The Enduro Experience at Bike Fest
Bike Fest is bringing Enduro energy to Trail Hub this July as the opening round of the Ontario Enduro Series takes over the trails.
Set at Trail Hub with access to Durham Forest and the surrounding trail network, the Bike Fest Enduro will send riders through timed stages connected by untimed pedal transitions. Riders can expect a full day of forest singletrack, technical terrain, flowing descents, and final stages that bring the race energy back toward the Festival & Expo Village.
For experienced racers, it is a chance to push the pace and take on a course built around fitness, skill, and focus. For newer riders, it is a chance to experience one of mountain biking’s most social and exciting race formats in a setting that still feels welcoming, organized, and rooted in community.
To help riders get ready, we caught up with Charlotte from Minii Adventures for her take on what to expect, what to practice, and how to make the most of race day.
The Rider Helping Shape Race Day
Charlotte’s mountain bike story started early, chasing her three older siblings around race courses and handing out water bottles in the feed zone at their races. What began as a family activity grew into a lifelong passion and eventually became her career. With more than 25 years in the mountain bike world, Charlotte has been a rider, racer, instructor, coach, and community builder. In 2011, she became a certified professional mountain bike instructor, and in 2016, she started Minii Adventures Mountain Bike Experiences with the goal of creating more than just skills clinics. Through Minii Adventures, Charlotte helps riders feel supported, challenged, and excited to progress, whether they are brand new to the sport or looking to level up their riding.
Between the Stages: Race Day Tips from Charlotte
Minii Adventures has always been about more than teaching people how to ride. Charlotte and her team are passionate about helping riders feel more capable, confident, and connected to the mountain bike community. As a partner helping bring Bike Fest to life, we caught up with Charlotte to get her take on what riders can expect from the Enduro, how to prepare for race day, and why this format is such a fun way to experience the trails.
Q. What makes Enduro such a fun format for mountain bikers?
It is the ultimate social race format! While the clock is ticking on the descents, the transfers between stages are completely un-timed. It feels just like a weekend group ride with your best friends. You get to climb together, laugh, talk strategy, and meet incredible people in the community, and then switch into race mode for the downhills. It truly gives you the best of both worlds.
Q. How would you describe the overall feel of the course?
Expect a fast, flowy, and high-energy course that will definitely test your lungs and legs! There is plenty of elevation gain to keep things challenging, but the reward on the way down makes every single pedal stroke worth it.
Q. What kind of terrain or trail features can riders expect?
Our local network is known for being fast and flowy over technical terrain. But for the experienced riders out there, the real thrill is hunting for all the “Easter eggs” those hidden side-hits, hips, and gaps along the way. Trail Hub in particular is a playground with tons of opportunities for airtime, optional features, and pumping for extra speed. The Enduro long course will be upwards of 40km and the short course will be around 20km.
Q. What part of the course do you think riders will remember most?
Honestly? The pure joy of it. While the trails aren’t overly punishing or hyper-technical, they are incredibly dynamic. It is almost impossible to finish a stage here without a massive smile on your face.
Q. Who should consider signing up for the Enduro?
Literally everyone! We’ve designed this race to welcome seasoned racers looking to push their limits, alongside riders who want to try racing for the very first time. For the Long Course racers, the first half delivers a great cross-country fitness challenge through Durham Forest before transitioning into true downhill stages. Plus, because the course is beautifully contained on the property, the spectator vibe and overall stoke are going to be high.
Q. Is this event approachable for someone who has never raced Enduro before?
Absolutely, 100%. Our Short Course format is the perfect gateway to Enduro. You get the authentic experience, climbing to the summit at your own pace and racing exclusively on the downhill stages, but without any intimidation. Because the Short Course stays entirely on Trail Hub property, you’re always close to the start/finish line and the vendor village. You’ll have access to the main aid station almost every lap, so you don’t have to stress about packing for a massive, remote “back-country” survival day. Just show up, ride, and have fun!
Q. What will more experienced riders enjoy about it?
If you choose the Long Course, get ready for a fantastic test of your fitness and grit! It’s a rewarding, punchy endurance challenge that saves the absolute best for last, finishing off with the fast, flowy, and feature-rich descents that Trail Hub is famous for.
Q. What are the most important skills riders should work on before race day?
I’d recommend focusing on three keys: climbing endurance for the transfers, carrying speed through your cornering, and mastering the art of pumping the terrain to generate momentum without pedalling.
Q. How should riders think about pacing across multiple stages?
My absolute best advice is to treat the transfers like a casual Sunday cruise. The climbs at Trail Hub are work, but they aren’t timed, so just chill out! Save all that explosive energy for the timed downhill stages where it actually counts.
Q. What does good race day prep and gear look like?
First, spend some time in the saddle over the next few weeks to dial in your endurance. Second, pre-ride the course! Come out to Trail Hub, get familiar with the dirt, and learn the lines. Lastly, treat your bike to a fresh tune-up at the Bike Shop at Trail Hub, so you know it’s 100% ready to rock on July 5.
Q. What is the best way to approach the day if the goal is simply to finish and have fun?
Keep the focus on smooth lines rather than absolute speed. Smooth is fast! Beyond that, prioritize your nutrition and hydration, and keep reminding yourself that we’re all out here to have fun.
Q. How much of Enduro is fitness, how much is skill, and how much is mindset?
It’s a perfect three-way split. Enduro is a beautiful, brutal test of your grit, technical bike-handling skills, and cardiovascular endurance, all wrapped into one. You need all three to really conquer the day.
Q. What is one common race-day mistake riders should try to avoid?
Two things: neglecting your nutrition during the race, and burning too many matches on the climbs. If you don’t fuel consistently or if you race up the transfers, you’ll be running on empty by the final stages.
Q. How does race-day energy change the way people experience familiar trails?
It turns the volume up to 11! There is nothing quite like hearing spectators cheering, cowbells ringing, and feeling that collective community energy to make trails you’ve ridden a hundred times feel brand new and completely electric.
Q. Why should riders plan to stick around after they finish in your opinion?
The race is only half the fun! Bike Fest is going to be buzzing. You can explore the awesome Vendor Village, grab a delicious lunch, and enjoy a cold drink on the patio with that spectacular, epic view. It’s all about raising a glass to the camaraderie and a great day on the trails.
Q. What would you say to someone who is interested but still sitting on the fence?
Just give it a go and convince a friend to sign up with you! No matter where you land on the leaderboard, it’s going to be an unforgettable day on bikes surrounded by the best community. Enduro is the most popular format in mountain biking for a reason, so come find out why!
Final Words of Wisdom
Whether this is your first Enduro or another race on your calendar, Charlotte’s advice is simple: give it a go, and convince a friend to sign up with you! No matter where you land on the leaderboard, Bike Fest is a chance to ride great trails, experience the energy of Enduro, and spend the day surrounded by the cycling community.
Registration closes Friday, July 3 at 6 pm, and day-of registration will not be available. Register for Bike Fest
About the Author
Trail Hub is your premier destination for adventure in the Greater Toronto Area. Situated in the Durham Region, we are trailside to more than 240 km of trails perfect for biking, hiking, disc golf, and skiing. Our chalet offers farm-to-table dining, breathtaking vistas, and memorable events such as corporate gatherings and weddings. Immerse yourself in the nature and vibrant community at Trail Hub.
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