what is a timecard enduro?
A Timecard Enduro is one of the classic forms of offroad motorcycle racing and combines trail riding, strategy, endurance, and sprint racing into one exciting event format.
Unlike motocross or cross-country racing, a timecard enduro isn’t about leading from the first corner or riding flat-out for hours. Instead, riders aim to stay “on time” across a marked course while completing timed special tests as fast as possible.
It’s a format that rewards:
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Consistency
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Smart riding
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Time management
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Endurance
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Rider skill
Whether you’re a seasoned racer or entering your very first event, timecard enduros offer an exciting and rewarding offroad experience for riders of all levels.
how a timecard enduro works
START TIMES
Riders are assigned a start minute (for example 9:12am) and start one minute apart. Your start minute becomes your reference time for the entire event.
Trail Sections
The course is made up of trail sections with a set travel time between checkpoints. The goal is to:
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Stay on your allocated minute
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Arrive at checkpoints on time
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Avoid checking in early or too late
This means riders must balance pace, navigation, and timing throughout the day.
Riders follow a set course loop, repeated multiple times.
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Each loop has a target time to complete.
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Your goal is to arrive at checkpoints on your minute - not early, not late.
Special Tests
Special tests are timed sprint sections within the event. These are where riders push hard and race against the clock. Your special test times are usually the biggest factor in determining final results. Trail sections are about consistency. Special tests are where the racing happens.
What is Parc Fermé?
“Parc fermé” (French for closed park) is a controlled area where bikes are held before racing. Once your bike enters parc fermé, you can’t touch it unless given permission - it’s all about fairness and consistency across the field.
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Riders place their bikes in parc fermé straight after scrutineering.
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Bring what you need with you to Scrutineering - once the bike is in, that’s it.
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Bikes are lined up in start order (by minute or class).
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After entry:
❌ No working on the bike
❌ No refuelling
❌ No adjustments (even small ones like levers or chain tension)
❌ No outside assistance
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Riders enter parc fermé approx. 5 minutes before their start time, push their bike out of parc fermé, wait until their minute, then enter the start chute start their bike (cold start) and head out.
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Breaching parc fermé rules may result in penalties or disqualification.
👉 Tip: Get everything sorted before you go through scrutineering and roll into parc fermé - fuel, tyre pressure, controls, don’t forget to bring your stand!
tips for first-time riders
Ride Smart
Timecard enduros reward consistency more than outright speed.
Smooth riding and good timing often beat aggressive riding and mistakes.
Wear a Watch
Knowing the time is critical.
A basic watch, bar-mounted clock, or enduro timing app can make a huge difference.
Don’t Check in Early
One of the biggest mistakes for beginners.
If you arrive early:
🛑 Stop before the control and wait for your minute.
Protect Your Timecard
Keep it:
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Dry
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Secure
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Easy to access
Losing your timecard can mean losing your result.
Ask Questions
Everyone starts somewhere. ORCWA riders, officials, and volunteers are always happy to help first-timers understand the format and enjoy the event.
understanding the timecard
Your timecard is your race record for the day. It contains:
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Your start time
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Checkpoint details
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Due times
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Official check-in records
Riders are responsible for:
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Carrying their timecard during the event
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Keeping it safe and dry
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Presenting it at checkpoints
Example
Start Time: 9:12am
Section Time: 30 minutes
Your next checkpoint due time = 9:42am
If you arrive early: Wait outside the control until your minute
If you arrive late: Check in as soon as you arrive and continue racing
what to expect on race day
Before Racing
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Sign-on & Timecard Collection
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Scrutineering
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Bikes entered into parc fermé
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Riders briefing
During Racing
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Riders start one per minute
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Complete trail sections and special tests
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Timecards marked at checkpoints
After Racing
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Return timecard
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Results calculated
extra information
Family & Support Crew Information
Timecard enduros are a fantastic family-friendly racing format.
Support crews can help riders with:
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Fuel and hydration
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Time awareness
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Mechanical support (where permitted)
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Encouragement and confidence
Please always follow official directions regarding:
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Pit areas
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Spectator zones
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Parc fermé restrictions
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Safety requirements
Volunteers Make It Happen
Every ORCWA event relies on an incredible team of volunteers. From checkpoint officials and sweep riders through to scorers, recovery crews, setup teams, and catering - volunteers are the backbone of our events.
Interested in helping out?
We’re always looking for volunteers to support our racing community.
Why Riders Love Timecard Enduros
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Challenging and rewarding
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Great mix of trail riding and racing
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Beginner friendly
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Encourages rider development
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Strong community atmosphere
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Suitable for juniors through to experienced riders
Ready to Give It a Go?
Whether you’re racing for a podium or just aiming to finish your first event, ORCWA Timecard Enduros are all about challenging yourself, building skills, and having an awesome day on the bike.
🏁 We’ll see you on the start line!