James Burroughs is looking forward to getting back out there and racing in two Enduro championships in 2014.
James has been into racing since a very young age and loves competing against the clock and other competitors.
Speaking exclusively to Kent Sports News about how he got into racing, he said: “I came into motorcycles as my Dad rode motorcycles most of his life and was a very successful trials rider. I started riding at four years of age. However I wasn’t allowed to start competing until I was five.
“I currently race Enduro which consists of racing against the clock and other riders. A typical event is all off road tackling a range of obstacles such as step climbs, logs, roots and all different types of terrain.
“A typical lap would normally last just over an hour and within that lap would be three special tests; a Moto cross test, Enduro test and an extreme test. All of which are raced against the clock. As the day continues the lap times get tougher and tougher. Having to complete a whole lap in a shorter amount of time. Therefore the more tired you get the faster you have to go. Also you are the only person who can work on your bike. If you have a mechanical problem all has to be completed by the rider you are not allowed any outside assistance. The only thing you are allowed help with is refuelling.
“I started riding motorcycle trials following in my father’s footsteps. I started competing locally however that soon lead on to competing nationally. My Dad and I spent many hours training and practicing which helped a great deal with my riding and taught me everything from throttle control to body positioning.”
Having started at such a young age James was then able to take the next steps thanks to some local sponsorship.
He added: “From the age of ten I was lucky enough to get some sponsorship from a local shop which helped a little with parts, clothing and tyres. However, all the main costs my Dad had to fund which I know was tough for him and for that I am very grateful.
“It was not only capital outlay it was a lot of his time. Virtually all of it. As he would prep my bikes in the week while I was at school and get all bits ready for the weekend. Then we would have to travel huge distances across the country for a British Championship. Travel back late Sunday night and have work early Monday morning a start all over again.
“At 15 I qualified for the European Trials championship and so I started to travel across Europe competing. I rode in countries such as France, Italy and Spain. Unfortunately, I could never complete a full season of Europeans as the expense was too great which was disheartening but we did all we could to get to each round. I continued to ride trials up until I was 20. Competing in the British trials championship as well as large events such as the Scottish six day trial.”
From there James moved into Enduro racing and it wasn’t by a conventional route that he made his way into this new series as he explains.
“Enduro came around in quite a funny way. A friend of mine who rode Enduro said ‘I bet you can’t even finish and Enduro’. So I went along to one riding just my trials bike and ended up putting in the quickest special test time of the day and wining my class.
“My love for Enduro started from there. I still rode in the occasional trial but I had got the Enduro bug. Not long after starting Enduro I got full sponsorship which then gave me the opportunity of competing in the British Championship. After a year of British championships I was selected for the British under 23 Enduro squad. Which meant I was selected to ride in the European Enduro championship with full support from the ACU. I rode in France, Poland, Italy and Spain. They were without doubt the best events I have ridden in and were very enjoyable as well as competitive. It’s always a little nicer racing in the sun rather than a usually wet British championship.”
Naturally Enduro and Trial racing are dangerous sports and they bring with them an inherent risk of injuries, and James has had a few over the years.
He added: “With any sport there is a high risk of injury. But with Enduro the risk is very high as you are riding at maximal speed off road, tackling mud, roots, and cambers but mostly through woods. You are riding for around eight hours a day at maximum speed so injuries are common and I have certainly had my fair share. I have broken my ankle, thumb, shoulder/collar bone, 5 ribs, all of my toes on one foot, dislocated my shoulder/kneecap and punctured my lung twice. Other than that I have been pretty much injury free.”
James also brought us up to date with his current plans for the 2014 season and the fact that there is still sponsorship available, and just £2000 will mean that James can compete for a full season in both of his main series.
He said: “I currently compete in the South East Championship as well as the British Enduro Sprint Championship. I would also like to compete in the British Enduro Championship however unfortunately I haven’t got the support to do both championships.
“The championship that stands out for me as one of the best is the British Enduro sprint championship. As this attracts a lot more spectators and is great for sponsors and supports. As they can get very close to the action track side and get involved in the pits. People can come into the race awning and see what happens behind the scenes. I even walk the course with supporters which is great as they can see all the obstacles we have to tackle and what lines to use a why.
“The Championships I will be focusing on this season is the British Enduro Sprint Championship and the South East Enduro Championship. I will be aiming for a top three in both championships, however I am still trying to find sponsorship to make my season possible. Unfortunately I will only be able to compete in six out of the ten rounds of both championships. So I will be doing all I can to make to my season possible.”
“Enduro is one of the best sports to be able to spectate and get close to the action, it allows you to get very close to the riders and all the obstacles they have to tackle. You are able to get into the main race paddock and see all the riders in their team awnings as well as being able to see their race bikes and what needs to be done throughout the day.
“It is also great for sponsors as they can really interact with riders they support and is a great opportunity to bring potential clients along to see what they do for a local British championship rider and for sport. It is also a great way of promoting your business as you can get logos on pretty much everything such as the race bike, race clothing, helmet, promo boards and paddock clothing as well as heavy promotion through social media. For my sponsors who ride themselves I also run training days to say thank you and give something back for their support. I develop all areas of their off road riding and it also gives them the opportunity to ride with me, catch up, discuss the season so far and plans for the future.
“To follow any Enduro series it is very easy as all championships are online with all relavant information such as where and when the event is taking place. It also have a huge following in papers, magazines and online such as the trials and motocross news, dirt bike rider, extreme enduro and many more.
“If people are interested in sponsoring me for my 2014 race season. They can contact me via email, twitter or by phone as I organise all my support personally.”
“None of my racing would be possible with out the loyal support of all my sponsors. I would like to thank my main sponsor Freestyle Husqvarna who are the very best in all things off and on road who are based in Wadhurst , Kent. As well as Body Clinic, M3 Solutions, Invicta Fabrications Ltd, Freestyle Training, Michelin Tyres, Feridax, Putoline Oil, Shot Clothing, Sidi Boots, Shoei Helmets, Wallguard Systems, Pro Grip goggles, DEP pipes, Mecca Systems, Swarfega, Watling Tyres, Madform and Demon Designs UK. ”
@jamesburroughs_
0333 577 7013 – (free phone number from mobile phones)