Off Road Dirt Biking

Physical Demands of Off Road Dirt Biking

Take a look at riders who are into the sport of off road dirt biking.

You can see how they expertly maneuver and control their machines through dirt and mud. You can see how they make spectacular leaps through the air. Negotiating through sharp turns and rocky terrain seem to be so easy people who are into off road dirt biking.

But doing these things is not easy. That is because dirt bike riders must be in top physical condition.

Physical fitness is one of the least understood but most important aspects in off road dirt biking. Most spectators do not know the high level of fitness needed by dirt bike riders. Spectators often think that driving dirt bikes are no different than driving a family car or a farm tractor around the field.

In truth, off road dirt biking is a physically demanding sport. Dirt bikers should be strong, especially on the upper body. Spectators should also remember that a dirt bike rider is riding a machine which is at least two hundred pounds. He is controlling a machine which produces at least fifty horsepower.

Upon closer observation, one will notice that a rider must have accurate control of a dirt bike that is traveling over rough terrain. He does this while attempting to maintain high speed. This is extremely taxing considering the terrain is difficult for most people to even walk through.

Also, during a ride, a dirt bike rider’s arms and legs are always in motion, trying to control the machine. His constitution must be strong so that he can absorb the energy produced by high speed landings from heights that are often more than twenty feet. Also, the g-forces during a ride take a toll on a rider’s strength and endurance. Furthermore, he must have enough endurance to last thirty grueling minutes of controlling a heavy, powerful machine. One must also take note that within this time, there are no breaks or pauses in the action.

Another reason why participants of off road dirt biking should be fit is because of crashes. Accidents happen all the time to all riders. Being crushed or thrown over a two hundred pound machine is extremely strenuous. Therefore, the riders must be strong and healthy enough to survive the injuries.

So, if you plan to engage in this sport, it is important that you are physically fit. Go to the gym and do strenuous exercises. You are about to handle a mechanical beast!