For Beginners to Experts: 5 Mental Tips That WILL Improve Your Dual Sport Riding

[@daviddrabek5834]

Confidence is definitely key! I lost my left arm in a bike wreck 11 years ago. Last June, I bought a WR250R and added a Reklus and Scott’s steering dampener, and started riding every Sunday.... and I noticed as scared as I was, the more I rode, the more confident I became. By September I did Missouri’s big ADV Palooza ride, 660 mile round trip through trails and gravel roads, the creeks seems to pull me in for a swim lol but still fun! Our team was one of the winners for 19 and was the coolest trip of my life. Never take unnecessary risks and never give up!!

[@brianhaygood183]

Awesome work, man! WR250R has been a great bike for me.

[@elirenigar9357]

This is a good video. I recently bought a 97 KLR 650, a huge bike for me. (I am under 5’10) I laid it down for the first time last week on a trail because I was being to cautious and afraid of crashing, if I had just carried a little momentum and wheel speed I would’ve been fine. I immediately became more confident because I realized my own paranoia was getting me in trouble. Ride with confidence, and own your mistakes. Stay on the bike.

[@mollyandbo]

Being humble is one of the toughest disciplines for most guys but most rewarding.

[@monokheros5373]

confidence is huge can make or break any learning experience confidence in the instructor and self and your fellow students

[@antalgyori6744]

I agree. Just wanted to elaborate on what you said about having confidence in the instructor. You have to believe or trust that what the instructor tells you is correct. I invited two riding buddies to take an advanced riding course with me. One guy went because his wife urged him to go. At the course, his attitude was not good. He has been riding for many years and has many miles under his belt. But he is not a good rider. I get chills whenever I'm following him. I can't believe he hasn't killed himself. Everything that was taught went in one ear and out the other. His opinion was that the course wasn't worth the time and money.

[@orangelion03]

Sweet! That team thing: the best and most rewarding rides have been with the same other three guys, all of us in our 60s, but unlike me, have been riding dirt for most of their lives. I listen, I watch...they encourage, advise, and challenge me to ride my best. No "pushing" or shaming. They have taught me skills and given me encouragement to improve. We ride both big ADV bikes and dual sports.

[@stusmith3058]

This trip was the greatest bang for the buck imaginable, a real confidence builder. Got my butt kicked but I’ll be back!

[@DragosDreamer1989]

I really appreciate the title. "Mental tips", "momentum", facts of the state of mind. These count for skill at least as much as physical abilities. Thanks for helping all us newbies get into dual-sporting :)

[@Ivankonermann]

These mindsets work for life in general…for work, for home life, for anything we do! Excellent video and you’re hitting the most important items here. If someone lacks all of these , they just won’t become a good rider, and probably won’t be fun to ride with Rock on!

[@mainstreammoto4856]

Well done! I can tell by watching your videos over the years that you would be a great teacher. You remember what it is like being new to riding and not knowing the basics that beginners don't know. As soon a teacher makes someone feel stupid about not knowing something simple, the student will most likely shut down and become almost unteachable. True, being humble and teachable is the responsibility of the student but, the teacher has a lot of influence over that as well. Obviously you don't think so highly of yourself to put that in your video but, if your students are having fun with the learning process and making progress it's because you are a good teacher!

[@neebob2]

So well said ! Also I'll add you can not minimize the mental aspect . The number of pro's in many sports who hire sport psychiatrist to take them to another level is amazing . The brain is a powerful " muscle " we all need to harness .

[@williamhoffmann8639]

Attitude That's what makes Champions! The mental part of riding is the most important ... Confidence, Confidence and more Confidence !! Ride On !

[@DadsDomain]

Great Video. I've learned to pay attention to my heart rate. If its high cause I'm tired thats fine. But if something sketchy happens or I crash and my heart rate is out of control I try to reset and breath deep until it calms down. For me a high heart rate that isn't because I'm tired makes me ride way worse

[@ResfeberWanderer17]

Yes its all in the Head. Words of a Wise man...truly enjoy the way u narrate. Makes it interesting and practical. When we think we know everything there is always something new to learn. Thank u

[@JoshSmith-vj3yb]

Me and my very close friend still do that to this day. We are constantly critiquing each other when we notice bad habits/old habits in our riding but it's all in good fun. Weve rode together since day one "20 plus years" so theres no bad attitudes if we do say something

[@Skidderoperator]

Must be a good buddy.

[@girlinagale]

6 years without a bike, just bought a Honda crf300l, pretty nervous and wobbly at first but 300 miles in I'm relaxing into it. I'm addicted to going out just to feel that confidence building. Apart from a Transalp 650 I've only ridden pure road bikes. Explored the local byways today, got a bit stuck when one ended at a narrow gate, hard to turn around with tree roots blocking the tyres. Passed the 300 mile run-in period. love it. I want more 20 -30mph balance control, I need a flat grassy field to practice slow u-turns.

[@mountaineer1706]

Looks like the best place in America to ride dirtbikes.

[@daftnord4957]

I've been to the south west a few times, although not with a dirt bike. But i have to say Black Hills SD trails the best ive seen

[@TwoWheeledBooBear]

Most of Nevada, Most of Utah, Northern California and the deserts of SoCal along with much of Arizona collectively make up one of the best regions to ride dual-sport on the globe. I'm in a small town in Northern California primarily due to the easy of access I have the thousands of miles of trails, old mining establishments, ghost towns and unlimited geological resources to explore.

[@davidc1961utube]

Except Mayish thru Septemberish, depending on the location. Working hard and staying sharp are hard when your boots are full of sweat...

[@samuelbadger4371]

Haha! I’m in AZ and getting a 250 soon. See you guys near the frontier!

[@riccochet704]

Don't knock the Hatfield & McCoy trails in WV. Over 700 miles of trails and they're still adding single and double track every year.

[@MrHeepspo]

Be humble and listen cuz you can always learn, regardless of your level. Great advice ER! This applies to all areas in life.

[@TwoWheeledBooBear]

This is so true in every facet of life. No matter how good you think you are at whatever it is you do, you can always get better.

[@spartanchirho]

Blessed, be humble amd teachable.

[@ziranwolf2696]

Great video; regardless if you think you can, or you think you can’t, you’re right. Thanks

[@garyhoward2490]

Good info. I have been riding dirt for 50 years, and have learned many lessons, the hard way. Dual sporting is great. I love it, at this point in my riding career. What I see a lot, is guys getting into it...later in life, which is terrific. But...many of these people, get kinda overly enthusiastic, too soon. Meaning, they get a bike, and right away, buy every damn gadget, and accessories, that they see. I get it. Easy to do. But when they don't take the time to develop their skills, they get frustrated, because they have been sold a bunch of expensive stuff, that they don't need. So they have a big investment in "stuff" that is not only, unneccessary, but a hindrance to their rider development. People....don't buy, and carry, so much stuff. Leave your bike "stock", don't buy "stuff", that isn't safety related, and learn skills. It's free, and the best investment you can make.

[@daxadventure]

My buddy and i just started riding and on dual sports, we have already learned so much from you that we are stoked at the thought of coming to learn from you in person!

[@donutmoto]

Went out a few days ago and rode the most sand I have to date, now I normally hate sand but after having couple of guys sticking behind me and keeping an eye out made it so much easier to have the confidence needed. On an even better note now I want to go find more sand. Keen as to come over in 2022 mate.

[@Maccaroney]

7:49 Oh damn. You spotted that KLR. I didn't even see it!

[@eljuano28]

Gabe's not a pro, because the pros saw his dr200 race video and they are afraid. In seriousness; positive mental state, attitude and philosophy are key to most new endeavors.

[@johnnyrotten616]

I’m newer to off road. 59 but in good shape. I’m going ride camping on DRz400. The guy leading us is very competitive and often negative. You know the same guy. I’m gonna watch this over and over on our 5 hrs to Alabama hills

[@ColoradoDualSport]

YYYYEEEEAAAAAHHHH! Haha I just almost spit my drink. That was one of my memorable rides. Great memories.

[@vitolopoii7981]

Go back to Texas get out of our state

[@ColoradoDualSport]

Ummm, what?

[@vitolopoii7981]

You heard me sellout

[@ColoradoDualSport]

I'm not from Texas. I have no idea what you are talking about.

[@achilleas_christ9136]

@@ColoradoDualSport wtf is he talking about

[@gatrataable]

Great vídeo, nearly starting in the dual sport and im a little nervous and scared but u give me that confidence back

[@Homes4CarGuys]

I enjoyed your video, I agree that it’s all mindset. We are loving desert riding and learning lots.

[@ryanzone3675]

Great simple stuff makes a huge difference!

[@Tony-xk4np]

When I was trail ridding on my dirt bike I always found that making a wipe out a laughing matter helped out. Just laugh with your buddies about it and carry on.

[@backcountryadvmoto]

Great video. This is great advise and agree that having a positive attitude even when conditions or simply the day of riding may not be ideal can literally prevent a not so good day from turning in to a awful day. Attitude and mental fortitude are so much of this style of riding.

[@gauthamxo3791]

You always mention the greatest things and makes more sense to the fellow riders.

[@JohnTYoung]

I almost rode down to your area just to get out of the snow. But then it snowed and the snow kept me from getting out of the snow. Great videos, by the way.

[@kennethvernonprivate]

...Hay, great production and editing!!! Awesome!!

[@darwinmorden4731]

Look where you are going or you will go where you're looking. If there is room between two obstacles focus on the safe route. If you focus on the obstacle you will hit it.

[@1991enduro]

Good video and straight to the point I'm a fan of riding sat down but am learning to stand I need oversize pegs first

[@frederikfellerhoff40]

Thanks Tyler. Another great video about the state of mind that helps to become a better rider. Had an road accident on my motorcycle two days ago. Jumped back on the bike even with minor injouries. Because i learned from horse riding: Get back on the horse asap or the fear will grow on you. Much love to you.

[@bubot17]

thank you for the great tips you have given us through the years

[@BrokenEnduro]

Excellent tips! I’m a big believer in the positive attitude one. We just did a ride that would have been a “Debbie-Downer’s” worst nightmare, but we were laughs, smiles, and jokes the whole way! Thank you for the videos!

[@jackdaniels7913]

Sounds like an amazing training adventure. I wish you had a class up here in Alaska 😅 I'd happily attend with all of my novice skill and will to learn and adventure

[@dadams1837]

Hopefully your still doing these schools when I get my dual sport. Thanks for all the vids that contain a lot of knowledge!!

[@billysullivan1048]

this is really awesome man. I'm a new rider, super inspiring!🙏

[@Skimox]

Great video Tyler. I coach roller derby and I have just shared this with my team. You have worded this well and these mental tips work for any type of training!

[@ankitdhasmana8788]

You bring joy to this earth, just awesome.

[@Matt43]

So much of riding well is mental, excellent tips!

[@marcpigeon7796]

One of your best. Confidence and positivity. It’s all we need as Gumby’s! 🇨🇦🏍

[@robpinter5431]

Very good video, I ride with a group of mates who all have different skill levels and different bikes from WR250 to KTM 1190, we have the faster blokes at the back of the pack so that they can ride at their own faster pace after waiting some time for the slower riders to get ahead, thus it does not feel like the slower riders are holding up the faster riders.

[@Paul-wy2wk]

Awesome video - your teaching and attitude inspire me!

[@EachAdventure]

Great advice man! I’m teaching my oldest how to ride and he had a tough day today when we went out. Next time out I really want to focus on the fundamentals so I might have to re-watch that video with Gabe teaching you. I can’t wait to show him this video so he can see it happens to everyone and the key is to stay positive. Well done! 👍🏻

[@alexandergardner2396]

Thanks The head game is always a challenge.

[@Paul49myspace]

The teacher shines! Never a doubt as I thought your classroom is the great outdoors T. Since 2013 Cheers

[@DarrenMalone253]

What a good time watching you guys ride excellent job guys

[@BackcountryLife]

Love it...ITS so mental. I am constantly trying to manage my mentality

[@advsquared]

I have always thought that riding is a lot more mental than physical. Your skills will improve more by focusing on the mental aspects of riding and you don't even have to go to the gym!

[@blafalot]

Not a popular topic?! I find that hard to believe Tyler. Excellent job as usually with the production, but the practicality and advice given here is what excites me! All my riding buddies will get the link as soon as I finish this comment. Thank you.

[@nottony3959]

I love your cinematography

[@perfectmotoadventurespaulf1968]

Confidence! Now I got it. Thank you.

[@monikgagnon]

very nice video and drone shot,

[@billcotton1551]

This is so true! Thanks for doing what you do.

[@albertcorbell6154]

outstanding teaching video

[@ronthompson9555]

Mental tips are good, but what most new riders or even experienced riders forget, is to look where you want to end up, as far out as you can. Too many look at what is right in front of them causing them to make all kinds of changes or get way too cautious. It causes "Target Fixation." So you run into what you wanted to avoid. Same for on road riding, if you don't keep your eye on the exit of the turn you will over correct and be slow & unstable. By looking ahead at your destination, your body naturally responds to point you in the direction you need to go and keeps you from getting anxious about that rock or rut, you just ride through it. Climbing a hill, look at the top, it is where you want to end up, you will see the ruts and rocks in your window of vision and guide your bike through them, but focusing on them just makes you over think what really isn't your big problem, losing momentum is. This also helps in keeping you from tensing up when you get all focused on on obstacle, staying loose and nimble lets the bike do what it needs to and you just make small corrections. That is what causes you to go off the trail or line when the bike hops or twitches off a rock or rut.

[@evi1dav3]

Hey, much love back. Great tips!

[@barberbiker4366]

Brilliant video and well filmed, beautiful voice over and cool music.

[@VikingBagsYT]

Much respect from everyone here at Vikingbags!

[@wordfilter9542]

Such a great encouraging video! Thanks

[@pauloconnor7951]

This video is GOOOOODDDD !!!. already at only 3:33. Be teachable; so true. We don't know it all.

[@christiandiaz4373]

Wow! This is such an awesome video 💯🤙

[@walterconn5637]

Awesome, that really makes me want to go ride some trails!

[@ricklieberson5576]

Hi Tyler! Just the vid I needed today! Thank you buddy.

[@algee8228]

Great advice! Those guys really hit some challenging terrain! These rallies are so cool for getting out of your comfort zone!

[@Artorius86]

1 week? Wtf

[@JRClaybrook1]

7:46 had me rolling 🤣

[@jasongeer9402]

7.50 CSI SVU theme song plays😂

[@allenhuling598]

Great video, great tips...thanks Tyler! I ride solo a lot (just because of my work schedule) but the shared experience of riding as a 'team' is so much more rewarding! Keep up the good work! BTW, still looking forward to the day that you and Barry Morris ride/film together!

[@CarlosSuarez-ef3eo]

Excelent!! Humble good topic

[@IdahoMtnRider]

Great tips, Great video. Thanks for sharing.

[@harrisonjacobsen173]

Confidence is key. I've never been able to stress this enough. great video man. damn good production quality man

[@therealturbofanisme]

Those riding conditions looked absolutely prime!

[@baltescamilla853]

Great info, keep up the great work

[@knobblystudios6237]

Love it. Thanks so much for the amazing vids!

[@AdvMatthew]

Great video as usual! It really is as much of a mental game as it is physical or skills.

[@HobbitHomes263]

Totally mental. The worst mistake I see are folks who, when they hit sand or deep gravel and the front wheel gets squirrely, they back off the throttle, transfering even more weight onto the wheel that is out of control. That is a natrual reaction to perceived danger and it is counter-intutitive to get on the gas and weight the rear end and steer with the foot pegs and knees

[@un_cetatean]

OMG those trails!!

[@MrAusadventure]

Awesome tips my friend! After 8 or so years of watching your videos, I am more keen than ever to come riding with you in Utah. Give me another year or so and I'll be ready hopefully. ;-)

[@JorgeBravoPratscher]

Such a cool video !! Thanks for sharing those tips.

[@MalBertin]

Great video as usual eveRide

[@markduncan525]

Love your videos! This did feel a little like a ten minute ad for your rallys, though. Thanks for all the great info and reviews.

[@GrubbyPaddler]

It’s working on me

[@robw3761]

How's it going thanks for all your videos I was looking forward to coming out your way and going on some rides with you if that's possible

[@Tankerman]

As always very good video with some great tips, I guess the scenery was okay. Wow what a good looking heifer. Looks like yall had a good time and thats what its all about. Stay safe

[@dallascferguson]

Solid advice brother!!!

[@thejunkman]

This is great information. You definitely get those "ah ha" moments. I started riding very young, and then started racing, but it wasn't until I was introduced to observed trials and had an experienced trials rider teach me the fundamentals whilst riding sections in trials that I realized I was doing a lot of things very in-efficiently. I put the motocross bike up for a while and rode practice sections using the techniques taught that one day. It made me faster on the track as well as more efficient when just joy riding the trails. I also believe it probably makes me a safer street rider as well.

[@Jonnyca21]

thejunkman I couldn’t agree more, observed trials has been the most beneficial experience riding I have ever had. And as Everide indicated going back to the basics for a bit can rest and renew your riding immensely!

[@thejunkman]

​@@Jonnyca21 I found riding the smaller displacement bikes in trials help as well because they force you to use all the power they have. I practiced skills on my Gas Gas 125 before applying them when riding in comps on my TXT280

[@Jonnyca21]

@thejunkman Funny that you mentioned the 125, I will actually barrow my daughters Gas Gas 125 from time to time to force myself to adapt to the difference in bikes, power, and setup. Seems to help me. That and I am crazy enough to do bicycle trials as well.

[@thejunkman]

@@Jonnyca21 Back when I raced motocross, and back when there was such thing as a 125cc bike. I used to practice on the 125 and learn to go quick on it. It made then hopping on the 250 a breeze to ride in competition.

[@CRG727]

You need to do a ride with subs! (I am a new sub so forgive me if you already do) but I feel like riding in your rally would be a great learning experience (and a great time to boot!)

[@CRG727]

I just read in the description about the rallys... I jumped the gun saying that first comment lol but I do think I’ll be making a trip to a rally this spring or summer!

[@boneheadd911]

Ride as a team. I like that

[@biggooddad]

Fun-duh-mentals...................made fun.........great topic to reflect on. I'm confident this video will ride well with all your others. ;)

[@citizendualsport8743]

nice vid man, positive attitude is EVERYTHING!

[@nacholibre1962]

Nice video. Well done!

[@brianhaygood183]

Wow. Great video! Subbed.

[@RikkiRockettsLegendTripping]

Awesomeness!!!

[@subthousandoaks]

Now that's funky!!

[@paraperas]

After watching your video...i feel the need to say Thank you!!!

[@uncletom1971]

So beautiful landscapes! Where in the US is this at? I'm in stockholm/Sweden.

[@davidc1961utube]

I am really looking forward to my rally experience in St. George!

[@SteveFelt67]

I just got a Honda CRF 250L in October and definitely need an off road course. Where are your riding courses? I’m in Denver.