How to ride deep sand

The is the 2nd sand riding techniques video from my scouting trip (tour 2022) to South Africa. If you join me in South Africa/Botswana we will have several river washes similar to these that we will ride. We will have a full training day before the tour begins and continue to learn as we travel.
Stand back, hold on and add throttle is NOT how we ride a large ADV bike in the sand. This trip along the Kruger national preserve was the perfect time to stop and make this video.
www.BretTkacs.com
to support this channel go to www.Patreon.com/BretTkacs

[@rizqirizaldo]

Never have I been faster at clicking a video

[@reghardtwiehman2346]

Can’t believe you are basically in my back yard Bret! Please do a ride to Shiyalongubu Dam, as you are very close and it’s a fun route to do! Would have loved to ride with you! Have fun and safe travels!

[@bradb2514]

Oh my! I recently had a similar situation, my very first, and I succeeded because Bret’s voice was in the back of my head the whole way! Woohoo! What a rush!

[@MototechWanderer]

Your riding lessons/tips/tricks are just priceless. Blessed to have motorcycle trainers like you. I follow your tips and tricks closely as much as possible- virtually. 😊 Would love to attend your classes when you visit India the next time. 😊

[@olegyd]

Year ago I cannot drive there now when I see it I just smile, pull back and go😄😄😄

[@felipechitaoki]

Always the best instructor

[@bradleyalexander5821]

Ok....easy, peasy....as rider slowly picks up the bike, now go back and watch the video again.....got it.....hey it works, now practice. 👍🏼 😎 🇺🇸 🌎

[@SFUndertaker]

Bret the Energizer Bunny. Great video, as always. Thanks.

[@ralfabel8657]

Very good Explanation👌

[@thailandmopedadventures611]

Thanks for theese great Tips

[@TrackOurJourney]

I need this! Thank you so much for all your super duper helpful videos!

[@JONSMITHYOUTUBE]

Great vid Bret, vision is everything.

[@fr4gus]

Another video for my riding playlist!, great video Bret!! thank you again for your content :D

[@sidkarnick]

super stuff bret ..many thanks for sharing these valuable tips

[@donaldakelly9732]

One more Bret Tkacs vieo watched - one more invaluable lesson from a master.

[@enduromotorradtouren]

So many things to think of when crossing that sandy stretch. But thanks to Bret who explains all the details. Now it's up to us to put his example into action. Cheers from Nürnberg/Germany, Günter

[@adviceland1514]

Very useful stuff! Thanks.

[@alt0v14]

man, you have so much energy!

[@rso1411]

Love these videos. Lord knows, I can use all the instruction I can get, especially when it comes to sand.

[@robertojeronimo7959]

Great Tips!! Congratulations from Brazil!!

[@gregc6661]

Great video Bret. Glad you weren’t confronted by a herd of elephant being that close to the Kruger. I lived in White River for some years, you’ve chosen a great spot for your 2022 adventures!

[@bernardhossmoto]

Thanks, Bret! 5:50 was me yesterday.

[@MonkeyofAwesome]

I recently moved to Utah, this will be very helpful!

[@Nerb1]

Nice practical demo. I have to remind myself of the proper technique every time I hit sand. Its rewarding when successful though!

[@glinleyt]

Heeey! Welcome to SA. I didn't realise you were coming here. Please enjoy your stay and keep up the great content!

[@TROXXOS]

great video as always, Bret! Please cover how to turn on deep sand as well. Cheers!

[@Jordee]

3rd, Thanks Bret.

[@aaronswanderlandadventures9561]

Thanks for the video!👍

[@MrBokertov]

1:59 Tkacsonomy... hahaha! Brillant!

[@FromJel_01]

Great video :D

[@dandersonjr]

I'm not sure what it is but your video's seem to have gained in quality. I always liked the old video's but something seems better. It's not your teaching that has always been top notch. Thanks again.

[@BretTkacs]

I am leaning as I go. Now that I shoot solo (or draft someone to hold a camera), edit and post byy myself there is a learning curve. Part of it is searching for a style that works for me and you as the viewer.

[@1001CP]

Yep. Its a Bret video. A water crossing with no water, weight transfer to rear but not a downhill, dab- but you really are not touching anything, keep your speed up - on a deep substance that sucks speed out of a run, a big rock will HELP you out??! Seems like opposite land yet works just like he says!!! Great job as always my friend.! Sand WILL get you eventually, it gets everyone, but there are a LOT of other things that are worse to drop it on!! AND it IS doable just as he says!!!

[@rickhouston2144]

I’d like to think I could keep up to Bret! Lol Another good one!

[@kieckinator]

Thanks Brett

[@zap5936]

In 2016 I raced a desert race in Arizona I think it was called Kirkland Creek. It was quite a race to must have been 500 riders we rode down onto a dried River bed that was Moon dust. It was a sight to see since everybody was bogged down. Yes I was dead last at the time. None of the riders knew how to get up on plane like a speed boat. It was wild they were just all over the place. I ended up winning my class 60+ mainly because of that Moon dust riding "get up the speed and don't slow down."

[@PetrolJunkie]

I got myself in way over my head last summer at an unfamiliar river crossing. Imagine having to go down that river for a decent stretch looking for a spot where you can climb the bank because on the far side a full-size 4x4 dug it out trying to climb the bank, probably when the water was high. When I got there it was a water crossing in the middle of river bottom sand, packed wet sand on either side, and strips of loose sand right at the edges. Came down a hill that I didn't think I'd be able to get the momentum to climb back up, I'd say it was close to 45 degrees, rutted with lots of roots crossing it forming almost stair steps. Solid 5. Coming down that hill was a real butt pucker of a ride. Saw the dug-out shoreline and just about filled my pants. I didn't know about any alternatives. I came across the water and mud fast enough that I was hydroplaning, which turned out to be a good idea because the water was a bit deeper than I thought. I had enough speed to stay on top of the mud and just rode the throttle with my weight as far back as I could. I'm absolutely certain that I was going way faster than I should have been going all the way down the shore line for almost a quarter of a mile, but I found a foot trail that I'm not allowed on and used that to climb out and get back to a road. Let me tell you, the ranger I encountered at the trailhead was pissed. It took a lot of convincing that I didn't just break the park rules, he really wanted to write that $500 USD ticket. I did break the rules, it was a hiking trail, no motorized vehicles, but what choice did I have? He followed me back down the trail to the crossing and when he saw the dug-out section, he made a sailor sound like a saint. While the trail is a two-track, it's meant for ATV and SxS, motorcycles are allowed as well. The only place full-size vehicles are allowed is in the parking lot. Destroying the trail like that, certainly not a good thing to do. The ranger still pulled my pass to the park saying that I shouldn't have used the hiking trail. I think making a joke about walking my motorcycle next time didn't help the situation at all, I think that only made him less happy with me. Maybe he's right, but I didn't see any other choice at the time. He effectively put me in time out until the park reopens in the spring. I haven't been down that way yet, those trails are a bit too much for me right now. What I learned from the situation is that more throttle is usually the answer with a GSA. lol (Half kidding.)

[@robbrowne8814]

Thankyou, that was a great explanation. BTW, I. Still loath deep sand 😎

[@porkoholic]

Great tutorial, will definitely come to use when I'm riding in the river banks this winter. But for now, could you please give us some tips in how to ride on narrow dirt tracks with hard slippery surface underneath and wet grass on both sides. Because it's monsoon and I'm falling a lot.

[@simeruk]

Just in case you are interested, there is a blank gap in video between @1:21 - 1:22

[@wmrider_adventures]

That’s a better sand situation. I always end up hanging from the bars trying to keep weight back. Bret, It is always easier on the first guy, once he leaves a rut sand is so much harder! Usually riding a sandy 2 track with no room to move away from rut.

[@basecamp6222]

GreAt advice. Could mention steering with feet, in other words , weighting one peg or the other to steer bike in direction desired since as Bret points out the front wheel finds its own way!

[@mikemerrill175]

I found that turning off the traction control made a huge improvement in my odds for success

[@dirtventures9310]

Great video - as always - thanks! Would love to see a specific instructional video of riding long deep sand tracks with deep ruts. I'd assume the same principles apply but still curious to see what else matters..

[@BretTkacs]

When I return to Botswana there are tracks like that.

[@andriesvanvuuren4398]

Wish I could catch you here in South Africa!

[@matt_kelly]

Sounds like you fixed your sound issues, cool!

[@2dogsstottie]

Nice mate. But sand scares the crap outa me constantly. When I was younger I rode sand without issues, but now in my late 50's and lots of arthritis and brain slowing down, I just don't seem to be in any type of control while on sand. Last time I hit deep fine sand it spat me off and I cracked 4 ribs. (Beerburrum East State Forest S.E. Queensland) The following 4 hours riding was not a pleasurable time. Please keep these video's coming. Have a nice day. From the Land of OZ

[@atprodT700]

hi Bret, remember to put the subtitles for the translation thank you

[@eelkedeboer5538]

I missed advice about what is an appropriate speed. Also keen for advice on long deep sand ruts.

[@prawnyboii]

Hope you enjoy your time here in South Africa!

[@BretTkacs]

Hell yeah

[@prawnyboii]

@@BretTkacs if you ever come back here and wonna ride around Durban side definitely let me know haha

[@DanielJLopes]

For me in the R1250RT this would be a time to blame the GPS and turn back. Actually, I would probable not get in that road either... I really admire those who can handle this sort of terrain riding, particularly if in a heavy bike like a KTM or GSA. Sometimes, I wish I was young and healthy again and could afford an off-road bike :)

[@greengoat5654]

What do you think of the old blip it every second technique

[@toniraff5488]

Do you have tips for steep (25-30%) climb with 2 180 degree curves following sharp oneonother? Greats vids

[@DanLee1969]

How do you ride off camber sand? I tried to ride along a lake shore, and it seemed that the only way across kept me headed down to the water. If I tried to go up, or even straight, the rear would slip out. Is there a way to ride that?

[@BretTkacs]

Yes there is a way to ride across a slope, but climbing out (especially loose sand) is not always an option. There are real limits besides attitude and skill at times.

[@Lazarus-aap]

Do you have a video on how to ride on muddy/slippery roads? I tried finding it, but couldn't find it... cheers

[@olleyaus]

I"m keen for the 2022 ride.. where do i sign up?

[@sangesherpa6034]

Bret plz make next video on Vision. I know you havw already made on moto trek...but plz make again...here with different approach

[@JDoupe]

Agreed....maybe an overlay of a laser pointer where your vision is, and or should be going through certain obstacles. Thanks for everything Bret!!!!

[@MarcoVilela]

what tyres are those on the KTMs?

[@fallinginthed33p]

How about if you're on a tallroader with street tires? Like if you're on a forest service road that has a sandy section.

[@miradockal9795]

Hi there, I did not get a chance to watch the video 1290r vs 890r. I'd love to see your opinion and put these two bikes head to head! Thanks in advance. Mira, Czech Republic

[@rideraparajita]

I am 5feet 2inch, I can barely tip toe on my bike. Because of that, it is very difficult for me to handle my bike on deep sand and such off-road terrain. Please give me some advice

[@kokkiematematika1931]

Hi Bret is it in your opinion worth my while as a 'lower level intermediate' adventure rider to have a steering damper fitted on my Africa Twin to deal better with sand roads and water crossings?

[@UncleWally3]

Before I was buried to the rear axle, 42° riding solo in Mexico, I could have used these skills.

[@yorkchris10]

Not sure what symbol for roadbook - a Wash/River or Sand Pit.

[@rodrigofabregas7756]

Nice video Bret!...this is one of those scenaries that lowering tire pressure is to much for the short sand run...right?

[@BretTkacs]

Never touched our tire pressure. Wouldn't matter to me. Even if this was up the wash I would have likely not changed my pressure. If I was buried and stuck I'd consider it. Problem is it needs to be really low to really help. Under 20psi

[@slewbangles]

Hey Bret! As a person who lives and rides in South Africa, we have a lot of sand. Could you please make a video on how to ride narrow sand tracks with deep ruts? I can never manage to get it right, the bike wanders up a rut and immediately gets wild and because of the narrow trail there is no where to go but down.

[@BretTkacs]

Have you watched this one already? kzbin.info/www/bejne/laq9g42ElL1sqbM

[@slewbangles]

@@BretTkacs I've watched all your videos :) I felt that one didn't really cover the ruts part, and with a wide road like that it's pretty easy to keep control if it does force you out of them. In Cerdeberg I had a 20km stretch of 2m wide trail, deep sand, and ruts up to the rotars with a fully loaded bike and I was in way over my head haha. Would be nice to see how to control a wandering bike within a deep sand rut

[@BretTkacs]

@@slewbangles I will keep an eye open for that scenario. I am working to capture as many real world opportunities as I can when I travel. Every scenario has it's own exceptions. It is helpful to know when to break conventional suggestions.

[@slewbangles]

@@BretTkacs you are such a legend Bret, I love your content so much and wish I could have seen you in Joburg, come to Cape Town next time! If you ever want to collaborate with a professional film maker hit me up :)

[@JacobSnover]

Great vid. I wonder though, when I hear you say, use blips of throttle, and some clutch and maybe drag the back brake all to control rear wheel spin. Would it be easier if possible, to use Traction Control in this situation instead? I know most just turn it off, and say it will not give enough power, but it seems this situation is perfect for it? I also speak from experience, since i keep my TC on lowest setting on my AT for all trail riding in Michigan and never needed more wheel spin or power.

[@truth-Hurts375]

No.. Please stay away from traction control in sand....a stearing damper will be a good investment...not perfect ... but it will definately make life easier for you...not only in sand....

[@JacobSnover]

@@truth-Hurts375 TC has worked very well for me, I won't stop using something that works.

[@claretbuck1882]

👍🏻

[@MKlukowski]

That dude in jeans and hiking boots :D

[@adammoore7994]

AcrossT

[@mangomears1]

Great videos . How are the RTW. Bags holding up?

[@BretTkacs]

They held up well but I can't tell you the long term yet. Short impression here kzbin.info/www/bejne/bZKtqYOLgZd_bLs

[@hahahaha2000]

this is grain sand which is easier than subtle sand surface

[@somestuffithoughtyoumightl6985]

I understand feathering the clutch to avoid stalling, but why would we favor the rear brake over a bit less throttle? Considering how close to off balance we are during this whole maneuver, I would think our foot dexterity would be greatly diminished.

[@BretTkacs]

The rear brake causes the rear to drop which helps keep the front high on the sand. Because you are still applying power at the same time it's mostly about mataining correct attitude of the motorcycle

[@darren1922]

Sand is my Krytonite.

[@rso1411]

Me too, but I am determined to conquer it.

[@nenadbarbul6643]

Great video as usual! Did you have experience riding through sand with the automatic transmission like Africa Twin or Honda Xadv, because they don’t have a clutch?

[@BretTkacs]

I do... Looking to make a DCT special

[@nenadbarbul6643]

@@BretTkacs great I’m looking forward to seeing your video.

[@liviufoltea1080]

🍾

[@cdrseabee]

Weight the pegs to try to steer?

[@BretTkacs]

I don't "weigh" pegs... It is advise of misdirection. It has nothing to do with our feet, it's our body mass that matters.

[@oosteveo315]

Up a gear and more wheel spin. Keep feet on pegs.

[@bywayz]

Your videos are always so helpful. But I find that, as much as technique matters in sand, quick-onset leg fatigue is what beats me every time ... My own lazy fault.

[@BretTkacs]

You are squatting to much (most likely). There is a lazy technique to get around that 😀

[@motorentod]

So hilarious 7:57

[@tengairoad5007]

👍🏼🇪🇦

[@jackalay23]

Less gear, less bike = more easy

[@BretTkacs]

Of course... But traveling is fun and big bikes can be fun too

[@hazcat640]

That's almost gravel compared to Florida sand.

[@Comrade134]

I can volunteer to help as director of cinematography if you want to add cinematic flair to your storyline and visual poetry to your shots!!

[@Comrade134]

Just look out for the rhino.

[@carloscarreno5940]

Let´s say your about to go thorugh that sand wash, with a passenger on your bike, what then?

[@raghunandan5125]

the first to comment Yay!!

[@BretTkacs]

#1