play with a safety net

my life has always been lived on the bleeding edge and that's just my innate nature. no braggadocio. just matter of fact. even then i'll remind myself and others who dare, to stay safe no matter what. no nuance needed here. there's no more adventure if you're no more. and when you're solo, you got nobody watching your back but you.

the ride: your steel steed

knowing your motorcycle is vital if you intend to sustain your adventure and play the long game. doesn't matter if you're riding out for a couple of hours or couple of months. if your ride is not in tune, and you're not in tune with your ride, you're simply a disaster waiting to happen.

make yourself an off-road pre-ride checklist and run thru it in your head before you hit the road. if you need to actually tick off an actionable checklist on paper, no shame in that. i'd even say it's better cuz you're reminding others of their own responsibility towards themselves.

oh yeah, you'll need a correctly equipped toolkit, medical first aid box, and bare minimum spares. so get yourself handy with packing and using 'em to save yourself and/or others. even if you ride solo, you'll likely bump into others along the way who might need your help.

wear all the gear all the time

safety is a mindset. safety is a skillset. safety is also a set of riding gear you wanna always wear no matter what. remember off-road terrain is unpredictable and you can expect to fall in awkward angles and positions. for off-road and adventure riding, it's crucial to prioritize safety by wearing appropriate riding gear, following the principle of all the gear all the time.

adventure and off-road riding requires different gear from road riding or track racing so kit up accordingly:
1. helmet: high-quality, properly fitting helmet is most important so don't lowball yourself. it should be certified by safety standards and designed specifically for off-road or adventure riding, offering protection to your head, face, and chin with enough ventilation to breathe easy.
2. off-road/adventure riding boots: sturdy, knee-high boots with good grip, ankle support and shin protection are essential. they ought to protect you against impacts, abrasions, and offer waterproof or water-resistant features to keep your feet dry (especially on long excursions).
3. riding pants and jersey: purpose-built off-road or adventure riding gear offer better flexibility, durability, and protection - reinforced panels in high-impact areas and ventilation to keep you cool during rides. staying cool is more important than looking cool.
4. body armor: off-road or adventure-specific body armor provides additional protection for your chest, back, and neck. this gear is designed to absorb impacts and distribute the forces, reducing the risk of injury in case of a fall or collision with other riders.
5. knee and elbow guards: you're gonna need all the protection for your knees and elbows you can get so wear purpose-built guards not something designed for something else. these guards should be comfortable, adjustable, and cover the vulnerable areas effectively.
6. gloves: off-road gloves should offer a good grip, protection for your hands, and be breathable. they should have reinforced knuckles and palms to safeguard against impacts and abrasions. you'll also want them to be thin enough to transmit feedback from your handlebar grips.
7. goggles or riding glasses: protecting your eyes from debris, dust, and wind is crucial. off-road goggles offer shatterproof lenses and a snug fit to shield your eyes while maintaining good visibility. remember even a slight scrape by a thin twig at high speeds can be deadly. ensure they fit right with your chosen helmet.
8. hydration pack: staying hydrated during off-road adventures is necessary to stay at the top of your game. if you're not alert, attention will waver and you'll make mistakes you normally wouldn't. wear a hydration pack that allows you to carry water conveniently, helping you stay refreshed and sharp throughout your rides.

⚠️ these are essentials, and depending on specific conditions, climate, and duration of rides, you may need to adjust accordingly. prioritize your safety and invest in high-quality gear (you're worth it) that fits properly to maximize protection and comfort.

buddies not bullies

humans gather in groups to feel safe. but groups can also be harmful when players are more hostile than friendly. select a group in which you feel more safe than challenged. if the average skill level in the group is far higher than yours, you may feel demotivated to ride. similarly if everyone's aggression level & risk appetite to ride hard is higher than yours, you'd do well to exit the group and look elsewhere.

!interaction quotient#^f62c03

there's nothing inherently wrong in pushing your limits and constantly challenging oneself and others. but this sort of competitive environment is not everyone's ball game. finding that sweet spot between safety and danger is unique to every individual. once you know what yours is, look out for like minded riders and gather together a group or community.

on the flip side if you think everyone around you plays too safe and aren't challenging you or themselves, you might want to get out and find more wascally wabbits to play rough with. there are however first principle concepts of safety that are fundamental even when riding on the edge. in fact the closer you ride to the edge, the more keenly aware you are of danger and the need to temper it with safety.

playing with your fear is like playing in the friction zone between the clutch & throttle of your motorcycle. play too safe & you'll never experience any adventure. let go of fear entirely and you'll crash n burn sooner than you know.

be a buddy not a bully

whether you ride solo or in a group, whether you ride wild or play safe, you're not the only one on the road (or off it

this is my journey with motorcycles and mud, wanna ride with me?