Inside the Ohio Hard Enduro Championship Series with Chris Davis

The newly formed Ohio Hard Enduro Championship Series is giving riders more opportunities to compete on technical terrain without traveling across the country. In Episode 5 of the On the Pegs Podcast, host Steph Vetterly sits down with series owner Chris Davis to discuss how the championship began, what goes into building a successful hard enduro race, and where he hopes to take the series next.

Davis has spent decades riding and racing motorcycles. After beginning in motocross, he transitioned to hare scrambles following a serious ankle injury in 2011. His interest in technical single-track eventually led him to hard enduro, where he discovered that his motocross background and aggressive riding style transferred well to the discipline.

The idea for an Ohio-based championship developed after Davis spent time helping build courses for other events. Conversations with US Hard Enduro founder Matt Musgrove about creating a state series eventually encouraged him to take the next step. Once AMA sanctioning and insurance were in place, Davis and his wife committed to launching the Ohio Hard Enduro Championship Series.

Building a Hard Enduro Race

Organizing a series involves much more than marking trail. Each event requires insurance, emergency services, scoring workers, radios, food vendors, portable restrooms and extensive post-race paperwork.

Davis and his crew also spend weeks scouting properties, clearing trails and preparing technical features. He admitted that running a race often leaves him more exhausted than competing in a five-hour hard enduro.

One of his biggest lessons has been learning to trust his team. By allowing his course officials and volunteers to handle their responsibilities, Davis can remain available to manage problems and answer questions throughout race day.

Designing Challenging but Rideable Courses

Course design is central to the series. Davis considers soil, rock, elevation, drainage, vegetation and whether a property’s best features can be connected into a complete route.

He uses topographical mapping software to create a rough course before exploring the terrain in person. From there, the route is adjusted based on what is practical and sustainable.

The goal is not to make every obstacle impossible. Davis wants riders to be challenged while still having a realistic opportunity to finish a lap. Amateur routes are designed for developing competitors, while Pro and A-class riders receive harder sections and additional splits.

Weather is another major factor. Ohio rain can quickly turn manageable climbs and side hills into impassable mud. When poor conditions are possible, the crew cuts benches into hillsides and reinforces areas likely to deteriorate under heavy traffic.

Growing Hard Enduro in Ohio

Regional racing gives new riders a more approachable entry point into hard enduro. National events can be intimidating and expensive, while an Ohio-based series allows riders from nearby states to compete without committing to major travel.

Davis believes capable hare scramble racers with strong technical skills can successfully take on an Ohio Hard Enduro event.

Looking ahead, he hopes to increase rider payouts, improve podium presentations and create race weekends that bring competitors, families and friends together. Future plans may also include two races at nearby venues during the same weekend.

Listen to Episode 5 of the On the Pegs Podcast for the full interview with Chris Davis and an inside look at the work behind the Ohio Hard Enduro Championship Series.

Learn More about Ohio Hard Enduro:

www.ohiohardenduro.com

Click here for Ohio Hard Enduro race results

Read about the latest rounds of the series here: