My first ride in SAND did NOT go well. | S1E19

[@Una_Moto]

Hey all, this day was a massive day! Which meant I had to split the video into 2 parts, next video on Thursday - up the gorgeous Montana mountain!

[@ayedee6681]

Eric. Throttle on bud. Sand is so hard to ride. You have to commit, ride hard, down a gear, revs up, stand up where you can. Hammer down and be a bit of a maniac.

[@jushsy901]

How many dirt bike riders here watching the sand struggle? Keep it up Eric! You are only getting better as you keep riding. I personally despise riding in sand, BUT, every time I ride in it I gain so much progress with bike control. The notes you brought back from watching the video are..... SPOT ON. Focusing on those aspects you mentioned will bring you far into your journey. You might find building muscle memory by standing on easy gravel roads helpful! Keep up the awesome content, we are all rooting for you.

[@Una_Moto]

Thanks Jushsy!

[@MTBGarage]

Yup, I learned to ride a dirt bike in a sandy area just like that, rear tire with full tread made a huge difference, lower pressures as well. Ride it like you are trying to wheelie as far as weight bias, most on the rear and just guide it with the front.

[@AliasHSW]

0:02 I have zero riding experience other than MC school; and have a sitting lame duck MC license. Keep it up. Cheering for you!

[@RoughMonkey]

The hilarious part is Eric waiting until he’s 1/4 mile out into the sand before pulling out a “how too” video. 😂 Definitely developing an understanding of his character. Go man go….

[@Una_Moto]

@RoughMonkey Haha, you will notice that that video had been watched before! Though.. i don't remember how long before.. 😅

[@patrickechers]

As you probably already know by now (and others have mentioned). Sand is tricky. Lean back, more speed and higher RPM. Don't be shy. The worst you can do is going so slow. Momentum forward and keep it fairly high.

[@yepnowletussee6702]

I was just going to ask how should you do it. Scary for the first time. Thanks. Seems to be hitting everything head on. Much respect

[@tommydanger60]

100%, so many times I want to reach into his videos downshift and twist the grip, as they say, when in doubt throttle it out! These videos are not current as the seasons do not align so I'm guessing this is edited months later during post production.

[@andrewpreiss3923]

When riding a motorcycle in sand, you should also lower the tire pressure to between 15-25 pounds per square inch (PSI): Softer sand: Lower the pressure more for better traction Some experienced riders may go as low as 10-12 PSI Reinflate: Reinflate the tires to the correct pressure as soon as you return to asphalt.

[@andrewpreiss3923]

You should get a portable/rechargeable tire pump if you don’t have one already.

[@shopken1]

Lots of advice already given about sand riding.. but here are some quick setup tips from years of sand dune and open desert riding in loose sand: These tips will make a BIG difference controlling your bike.. #1 lower tire pressures as low as you dare 8-10lb is a starting point if not hitting anything really hard. #2 crank up your fork compression dampening clicker as high as it will go. Turn clockwise (resists compressing the forks on hits) and speed up the rebound setting on the fork as well (counter clockwise) #3 Clockwise turn your rear shock rebound clicker to near max (slower rear shock rebound) This setup will keep your steering head high and the rear low adding tremendous stability and control so you can go fast enough to stay on top of the sand. With speed and a stable front end it becomes pretty easy to fly around. If you ride on the sand all the time, a lower rear ride sag adjustment is common as well. 4) Write your normal preferred compression and rebound settings where you can see it with a sharpie. (Oem clicker positions are in the shop manual) The compression and rebound adjustments are easy to access and adjust front and rear with a mini screwdriver you can keep handy.

[@musicadefe4837]

This is teaching me a lot. Most importantly - stay away from sand 😆

[@lazer2997]

Oof! Tough stuff my man! Sand is an ‘All In’ thing. Keep weight back, speed up and fear nothing! Go for it!

[@SaskBryan75]

I mentioned in one of your other videos that having your rear suspension sag set properly makes a HUGE difference on sand and gravel. With all the weight you have on the back, if you didn't readjust your sag you will be very light on the front wheel. Speed is definitely your friend in sand though. That and a good paddle tire, but they are not meant for road use 😁. Keep up the great work! I'm loving the daily videos 👍

[@ububox2087]

It's interesting that as a beginner rider, your inclination is to sit down when things become difficult. As a beginner myself, my first response is to stand immediately when things look tricky.

[@TheThirdeye91]

Considering you just got your license before the trip, and your mountain biking background is it on Bikes. You should have lots of confidence in your ability. Good stuff as usual Eric 🤘

[@Una_Moto]

Thanks! It's not easy for sure, but I've gotta start somewhere!

[@ashleytombs]

It’s crazy to think that Eric’s bike skills has amazed us so far and he’s only on the way to the start line At 2;59 Either Canada has a big snake that we don’t know about or a Mustang on the prowl 😂😂

[@EdEMitchell]

Fairplay Eric, you've jumped into the deep end on this trip already and you're doing really well. You will only improve as you gain experience too. I used to love riding MX on sand tracks, the crashes hurt way less!

[@Una_Moto]

Yeah, I figure it must be fun, lots of people choose to do it!

[@jaisabai4155]

That was painful to watch but 'good on ya' for giving it a go. Best wishes for your adventure 🇦🇺

[@Una_Moto]

Gotta start somewhere!

[@antoniorainho8898]

in sand, momentum and lower tire pressure

[@dfxdarrell6734]

Looking forward to this video. Sand is very difficult to ride, gotta lean back and keep moving with RPM up! Update after watching... stay away from sand and deserts! Way too hard on the rider and bike!

[@rubberside3969]

Ride on Eric!, keep the episodes coming❤️👏👏

[@BilfCushion]

Eric when riding Sand stand up and get up to 3rd gear, this type of terrain you grip the gas tank with your knees and give it some gas, trust me you will find it easier and fun

[@DeweyRides]

I know that struggle. I suck in sand as well. It's especially difficult with luggage, the tail ends up walking the dog, if you know what I mean. Good to practice now. You'll need the skill later in your trip, based on your current route plan.

[@Sendrins]

On sand try to stand up as much as you can squeeze the bike in between your legs, pegs in the center of your feet and keep the handlebar as gentle as you can, let it float and do whatever, the bike will correct itself with a bit of speed🫶🏼

[@lunarluna]

I hate sand and mud. I don't have much experience in sand but another tip that helped me is always keeps your eyes on where you want to get to not what is happening right in front of your wheel.

[@Una_Moto]

Thats probably a good tip.. I was always worried to catch a rut or something at a weird angle.

[@tinshield]

Got to stay on the pipe in sand and keep the front wheel light as possible.

[@MichaelTapel]

Your struggle to raise up the bike is always so funny

[@Una_Moto]

Bikes are heavy... waaa

[@veggiemoto]

@@Una_Moto Your technique is still not optimal, better technique is safer for your back.

[@maconcep]

It's all about tire type and tire pressure. Don't give up; you are doing great. Remember, always, that all the most significant things are hidden behind fear.

[@JOHN-e8y4e]

Sand is tough Eric and why take it on and give your bike a thrashing with low tread on your back tyre, and you want to travel around the world? have a plan and stick to it, i must say i love your enthusiasm and you do a fab job, well done.

[@CCitis]

I think you learned alot. And now when you encounter sand in the wild, you will not worry about it.

[@roystefanowski6204]

Take it from a Florida dirt bike rider, sand is not easy. For what it’s worth, on sand speed is your friend. Stand and keep the front wheel lite. Use your weight on the pegs to help steer. Keep up the good work.

[@Meilak32]

Hey Dude. You need to go all around the world. Why do you take so many chances, it's just makes it harder to finish your journey. Anyway very exiting stuff. Always following you. Stay safe.

[@jasontoth7965]

I agree lol

[@TheRotundRider]

Best to get some practice now in conditions uncommon in his area, than to wait until he’s in a foreign country and remote and completely surrounded by it.

[@dlrides]

Concur !

[@rab..]

Take chances and gain experience in the country where you speak the language and have healthcare 😂 don't wait and learn how to ride sand in Africa... The beauty is that he hasn't set himself a deadline , so he can take the chance to experience whatever he wants on his way to his destination . It's not just about point A to point B

[@korbansdad]

@@TheRotundRiderfacts! Easier to learn and gain experience in your home country than learning or getting hurt or breaking something 1000’s of miles from home

[@olavl8827]

Everyone is giving technical advice on how to ride in the sand, and most of them are correct. Lower tyre pressure, keep momentum, stand up etc. Here's a more philosophical approach. You're fighting the bike too hard. You're not letting the thing do its thing because you're too afraid of losing control. The problem is that you can only ever be partially in control anyway, you have to leave the rest to the bike (or more precise, to the laws of physics). The bike wants to stay upright due to momentum/inertia, gyroscopic effect, etc. So let it find its way! Don't try to constantly wrestle it for exact control over where it should go. Just point it in the right direction. It's like riding a horse perhaps. A good rider never forgets that the horse has eyes and a brain of itself. The animal takes decisions on its own. The rider should learn to rely on the horse's good sense. Obviously the analogy isn't 100% applicable because a motorbike is infinitely dumber than a horse. But you still need to learn to trust its capabilities. And try to use physics to your advantage. Good luck ;-)

[@ayedee6681]

Watch Matt Spears in sand. It’s full on attack, mad revs, you need to fly. High revs, high speed. Just remember it’s hard on the bike and rider. without a paddle tire you are toast. Letting air out of your tires helps. Good lesson Eric. Now stay away from deep sand.

[@Una_Moto]

The hayabusa... 😅 I've gotta build a little more confidence before I go wot. 🙂

[@iainrutherford184]

Well done for persevering on the sand 👏🏼

[@Davran2742]

"I wonder if this is a good idea", and then you fling yourself into it with wild abandon :)

[@Ryanhwelton]

Love your content! We are routing for you.

[@techie2udonegal]

Lightweight compact foldable camping shovel would be a great addition.

[@CP-qx2ff]

Every morning clip looks like Eric wakes and bakes. This is a very entertaining series, keep the great content coming. KLX 300 with luggage and baldish rear tire isn't the best recipe for fun in deep sand, underpowered and overweight.

[@Una_Moto]

Only waking, no baking!

[@uncleal13]

Rev that engine, lugging it too much especially on sand. Fun adventures, I enjoy going for the ride with you.

[@ruankotze1044]

Especially the klx. It needs revs! Mine only starts waking up at 6000rmp

[@daviddawson4091]

Exactly! He's going to have mechanical issues eventually lugging that poor little engine all the time with so much weight.

[@ordinarymatt]

Sand Suuux, watch some videos on properly picking up bikes, I feel for yer back. Love the story

[@AndreasNLD]

What I don't understand is, if you have no experience with riding on sand and you want to travel half the world, why don't you go for training first. I have been riding a motorcycle for over 20 years and still take some training courses every year. You want to reach the end of your spiral safely, don't you? I admire your perseverance and you learn quickly.

[@Una_Moto]

I've spent most of my life teaching myself how to do things, so trying something and failing is something I'm okay with. I'm not adverse to training though, and it could be in my future for sure.

[@tygastfield613]

I really enjoy watching you learn… keep up the great work!

[@stephanieknudtson4449]

Sorry the sand got ya! Can't wait to see you pass through my state Washington ❤ if it's close on your journey visit La Push it's a beautiful sacred place. Best journey's to you!

[@keesverhagen9931]

Hi, Another tip. Before picking a bike up. Use some velcro to block the front disc. In blocking the front brake picking up your bike becomes much easier. Greetings from the Netherlands.👍🏻

[@ratheskin58]

Consider attaching one or two short webbing loops to each side of the bike so you have secure points to pull on when lifting it up.

[@Una_Moto]

thats a good idea.. I don't have a spot on the rear to grab..

[@patcoston]

Tip: Lower the air pressure in your tires to spread the weight over a larger surface area. Your tires won't sink in as deep. Experiment with the air pressure that works best for you.

[@defaultuser3410]

Well done on the sand dude, that was impressive!

[@Herco28]

Practise makes perfect 😅 and that is real deep sand.

[@dirtpony]

Omg, sand!!! Not my favorite with a fully loaded bike... and your back tire! Double omg!!! But I'm so happy to watch you dive into the challenges and work out the skills. You are a breath of fresh air... oh and mototrek ftw!! 😊

[@Una_Moto]

Haha, when the opportunity presents it self, you’ve gotta try!

[@rabb93]

Another great vid Eric , looking forward to the next one 😊 Not applicable in alot of super rough or super soft offroad scenarios but have a look at some " kickstand turn around" videos. Where you don't have room to turn around riding a u turn , it lets you pivot the bike around a spot and isn't as brutal on the bike as dragging it around on it's side 👍 theres a bit of a technique to it but it's possible with bigger heavier bikes than yours and once you've learned it it'll save alot of wear and tear on the bike that's gotta last the next couple years an a lot of back pain from dropping and lifting the bike 😂

[@SmokinZen]

Good job hanging in there sand is tough, your in good sand to practice on. It will make you a better rider. Keep up momentum never slow down too fast stay off front brake and stand as much as you. Good videos out there to give you can some tips. Take breaks

[@SpeedGoat18]

Sand is tough buddy!..You'll the hang of it!!!

[@vincentmercier1061]

Sand is brutal. Don’t forget to breathe slowly and deeply when riding on harder tracks. You’ll be a lot less exhausted.

[@simonfarmer3260]

Absolutely love the commitment to diving into the deep end 😂 Keep it up!

[@Una_Moto]

Don't worry about that, haha!

[@fivetool]

Can't wait for the Thursday upload. Keep up the great content. Very interesting.

[@danb6497]

Noticed that after dropping the bike and dragging/lifting it up I would get slight tremor in my hands, difficulty breathing (especially in summer) and overheating. If I try to ride right after, it makes it much easier to go down again. I just give myself a moment, catch my breath, let the adrenaline pass, then carry on. Try doing that. After a moment of respite, you may find yourself going for another lap in this sand

[@55yaya5]

Ha!! "I wonder if this is a good idea."... I wonder how many times I've said that to myself on some solo jaunt, as I enter worse and worse terrain. Hindsight is very educational! Take care my friend, and carry on.

[@mopedinselTV]

Since it seems that you are not so experienced, you should start getting comfortable riding standing on your pegs. First on the road, then gravel and at the end in sand. You have to learn to walk before you run. ;-) Riding in sand is like skiing in powder snow. You need proper technic, and feel comfortable at higher speed. Learning it your way, only feeds your fear, not your joy for riding. I really appreciate your will. I know you can do it, just give yourself time for learning.

[@frefai]

The extra weight on your bike is causing the rear tire to prematurely wear. You may want to go with hard compound tires when you're in the more remote areas of your journey around the world

[@CP-qx2ff]

The mileage he's gotten out of that tire is pretty normal. 5000 km or a little over 3000 miles.

[@ShadowVonChadwick]

Did well to get 5000km. Did you air down for the sand, makes a big difference? However, rim locks on the rear are need below ~ 18psi or lower, even on a 300cc bike. And be in the right gear, keep the revs & speed up. Keep your weight as far back as comfortable, stop the front digging in. On those tires, so much harder. Good effort though for a loaded bike.👍Actually excellent. I grew up riding on beaches & sand hills, but it's a perishable skill, first sand for me after not riding for a few decades was a disaster, same tires as you, actually a KLX250s, and didn't air down, add in some dehydration & heat, almost ended up in the Hospital. We don't have mountains here in Australia, so I always feel a bit of envy when I see them through the eyes of others. I remember visiting Bali in my youth and was amazed to see a Volcano punch through the clouds and just kept rising to its peak.

[@Rudibeata]

Hey Eric, Great job. I´m with You. Best regards from Germany. Rudi👍👍👍👍

[@Una_Moto]

Thanks Rudi!

[@dlrides]

Truly enjoy your videos and your enthusiasm is infectious ! Seriously evaluate your riding skills vs risk ……………………..

[@zeesoutdoors65]

Give it the gas Eric lol.Safe travels.

[@tuttoricambi]

Hy Eric sand is hard, with that tire so consumed, is harder, with the luggage more harder, with that speed so slow almost impossible to go. It's something that need training experience, speed , momentum acquired before ( if possible) , and a good power in the engine. Stay a bit more on the back whe you stay sit and or stay stand up, it helps, go go go warrior !!! ;-)

[@abrighterday508]

Omg sand..I'll never forget losing the front end in a wobble at 80 kms an hour and top and tailing over the surface the first time I rode sand..steer with your knees and sit back..i know im a broken record but lower tyre pressures to as low as 10 in sand..I know what Darth Vader was talking about when he said sand gets everywhere 😂

[@BlackPawnMartyr]

Do what the tow truck driver in Hawaii told me brother in law. Deflate your tires, and drive fast and never stop.

[@AndreasNLD]

At the beginning of the video you can see that the license plate is still attached with cable ties, this is the way to lose it again.

[@Una_Moto]

👀

[@Matt1nWangas]

" must hit an especially soft spot" lol. speed is your friend on sand, stay on top, steer with pegs, weight the rear.

[@dejankolsek3336]

Keep it going. Dont give up. Perhaps more knobbly tires for sand and big rocks wouldnt hurt.

[@fergus5772]

You’re smashing it!! Fantastic watching your confidence grow! When you get to the UK reach out to me and I can give you some route advice!

[@jackmarks2176]

I think you need to air down those tyres more, second gear and keep the rpm's way high, lean back, and GOOOOO.

[@razor_adventures4266]

Looks like having that lightweight bike paid off today!

[@Una_Moto]

Every day!

[@quest5581]

The one good thing about sand.....it doesn't hurt when you crash in it!

[@stephenmueller8154]

When you change out the stock tires, put on some knobbies.

[@codernov]

So nice weather there in Alaska in the middle of December.

[@Una_Moto]

*yukon

[@Kevimoto]

As I write this, on Dec 17th 2024, it's currently -16° in Whitehorse. If you notice, there are still leaves on the trees in this video. This was shot months ago.

[@erik-g9d]

aye, aye, aye--oi vay--ai ya! That was tough!

[@Zengineer]

Good for you for tackling the sand, better to do it on your terms and learn now!

[@mikelynch8842]

did you set your sag on the bike after you put all the after market stuff on, all the weight you added just to the front of the bike you should at least stiffen the front end it will handle better in all terrain. bad rear tire for sand, you wouldn't go mtbing with slicks on would you... go to a good bike shop and ask them to help with the sag, you would benefit greatly with stiffer springs, and better rear tire. you could also drop the forks in the triple clamps to get better front end stability.

[@flyovercounty1427]

Yes he had the suspension modified.

[@RobMyke]

Another great video BCPOV!(you will always be BCPOV) When was this video filmed? Being it’s December in Canada I’m guessing it was filmed a few months ago Keep up the awesome job

[@Una_Moto]

a little while back :)

[@alexanderbleiber3769]

end of July 24

[@babar69110]

good one as usual !

[@Theoldguy5858]

Hey, I think you did pretty good with the tires you have !

[@Scupper7]

I am sure you have a ton of comments but.... loose arms, tight grip with legs, lean back and grip it and rip it in the sand. Let the bike move don't worry about keeping it perfectly straight... steer with the back wheel not the front by the grip in your legs.

[@Scupper7]

Also not great on the bike with all that gear. I would worry about blowing the motor in the sand with the extra weight.

[@RafdinesVr]

Anda bisa memanfaatkan pasir yang di tumbuhi rumput² kecil pak, biasanya pasir yang di tumbuhi rumput seperti itu tekstur nya agak sedikit padat, dan yang jelas jarang di lintasi kendaraan dan kepadatan pasirnya berbeda dengan pasir yang sering di lintasi banyak kendaraan.

[@Una_Moto]

Ya, saya setuju. Saya hanya ingin merasakan pengalaman bermain pasir yang dalam dan belajar.

[@funiguy8779]

Loving the videos!! Plesse plesse please go and find an offroad riding skills school along the way 🙏🏻

[@jhock2781]

It's equal parts equipment and technique. But even with the right tires/tire pressure and suspension, you will fail more often than not without the right technique. Stand on the balls of your feet and drop your heels. LOCK THE BIKE IN BETWEEN YOUR BOOTS. Clamp down on that thing. Stick your butt out, flat back, elbows out, head over the bars. Basically, trying to keep that weight centered over the pegs. Watch some AJ Catanzaro videos on form and also watch Jett Lawrence and Chase Sexton. Those dudes have perfect form on the bike. Do NOT push your weight back. You will take weight off the front wheel and you won't be able to steer.

[@KestrelYI]

Need tall tread blocks to serve as paddles in sand... Worn tires are not fun : ) Really tough on the engine, too.

[@jons1148]

Really liking your vids Eric.

[@bullseye0112]

Thick sand is so hard on a motorcycle You have to just let your handlebars kind of move and have a light grip. Especially on a heavier bike 300 plus pounds. Speed is your friend but if you can avoid thick sand on your journey definitely reroute around it😂😂

[@Tubed-i5n]

Cool, good practice 👊😎👊

[@johndemmink3539]

Are you checking your oil and lubing your chain? Enjoying the series!

[@Una_Moto]

Yes!

[@RichardFiske0311]

Hi Eric Just wanna say I love watching your videos and what you are doing. I'm sure your new channel is going to be a great success just like your BCpov channel was. I'm trying to motovlog too on my channel and I'm amazed how well and fast you create such great videos. Looking forward to watching your journey

[@Una_Moto]

Thanks Richard, I'm working hard behind a desk right now!

[@todddunbar176]

Good practice but really hard on the motorcycle. I'm curious to see how well this Kawi holds up.

[@ChrisTurnerPhotographer]

Sand is really difficult, it’s all about constant speed, stand up, put your butt over the back of the bike and get the weight off the front wheel

[@ChrisTurnerPhotographer]

Then KZbin’s how to ride in the sand. I always comment too early lol

[@karttus1]

Ola, ansioso para ver esse vídeo a noite.

[@getlostbrandon]

For what it's worth, a 300 lb KLX is way better in sand than a 500 lb KLR 650. I thought you were doing well for zero experience and very little speed. I'm a life long sand addict, but i admit my preference is 4 wheeled vehicles for sand. With motorcycles, yes speed is key, You probably need to get up to about 20 mph or more (30 kph) before you start to really stabilize, the down side is that when you go down at that speed, you just go down. Most people won't take a dual sport or adventure bike into what i'm seeing in this video which is pure dunes. Most sand is beach sand or shallow desert road sand, which is much easier to traverse. A note on the air pressure as well, with tube tires like you're using, don't lower the pressure too much, i think i've heard 15 psi is key or you may just sheer off the valve stem as the tube will rotate inside the tire. This is what rim locks are for.

[@BlacqueJacqueShellacque_]

Have you mountain biked in Carcross? Amazing trails there. Especially considering it's in the middle of freaking nowhere. Much better than the sand. :P

[@SageDuggal]

A fellow KLX rider, a true rarity! What windshield are you using? And do you like it?

[@Katherine-db5ew]

Nice work!

[@BilfCushion]

When your bike stalls on sand try starting it in 2nd or 3rd gear as it is less likely to dig into the sand at the back

[@Una_Moto]

Interesting, thanks!

[@peterka9960]

Good practice but give it a gas! And also prepare to change clutch plates soon :)

[@Una_Moto]

😁

[@AxleGil]

How is the kit you put on holding up ? I also have a klx300

[@harriehartel8151]

riding sand went very well, please dont dramatise . its a contrast to the adventure and very good footage thanx

[@Una_Moto]

I don't think it went well at all!

[@harriehartel8151]

@@Una_Moto okay, your call. I`m in my seventys, riding 1150 GS since three year in europe , mostly paved, in the dolomites and pyrenees also off road learned to pickup the bike with all the luggage, but always avoided sand as much as possible. looking forward to see the rest of your voyage. good winds

[@ym776]

Just curious, the weather is very nice. Witch mouth these video where recording?

[@Una_Moto]

You know, there was a date in the last video that zero people seemed to notice.. 😄

[@TheYorkie1954]

dusty is a star

[@Una_Moto]

Yes he is