Romaniacs : Prologue
Before the race festivities start, the race organization gets to work building out the prolog (or prologue if you’re American). The prolog is a sprint race used to determine the off-road starting order within each of the five classes. Each class runs slightly different obstacles from jersey barriers and massive logs to monster truck tires. The formula is one part carpenter, one part mad scientist and a dash of sadism sprinkled on top. Like the rest of the race, the prolog is not for the faint of heart.
There is a fair amount of debate amongst competitors, especially those new to the program, as to whether or not to try their hand. Race order is determined first by prolog time and then by race number, which was given out sequentially at registration, plus a penalty, depending on class, tacked on for opting out. Part of the problem (or diabolical master plan by the race organization) is that construction for the obstacles begins days before the race start and happens in real time down a city street. That means you’re able to see the obstacles and either begin to panic or start to formulate a plan.
Regardless of manufacturer, almost all competitors are on a 300 2-stroke with approximately the same clearance and same wheelbase. This means that the difficulty of the obstacles is identical for all competitors, except those on adventure bikes. The stock Tenere 700 has a 100mm (4 inch) longer wheelbase and 110mm (4.5 or so inch) shorter clearance. Part of the challenge built in to the prolog is a short run up to almost all obstacles. This tests a rider’s balance and requires the rider to use technique instead of speed to get up and over. Some obstacles are so close together that the Tenere rear tire is still on the preceding obstacle as the rider needs to pick up the front end for the next.
Like the rest of motorcycling, the key here is measuring risk versus reward. Do I have the ability to get through the prolog? What is my start order and will I run into down riders? Will I break myself or the motorcycle that will prevent me from racing? Where am I in the default starting order? All these thoughts swirl around as the rider tries to read the obstacles. This, too, is an art. It’s knowing which obstacles will move (rocks move, tires flex, logs roll). It’s being realistic about what you and your bike are capable of. Each rider is weighing these same questions under the pressure of performing in front of an international audience. But, this is what we came here for. What other way could there possibly be to start the hardest enduro rally in the world.
