Riding on Gravel Roads for Beginners

Here are some helpful tips on riding on gravel road for anyone just starting out off pavement.

[@nordzeidner802]

Incredibly helpful video! More practical than anything I've see to date. I ride this type of surface all the time and love your tips for maneuvering through turns.

[@Casey_Schmidt]

@@nordzeidner802 thank you!

[@rubbersole79]

One good pointer I picked up from someone is to track your eyes where you want to go, NOT what you want to avoid. We tend to go where we're looking, which accounts for the seemingly magnetic pull of potholes, trees, etc. Look at where you're going not where you don't want to go.

[@stixx3969]

I maintain my street tire pressure with no problems. Every thing you said still applies.

[@vincenash1358]

Thanks for taking the time to make this just bought a CRF and doing green lanes now ( uk name for off road tracks ) and guys like you are helping me stay upright 👍

[@Casey_Schmidt]

@@vincenash1358 thank you, happy riding!

[@jage6126]

Gravel road?? For a Swede, that looks more like a smooth race track.

[@Casey_Schmidt]

Gravel roads around here can vary quite widely. It can depend on the area/region, when the road was last redone by the county, amount of traffic, etc. These are the most common types I have in my area. But a couple counties away from where this was filmed, they put down fresh crushed rock more frequently.

[@drznadvago]

There is really no good video explaining how to make turns on gravel. Same as on pavement? Should the rear tyre be slipping? Should we make it lose traction by rear braking or opening the throttle? This video was great but maybe you could do a part two on making turns?

[@Casey_Schmidt]

I could do a part two, maybe when the weather gets better. The bike turns in the same way no matter what surface you're on. You just have to be careful not to lean too far. The most common body position is to keep your body upright and lean the bike. This works especially well while standing. Start slow and work your way to higher speed. Don't overthink it and you'll do fine!

[@williamthomas2739]

It looks like you've got tusk dsports on your bike. How are those working out for you? I have those on my big bike (KLR 650), and am considering getting some for my KLX300. Wondering how the are on a smaller bike. On the KLR they made the front wobble disturbingly for the first 500 miles until they were worn down some. The wobble is only distracting now. But I've got 7000 miles on them and they still have some life left, even though a lot of that was on pavement.

[@Casey_Schmidt]

You’re correct, they are dsport tires. Overall I’ve really liked them. The front tire I have started are smooth but has gotten more wobbly as time has gone on. Also the front likes to wash out around corners. I’ve made a couple short review videos on these tires, you’ll get a better idea of my experience there.

[@williamthomas2739]

@@Casey_Schmidt Yeah, I saw your video on the dsports after I asked my question. Thanks!

[@jonmaguani]

Found you from Bosh’s recent video. I am glad you are perusing what you love. This was rly entertaining imo.

[@Casey_Schmidt]

Thank you! Who is Bosh if you don’t mind me asking?

[@jonmaguani]

@@Casey_Schmidt a meme channel that stopped posting a while back

[@Casey_Schmidt]

@@jonmaguani oh you’re talking about THE Bosh? That guy made some legendary edits.

[@jonmaguani]

@@Casey_Schmidt yeah.

[@two-wheels7397]

I try to steer with my knees, pushing into the tank. Keep head centerline of bike.

[@MujoNovak]

How about elbows maybe? Strongly sugest some push-to-steer videos.