Before you turn off the asphalt
- Check that your bike and tyres suit the surface. A heavy road bike on road tyres has limited margin.
- Look at the conditions: recent rain, deep gravel, sand or corrugation change everything.
- Tell someone your route and expected return, and carry water and a charged phone.
- Ride within the limits of the group and never alone on a remote track if you can avoid it.
Posture and control
- Stand on the pegs on rough sections if the bike allows it, with your knees bent and your arms relaxed.
- Look far ahead and choose a line. Ruts and loose edges are easier to read early.
- Keep a light grip and let the front wheel move a little. Fighting it makes it worse.
- Keep the throttle smooth. A steady power keeps the bike stable.
Braking and turning
Brake early and gently, with more rear than you would use on asphalt, and avoid sudden inputs. Slow down before the corner and keep the bike more upright. Lean the bike under you and keep your body steady. See road surface hazards.
Tyre pressure
A small drop in pressure can help on a dirt track with a suitable tyre, but never go below the minimum in your manual, and restore the pressure before returning to fast asphalt. See tyre care.
Know when to turn around
Deep sand, loose steep descents, water crossings and fatigue are good reasons to turn back. Getting a heavy bike back up is exhausting, and a fall far from help is serious.
Keep your speed low enough to stop within the distance you can see. On loose surfaces that distance is much longer.