Your inaugural trail ride promises to be a memorable adventure, marked by the scent of fresh foliage and the excitement of venturing into the woods. However, amidst the thrill, it's crucial to prioritize preparation. This quick guide aims to set expectations and equip you with the knowledge to ensure a safe and enjoyable first trail ride.
1. Don't Go Alone
This guideline is advisable if circumstances permit. While not everyone may have a riding companion for trail adventures, it is highly recommended, especially for your initial ride, to team up with someone experienced in the area.
If finding a riding buddy is not feasible, ensure that at least someone close to you is well aware of your destination and your expected return time. Consider utilizing GPS devices or satellite phones, particularly if venturing into remote areas. In such instances, opt for popular trails closer to towns or cities to ensure assistance is accessible in case of injury. Weekends around noon often see increased trail activity, providing more opportunities to connect with fellow riders as your journey progresses.
2. Bring Fluids and Tools
The unpredictable nature of trail riding underscores the importance of carrying basic tools and fluids. Having the right tools and fluids readily available can make the crucial difference between a challenging hike back to the truck and a smoother return ride. It is advisable always to keep a well-equipped set of tools and essential fluids on hand at the truck for any unforeseen situations on the trail. This is what I would recommend:
- Tire irons (for tubed tires)
- Spare front and rear tire tubes (for tubed tires)
- Antifreeze or a gallon of distilled water (use antifreeze if you might face freezing conditions)
- Engine oil (for a 2-stroke 2T engine oil and clutch case oil) (at least a quart)
- Portable air compressor or an air tank (for tubed tires)
- Tire pressure gauge (for tubed tires)
- Gasoline!!!
The complexity and length of the trails directly correlate with the number of tools you should have with you. Riding in pairs or groups alleviates the need to carry an extensive toolset personally. It's advantageous to have another rider who can quickly fetch tools and supplies from the truck if needed. Additionally, the trail's ruggedness increases the risk of encountering a flat tire, especially on rocky paths. For avid trail riders, considering a tubeless tire setup can be a worthwhile investment. Alternatively, carrying a spare tire tube and tire levers on your person is essential for rocky trails. As your ride extends, the importance of a hydration backpack grows, offering a convenient space to carry both tools and fluids.
3. Map Out Your Ride
Avoiding getting lost is crucial, especially considering the potential challenges of darkness and limited cell reception on the trail. Acquiring trail maps from a local powersports shop, featuring detailed illustrations of local or nearby trails with difficulty ratings, is a helpful step. Alternatively, using navigation apps like All-Trails, allowing you to download offline maps for your phone, proves invaluable for navigating unfamiliar terrain.
Regardless of your chosen route, meticulous planning is paramount, tailored to your capabilities and those of your riding group. Regardless of your riding expertise, it's strongly advised against opting for a black diamond trail on your first ride. Initiate your trail experience on simpler paths, such as double track (ATV width) trails, gradually progressing to more challenging ones as you gauge your skill level. Even if you excel in motocross speed, it doesn't automatically prepare you for the rocky, steep, and loose terrains characteristic of difficult trails. Seasoned trail riders are more equipped to handle unexpected situations, underscoring the importance of gradual progression.
Once your plan is in place, when riding with a group, make it a practice to pause at intersections for everyone to catch up. This ensures the entire group remains together, preventing individuals from taking wrong turns. Additionally, this allows everyone to take breaks as needed, fostering a safer and more enjoyable trail riding experience.
4. Have Trail Etiquette
Trail etiquette plays a pivotal role in ensuring the sustainability of our favorite riding spots and preventing their closure to the public. Observing certain practices contributes to a positive riding environment and helps maintain the beauty of the natural surroundings.
Leave No Trace:
Always leave the land cleaner than you found it.
Bring a trash bag to pick up any garbage you encounter.
Use designated bathrooms or bring toilet bags to dispose of waste properly.
Respectful Riding:
Avoid playing loud music, respecting the tranquility of the natural environment.
If another rider is behind you and appears faster, promptly pull over to let them pass, reducing the risk of dangerous situations.
When riding with children, ensure they can safely pull over to let faster riders pass.
Considerate Interactions:
When encountering oncoming traffic, pull as far to the side of the trail as possible.
Uphill riders have the right of way, but if you can safely yield, move to the side or pull over regardless.
On steep uphill sections where stopping might be challenging, only halt if absolutely necessary.
Use hand signals to indicate the number of riders behind you in your group. A closed fist means 0.
Stay on Designated Trails:
Riding off marked trails, especially on government land, can result in fines. Stick to designated paths to preserve plant life and prevent water erosion that disrupts natural wildlife.
Legal Compliance:
Ensure your motorcycle is registered for riding on government Off-Highway Vehicle (OHV) land to avoid potential fines. The funds from registrations contribute to preserving the beauty of these riding areas.
Equip your bike with a spark arrester in the exhaust when riding on government land. This simple and inexpensive investment helps prevent wildfires and avoids hefty penalties.
By adhering to these etiquette guidelines, riders contribute to a positive trail experience, promote environmental conservation, and help maintain access to cherished riding locations for years to come.
5. Riding Techniques
Mastering essential riding techniques is crucial for both new and seasoned riders, serving as a key factor in preventing unnecessary injuries on the trail.
Effective Braking:
Your ability to stop is as vital as your speed, especially for new riders.
Conduct stopping drills in a controlled environment to enhance your braking skills.
Comfortably use your front brake for most stopping power, always keeping a finger on the front brake lever.
Be prepared for situations demanding quick and unexpected stops.
Stand Up for Control:
In trail riding, standing for the entire ride is a fundamental technique, differing from motocross and track riding.
Embrace standing, even through corners, to enhance control, especially on challenging trails.
Invest in accessories like Steg Pegz to reduce fatigue and improve standing comfort.
Look Ahead Strategy:
Adopt a proactive approach by looking ahead.
Regardless of terrain difficulty, focus on looking as far ahead as possible.
Early identification of your line allows for ample time to set up and prepare, as you tend to move towards where you look.
Direct your gaze to where you want to go rather than fixating on obstacles.
Maintain Smooth Momentum:
A common mistake for first-time trail riders is losing smooth momentum over unexpected obstacles.
When approaching obstacles like large boulders, avoid nervous slowing down just before, as it makes the obstacle more challenging.
Conversely, avoid excessively throttling right before an obstacle, leading to forceful collisions and potential wrecks.
Analyze the obstacle in advance by looking ahead, determine the required speed, and maintain a steady, consistent momentum over the obstacle.
By incorporating these techniques into your riding approach, you not only enhance your control and stability on the trail but also minimize the risk of accidents and enjoy a safer and more enjoyable riding experience.
Your First Trail Ride
Embarking on a trail ride opens up opportunities to connect with fellow riders, explore nature's beauty, and get your adrenaline pumping. Prioritize safety by avoiding solitary rides, carrying necessary tools and fluids, planning your route, observing trail etiquette, and mastering fundamental riding techniques. As you embrace this new adventure, remember that each trail ride is a steppingstone to a series of exciting experiences. Safe travels and enjoy the ride!