Moto Tip | First Ride After A Long Break

June 6, 2020

PHOTO | SARAH SLEETER

Welcome to the new Answer Racing Moto Tips feature! Answer Racing has been producing the highest-quality motocross and off-road gear since 1976, and this month launched its new line of 2020 apparel. With riders like Alex Martin, Ryan Villopoto, Nick Wey, and Mike Sleeter flying the Answer flag, there is a wealth of knowledge and know-how when it comes to riding a dirt bike efficiently and effectively in the Answer camp. Each week, Answer will bring you some riding tips to help you become better at the sport you love! Have a specific skill you’d like to improve? Comment below and we will cover it in a future post!

Now that restrictions are starting to lift following the worldwide shutdown, riders are eager to get their first laps in after a long and unplanned hiatus. As enticing as the thought of putting knobbies to the dirt might be, now is not the time to be overcome by excitement. A slow and steady approach will allow you to improve your riding and build results over a longer period of time, while a rushed return could put you at risk for a crash and another extended layoff. For this Moto Tip, we asked Mike Sleeter for ways that riders of all skill levels could do to make the most of a break from riding and what they should keep in mind during their return to the track. Sleeter’s advice can be applied at any time, not just following a pandemic, because all of us will be forced to park the motorcycle at some point or another…

“If you know that you’re going to have a break of a month to three months off, take that the time to tie loose ends up. Get your bike fixed up with new sprockets and a chain, tires, grips, a clutch, maybe even a top-end or suspension. Do whatever you need to so that your bike is dialed in for when it’s time to ride.”

“The same goes for your body. If you have something like an ailing shoulder or knee, do what you can to get it worked on through simple physical therapy or even an orthoscopic surgery. If your body is okay, then use the time as a chance to train and build your fitness level. Make it a point to get your bike and body ready.”

“You can learn a lot from our past Moto Tips, so study them for when it’s time to put them into action. Make sure you go through pre-ride prep so that everything is in order when you get to the track or read advice about how to improve skills on the bike like starts or cornering.”

“When it comes time to ride, you need to set your expectations in relation to the work you did during the break. Did you improve your fitness? Did you make the bike better? Make sure that what you expect in results isn’t too high or low compared to the amount of work that you were able to put in during the time off, that way you don’t get too down if things aren’t going well right away.”

“Take your time during practice and make it a point to apply the techniques that you’ve learned about. Be sure to take it easy during the first few laps of practice and don’t take unnecessary risks by trying to do big jumps. Even if it’s a track you ride often and the layout is the same as before, you should always roll the track to make sure there’s nothing new or that could catch you off guard.”

“When it’s time for the first moto, it’s best to set your hopes a little low and be realistic. Some guys might have done more work during the time off and some guys haven’t, so you won’t know exactly what to expect. You’ll be excited to race again, but don’t get too caught up and become nervous. Focus on the track and not so much the race, because the race is the “easy part” and when the gate drops, it will be the same as always. Be happy that you are at the track, take it lap by lap, and be sure to enjoy it.”

“Evaluate what you did at the end of the day. Were the changes you made to the suspension correct? Is the engine as powerful as you want? Do you feel like your physical fitness is enough? That first ride back will set the tone for your second ride and so on.”