Enduro Rules
The following Arkansas Enduro Series (AES) rules for the 2026 season are meant to provide guidance and guardrails for fair competition while promoting a welcoming atmosphere for participants, officials, spectators, or anyone connected with or attending the event.
Format
Enduro mountain bike racing merges cross-country and downhill mountain biking into a unique time trial format, with participants racing solo against the clock during timed race stages. The participant with the fastest (or lowest) combined time from all the timed race stages is declared the winner in their respective category.
During an enduro, participants are required to pedal the untimed transfer sections of the racecourse to move between the timed race stages. Each AES event will consist of eight to sixteen timed race stages, with the number of total stages dependent on the number of scheduled competition days. At times, race officials may elect to provide participants with a transport shuttle to move between race stages. Any use of outside shuttle assistance on race days not provided by race officials is prohibited and will result in disqualification (DSQ).
Monster Energy Series Overall & Point Structure
The Monster Energy Series Overall is based on a point structure, with a participant’s best 3 out of 4 finishes in the series counting towards their Series Overall points total. Each event in the AES is worth up to 25 points, with the Series Overall awarded to the Top 5 racers in each category with the highest number of points after the final event in the series. A minimum of two finishes and participation in the series final is required to qualify for the Series Overall. At the final race of the year, the Top five racers in each category will be recognized during a Series Overall Podium ceremony.
For 2026, the Monster Energy Series Overall Pro Prize Purse totals $6,000, split equally between the Pro Men and Pro Women fields.
[Series Overall Pro Men Prize Purse - 1st: $800 2nd: $650 3rd: $500 4th: $350 5th: $200]
Series Overall Pro Women Prize Purse - 1st: $800 2nd: $650 3rd: $500 4th: $350 5th: $200
In the event there is a tie in the Series Overall, each rider’s next best finish will be calculated into the overall score until the tie is broken. If two riders have completed all four races and still have tied points then total race time will be calculated, with the rider with a lower total time advancing in position.
2026 Point Structure
2026 Individual Round Pro Prize Purse
For the 2026 AES season, each individual round will feature a Pro Prize Purse based on 60% of the total Pro Registration Fees collected per round, regardless of gender. A minimum of five paid Pro registrants per round is required to constitute payout.
The maximum prize pool for any round, with the exception of the series finale, is capped at $1500, regardless of field size. Any registration fees collected beyond 20 paid Pro entries per round will be retained by the event operator to contribute toward the Series Overall Pro Prize Purse.
The Pro Prize Purse per round will be awarded to the top 3 finishers in both the Pro Men and Pro Women categories, with the prize pool split equally between the two fields.
For 2026, the total combined Pro Prize Purse for each round is as follows:
In the event, the results of an event or the series do not field a full podium, any remaining unawarded winnings will be retained by the event’s operator.
2026 AES Categories
Arkansas Enduro Series features 30 Categories with the goal to create a competitive environment that encourages participants to race amongst their peers - by age, skill level, or both. Series participation trends are evaluated on annual basis. New for 2026: Expanded Categories for Every Rider - The Arkansas Enduro Series continues to grow, and for 2026 we're introducing an expanded category structure designed to create more competitive racing and better rider experiences across all skill levels.
Pro Categories |
Pro Men Open
Pro Women Open
Expert Categories |
Junior Expert Women 15-18
Junior Expert Men 15-18
Expert Women OPEN
Expert Men 19-39
Expert Men 40-49
Expert Men 50+
Expert E-MTB Categories |
Expert Women E-MTB Open
Expert Men E-MTB 19-39
Expert Men E-MTB 40-49
Expert Men 50+
Intermediate Categories |
Junior Intermediate Women 14U
Junior Intermediate Men 14U
Junior Intermediate Women 15-18
Junior Intermediate Men 15-18
Intermediate Women Open
Intermediate Men 19-39
Intermediate Men 40+
Intermediate E-MTB Categories |
Intermediate E-MTB Women
Intermediate E-MTB Men 19-39
Intermediate E-MTB Men 40+
Beginner Categories |
Junior Beginner Women 14U
Beginner Junior Men 14U
Junior Beginner Women 15-18
Beginner Junior Men 15-18
Beginner Women Open
Beginner Men Open
Beginner E-MTB Categories |
Beginner E-MTB Women Open
Beginner E-MTB Men Open
Just Ride |
Just Ride
In promotion of fair competition, participants will only be allowed to register/compete in a single AES Category (1) per event.
Racing Age: A participants Racing Age is based on their “end of year” age on December 31, 2026.
Just Ride Category
The Just Ride category allows non-race participants to ride the course in the Amateur or Junior Race category of their choice – sharing in the camaraderie of the competition with friends or family as an untimed participant. Just Ride category participants will be provided the same overall event experience - including applicable event swag, shuttles, participation in official practice day and race day events, postrace meals, beverages, and entertainment. For participant safety, Just Ride participants may not ride in the Pro or Expert category. All Just Ride participants will be staged at the back of the categories for safety purposes.
Route Release & Pre-ride
Course information and maps will be published in advance of each AES event. Withholding detailed course information closer to race day(s) supports fair competition by removing any “home field advantage” some participants might have based on their geographical location and access to the course.
Riders are encouraged to pre-ride during scheduled practice times. Riders choosing to pre-ride outside of scheduled practice times will not have access to neutral mechanical or medical support. Walking of stages without a bike during practice is allowed unless notified otherwise by race officials. For the safety of participants and staff, pre-riding any of the course after the race starts is prohibited and subject to disqualification (DSQ).
For 2026, AES will allow participants to utilize E-MTBs during official pre-rides, regardless of registered category. While we acknowledge that not all participants have access to multiple bikes, the reasoning behind this decision aligns with our equal decision to allow participants to self-shuttle or to be shuttled to approved drop-off points during pre-ride - regardless of registered category.
Equipment Requirements & Outside Assistance
The bike and equipment a rider starts the race on must be the same bike and equipment a rider finishes on including frame, front fork, and rear shock. The Race Director must approve any equipment exceptions.
Each rider must be self-sufficient during the duration of the competition, and any outside assistance is prohibited. Riders may, however, utilize race provided neutral support and are allowed and encouraged to help fellow competitors on the course
E-MTB Equipment Requirements
E-MTB or e-bikes are held to the same equipment requirements as traditional mountain bikes during competition with the following additional requirements:
Must be a Class One electric bicycle and have a Class One label, as per Arkansas Law.
Motor must be pedal assist ONLY. Motorcycle-style throttles are not allowed.
Maximum assisted speed of 20mph.
Maximum 750w output.
Original from the manufacturer, with NO modifications to the factory motor or battery including range extenders, software reflashes, or aftermarket kits.
Additionally, E-MTB competitors are required to complete the course with the SAME battery as they start with, with NO mid-race charging or battery swapping allowed.
The Race Director reserves the right to inspect or have inspected a participants E-MTB ahead of, during, or following competition. Participants found to be riding an E-MTB outside of the stated Equipment Requirements or a refusal of equipment inspection will be subject to disqualification (DSQ).
Number Plates, Start Waves & Timing Chip Pickup
All AES participants, including riders registered in the Just Ride Category, will be issued an official number plate during event check-in. Number plates must be securely attached to the handlebars, remain clearly visible, and be displayed on the rider's bike during all official practice and race days. Riders without a properly displayed number plate will not be permitted to start any stage.
For rider safety, each participant is required to provide legible medical information and emergency contact information on the back of their number plate.
During event check-in, riders will be assigned a race-day Start Wave based on their competition category. Riders in each Start Wave will be provided with a timing chip pickup time, category start time, and, when applicable, a designated shuttle time to the course Start Point.
At the conclusion of each day of competition, riders must check in at the event registration tent to deactivate or return their timing chip, as directed by race officials.
Riders Meeting
Each AES event will include a mandatory pre-race Riders Meeting to review event-specific information, communicate important safety instructions, answer questions, and announce any course or schedule changes. Course changes will generally be made only when necessary due to weather, trail conditions, safety concerns, or other unforeseen circumstances.
All participants are required to attend the Riders Meeting, which will typically be held approximately 15 minutes before the first scheduled Start Wave of the race day.
Stage Starts
All riders must start each timed stage under the direction of the Stage Marshal and must follow all instructions given by race officials. Stage Marshals and race officials have the authority to pause or suspend competition due to severe weather, course obstructions, safety hazards, rider injuries, or other circumstances that may affect rider safety.
Riders must start at intervals of no less than 30 seconds unless otherwise directed by the Stage Marshal or race officials. In the unlikely event that a Stage Marshal is not present at a stage start, riders are responsible for maintaining a minimum 30-second interval between starts.
All riders are required to begin each timed stage from a stationary position with at least one foot on the ground (the "One Foot Rule"). Rolling starts, rider trains, or any other action intended to begin a timed stage at speed are prohibited. Riders who violate the One Foot Rule may be subject to penalties up to and including disqualification (DSQ).
Pro/Expert Only Stage
Pro and Expert category competitors, excluding Expert E-MTB competitors, will complete the same core race course as all other applicable categories at each venue, plus an additional timed "Pro/Expert Only" stage. This additional stage is designed to increase the technical challenge of the overall race experience and will count toward the rider's overall race time.
The length, technical difficulty, and characteristics of the Pro/Expert Only stage will vary by event location and course conditions.
E-MTB Power Stage
E-MTB category competitors, including both Amateur and Expert E-MTB riders, will complete the same core race course as other applicable categories at each venue, plus an additional timed "Power Stage." The Power Stage is designed to provide additional time on the bike and incorporate timed climbing, typically featuring a short, technical uphill section followed by an additional descent.
The length, technical difficulty, and characteristics of the Power Stage will vary by event location and course conditions.
Depending on the difficulty of the Power Stage, race officials may designate it as OPTIONAL for Amateur E-MTB competitors. When designated as optional, the Power Stage will not count toward an Amateur E-MTB rider's overall combined race time.
The Power Stage is MANDATORY for all Expert E-MTB competitors and will count toward their overall combined race time.
Maintain Course
All riders must remain on the designated course at all times, including during untimed transition stages. The start and finish of each timed stage will be identified by signs and course markings. Additional directional arrows, signs, and course tape may be installed by race officials as necessary.
When two pieces of course tape are placed on opposite sides of the course to create a "gate," riders must pass between them. In some sections, a single piece of course tape may be used to indicate or reinforce the intended direction of travel.
During certain timed stages, race officials may designate separate A and B Lines within the same section of the course. Riders may choose either line. The A Line is generally the most direct and potentially fastest route but may also present a higher level of technical difficulty.
Any rider who intentionally leaves the defined trail or designated course markings to gain an advantage, including cutting the course, will be subject to disqualification (DSQ).
Riders who alter, remove, reposition, or otherwise modify course markings, features, or the designated course in any way will be subject to disqualification (DSQ). Riders who identify a course or safety concern should promptly report it to the Race Director and, when possible, provide a photograph and description of the concern.
Rider Safety
All AES competitors are required to wear an approved mountain bike helmet at all times while riding during official competition, including practice, pre-riding, and untimed transition stages.
The use of a full-face helmet and additional protective equipment—including body armor, knee pads, elbow pads, and gloves—is strongly recommended but not required unless otherwise specified for a particular event or stage.
First Aid
General first aid services will be available at the race venue during official pre-ride periods and throughout competition. First aid may also be available at designated on-course aid stations during competition. Additional emergency first responders may be strategically positioned or roaming throughout the course to provide wilderness first aid and emergency assistance as needed.
If a qualified medical professional or first responder determines that a rider is medically unfit to continue, the rider will receive a Medical DNF (Did Not Finish) and will not be permitted to continue on the course.
If additional competition days are scheduled within seven days of a Medical DNF, including as part of a multi-day event, the rider must provide written clearance from a medical professional confirming that they are fit to resume competition before being permitted to race.
Rider Down
If a rider encounters another rider who is down on the course, the rider is REQUIRED to confirm that the downed rider is responsive before continuing.
If the downed rider is responsive and does not require immediate assistance, the attending rider should notify the next course marshal, race official, or medic encountered on the course.
If the downed rider is unresponsive or appears to have suffered a serious or potentially life-threatening injury, the attending rider must stop and provide assistance within the limits of their ability and training.
Additional riders arriving at the scene should assist as needed, including continuing down the course to notify the nearest course marshal, race official, or medic; calling 911 when appropriate; and, when necessary, warning or stopping approaching riders until the situation has been resolved or race officials have determined that the stage is safe to resume.
Rider safety takes priority over competition. Riders who stop or are significantly delayed while providing assistance during a timed stage may, with approval from the Race Director or designated race official, be permitted to re-run the affected stage.
Re-Runs
Re-runs will be permitted only in circumstances involving significant rider impediment caused by factors outside the rider's control, course safety hazards, or providing assistance in response to an injury or Rider Down situation. All re-runs must be approved by the Race Director or a designated race official.
Any rider who completes an unauthorized re-run, whether intentional or unintentional, may be subject to disqualification (DSQ).
Rider error and mechanical issues are considered part of racing and do not qualify a rider for a re-run. This includes, but is not limited to, crashes caused by rider error, missed lines, flat tires, damaged or bent wheels, broken chains, or other bicycle or equipment failures.
Respect
"Pack it in, pack it out" and Leave No Trace principles apply at all AES events. Riders are expected to respect the trails, land, wildlife, fellow competitors, race staff, volunteers, spectators, and the communities that host our events.
Threatening, abusive, bullying, violent, or intentionally disrespectful behavior toward another rider, race official, staff member, volunteer, spectator, or member of the public will not be tolerated. Riders who intentionally damage or disrespect the land, trails, facilities, or property associated with an AES event may also be subject to disciplinary action.
Violations of this policy may result in penalties up to and including immediate disqualification (DSQ) and removal from the event.
Rule Violations & Protests
Interpretation and enforcement of the rules, including the assessment of penalties and disqualification from competition, are at the discretion of the Race Director.
Any suspected rule violation must be reported to the Race Director within 30 minutes of the final competitor completing the final stage. Any protest regarding posted race results must be submitted to the Race Director within 30 minutes of the results being posted at the event registration tent.
Final decisions regarding protests, penalties, disqualifications, and corrections to race results will be made by the Race Director within 60 minutes after the applicable protest period closes. Any circumstances, violations, or disputes not specifically addressed by these rules will be reviewed and decided by the Race Director on a case-by-case basis. The Race Director’s decision is final.
Refund Policy
Arkansas Enduro Series (AES) events are held rain or shine. Refunds will not be issued due to weather or other circumstances except in the event an AES round is canceled due to extreme or qualifying conditions, including severe weather, natural catastrophe, an act of terrorism, or any other situation that, in the opinion of the Race Director, presents an unacceptable risk to participants, staff, volunteers, or spectators.
If an AES round is canceled for a qualifying reason and cannot be rescheduled within 90 days of the originally scheduled event date, participants may be issued a full or partial refund of the applicable registration fees. Any refund will be credited to the original credit or debit card used at the time of registration.
The Race Director reserves the right to modify event schedules, courses, start times, formats, or other event details as necessary due to weather, safety concerns, or other unforeseen circumstances. Such modifications do not constitute an event cancellation and will not, by themselves, qualify participants for a refund.
Participants who purchase optional Registration Protector coverage through BikeReg are subject to the terms and conditions of that coverage. All claims and coverage decisions are handled independently by Allianz Global Assistance. For policy questions or to file a claim, visit the Allianz Event Registration Protection website or call 1-888-799-2832.
