Pre ride preparation
- Oct 19, 2018
- 4 min read
Updated: May 25
Every ride and every riders personal needs are different, it'd be almost impossible to list everything here.
The items below are intended as a guide only, see the other guides about safety, cornerman system and how rides are usually graded.
If you have any questions don't hesitate to contact us.
Bike maintenance.
Give your bike a checkover, if you're not sure how to do major things yourself, keep it regularly serviced by a mechanic.
Check operation of controls, switches, mirrors, lights and indicators.
Check chain, sprockets, brake pads and levers.
Check over all fasteners.
Check all fluid levels and check for leaks.
Tyre condition and pressures, we usually recommend 50/50 tyres.
Check suspension and don't overload the bike.
Navigation.
You've bought the best GPS, or an expensive smart phone/tablet, now it's time to use it 'the right way' - we could write pages and pages on the advantages and disadvantages of each set up, but here's some basics to get started.
Navigation devices are power hungry!
Your GPS unit, phone or tablet, should be powered directly by your bikes electrical system.
When using a phone or tablet, some standard USB outlets might not keep the charge up for a full days riding, we recommend 'fast charging' or 'super fast' outlets such as USB-C, also set your phone charge settings to 80-90% max, this helps extend the battery life.
One of the main draw backs of using a phone or tablet, is the dreaded 'water detected warning' and everything stops charging, we use Black-Tac around the ports, it keeps the water out!
The best setup we've found so far is to have both, a wireless charger and a cable from a fast charge port, directly to your device.
Phones prioritise cable charging keeping your device fully charged, if it get's wet, pop the cable out and the wireless will keep it going, once the port dries, just plug the cable back in.
The other advantage here, if one of the charging methods happens to fail, you've got instant back up and not left trying to sort it out in the midle of the bush.
It can take some trial and error depending on your own set-up,
It's always a good idea to have a spare charging cable and even a portable charger for your device(s).
We highly recommend NOT using your main phone as a primary navigation device, keep that on you, not on your bike.
And for the times your phone might get thrown off the bike, have the 'find my phone' function or google location turned on, share it with someone at home and/or your riding buddy.
On our rides, we'll send you a link for group tracking.
Luggage: For rides with luggage transport.
Your luggage will be carried by road or most direct route to each overnight stop.
Drop off and collection points will be advised in your itinerary and also explained at breifings.
We recommend having your bag clearly labelled with your name and phone number.
Luggage: For rides without luggage transport.
Setting up your bike with the luggage you would normally need when travelling isn't just convenient, it will improve your skills.
You might be a newer rider, not sure about what set up to go with, (racks, rackless or just a throw a bag over the back), joining a supported ride with other experienced riders allows you to look at different set-ups, ask questions, share ideas and improve your skills.
Not too many riders have the luxury of riding the world with a luggage truck, so learn to pack as light as possible for each ride, focus on your weight distribution and become a better rider because of it.
For overnighters, an overnight bag (sports bag size) with toiletries, sunscreen, towel, swimwear, footwear, thongs, shorts, shirt and maybe a jacket and long pants depending on the time of year.
If you have hard panniers, we urge you to change to soft luggage, it's safer.
At anytime you might not want to carry your luggage, you can always arrange your partner or a mate to take it and meet up at the overnight stops.
Food: Breakfast, Lunch and dinner locations will be listed on your itinerary and GPS file.
Always carry some trail snacks and 3lts of water, preferably in a hydration pack.
Buddy up: Although there are support riders, we suggest riding with someone else, if you're coming alone, it won't take long to meet new mates to ride with.
Personal Safety: Importantly, carry a Personal Location Device like a Garmin inReach, Zoleo or SPOT Tracker and a 1st aid kit.
Boots: We always recommend Motocross or Enduro Boots.
Tools: You shouldn't need a 20kg tool kit, carry enough tools to perform the basics like lever, mirror and handlebar adjustments, check and adjust your chain, remove wheels and fix a puncture (tubed or tubeless) and generally get yourself out of trouble on the trail. Our support riders and 4WD are also well equipped.
Even if you're not the most mechanically minded person out there, there's always a crew member or rider close by to help, having the right tools for your own bike will make it more efficient.
Tyres: For the mid to large Adv Bikes, we suggest a minimum 50/50 tyre like the Anakee Wild, Metzeler Karoo4, Bridgestone AX41, to more offroad focused tyres like the Mitas Enduro Trail XT+, Pirelli Scorpion Rally Race, GoldenTyre GT823 or Motoz RallZ.
Our preferred tyre is the Mitas Enduro Trail XT+ (Dakar)
Contact us or consult your tyre shop if you're unsure.
More Rider Information.
>Pre ride preparation
Comments