The adventure of biking is booming, and most bikers around the world invest in the best equipment to enjoy such thrill. Long distance touring and sports biking have been common practices. A couple of years ago, most bikers were not open to the idea of off-road biking. They were not sure if their heavy and expensive machines would get through such adventures. However, recently, more people are open to the thrill of adventure riding. It gives you an opportunity to have fun, master essential biking skills, and learn new things about your machine.

While some of us have mastered the art of adventure biking, others are new to it. Here are a few tips if you are preparing to ride on the dirt:

3 Tips to Adventure Biking

1) Invest In The Right Biking Machine

The ease of an off-road adventure ride is dependent on the type of machine you purchase. There are different types available in the market. Some are built for a particular use while others are versatile. To become an excellent rider, you will need to conduct in-depth research on the best cyclocross bikes in the market. The bikes will contain combined attributes of a mountain bike and road cycling, yielding a hybrid bike. You can use these bikes on-road, off-road, in competitions, and for daily commuting.

2) Riding Position

Body position is an essential learning division that any biker is introduced to during his or her first classes. It is a lesson to master irrespective of the type of machine you are using. Your feet position plays an important role. Your feet should be placed with half the sole on the bike’s footpads. It helps when using the rear brake and when shifting the gears. Also, ensure that your legs are relaxed to reach the handlebar with ease and comfort.

Achieving the right balance is the best way to test if your riding position is okay. It can be tested by placing the bike on a center-stand position and getting on and off without grabbing the handlebar. Lean your weight forward while standing to achieve balance and traction when ascending a steep terrain. Going downhill requires you to lean back to balance the weight on the bike. Lastly, turning requires you to keep the back loose by leaning your weight forward.

3) Dealing With Arm Pumps

The truth is that if you have not ridden in the dirt before, your arms are bound to hurt. Arm pumps are the cramps in your arms. You can equate it to someone training the biceps for the first time. Your hands will hurt if you are not used to stretches. Arm pumps build up with time. They are not only painful but also dangerous. As a result, you will have trouble controlling the clutch, throttle, and brake correctly. Getting rid of the arm pumps can be challenging once they set in. It is advisable to set your brake and levers in a position that is easy to reach. Exercising prior to off-road riding using a gyroscopic ball or grip strengthener and gripping your bike with your knees slightly helps relieve the pressure, giving you control.