Dirt-Bikers Do It In The Dirt!

Demystifying The Mystery

How do dirt-bikers do it in the dirt!

You’ve seen it – the Evil Knevels of the world. Jumping over 18 cars and waving to the crowd when they land… flashing a big white smile…

You feel yourself leaning forward – you are jumping ov-er the cars. You stretch up from your chair … over … and land – – with a thump!

You breathe a sigh of relief! This is electrifying… pure exhilaration!

What would it be like to be like that guy?
I mean – he’s mean.

It’s adrenaline-pumping and I dream about flying over an open plane, and the camaraderie looks fantastic.

I won’t jump over cars – my mom would kill me. But it would be nice to be that cool rider flying high and soaking in the adrenaline rush… I have to do this.

1. You Need The Gear…

Get Down and Dirty in Style

Ok, people, if you’re going to ride in the dirt, you need a bike to ride.
Ask the experts – they know about these things. They’ve been there and done that.

This is a thrill hobby, and it can break the bank if you let it.
There will be a financial consideration.

Refined European and Asian bikes are the most popular. They’re well-priced and known for their high-tech engineering and off-road capabilities.

They look so beautiful – like those aerialists who climb up ribbons.
You feel well-muscled on these bikes.

Essential Gear for Safety

Safety first Knievel! You’re on your own in the rugged outdoors and there is no one out there to tidy up the trail for you. It’s wild and untouched and animals cross these plains.

The scenery is stunning, but Mother Nature plays by her rules.

Everywhere there are four-inch thorn bushes and hidden rocks that will attack you.
Some slopes are very wet around here, so sliding is not an option.
… You’re going down!

There is a lightweight and breathable outerwear over the body armor you wear underneath…

Underneath?

Body armor for your chest, neck, and arms saves you. If you fall on a rock you are guaranteed to land on your ribcage.
It’s-a-law.

Body protectors are glass fiber, lightweight, and strong. You can hardly bend your wrists – but it’s ok – you can still turn the throttle!

Wobbling around in those knee-high boots is hilarious. You need protection from those nasty 4-inch thorns and ankle-twisting rocks. (I had a 4-inch thorn Christmas tree!)

You will be fully aware when your ankle is unprotected, and you hit a rock. Your ankle will be very sore for a long time. The swelling and bruising will be significant – it’s not pretty.

As one of the older guys, I know you can’t risk injury.
Pride goes before the fall and this is not exactly ambulance territory.

Since you insist that you don’t have a $25.00 head, why do you insist on buying the cheapest helmet available in the bargain basement?

Be extravagant when it comes to your helmet – protect that million-dollar brain of yours.
(Contact the experts)

2. Are Your Tools Ready?

Always be prepared for unforeseen trailside repairs – they are never expected, so just be cool. Have tools with you at all times.

Be eco-friendly: use the right oil and keep your bike tuned. You will help to keep emissions in check and Mom Nature will thank you.

3. Don’t Forget To Drink…

Always carry a fully stocked hydration pack and avoid plastic bottles because they melt in the heat. Use glass bottles whenever you can and throw in some ice packs.

Nobody wants to be stranded in the middle of nowhere with a dry mouth and a grumpy disposition. You’ll thank me later… dehydration is only one hour away.

Just as important – never, never, leave trash out there. No bottles, cans, plastic, or candy wrappers. No cigarette butts… no cigarettes…

This land is for everyone, and especially for the wildlife that live here. Do not encroach on their space and don’t insult nature. Take your trash home.

4. Understanding Riding Techniques

Balance, Control, and Maneuvering Basics

No one is going to want you out there if you can’t ride. Master the basics at one of the local “traversing parks”.

Yes, I know you have to pay for them, but once you know how to ride, you can dance with the big boys.

You are right to be a little nervous about being prepared because the real test starts out there, in the wilderness, where the trails are untouched.

5. How Dirty Can A Dirt Biker Be?

In the world of off-road dirt biking, you are going to get dirty – count on it. If you’re new to this get ready for a ride filled with adrenaline, laughter, and plenty of mud-slinging.

Welcome to the mud

Picture this: Twenty bikes rev up their engines, and there’s excitement in the air. You smile at each other, with a lump in your throat. That vr-o-o-om vro-om throbs in your chest.
(Off-road biking in the heat of Africa)

Be cool: you slip on your helmet, adjust your goggles, and with a mighty roar, you’re off!

But wait – what’s this?
A giant mud puddle blocking your path?
How did that get there?

You throttle up and charge, without hesitation and send waves of muck flying in every direction. The guys behind you … you had to be there!

They wipe the muck off their goggles and size up the many more streams and puddles in this area – we had some hard rains this week. It’s early… you know what they say about payback.

DON’T LET YOUR IMAGINATION LIMIT YOU. How dirty are you willing to get?

While the point is not to be covered with 5 inches of mud – don’t let the mud prevent you from riding where you want to go.

The better you can ride in the slippery muck… the better you can ride – period.

Your mud pie look is a badge of honor, that’s part of the charm
That’s how dirt bikers do it in the dirt!

6. Continually Improve – –

The key to becoming a dirt biking superstar is to take it to the next level.

Remember this: Pavarotti didn’t stop singing when he got out of the shower.

There’s a workshop out there with your name on it. Strap on your helmet to protect your million-dollar head – see the chapter on Essential Gear For Safety.

Don’t forget, the internet puts you in the company of like-minded riders. You can join chats and you’ll learn all sorts of things from each other.

You can choose a group near you and “meet” the guys you will ride with.
Never stop learning. (Talk on a forum – Quora)

7. Build Confidence On The Trail

Progress from Novice to Adventure-Ready

You could be thrashing through dunes, rocky terrain, or muddy bogs, just go out there and catch the excitement!

Safety first…

BUT – If you are unconcerned about safety if you are a hot-dogger, you are a rogue rider.
Can you be trusted to be vigilant and watch out for the other guys around you?

If the answer is no, then you are the guy who causes accidents and rides away. You don’t want to be that ego-driven guy. More importantly, the group will not want you.

Don’t be a smart ass – know your limits and ride within them.

Remember, a little help goes a long way in the wilderness.
It’s expected that everyone is safe.

At the end of the day, we want the same number of riders that we started with.
(Off-road biking on the African Plains)

8. Embrace The Off-Road Camaraderie

Finding support

Everyone is starving when the ride ends, and the braai is fired up…

Relax… feel the silence and calm.

This sense of brotherhood is united by a love for two wheels.

We kick back and tell stories of wipeouts and victories that stay funny for a lifetime.

9. Redefining Fun

The Ultimate Reward of Off-road Dirt Biking

It’s for the FREEDOM that we ride. There’s the rush and the thrill and sheer exhilaration of it all. You make your own path.

Whether you are on a paved highway stretching for miles, off-road, or on the plains, that engine sound flies behind you.

Take your exploits to the edge; that’s where you find the mud-splattered trails.
(Five reasons to ride a motorcycle)

Tell me what motorcycle you like to ride.

Leave a comment below and I will get back to you within 24 hours.
I would love to hear from you.

Regards, Cook :-)))