“Getting the Dirt on Off-Road Riding”, Part 1 – Newsletter Archive

Interview Series – “Getting the Dirt on Off-Road Riding”, Part 1.

Q: What would you say to a rider contemplating going off-road for the first time?

A:  I like this question, and it comes up a lot. So, I would say they need to understand about what they’re really getting themselves into.  I believe off-road riding to be this positive thing, this great decision to broaden horizon and change those tires and develop new skills – right up until you think you know enough to begin.  Most folks just breaking into this style of riding don’t know what to expect, and therefore can’t anticipate the multitude of techniques that test you the moment you roll onto the dirt.  I have some firsthand experience with this.  A group of friends and I found this out on our first attempt at the Mojave Road.  This group included newbies to the dirt as well as very experienced riders and everything went wrong that could.  We had panniers failing and dropping clothes for a quarter mile behind us to the day ending with someone in the hospital.  So even with general riding experience and some technique there can be those unforeseen hurdles, but without that knowledge?  It can quickly become too much to overcome.  There really does need to be a learned skillset from someone who has spent time and effort thinking about how to combat those “off-road riding” essentials.  Otherwise, you can struggle too much and that can end with someone deciding it isn’t worth the headache, usually as you are face down in the dirt wondering what the hell happened?!?  Like the first time you hit the brakes in the dirt and the bike doesn’t slow down, or you twist the throttle and instead of accelerating the bike pitches to one side and nearly throws you off because you didn’t have the traction you were expecting like on the street.  There are so many things to consider – coming to a stop, where to put the kickstand, overcoming the belief that sitting down will give you more control, when standing on the pegs does.  It’s demanding, but worthwhile, and important to remember that for every moment you are riding the dirt your skill level does increase, and by the same degree your need to test your skill does also.  There is a reason it’s called an off-road riding experience or adventure – there isn’t anything mundane about it, it is this instantly challenging, constantly changing, explorative of riding that isn’t to be missed.  Ride, ride often, ride skilled, and by all means, ride safe.

-Michael