First-hand experience, from a first-time racer!

On July 25th, 2021, I rode in NSORRA’s first hare scramble of the season at South Alton. Leading up to race day I didn't know what to expect, but I thought each lap would be relatively easy and quick. Was I ever wrong! 

I chose to tackle the event on my 2017 Honda CRF250 Rally that was kitted out as a sort of lightweight-adventure bike. For that purpose, the 250 Rally is excellent… but how it might fare in an enduro setting, I wasn’t sure. Feeling optimistic but aware of my limitations, I threw some non-DOT dirt tires on and signed up to ride in the newly reintroduced, non-competitive Sportsman class.

When I arrived at the track on Sunday morning, I was nervous and excited at the same. Just before noon, wearing some hand-me-down riding gear given to me by a friend and with no hydration pack, I was directed to join the pack at the starting line. In what seemed like an instant, dozens of bikes started revving and my nervous excitement turned into an adrenaline rush. 

When it was my turn to go, I wasn't in a massive rush to get into the trails as my skills had room for improvement and I knew it. The track was tight and technical, which shocked me a bit, but it was fun to navigate through the course. I fell in the first lap after picking a bad line over a slick rock, and it was then that I realized how heavy my trusty steed truly is. 

I was grateful to have some help with picking a better line through a few tough spots after that. After the second lap, I stopped for a drink and almost collapsed with fatigue. I managed two laps of non-competitive racing in about 45 minutes but once I stopped, I called my race. While the other competitors battled it out, I laid on some ice packs and hydrated. 

Riding in the hare scramble was an awesome experience and I plan to do it again next season. I’m even going to stick with the Rally, but I’ll be more prepared this go around.  

To anyone who is thinking about racing, I recommend that you go give it a try. It was one of the biggest challenges I've ever had, and it was an absolute blast!