Motocross in winter… it’s often a struggle in the UK. Most dirt tracks close, and the competitions are over. You might still be able to take part in the odd cornfield race or beach race, but that’s about it. Our tip: use this off-season period to improve your motocross skills.
How? Slow down a bit, both physically and mentally. That often sounds strange to a motocross rider. After all, it’s mostly about twisting the throttle. But trust us. Slowing down can bring a whole host of benefits.
It’s perfectly fine if your dirt bike spends a month in the shed. Even two months won’t do either you or your bike any harm. We know… ideally, you’d ride every week. What?! Every day! But taking time to recharge your batteries after a busy season is incredibly valuable. Here are our tips on what to do as a motocross rider in winter.
Are you already competing? If so, have a think about what you want to achieve this coming season. Of course, competing can be purely a hobby. You don’t necessarily have to achieve specific results. You can also compete just for fun. But do think about any technical improvements you’d like to make.
This could be a personal goal, but it could also be a practical one. Perhaps you’ve finally decided to fit that high-performance suspension to your motocross bike. Make a plan for how you’ll save up for it. Find out how to set it up properly, or who you can trust to do it for you.
Not competing yet? Find out about getting started in motocross racing. What’s involved? What do you need to arrange to be allowed to compete? How do you prepare your dirt bike for the racing season? You’ve got the time for it now. So make sure you use that time to your advantage.
Take your dirt bike apart and inspect every single part. All bearings, all axles. Clean every component thoroughly, re-grease the bearings and axles, and replace any worn bolts. A dirt bike goes through a lot, especially if you ride it hard. We probably don’t need to tell you that. So give it the attention it deserves.
Have a good look at your kit too. Check your helmet thoroughly, as well as your body protectors and boots. Clean these items properly too, and grease them here and there. Check that everything is still working properly and that you’re still happy with it.
This is one aspect of winter training for motocross that most riders don’t necessarily look forward to. But go cycling, go running, do interval training or go to the gym. And make sure you get plenty of rest afterwards. Because that rest is the secret to a fit body and a fit mind. Both have a huge impact on your riding ability. So don’t underestimate it!
Motocross in wintertime often comes to a standstill for a while. In the UK in particular, you’ll find yourself unable to ride for two or three months. And not everyone has the luxury of loading up their dirt bike and driving to Spain or Italy, where you can often get back on the track – or perhaps the beach – early in the season. However, there are things you can do at home to improve your motocross skills during the winter. The break gives you the time and space to, for example, reflect on your ambitions, look after your kit and work on your fitness. All of these contribute to better skills on the dirt bike.
