Top five ways to improve off-road

Off-road riding is somewhat of an enigma. Whether you’ve done it since you were a little tacker, or you’re just picking it up now, there is always something new to learn.

Regardless of whether you ride motocross, enduro, desert, dirt track, trials or adventure, the basic premise is the same – learning how to avoid ending up on the ground.

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Fortunately, there are a number of ways to improve your off-road skills and learn new techniques, regardless of your age or experience level. Here are five ways to get better off-road:

One way to fast-track your development as an off-road rider is to assume you know nothing. It’s easy to consider yourself a great rider, but it’s hard to admit that there is a lot more to learn. This is why taking part in an off-road training course is invaluable. It strips back any big-headedness and allows you to analyse what you do well, and what you can improve on, without fear of embarrassment or failure. Regardless of your ability, age or riding discipline, there is a course for everyone. We won’t list them all here, but see our guide to advanced rider training for more.

Did you know that motocross is one of the most physically demanding sports in the world? I think it’s fair to say extreme enduro is too. And have you seen how hard Dakar riders work? It’s bonkers. Fitness is an essential component to being a good off-road rider. Having good cardiovascular endurance, good upper-body and lower-body strength, and a strong core will help your riding immensely – especially in difficult terrain. To achieve better fitness levels, try a mix of weight training and high-intensity interval training (HIIT). Activities like yoga, Pilates, plyometrics, boxing and even a simple walk will help too.

Another way to keep your fitness up while keeping your skills sharp is cross-training. Watch any off-road motorcycle documentary and you’ll likely see the obligatory road cycling scene. Road cycling is great for cardio and muscular endurance. Mountain biking is another great cross-training activity, and has the added benefit of utilising similar terrain and body movements to dirt bike riding. Riding stand-up jet skis is also popular amongst professional athletes.

You might already enjoy the drama, colour, and action of professional racing, but next time you watch, pay close attention to your favourite riders and their style. We’re not suggesting you go out and hit a triple or send a gnarly downhill without practice, but adopting the subtle traits of professional riders can help you to ride smoother and faster. Things like body position, line choice and bike setup can make a massive difference. It’s just a matter of finding what works best for you.

Sorry to state the obvious, but the best way to get better is simply to ride more. Time on the bike is a big factor in your improvement. If you ride regularly, your confidence will increase and you’ll feel more comfortable on the bike. You’ll also get more experience in a range of different conditions and terrain, while seeing your reaction times improve. Riding a dirt bike often requires past knowledge to decide how to tackle certain obstacles. For example, if you come to a tricky hill, you can think back to past mistakes and try to avoid making them again. And if you can, ride with good riders. Following a good rider will fast-track your learning, even if you don’t realise it at the time.