SLIDING FOR ADVENTURE

For the last 25 years I’ve been riding off road on everything from a 450cc lightweight to a heavily laden 1200cc adventure motorcycle. Although I was usually able to handle anything through rough terrain at slower speeds, I struggled at higher speeds on loose surfaces. And the biggest pucker moments occurred while approaching tight turns on gravel roads at high speed—barely navigating them safely.

- Jesse Kimball

In recent years, I’ve been riding with my buddy Brian, who has years of experience riding road, motocross and flat track. But even though I could chase him down gravel roads, he’d pull away from me on every turn. I’d often think, “What’s wrong with me?” Fortunately Brian, being a natural teacher, started calling out tips on technique. “Elbows up!” “Lean in the front end right to the point that you lose traction and pull up.” “Brake here, gas there,” and so on. It was overwhelming at times, but my riding improved.