How to prepare for your first offroad motorcycle trip

Getting ready for your first offroad motorcycle trip can feel a bit overwhelming. The trails are a whole different game compared to smooth pavement, but the rewards are just as big. If you take the time to prepare properly, you’ll not only survive your first trip but you’ll enjoy every mud-splattered, adrenaline-filled moment. Taking the time to prepare properly (physically, mentally, and logistically) will help you feel confident, even as a beginner. Here’s how to get started.

Start small with gear

If you’re used to road riding, you’ll quickly notice that offroad gear is built for a different level of protection. Think motocross boots that protect your ankles from twisting like pretzels, and knee guards that laugh in the face of flying rocks. Body armour is another key piece of gear. Many riders opt for separate armour vests, which provide better flexibility and ventilation than jackets with built-in padding.

However, don’t blow your entire budget on top-of-the-line gear if you’re just starting out. You don’t need to look like a Dakar Rally pro on your first trip. Borrow what you can, pick up the basics, and figure out what works for you. A lot of this is trial and error, and you’ll get a feel for what you need after a ride or two.

Get to know your bike

If you haven’t spent much time offroad yet, now’s the time to get acquainted with your bike. Think of it like getting to know a new mate. How does it handle loose dirt? How does it feel when you brake suddenly or shift your weight around? Spend a few weekends riding on gravel roads or mild dirt trails before tackling more technical terrain.

It’s not just about riding, though: you’ll want to learn how to take care of your bike too. Practise fixing a puncture, adjusting the chain, or cleaning your air filter. It’s better to learn this stuff in your garage before you inevitably get stranded while the sun is going down, with nothing but a headlamp and a few curious cows to help.

Build Your strength and endurance

Offroad riding looks easy from the outside, but it’s a full-body workout. Your legs are constantly supporting you as you stand on the pegs, your core stabilises you over uneven terrain, and your arms manage the handlebars and keep the bike steady. If you’re not used to this level of physical activity, it can wear you out quickly.

To prepare, focus on exercises that target these key areas. Squats, lunges, and planks can help strengthen your legs and core, while push-ups and rows build upper body strength for controlling the bike. Cardio is also important to improve your overall endurance, especially if you’re planning a full day of riding.

Good news, even practising riding counts as a workout. Spend time balancing on loose surfaces, navigating tight corners, and managing throttle/clutch control on technical sections. Even short practice sessions can improve your stamina.

Mentally prepare for the ride

The trails have a way of testing your patience. One minute you’re feeling like a hero, and the next, you’re stuck in a rut, literally. The mental side of offroad riding is just as important as the physical.

Staying calm in these moments is key. Remind yourself that the challenges are part of the fun (even if they don’t feel like it in the moment). If you get overwhelmed, take a break, have some water, and tackle it with a clear head. A positive mindset can push you through when your body feels like giving up.

And don’t forget: you’re allowed to laugh at yourself. Dropping the bike or struggling on a climb doesn’t make you a bad rider. It makes you a rider who’s learning, which is the whole point.

Plan a realistic route

Your first offroad trip isn’t the time to tackle expert trails or cover 500km in a day. Pick a beginner-friendly route with trails that are manageable and fun to ride. A bit of research will go a long way here: wikiloc, OSMand, google earth, and advices from facebook groups are some of my go-to tools. Familiarise yourself with the area you’ll be riding in. Look for fuel stations, check the weather forecast, and note any hazards like water crossings or steep sections. Knowing what to expect reduces uncertainty and helps you prepare appropriately.

Also, be realistic about how far you can ride. Offroad riding is slower and more physically demanding than street riding. It’s better to plan shorter distances and leave room for rest stops than to overestimate and end up exhausted halfway through.

Pack the essentials

Packing for an offroad trip is all about balance. You want enough to handle common problems but not so much that your bike feels like too heavy. Start with the basics: a compact toolkit, a first-aid kit, a camelbak or hydration system, and a few snacks to keep your energy up.

For tools, I typically pack tire irons, a pump, a spare tube (or a patch kit if running tubeless), a multi-tool, extra fuses, zipties, and a set of basic wrench sizes adapted to the bike (axles-specific, and common size bolts). These basics will cover most repairs.

If you’re staying in local B&Bs, you can keep it light: just a few underlayers, fresh underwear, some hygiene essentials, and your riding gear. If you’re camping, you’ll need to add lightweight camping gear like a tent, sleeping bag, and portable stove. Either way, don’t forget a rain jacket. A surprise downpour is almost a rite of passage for offroad riders.

Learn basic repairs

Offroad riding often comes with its fair share of mechanical hiccups. Tires go flat, cables snap, steering get bent out of alignment and chains come loose. These are the most common issues, and they’re all fixable if you’ve practised ahead of time.

Spend some time at home learning how to patch a tire, adjust a chain, replace a clutch cable, or reset your steering. You don’t need to be a mechanic, but having a basic understanding of how to keep your bike moving will save you a lot of frustration, and possibly a long walk back to civilisation. If you’re new to wrenching, watch a few youtube videos prior to the trip, and download a guide specific to your bike on your phone.

Prepare for the unexpected

Offroad riding is unpredictable, and part of the adventure is embracing the unknown. A trail might be washed out, the weather might turn nasty, or your carefully planned schedule might fall apart. Embrace it! The unexpected is part of what makes offroad riding so memorable. Your first offroad motorcycle trip doesn’t have to be perfect… it just has to be yours.

Pack for those surprises. Bring extra water, some duct tape (it fixes almost everything), and enough patience to laugh off whatever the trail throws at you. And remember, those unplanned moments often make the best stories. If you’re ready to start making unforgettable memories, get in touch with us and let’s make it happen together.