California Enduro Series Team Competition

It’s always more fun with friends, and as organizers behind the California Enduro Series gear up for 2016, they encourage more shop, corporate, and grassroots teams to jump into the mix.


“Team competition adds another dimension and excitement to the series,” explains Steve Gemelos, director of the California Enduro Series. “What we noticed, was the camaraderie and support between the riders on the teams. They would ride and train together, travel to the races together, pre-ride the courses together, and race together. It all adds to the experience of racing enduro and is what we really want to foster in the California Enduro Series.”


Close to 30 teams ranging from local shop employees to groups of friends raced in 2015, adding plenty of friendly competition and a great mix of riders. In addition to supporting and heckling fellow riders, teams offer shops and athletes a slew of perks.


“Forming a team is a great way for a shop to get exposure and build a community,” says Ryan Gibson, one of the organizers behind team Larkspur Bike, which took the team title in 2015. “It creates added loyalty and provides another opportunity for riders to grow, develop, and have a lot of fun riding new trails and exploring some cool towns.”

Organizers have been working hard since last season, to make sure the process for registering and managing a team will be even easier in 2016.

“We are all-in with team competition for 2016 and we want to make it easier to participate,” explains Gemelos. "We created a website where a team manager/captain can register a team, and manage and track the team's results. We are also working with our race promoters to provide early registration to CES teams so the team members can register before the races sell out.”


Whether it’s for support, encouragement, or just a chance to have a good time with some old buds, riding and racing together is always a pleasure and a huge benefit to competitors both on and off the bike.


“Knowing the hardships I had racing as pro in DH, it is always great to receive some sort of support,” says Andrew Cavaletto, manager of team Scotts Valley Cycle Sport / Valhalla Builders. “More importantly, it is nice to have people to go to the races with and discuss race technique. I really enjoy seeing the younger riders competing and doing what they love.”


Cory Sullivan, who will be riding with Team Rabobank / Marin, shares a similar sentiment. “Being a part of a team is like being a part of a small cycling family. We train together, scout race lines together, and just hang out and have fun,” he says. “It's great to know that no matter what your teammates have your back.”

Although it’s all about the love of the ride ... free advertising, more customers, and exposure for team riders never hurts.


“I believe our well-rounded team provides value to our sponsors. We aim to get the local youth involved in cycling and also work to push them to get involved with the community through trail work days and volunteer opportunities,” said Trevor Roland, manager of team Dsendit.


With the 2016 schedule announced and the season kick-off set for April 1, it’s time to get organized! Grab a few friends, come up with a clever team name, and get registered.

“Even within the first year, the racers started getting better and better results. I saw them change their attitude from being individuals to a team mindset,” explained Kellin Honodel, who manages and races for team Trail Head Racing. “They would all compare techniques on the tracks and really discuss and support each other. Some even mentioned a ‘family’ feeling when being around the team. Ultimately all the racers became more positive about their experiences and ranked higher much more often.”


Words by Patrick D. Rosso; photos by Called To Creation
For more information about the series, upcoming races, and how to get involved, check out the California Enduro Series website.