What I learnt

Mostly, I learnt to relax on the bike when riding off-road. Being tense caused me problems on the first climb. As I did more miles on the (easier) trails, I gradually began to find the standing position on the 1090 Adventure R more comfortable and natural.

With comfort came confidence – especially the confidence to get into second gear (and occasionally third). The feel of the rear tyre slipping momentarily on loose surfaces began to feel normal, not scary. The front momentarily deflecting on larger bumps was less frightening once I was holding on with a looser grip to allow the bars to correct.

Crucially, this ride taught me – in a way knowing the theory hadn’t – that the secret to off-road riding really is momentum. My mantra became: “Get on the gas – and stay on it.” When the bike seemed to be getting out of line, I’d look well ahead, weight a footpeg and open the throttle. When approaching an obstacle – whether a step up to a bridge or an extended patch of slippery mud or a crest – I’d look past it and open the throttle. Rather than ending up on the floor, I just ended up where I wanted to be.

The other thing I learnt is that I’m definitely not fit enough. The longer off-road sections were draining, especially the rougher ones. Which was fine when it was followed by a tarmac stretch on which to rest. When there wasn’t and I didn’t have the energy to keep standing up, things got tougher. Taking a quick break helped but really I learnt that I need to get in shape to do more off-roading.