Trust the Process

A superb day spent learning adventure motorcycle riding techniques from Dakar privateer, Ashish Raorane

- Azaman Chothia

OFF PISTE RACING (OPR) IS A PLATFORM THAT WAS introduced last year wherein riders get to learn various off-road riding techniques. With years of experience in the world of motorcycles, Ashish Raorane leads all the sessions and shares some crucial tips to become a better off-road rider. We recently attended the Rallyscape session which covers two levels aimed at adventure and enduro riding methods. The sessions take place at a plot of land close to Bhugaon, on the outskirts of Pune, which is a great location to hone your skills as it has a well laid-out dirt-track.

The agenda for the Level 2 training on Sunday was to refresh all the techniques learned on the first day, followed by some advanced methods that would help a rider get out of a tricky situation while exploring unknown trails. Until now, most of my off-road riding has been self-taught with a little input from some experienced riders I have had the honour of meeting over the years. However, the learning never stops and what better way to end a weekend than getting trained by a rider who has taken part in the gruelling Dakar Rally?