5 Habits to Break on Dirt Road Rides
1 Pumping Your Tires Way Up
Prep your bike with a bigger set of tires. "Wider tires with lower pressure will give you more comfort, control, and traction," says Brandon Dwight, a four-time US national cyclocross champion and owner of Boulder Cycle Sport in Boulder, Colorado. Install the biggest tire that will fit your frame (most road bikes can accommodate 25mm or 28mm tires) and experiment with different pressures. Try dropping three to five PSI at a time to see what feels best for you, he says.
2 Staying Glued to Someone's Wheel
Riding dirt is all about picking good lines and avoiding hazards. If you're riding in a group, give each other a little more space than you would on the road. This will allow you to scan farther ahead, giving everyone more space to react to obstacles like rocks and holes.
RELATED: How to Glide Over Gravel
3 Carrying Just a Tube and a CO2
You're much more likely to have a mechanical on rough terrain, so bring two tubes, plus a vulcanizing patch kit (the kind that has a rubber cement-like solution) and a multi-tool, says Burke Swindlehurst, founder of the half-road, half-dirt race, Crusher in the Tushar. And as with pavement riding, a backup hand or frame pump is always a good idea.
4 Relying on Civilization
Dirt roads often lead to remote locations, and any mileage will take longer than it would on pavement. So plan ride time accordingly, and bring extra food and fluids, says Swindlehurst. "Check that you have cell service and let someone know where you are," he adds. "If at any point you lose bars completely, it might be a good time to turn back."
5 Riding Aggressively
Take corners wider on dirt than you would on pavement to avoid sliding out, says Meredith Miller, who rides for (and owns) the Noosa Professional Cyclocross Team. And rather than hammering out of the saddle, stay seated and keep your weight back over your rear wheel on climbs to maintain traction.
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