The first thing every new dirt bike owner should do is make sure they possess all the important accessory gear and equipment for safe riding. While you may have some of these essential items, there’s a good chance you’re missing something important, even mandatory, for successful riding.
Grab the Right Gear
As we covered in our last blog post, there are quite an array of items you will need to prepare yourself for dirt-bike riding. There are certain things you MUST have before beginning: helmet, gloves, boots, riding pants, goggles, and palm protectors. We also urge riders to invest in some/all of these crucial gear.
- Riding Jersey
- Knee Braces
- Elbow Guards
- Dirt Bike Socks
- Neckbrace
- Chest Protector
- Bike Stand
- Maintenance Equipment (particularly automotive tools)
What’s the Next Thing You Should Do?
Once you’ve covered the basics, and won’t risk making yourself look silly on your bike, it’s time to go over some helpful hints or strategies for better riding.
- Practice the Controls - Newcomers should take their time to test their bikes, locate where all the hand/foot controls are, and practice using them before getting into long rides or racing. As you may have guessed, it will take a decent while to master the clutch on your dirt bike.
- This is Not “Bicycle Riding” - For one thing, you won’t be seated for long on a dirt bike, especially during races. This activity requires a constant athletic stance if you wish to do well. If there’s any parallel to bicycling, then it would only be with pro cyclists who also have to remain upright while riding competitively.
- Explore Dirt Paths - The sooner you can expose yourself to some moderately difficult terrain the better. While you shouldn’t rush into anything, if you can learn to handle the rocky or hilly spots, it will be that much easier if you enter an Enduro or cross-country race.
- It’s Also Not “Driving a Car” - The clutch for your dirt bike does not have the same feel as that of a motor vehicle. Cars will allow the driver to apply the gears both directions, whereas dirt bikes only let you “gear upward.”
Last Thing: Contact us For Support
Finally, if you’d like to learn more about racing and other riding opportunities, then get in touch with us for the best venues in and around the Rockies.
Colorado DirtBike Info can also help you begin a dirt-bike racing career from scratch with plenty of training courses with experienced local riders. This is available for men, women, and older children. If you’d like to learn more, then contact us anytime for pro dirt biking support.
