6 Tips for Riding Through Gnarly Gravel & River Rock - Let Your Adventure Bike Steer Itself

[@SellTheField]

I'm so grateful for this content. I recently got some health news that means I have less time to acomplish the dreams I've had for a long time. These videos have helped me tap into the skills that I developed some time ago before life got in the way. This content is high quality, well structured, and really engaging. In the absence of oodles of time , watching this series has conquered the base level of anxiety that prevented me from having a go and an awareness of the situtions I need to pay more attention to when I'm out there. It's not a riding course, but man it really helps to know when to focus and the skills transferrable from road bike handling to adventure bikes. Live hard fam, be safe and don't wait for the perfect time to follow your dreams. Thanks again to Mototrek for this resource. Super valuable.

[@Piracanto]

Hope you're doing fine, fellow rider!

[@RollModel724]

Ironically, I was watching this video on Saturday for no particular reason. Sunday morning, I am riding my very NON-adventure 1987 Honda Rebel 250 and the GPS took me onto a remote English farm road. It was raining, the road was two small tracks of mud, big rocks/broken brick and unknown puddle depths. This video really helped me get through the two mile trek to my destination.

[@MOTOTREK]

Great!

[@LookattheBiggerPic]

...my 600lb GSA and I are most afraid of this kind of terrain - watching you go thru it is both inspiring and I found myself muttering "how does he expect us mere mortals to do that?" in any case, much thanks for all you do!

[@SuperBardley]

Wow, so spot on Bret. I know you are the one in the lens, I also know there’s someone behind it, maybe someone handling your sound, and then there’s all those late nights with you editing it all together - it’s all so deceivingly simple for those of us out here in Television Land - so hats off to your WHOLE team! Thanks for sharing what is what I consider to be some of the best YT content I’ve seen.

[@BretTkacs]

I don't get to claim the editing but I know that Tim (Producer/videographer/editor) deserves a massive thumbs up for making me look good.

[@jamalbashir3326]

Ur fan from Kenya absolutely incredible content Bret ,making me better in quantum leaps.

[@jonsoderkvist]

This is common on gravel roads in the forests around where I live. Land owners put similar material to this on the roads then they count on the timber trucks to pack the material for them but it's common that you get there first on the bike on the loose material. I used to hate that kind of surfaces but it has been getting a lot better with practice.

[@David_Drills]

Bret, you are born to explain things the best way possible! Very well done

[@jedbarney9295]

This is definitely off topic, but the drum tracks on these videos are F#%$ing tasty! (Great tips also!)

[@hooty6699]

"You need to keep in mind you're not actually the one in charge." That realization is a quantum leap in (virtually) no grip riding like loose rocks, sand, accumulated snow, etc. You have to let the bike do it's thing. Trying to boss it around is what will get you in trouble.

[@XoXRiver]

what if i am downhill on that type of terrain ?

[@KLP99]

@@XoXRiver If you use the engine as your brakes, and the clutch as your throttle, you might come out alive. You must turn the engine off, too, because if you let the clutch out while the engine is just idling while going down hill in loose rocks or sand, you die. But then, I'd never try it in a bike that weighs more than a couple of hundred pounds. Pick your pathways carefully.

[@vebez5993]

@@KLP99 “turn off your engine”??? Dude what? Just don’t let go of your clutch! Lean back use your rear brake, don’t be afraid of using your throttle. You want to stay loose to some degree but you don’t want your front tire veering too far and washing out ending in a high side. That’s some bad advice

[@troyanthonymorris]

Every time I watch your videos, I learn something new everytime that then improves my riding... Thank you Brett.

[@calin7017]

I like the way you handle that Panzer over everything and the way you explain, straight and simple. Thanks.

[@BretTkacs]

It is a tank.

[@mrspandex3]

As usual, Matt Jorgensen's drums really take your videos to another level.

[@BretTkacs]

He does rock

[@aussiefarmer8741]

My first visit here, yes I liked the drumming ,being 1 myself. I hate the vids with loud crappy music. I switch off straight away. Well done, good vid.

[@AdventureGlide]

Great Video. This is my second favorite channel on KZbin next to my own, LOL. This isn't where I choose to go play and have fun, hahaha. Big River Rock is the worst. Thanks for the Vid.

[@tshansen]

I look at myself as a relatively skilled driver. But I take myself to watch the movies over and over again. You inspire further training, exploring new areas, and really take the adventure segment to a whole new level for us happy amateurs. Keep up with this, it is absolutely magical to watch. Thank you

[@marshallfischer3667]

I watch this video several months ago and while on a 400 mile loop ride I ended up in this very element by Surprise. Front wheels started swinging wildly from side to side and I remembered your teaching did what you said road 200 more yards and I didn't crash, I would not have made it without your teaching. Thanks.

[@BretTkacs]

That makes me happy... And congratulations

[@ecalzo]

Still watching your video Bret Tkacs after two years and after you're on your own channel..means that you're really good at it .. congrats

[@lolAtTheStupid]

Thank you for these videos!! I've rewatched a few already. I bought a Tenere 700 this year, and already humbled myself with some slick mud and a tree. Oof. I come from 10 years of street riding, touring, across NZ and North America, and a lot of those years commuting. I've also gotten a LOT of bad advice from very good, experienced street riders. (myself was one of them) 5 or 6 times have you casually explained something that was explained to my wrong in person. Can't wait to binge all these videos.

[@KARMAkazeMoto]

Once again, I will never forget a single moment of instruction from this video. I'll put put it all to use this summer. Bravo!

[@patrickperron792]

Another great skills video. Thanks Bret !

[@2fastnlight]

Good one brett. Nice note about not airing down. Skill and practice carry through

[@robpinter5431]

Fantastic riding ability....it's not all about speed, it's about skills and confidence. your videos show real life tracks and situations in which adventure riders may come across, skills and confidence enables us riders to travel where we need to. I used the weightless rider technique on my Triumph XCA and hold the grips with only a thumb and a finger up a steep muddy track great tip indeed.

[@johnsandlin7474]

You make it look so easy. Riding on those surfaces is tough on the head. Exhausting.

[@cyclebuff782]

Just figured out most of this by accident, so can confirm these tips work, lol. Definitely would have done better with less handlebar grip and better body position. Thanks for the lesson!

[@rkr6237]

Same here. Though I struggled and almost dropped my bike a couple of times. I’m a little confused about something: whether I should keep the traction control on my bike on or switch it off in such scenarios?

[@dahveed284]

Loose gravel like this river bed is the work of the devil! I have a hate/hate relationship with this stuff. And it's everywhere. Forest, desert, and everywhere in between. Thanks for the lesson.

[@tiffany64871]

The BEST video ever on this topic. As a new rider I’ve been told I just lack confidence. No, I lacked KNOWLEDGE, until this video. Knowledge leads to confidence. 🎉

[@vladalexandru5861]

Bret dude, I think you are the only one that spoke the truth. Skill will get you through terrain like this. Most say that you need a super specialised offroad vehicle. Btw very good explanation and really informative and helpful. Thanks mate

[@kevindblew6822]

Truly helpful information! I can't envision long patches of river bottom in my near future but there a lots of gravel roads all over northeastern Missouri where I live. I really want to avoid dumping my bike, as much for preserving my newer ride as for preserving this antiquated rider.

[@Zoofactory]

Kevin D Blew INDEED. Good to know I’m not the only one. My first ADV is a 2011 KLR owned by a Kaw mechanic.. Bike has never been laid down and is fully loaded. I cringe knowing the day is coming where I’ll hold the honor of dumping it... I guess the flip side is being willing to challenge myself. Not sure the previous owner did that in 9 years.. Seems like you’d have to dump it if you were riding to your limit and pushing that limit. 👍. Good Luck Kevin

[@gudgengrebe]

Thanks for this very well made instructional. I appreciate your clear instructions and advice. When next I have the chance to ride on loose gravel or rocks like that, I feel confident that I’m going to be doing the right things after watching your video. Good to know, otherwise it’s just guess work on my part. I love being given clear instructions like this because I’m impatient to master these skills. I feel once I know what I’m supposed to be doing I can concentrate on getting the feel of the bike. I’ve waffled on too long but I feel you’re a good teacher and I wanted to let you know that these videos are appreciated. I’m writing this from the UK btw. You’re famous internationally now! 😀

[@russellstafford3674]

Boy I watched this video too late. I was doing some back road exploring today and hit a patch of deep gravel for about five miles. I guarantee letting the bike choose its path is a great idea. On one stretch though it felt like both front and rear tires were violently fishtailing. As soon as I loosened my death grip it evened out some. Still, a very nerve racking ride not knowing the proper techniques. Thank you for the instruction!

[@fallinginthed33p]

I was lucky to watch this video before I hit a gravel trail heading to a campsite. The fishtailing rear and the front end digging in scared the heck out of me, until I realised I could only give a suggestion to the bike. Just gotta relax and let the bike take you there.

[@peterwells5424]

Very helpful for me! I really look forward to your videos. Thanks Bret.

[@BretTkacs]

You are welcome

[@dandersonjr]

Great lesson Bret. I'm commenting on this video just because I like to comment but I really have nothing to add, You've covered it very well and I hate when you do that. Thanks alot.

[@BretTkacs]

Lol

[@riveraluciano]

We take deep sand trails on small canyons which act in a similar way to this terrain. Usually (since we ride small displacement bikes) we just go 3/4 throttle in 1st or 2nd and push through. It is helluva fun once you remember that you're not so much in control as you think and apply little pressure on the handlebars.

[@Merecocross]

Gotta love them drums

[@wsebastiaanselders7510]

The drums make me think of "Take Five" by the Dave Brubeck Quartet"....everytime. Love the videos - thank you for putting in the time an energy into making such high quality content!

[@MOTOTREK]

Thanks for the feedback, WSS. Matt Jorgensen is a talented drummer.

[@lamina666]

Coming off a cruiser and onto an adventure bike, these videos are key.

[@MOTOTREK]

Thanks for the sub, Mike!

[@3niknicholson]

Great stuff! Thanks! I've had my motorbike licence since 1978 and I'm only just starting to really learn bike control.Today was my first day on riverbed sand and gravel, inspired by watching this vid. I feel like I learned a lot. Thanks again. I'm looking to overcome gravelly steep downhill fear, that's next.

[@migueltrujillo5932]

Nice piece of drumming there at the end. Nice video with a lot of good tips.

[@MOTOTREK]

Thanks. Matt Jorgensen makes cool music.

[@UncleWally3]

Excellent. That said, a comparison video between ‘17 and 21’ wheels would be interesting. Also, a similar comparison between a “real” adventure bike and something like a DL650 V-Strom. I’ve ridden both the GS and the Wee ‘Strom in rough stuff; the GS did its job but the ‘Strom was surprisingly adept (poor thing) and kept up with the big boys well. Maybe too well. Had the ‘Strom better suspension it would have been my choice of mount. But, I’m not an expert rider. To see it being abused professionally would be a treat!

[@colonelsly]

was missing your videos, glad your back

[@FTAAdventures]

Thanks Bret, great video as always. I think I'll go practice this technique this weekend. Ride safe!

[@miguellara511]

Again thanks for those important tips... greetings from La Paz - Bolivia

[@CCShad]

Cool video, very helpful. Awesome that you showed a little Versys action! Thx for that. Cheers 🍻

[@johncella4457]

Excellent riding lesson. Outstanding drum music.

[@MOTOTREK]

Thanks, John!

[@ianwestlake7736]

Thanks Bret, love your videos. Reminds me off having to switch my weight back on my snowboard through the woods back in the day, and not worrying about correcting every stroke when out paddling! Cheers, Ian

[@iangray7410]

Great lesson well taught. My riding days are past but I am sharing this with the younger members of my former riding community. Thanks !

[@oneblackdogrides]

Couldn't do that in my dreams... Thanks again for the lesson & motivation

[@maxmmpower]

rock on bret, and you have mad skills

[@jimpannell2035]

Another really fantastic video, Bret. Super impressed with what you release. Thanks!

[@JorgeBravoPratscher]

Great tips! they'd have come handy last year when i went uphill on loose rocks and gravel. Thanks I think I've got a better idea of what I need to do now. Greetings from Spain.

[@clivekirkman1]

Yay 17" rims and skill will get me through, ahhhh need to practice the skill bit as a bit rusty not been off road for 15 years!! wish me luck gona practice this week on a xt660x with 50/50 street tyres, love your videos Bret a true inspiration.

[@deadfishparty]

Would love to see more tips featuring the versys. Really shows how the rider has more impact than the bike. Cheers.

[@hardworkingamerican8847]

Like how you changed panniers and luggage for different clips , haha . All joking aside what you're saying makes sense and I have used similar techniques when mountain biking mainly easing up on the bars . Mountain bikes are way lighter and react differently than 400lb and up adventure bikes but I think you should've went over to the trees and hacked some branches out to "stick" under that hopelessly stuck front tire , lol . Love this channel . Great advice to help shorten the learning curve for newer riders like moi . Thanks .

[@kikofranzful]

You earned a subscrber! im not an adv biker but go through this type of rocks going to work with my street bike😊 helpful tip!

[@paul.vanhout57]

Looks like Sandhill at Tahuya. Good location for training rides. And as usual great advice and demonstration of technique.

[@BretTkacs]

47.474869,-122.876050

[@diathimrecn]

I started riding off road few days ago, and this video is really helpful for me

[@carolinap4150]

Thank you Bret - !! a great teacher, I would love to take some courses with you.

[@benstabile8493]

You, sir, are truly a magician!

[@BretTkacs]

Thank you

[@teneretraveller8980]

Some people think Elvis is King. But vision definitely is. Great, and very helpful video. Happy travels and thank you. And btw, interesting and clever rear muffler conversion to keep panniers in tight .

[@BretTkacs]

I love the right fit of the bags... Thanks to Jesse luggage

[@Robnord1]

Thanks for the tips Bret! I've dropped my 1200RT twice in deep gravel, both times with friends/family looking on. I'll take myself out of my comfort zone and practice some of your tips since even on a road touring machine...gravel happens.

[@TerryManitoba]

Directional Suggestion... Great Statement

[@submissionstories]

Your 'How To' playlist is exceptional, thanks very much for the content!

[@calablanca]

0:22 Awesome control !

[@chaitanya5197]

Thank you very much guys for making such informative videos.I don't have any off roading schools near me.I am going to learn from your videos.

[@KLP99]

Sorry to say, but this video won a subscriber in me. Sorry? Not At All! I'm impressed with the instructions I've found in this video. It's sound, sensical, sensible, and just plain good stuff overall. I haven't ridden a bike that weighs under 550 pounds in over 45 years. I've been a cruiser rider for the past 6 years, and before that, didn't have permission from my wife, who I'd kill for, so don't start on, "If I was you I'd do it anyway!" because I can do just about everything else I want, include hunt, fish, buy toys and tools, and she's the best person I know. But, after 37 years of marriage, one of my sons got engaged to a great woman who was very active in everything her parents could get her to do, including motocross, and she was good. When my son gave her a diamond, she gave him a motorcycle. Then they came to my wife and said, "Mom, please let dad get a bike, so I have a riding buddy, okay?" It worked. Guess which of my 3 daughters-in-law is my favorite...

[@fredsmith9945]

Thank you for this! I accidentally ended up riding on railroad ballast recently...wish I'd seen this before then!

[@RamosHerlan]

Thanks for the video! I have this type of rocks in front of my house in Costa Rica.

[@MOTOTREK]

Lucky you!

[@ralfwieseler2554]

i love your Videos ! thanks for your great work ! keep going.. there are thousends of Drivers out there to learn your amazigng skills like i did !

[@kamilowski6295]

Hello. Watching You from Poland. You said rider has to 😊 polish 😊 skills before get to riverbed. Yes a agree. But i have a story about skills. There is Polish sport journalist and writer who decided to go around the World on motorbike. He got this idea in January and started in April - i think it was in 2008. Till January 2008 he never ride a motobike. In few weeks he and he's friend got driver licences, found sponsors and organized everything. They started in Poland and rided east. It is so typical for Polish people. Spontaneity.

[@VipinMishraProject]

Another great video with valuable tips. Thank you! :-)

[@mattdelcomyn8012]

Great stuff! I was surprised to hear your advice about tire pressure and riser bars. But I liked the points you made in defense of your opinions. Thanks Brett!

[@sjsherwin]

Thanks a bunch for the video! This will help a ton

[@tylerauker]

These videos are literally the best. Learning so much already from the few I've seen- keep it up!

[@RodNeufeld]

I can't say I ride anything bigger that my ktm 690 through loose river gravel but I have been riding it every other day all winter. I find that your tips are spot on particularly the one about moving your weight back over the back tire. This gives more traction and it lightens up that front wheel and allows it to bounce over things that would normally grab it (same as in the deep sand, ride that often as well). My only difference of opinion is concerning the lowering of the air pressure and speed. I find that 15 psi gives me a little more grace in the front tire for the rocks to have less impact on its direction and in the back I get a bigger contact patch for more floatation and traction. As for speed I agree with the steady throttle control keep pushing that front end through the gravel and I find a comfortable speed is anywhere between 20k per hour and 70k. I realise my perspective is from my lighter bike and my comfort level but, I do find the more speed you carry the easier it is to ride over the loose stuff. Great video and great tips, ride safe and have fun!

[@BretTkacs]

It is safe to say size does matter

[@FanOWater]

More excellent tips! Thanks so much for posting these.

[@EmmanuelTychon]

Amazing skills and tips - thank you. Now on to practice!

[@achappstube1]

Great tips. Thanks! Mitas E07's?...love those tires! I run the E07+'s on my GS rallye...love those tires!

[@bobz1736]

+1 on my Triumph Tiger 😀

[@leesuschrist]

Just rode my DR650 offroad for the first time yesterday and encountered this type of terrain... I managed to not dump the bike, but it was pretty startling at first. The biggest takeaways that I found is to not fight where the front wheel wants to go and experiment with shifting your weight from front to back. Dang, now I wanna go back and hone my skills.

[@eduardovillarvalenzuela7549]

Superb quality content as usual. Though I would suggest combining some clips with on location audio to be able to feel your throttle and clutch control. Maybe some first person shots as well, although I understand in offroad riding it may not be that instructive. Thanks for your effort!

[@MartinFarrelly2000]

Another great video. Thanks Brett.

[@antoniocordeiro2528]

Thank you, we learned a lot from your practices.

[@PauloEllery]

Man, you're a monster!!!!! Maybe next life I can ride like that!! Awesome channel, it inspires me to go on a off road ride, totaly out of my comfort zone. Thanks for being there.

[@markjacobs6294]

Hell, that's what our roads around here look like. My new Triumph Scrambler 1200XE goes over them like a 450 dirt bike.

[@js_NaClT]

Hey I got one of those too! Really tough bike.. dropped it twice near moab. Sand is the only thing I am afraid of at the moment... it feels like it'll sink.

[@Brunoxtr]

Excelent video. Very well explained

[@emgeesea3983]

It’s interesting that you guys always talk about the importance of looking far ahead - to the horizon - yet in every shot of your face in this video your eyes are looking down in front of the bike!

[@utuberagain18]

Thanks for another great video! Bret, at the 1:55 mark would you recommend using a bike's traction control (TC) instead of feathering the clutch if it has TC? If so, would you generally recommend a little, or a lot, or in the middle for TC intervention? I expect that somewhat depends on the make/model of bike and the design of the TC settings but how about a general recommendation? Thanks in advance!

[@pathfinder7549]

very good video, thanks :), I really appreciate all the detailed info you give, it is a lot of logic and sense in it and I agree 100% with you.

[@TheSouper07]

I'm just here for the drums.

[@debroyprasenjit]

Me too :)

[@zolle76]

not quite my tempo.

[@ruandre5619]

@@zolle76 lol

[@tad3549]

Yeah they get pretty old after a few of those videos...

[@cyclopathic998]

Thanks Bret deep pea gravel is my biggest fear especially on E-07s.. hard to overcome death grip

[@MOTOTREK]

Yep - Got to relax.

[@olegyd]

As, usually, perfect lesson!!!

[@ckupczak]

Ugh, deep gravel! I'm usually 2 up with the missus, which adds a whole nother element to a sketchy stretch. Your videos have helped me level up as a rider, and in this case, might save my marriage. Surprisingly, she's not a fan of taking a digger into hard rocks. Go figure.

[@stevedoe1630]

Chris K If the missus understands why the machine is fishtailing more like this, and can expect it, she may feel more comfortable riding as your passenger. Although moto-technical training may be uber boring for your passenger, there could be benefits. Also, probably more comfortable for you later that night at camp after lights out!

[@jduplease2002]

awsome video, I like how you put the filming location. nowhere near me but still cool

[@kislyjdozhdik]

The music as always great :)

[@petertspock]

Great videos, very helpful.

[@pizabrothers2398]

Very good video man! I have a bigtrail and I'm improving my skills on dirty roads!

[@COOLCABMAN]

AMAZING VIDEO.. THANK YOU BRET

[@connorwmiddleton]

Brett can you PLEASE PLEASE do a video on how to ride ADV bikes for shorter riders?? My friend and I are planning a European TET trip in the summer and we both are roughly 5,9 and will be getting decently tall ADV bikes (Tenere 660 msot likely)

[@seeratlasdtyria4584]

If a Ten 660 is your hearts desire, pop over to Pavil's (sp?)site (he owns one and has tens of thousands of adv miles on it, and a ton of vids with pretty much everything you need to know about that bike and how to set it up and ride it., good bike :) Seer

[@MotorosVandor]

hope to see some tips for off roading with passanger soon! :) BR, from Hungary!

[@harriedpotter9039]

I learned to ride last year and just a few days ago, was on fluffy gravel for the first time. What a lesson. After watching this, I wonder if an old Honda CT110 could go through stone/gravel of that size? I'm so envious of these skills ;)

[@BretTkacs]

Yes it can

[@davvidc]

Awesome content as usual ! 🙌🙌

[@kingfisher111]

Most useful Channel 👍🏼

[@jonay9221]

Very helpful video thank you! Please could you advise or do a video on coming down a steep hill on a bed of this stuff. I came down one yesterday and made it but did not feel in control at all and it wasn't pretty 😮😅