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Scared of gravel roads, mud, sand etc... what to do ? Scared of gravel roads, mud, sand etc... what to do ?
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Travellers' Advisories, Safety and Security on the Road Recent News, political or military events, which may affect trip plans or routes. Personal and vehicle security, tips and questions.
Photo by George Guille, It's going to be a long 300km... Bolivian Amazon

I haven't been everywhere...
but it's on my list!


Photo by George Guille
It's going to be a long 300km...
Bolivian Amazon



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  #16  
Old 17 Aug 2017
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Really depends on what you're doing. If you are tackling a river crossing often you need to be looking at your front wheell, the opposite bank and everything in between. If you're doing a tricky climb with obstacles you need to be looking at the route around the obstacles but also keeping one eye on the top. If you are just riding a rutted track you must avoid looking at the front wheel and look 20 to 40 metres ahead (depending on speed) and you'll find it's much easier and you won't generally fall into the rut.

But Samy, don't stress too much about the technicalities, just get your confidence back and enjoy ridng again.
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  #17  
Old 13 Sep 2017
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Join Date: Oct 2013
Location: northern california
Posts: 35
Quote:
Originally Posted by mollydog View Post
Rather than wasting time viewing 100 UTube videos ... maybe better to edit down to the ones that are specifically relevant to OP (Samy) most in the links I'm sure you never bothered to view and haven't a clue.

Blanket UTubes may not help, but one or two GOOD ONES might. Or ... if you actually went through a similar "fearful" period yourself, you might offer help and suggestions that worked for you?
pick and choose, they all essentially state the same thing...
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  #18  
Old 13 Sep 2017
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Join Date: Mar 2007
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Curvy roads
Quote:
Originally Posted by Walkabout View Post
Me too, and I am all the better off for it - essentially, motorcycling is a thoroughly selfish activity.
Meant to say, reference the curvy road aspect consider "counter steering" - a technique that deals with many issues related to successfully negotiating bends.

Also use a "balanced throttle" which does not refer to balancing carburettors but means to have the throttle slightly open using the appropriate gear while travelling around the bend: this gives a quick and easy method of controlling the road speed throughout the bend, if necessary in conjunction with the back brake.
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  #19  
Old 15 Sep 2017
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Join Date: Dec 2007
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Dirt & "off road": If you are scared of "off road" ride a smaller moto, like 250cc or even smaller. A 600cc moto is too heavy for slippery and rough roads that normally are called off road. Light weight makes a huge difference, making adventuring and exploring fun!

My wife loves riding her 250cc on glarly roads, after initially riding rough roads with a 100cc moto. I too enjoy my 250cc moto. I own another 250cc moto for overland travel that is located in South America. You can go far, and you will have fun on a smaller moto.

Ride solo, ride your own speed, and enjoy the adventure.

Big moto, 600cc or so, is for high speed gravel roads (smooth/well graded/solid) and for tarmac.

We live in a moto culture that says big is better, or that "once you are good" you'll prefer a bigger moto on rough roads. Ignore that advertising and culture.
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