Off-roading in Australia is pretty next level. Grabbing the throttle, jumping on our bike and taking off on the various less trodden (or ridden) terrain the country has to offer is a feeling that’s tough to match. Every ride is different, but there are parts of the ride that stay consistently in the ‘it’s just a good idea’ realm to give you a seamless experience on a deliberately bumpy ride. If it has been a while between rides, or you need a refresher on the key things to keep in mind when hitting the dirt trails, here are our tips to guarantee you have a blast on your next, and every, ride.
BE PREPARED
Preparation might sound like a bore, but we’re keen to rebrand it as a necessary part of any ride. It can even be fun! Ok… are we pushing it? At the very least, it can be satisfying, and helps to build up the excitement of the imminent adventure. Without getting too parental here: pack some snacks! You'll be embarking on hours of riding, so make sure it’s only the bike you hear rumbling, not your stomach. Opt for easily portable options like protein bars and fruit, and be sure to carry an ample supply of water, especially as the weather warms up. Don't skimp on layers of gear either, to stay comfortable throughout your adventure.
Additionally, always let someone know your whereabouts and predicted route. These off-road areas can sometimes lack phone signal coverage, so it's vital that someone knows you're out there and can come to your aid if you happen to be unusually delayed. Keep an eye on the weather forecast as well, to steer clear of unexpected afternoon downpours. If you can fit a flare, we strongly suggest packing one.
RECON THE AREA
If you’re a newcomer to off-roading, or a seasoned rider, researching your area is never off the table. If you’ve never been to the area you’re heading, ask around and get tips from people who have previously explored the area (and there’s nothing better than learning from others’ mistakes!) to gain a better understanding of the terrain before you head off. This will give you valuable insights into what to be cautious of, the region's common characteristics, and any specific advice you can gather for navigating that particular terrain.
ADJUST YOUR RIDING STYLE WITH THESE MOTORCYCLE RIDING TIPS
If you’re typically a road rider, this is for you. Riding on the road is a whole different game, and it’s worth it for your safety and overall experience to take stock of your habits and intuitions when riding on rougher terrain compared to the road. The most common adjustments are:
When turning, push the bike down to the side, and keep your body as upright as possible, with your weight forward over the tank. This is to take full advantage of the tyre tread and the terrain working together for ultimate traction. You’ll have a whole lot more control the more these two things are working together.
Pick up speed on slippery or tricky areas like silt and sand. Unlike road riding, where you would be doing the opposite (slowing down on oil spills, for example), you want to instead pick up speed to get through these areas as safely as possible. This will avoid being stuck in dense sand, or swerving. The tyre traction and the terrain work differently to neatly laid asphalt, and so will do the opposite if you try to slow down.
Look where you’re going, not what you want to avoid – EYES UP! Although this is true of road riding, your obstacles are less obvious and predictable. You have to be even more eagle-eye for where you want to go, because sometimes that will be around a tree…
Lean forward as much as possible travelling up hillclimbs, and bring your weight back as far as possible on steep descents. This will help with controlling the bike and, again, keeping the tyres to the terrain for greater control. Remember keeping your feet on the pegs is key!
KNOW YOUR BIKE
If you’re heading out on a new bike, try and go for easier terrain (so a few fun rocky areas, but maybe less dense of trees and large boulders) or off-road tracks. All bikes have slightly different functions and capabilities, and it's in the best interest of your safety and the bike’s health to not put it or you under conditions you aren’t prepared for. To help you along, take a look at our breakdown of the differences between KTM and the GasGas.
