12⎪January 2021⎪shop . cmausa . org
OFF ROAD demonstrates the
CMA body of Christ through the variety of people and motorcycles that are involved in the ministry . This was clearly on display at the recent Changing of the Colors Rally at Iron Mountain in Mena , Arkansas . Cruisers and touring bikes made up most of those attending . I saw many three wheelers , sport bikes , and street legal off-road bikes at the rally . CMA ministers to off-road riders and four wheelers , through Roads and Trails events as part of the Fast Lane ministry .
I have not ridden off-road bikes in 40 years , but after talking with many off-road riders at the Colors Rally , I have a renewed interest in riding off-road . I know the skills are different from street to off-road riding , so the first thing I needed to do was find an experienced offroad rider to help me learn . I am lucky that my friends , Scott and Scherry , ride off-road bikes and four wheelers . Scott has been riding off-road bikes for over 20 years . Scherry has recently started riding off-road on a four-wheeler .
Scott said it is easier to learn the basics on a smaller lighter bike then move to a larger bike if you want to ride more challenging roads and trails . The main thing is to get a bike you are comfortable riding that is not too heavy or too tall . Off-road bikes are taller than street bikes to allow for ground clearance and more travel of the shocks over rough trails . Riders should be stable with both feet on the ground while sitting on the bike . Scott sits forward on the bike where the seat meets the gas tank . Hips are over the foot pegs . Feet are flat on the pegs . Grip the bike with your knees along the gas tank . Hands grip the bars with wrists and elbows turned slightly out . Bend your elbows to help absorb shocks . Bars should be tall enough so you do not have to lean over to reach them while sitting on the bike . A rider should be able to stand up on the foot pegs using his legs without pulling himself up with the bars . Stand up to cross over most obstacles . Use your legs as shock absorbers and balance your weight over the foot pegs . Do not press down or pull back on the bars while standing up because this causes the steering to react slowly . Head and eyes are up and looking ahead . Hands grip the bars lightly . Use the first one or two fingers on the clutch and brake levers , keeping the other fingers on the hand grips .
Riding over different terrain is the fun part of off-road riding . On sand , gravel , and other loose material stay smooth on the controls . Riding in a higher gear reduces the load on the suspension , allowing it to move freely and helps prevent spinning the rear tire . Shifting should be smooth and faster on loose surfaces because the bike will slow down faster than on pavement .
While accelerating , lean forward at the waist , squeeze the tank with your knees , and push forward against the foot pegs . When braking , lean back a little at the waist and brace your legs against the tank and feet against the foot pegs to keep pressure off the handle bars .
Scott said pick your path of travel and select the proper speed and gear as early as you can . Keep your head and eyes up , looking for the next obstacle . Do not look straight down at an obstacle as you cross over it . Keep your RPM ’ s up and ride with the clutch in the friction zone for slower speeds . Riders may need to increase their speed as they go over some obstacles or up a hill . When riding up and down hills , lean into the hill . When riding diagonal across hills , lean toward the hill . Do not cross water unless you know how deep it is and what the bottom is like .
Scott inspects his bike very carefully before going off-road . Mechanical or tire problems several miles off-road may result in a long walk back for help . Wear all your protective gear . Tall boots help prevent legs from getting hit by rocks and branches . Padded riding pants and jackets help in case of a tip over . Always wear a helmet , full finger gloves , and eye protection .
Scherry said it is important to prepare properly before going offroad . Take water , snacks , first aid , and basic tools with you . Plan your ride ahead of time . There are trail APPs you can download to your phone like ALL TRAILS and others that show a map of the trail . Riders can view these downloads whether or not they have cell phone service . Let someone know where you are going and when you will be back . It is ok to avoid obstacles you are not comfortable crossing . Find a route
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