Gearing Up for the Ride

Being one of the toughest sports out there, +Enduro Trail Riding requires you to have comfortable safety gear that offers suitable protection for the ride you are going on.

Shoei Helmets

Over the years we have tried and tested every brand name in riding gear you can get, I have found some of the brands and big names cost a lot of money but don't deliver the value.  I personally prefer the +Shoei Helmet, they are expensive but for good reason. They are all still hand made something the other brands are not, they are a perfect fit and they are wind tunnel tested so you get what you pay for.

I use the Sidi Crossfire Boots I have found these to be the most comfortable, supported boot made plus they are great wearing and don't fall apart, again they are not cheap but if you ride a lot and want to have the best protection these are the way to go for me. I have had some good crashes and walked away from everyone of them.

Sidi Crossfire

I wear CTI knee braces supplied by Stephen Gall, Knee braces are something a lot of people dont wear, I was the same never wore them just had knee guards, until one day I had a small fall on my leg snapped the ACL and that was that, knee braces would have prevented that but it's always the way it is only after the accident you get them, again there are many brands out there but I go back to my motto you get what you pay for, get the best ones you can afford this is better than a knee reconstruction and time off work which will cost you a lot more money.

 For pants and jersey I get the most comfortable I can find, it 

may be Oneil, +Fox Racing, Thor or another brand but make sure they are well vented.

CTI Knee Braces

Fox Jersey

Remember which ever gear you decide to go for, it must be well fitted and comfortable. I look forward to having you come test your gear out on one of our 8 day Cairns to Cape York adventure rides at +Fair Dinkum Bike Tours 

Happy Trails,

Dave

MPE Husqvarna FE 501

Went out yesterday to ride our new MPE +Husqvarna FE 501, first impression is it is very easy to turn, through the single trails was a easy bike to steer and suspension works great. Engine is very snappy and loads of torque.

I modified the tailpipe as it was too restricted this made a big difference to the power. I changed the rear sprocket to a 48 tooth and put some fork bleeder on the front forks, and swapped the standard battery to a Lithium Battery these are amazing by the difference in weight. Im out on a 8 day Cairns to Cape ride tomorrow so I will be able to give a better impression of the bike after this....

MPE Husqvarna FE 501

Eating for the ride

Enduro riding is one of the most physically demanding sports known to man. Not only do riders have to control bikes of about 90kg or more, the riding gear is tough, heavy and can become very hot. This puts a great importance on strength and cardiovascular training and eating the right foods.

A good eating plan should consist of suitable amounts of carbohydrates to keep up with energy needs, a moderate amount of protein to help muscle growth and good amounts of vitamins and minerals.

A suggestion would be to eat large meals such as pasta, cereal, toast, baked beans, multigrain meat and salad rolls approx. 2-4 hours before a ride and then top up with small high carbohydrate snacks on rest or planned stops.

Carbs for energy

The benefits of good nutrition will help with increased energy, mental awareness, better reflexes and stamina.

Protein for muscle strength and minerals

Another very important part of the rides are hydration. Avoiding dehydration and overheating is very hard when riding so it is best to stay on top of this. Make sure you are well hydrated in the days leading up to a ride and maintain your fluid intake throughout the ride by using camel packs etc. It is usually a good idea to drink around 600mls of fluid 2-3 hours before the ride and a glass of fluid just before you start. Another good idea is to eat a few jelly snakes, trail mix etc while hydrating will help avoid cramping. Constantly sipping on your camel pack throughout the ride along with is the best way to avoid overheating and dehydration.

When you finish your ride for the day recommended recovery foods such as sports drinks, museli bars, icy poles, sandwiches, soup and fruit we be best eaten within 15-20mins after the ride. Then if you are riding again the next day make sure you re-hydrate and  load up on carbohydrates and proteins in your dinner.

Looking after your body will definitely make your rides much more enjoyable and give you the added energy to attack the trails.

Happy Riding!!

TRAVEL INSURANCE FOR MOTORCYCLE OFF-ROAD HOLIDAY

Riding off-road motorcycles on holiday can be a thrilling way to explore…until something happens! Make sure you have adequate travel insurance covering you whilst riding a motorcycle off-road.

The tricky thing about motorcycle holidays is finding a good travel insurance policy that will cover you. Many insurers say a flat out ‘no way’ for covering you on a motorcycle, but there are policies out there for you. Have a good look online and you will be able to find a policy that suits you. Comprehensive cover that has unlimited medical and hospital expense, as well as emergency medical assistance would be the best option. There would be nothing worse than getting seriously injured, then have to fork out thousands of dollars for medical bills, not to mention trying to work out how you are going to get yourself home. You want to make sure that if you are riding a motorcycle you will be completely covered by your travel insurance no matter what happens, because after all, no rider no matter how experienced can ever know exactly what will happen off-road.

Contact your travel insurance provider or an insurance broker before you purchase travel insurance for your motorcycle off-road holiday to double check the policy details.

When riding motorcycles you are taking risks with both your health and your money. So do the research, compare the quotes and different policies.

Don’t just settle for the cheapest policy you find, and have peace of mind while you are on holiday.

We have had riders go through QBE for their insurance for your reference.