Motocross Training for Beginners

Motocross is a lot of fun. But it can be a little intimidating for beginners, you might not know how to get started. So, how can you get started with your motocross training? 

Beginners in motocross should focus on learning how to corner and jump. It’s also important to learn the right holeshot technique. Off the track, focus on boosting your physical fitness and learning more about the strategies of motocross racing.

Before you are ready to enter a competition, there are a few simple skills that you need to learn first. Here are ways to prepare for motocross.

Getting the Right Technique

Your physical strength is important. But without the right technique, you still won’t be able to gain control of the bike. 

Motocross can be broken down into two general areas, turning and jumping. Both are important. But turning is slightly more critical. This is where you can gain ground and overtake opponents. 

To get the right cornering technique, here are some of the things you need to consider: 

• Entry speed.You’ll often need to stop accelerating and slow down before initiating a turn, so you can control and re-direct the motorcycle. This means that you will be entering the corner slowly. Once you have made the turn and found the right line, you’ll be able to use the throttle to power out. Avoid adding too much power suddenly, instead be smooth and consistent. 
• Lean into the corner. When you squeeze your knees and lean into the corner, you will ensure that the bike is following the right line. Though it sounds simple, it can take a bit of practice to learn this skill. 
• Look ahead. You should always have your head and eyes focused on the direction you want to go. This lets you react to any obstacles that lie ahead.
• Square your arms. When you are riding, it’s a good idea to keep your arms and elbows square. This will give you more control. 

When you are jumping, there are a few things that you should keep in mind, these include: 

• Stay straight.When you hit the jump, you should be straight. This will make the bike easier to control in the air. 
• Get the right amount of throttle.Not enough speed and you won’t clear the jump. Too much and you won’t be able to control the landing. 
• Go with the momentum of the bike. When you first launch the jump, you should be close to the handlebars. During the jump, you’ll need to lean back. By doing this, you’ll be able to lean forward as the bike lands. 

At first, this can seem overwhelming. But if you get a few lessons with a teacher, you’ll be able to get a basic understanding of the technique. Thankfully, within a few months, it will all be muscle memory. 

Holeshot Training

Now you are ready to start training for races. One of the most important parts of this is learning how to deal with the gate drop. Getting a good start will set you up for the rest of the race. Again, there are lots of things to keep in mind when practicing your starts. 

Your body position is key. You should make sure that you are keeping your weight on the front of the bike. By doing this, when the gate is released, you’ll be able to throttle out, picking up speed quickly. It’s also important to work on your throttle control, for a smooth launch. If you want more tips on how you can get a good holeshot, check outthis article. 

Like most things, though, it’s best to practice. That’s why Risk Racing createdthis practice starting gate. It has a random drop timing function. Like in a real race, you’ll need to be prepared at all times. 

Boosting Your Physical Fitness

Don’t let the engine fool you, driving a motocross bike is a full-body workout. If you aren’t physically prepared, there is a chance that you will lose control of your bike. After all, you need to be able to move a bike that weighs over 200 pounds. 

You don’t need to have the muscle mass of Dwayne Johnson to be a good rider. The right technique will allow you to control the bike. But it’s still not a good idea to skip out on the gym. 

There are a few exercises that you should be focusing on to build the muscles needed for motocross, these include:

• Rowing.This exercise helps build muscle in your lower body. 
• Squats. Squats should be a core activity in the gym. They will build power in your legs and help strengthen your back & legs. The good news is that there is plenty of variation to explore, so you won’t get bored. 
• Running. Using a treadmill is a great way to build your cardio. Or you can head outside. If you want to make the activity more difficult, you can try running over uneven terrain. This will improve your balance.   
• Off-road cycling. Riding on the road is a good way of building your cardio. But the real benefits will come when you take your bike off-road. This will provide a whole-body workout. Plus, it will be similar to motocross, getting you used to riding along uneven terrain. 

The key is to get a consistent schedule. Aim to spend 30 to 45 minutes a day training. At first, sticking to this routine will be a challenge. But over time, going to the gym will become part of daily life. 

While spending time in the gym is important, you’ll need to make sure that you are eating healthy, giving your body the energy it needs to grow new muscle mass. To help you do this, Risk Racing has partnered with iRide and their line of supplements, designed specifically for motocross riders. These have been rigorously tested and are held to a very high standard. Plus, they use natural ingredients so they are safe to use when racing.Click here to learn more about the iRide Motocross Supplements.   

Getting More Experience

There are two elements that you need to focus on when training. First, it’s a good idea to watch professional racers. You can learn what strategy they employ and the type of techniques they are using. Look at the times when they are pushing hard, and when they are easing off. It can help to find GoPro footage, giving you a first-hand perspective of the ride. 

However, the best way to improve is always to spend more time on the bike. You should be able to find a local track that you can train on. It can help to ride with a group. You’ll be able to talk to the other members, advising on form and technique. 

When you are ready, it’s time to enter some local competition. Don’t expect to win on your first try. But you will learn more about race meets and how they operate. Plus, you’ll be able to learn how you perform under pressure. 

From there, it’s simply a matter of identifying weak points. Then work on those areas during practice sessions before the next race. If you keep honing your technique, you should be better each time you take to the track.

Conclusion

Motocross is an exciting sport. The good news is that people of all ages and backgrounds will be able to participate. However, if you are planning on becoming a good racer it will take some hard work, both on and off the track. Within a few months, though, you’ll be a competitive rider, ready to start winning.