Regular text - This is information about the types of checks that can be found in the District 36 rulebook.

Italic text - This is commentary on that type of check. It is meant to give you some additional information and things to think about when you see that type of flag.  This is just opinion, and is not associated with District 36 or the rulebook.  -ZZ
 
 

Known Control A known check is one whose mileage is know at the start by all entrants.  Arrival times must be taken from such checks but there shall be no penalty for arriving early at a known check unless the rider is more then 15 minutes early. Remember, arriving at a check more then 15 minutes early or more then 59 minutes late constitutes a DNF. Known controls are rarely used in District 36 enduros. When they do show up, it is usually at the finish of the event. Knows will show up on the route sheet, so you will know ahead of time if you can pin it to the Known Control (as long as you don't pin it too much and get there more then 15 minutes early). Occasionally certain clubs will throw in a Known Control out in the course. They usually do it to make you angry. In those cases they make the speed average unattainable. It is frustrating to know where the check is and still not make it on time!
Observation Check An observation check may be used for determining that every contestant has traversed the entire course.  Arrival times are not scored, but each rider's number must be scored. Usually an observation check is put in a place to make sure course cutting does not happen. Observation checks do not have to be at a "Possible", and they can be within 3 miles of any other check. Once every five years or so a club will try to trick riders into burning a check.  Many riders are programmed to pin it for 3 miles after to leave a check.  If you do that after an observation check, don't be suprised if there is a secret check down the road a mile or so.
Secret Check A secret check is one whose mileage key time, and location is unknown to all entrants. Arrival times must be recorded at all secret checks. A minimum of five (5) secret checks must be used. Secret checks may not be used at a speed average of 6 mph or less. Secret checks are the most common checks you will encounter on a D36 enduro.  In order to zero the check you can come in at anytime during your minute. If your key time is 8:32, you will zero it if you come in at 8:32:00 or 8:32:59.  Usually you want to get there as close to the top of the minute (8:32:00) as possible. There can not be another check (excluding observation) for at least the next 3 miles. Getting there at the top of your minute will give you the most time to get to the next check.  This is a good way to gain time on faster riders who do not ride at the top of their minute.
Emergency Check Emergency checks must be used for the purpose of breaking tied scores.  Time to an emergency check must be computed to an even minute.  Two emergency checks must be used for the purpose of breaking tied scores.  Time taken at an emergency check shall be taken in minutes and seconds.  In the case of tied scores, the combined total emergency points lost shall be used to determine the winner.  If a tie still exists, the emergency check closest to the end of the event shall be used to break a tie.  If necessary, revert back to the next preceding emergency check until the tie is broken.  If a tie still exists or the event ends prematurely, before any emergency checks have been reached, the affected scores will be compared to the last legal time checking station in a reverse order, and the first rider to receive the better score at any check including the last one, will be declared the winner.  Emergency checks shall be figured from the 30 second mark of his due minute. Emergency checks usually are placed at the end of a special test, or a section where most of the riders are late.  If you are late (30 seconds into your minute or more) and see the green flag, then pin it in to the check as fast as you can.  If you are on time, then you have a decision to make.....If the section ahead on the route sheet appears to be somewhat easy, the you want to slow down and trials ride in as close to 30 seconds into your minute as possible.  If you think you will be late in the next section, then it may be to your advantage to go into the check at the top of your minute.  You see if you go in at :30, and you lose 2:20 at the out check (lets say the out check is a secret check), then you will have 2 points and 0 emergency points.  If you had gone in at say :05 and rode at the same speed, you would have exited at 1:55.  Your score would be 1 point and 25 emergency points.  In that case it was better to go in at :05 then :30.  It becomes a game, and it is up to you to decides which works best for your situation.

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