Everyone
knows someone or has themselves gotten hurt riding bikes.
Some are detered, often permanently, and then there
are those of us who are invigorated by the experience.
I, obviously, am the latter. However, after 3 painful
experiences in a row on dirt bikes in the mid 90's,
I did not ride an off road motorcycle again until 2007
when I went to the mountains with some friends on a
borrowed bike. Well, after a few trips I was hooked.
I got a KTM, but after riding a friends Honda CRF450R,
I quickly sold the KTM and got myself the Honda race
bike and began to frequent the tracks.
My mountain trail
riding buddies would not go to the track back then (except
Kyle and Matt). I actually did convince several of the
others to visit with me, but they were not willing to
take the risk. I guess I can understand...well, not
really.
The first 6 months
of consistent visits was not without frequent, intense
contemplation of my sanity as I continually placed myself
in quite dangerous situations on the edge of control.
Many times I would pull off the track, my head screaming
at me, "you don't belong here, you fool. Go home
now!" However, I was and still am rewarded each
time I persevere and enjoy marked improvement with each
visit.
As I attempted to
convince my more conservative riding buddies to come
to the track with me, I documented what I think has
been the governing mentally I employed that enabled
me to remain confident in my endeaver. You probably
call it a load of BS, but I call it...
The
Doctrine of Dirt
The Doctrine of Dirt dictates that
dirt bike riding can be performed with a minimized risk
when particular principles of discipline are adhered
to. These principles will be outlined and are applicable
in the most challenging of circumstances. It is the
opinion of the author that riding a dirt bike on a motocross
track offers a level of exercise, thrill, challenge
both physical and mental, and discipline that few sports
can match.
don't
forget to Ride Within
Your Limits get it in your head
The problem is that it is too
enticing to twist the throttle and attempt to fly, or
to just let the performance capability of the machine
get beyond your control. This invites injury. Know
your limits. Avoid racing in practice (don't
be a Chet). Learning to stay in control requires much
discipline and patience. Staying in control for long
periods of time requires physical endurance. Overcoming
the risk and challenges requires great mental strength,
physical strength, and courage.
Important mindsets when
learning:
Learn jumping last.
Focus on cornering, braking, accelerating.
Learn the handling characteristics of the bike.
Do not take jumps until you find yourself having to
slow down on your approach.
When you do take jumps, learn how the bike launches.
Practice knowing the attitude of the bike off of jumps.
Be patient improvement takes time and much repetition
Do not try to ride fast, it will just happen.
Let go of the bike keep a relaxed grip.
Relax your grip ride it, dont fight it.
Pace yourself.
When accelerating, the bike should be pushing you.
Stand up on the pegs as much as possible.
Look ahead.
Get on the gas early through turns.
Weight the outside peg when turning.
Slow and smooth...the speed will
come
Don't give up
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