendallWeed I have a DRZ set up for trails and only took it to Walker once and it kicked my butt. I'm still pretty new to trail riding and I like to build my confidence at places like Walker Valley, Tahuya, and Capital Forest. Out of those three Walker feels more like hard enduro land. I have a lot fun there on the 300xcw and want to try my 350 excf there next... I may be over biked for my skill set in both MTB and MOTO. 😁

[@Skinwalkeroffroad]

Have decided to really focus on my moto riding, mainly to ride these kinds of events. So if anyone wants a stumpy Evo comp it’s on pink bike 😅

[@TrashPandaPirate]

ive wanted to buy a dirtbike and get into for a bit, but i neither had money, time or availability. One day i will but rn I'm just trying to survive college. good toknow at least some of the skills ive developed in 8 ish years of mtbin' will at least be applicable.

[@hatch707]

Endro looks like the freaking bomb!

[@JeffKendallWeed]

It’s super fun! A great compliment to mountain biking.

[@smugglerunion5046]

Yeah. 4 mtb : 1 moto. Nice work!