MORE INFO! Below you’ll find some important things to know to prepare for your D.A.R.T. training. We’ll send you more specific details about the training as the date approaches, and in the meantime don’t hesitate to contact us if you have questions. Ben Dragoo, benvolioadv@gmail.com, (405) 706-7228.
Register for D.A.R.T. Training at March Moto Madness: D.A.R.T. March Moto Madness
Return to the March Moto Madness site: https://marchmotomadness.com/
Browse the D.A.R.T. site for training tips and adventure stories: https://billdragoo.com/
Riding Gear:
As with all things related to riding a motorcycle, risk is a personal choice that, ultimately, only you can make.
– A helmet is required and a full-face helmet is recommended.
– Boots are required. They should have ankle and shin protection (hiking boots don’t qualify and street riding boots are discouraged). Something like the Alpinestar Toucan, Forma or Sidi Adventure dual-sport boot is best for its balance of flexibility and protection. Motocross boots offer excellent protection but are sometimes stiff, preventing adequate ankle articulation and muting brake feel. When in doubt, err on the side of more protection.
– Gloves are required. Hands are often the first line of defense against terra firma.
– Knee and other joint protection are also important. (Chances are you will biff now and then so err on the side of more protection.) Riding pants with knee armor, or knee armor you can strap on over your pants is advisable. The same is true for shoulder and elbow protection. We recommend a jacket with CE-rated armor, or chest protector and elbow armor worn over your jersey.
Motorcycle Equipment:
A few good components can help reduce damage to your machine. Please refer to the link below for equipment suppliers we endorse. Naturally, your dealer is also a great resource for upgrades including riding gear.
https://billdragoo.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/adv-rider-resource-list2.pdf
This article will inform you on bike set-up for heavy off-road use:
https://billdragoo.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/advmoto-nov-2017-battle-tested-r1200gs-bill-dragoo.pdf
Knobby tires (50/50) are highly recommended. See FAQs for more on tires.
Hand guards to protect levers are recommended.
We use Doubletake Mirrors on our personal machines to prevent damage to the expensive factory units.
Hard panniers are dangerous and will not be allowed during training. If necessary, you may remove panniers and set them aside. Soft luggage may remain on the bike during training.
Tank bags are trouble. A small bag perched up high and forward is okay, but plan to remove large ones…even if you have used them for years. Due to the forward body position of some of the exercises you will find a tank bag quite intrusive and an impediment to freedom of movement.
Tail bags and boxes can be limiting if too large or too far forward. Just make sure that you can move freely aft while standing. A small tail bag for snacks or some tools is fine. I would rather not see tail boxes on the bike during training, as a strike to the tailbone can be painful.
Large foot pegs such as Black Dog are comfortable, offer good purchase and improve control.
Here’s a link to a list of preferred vendors, designers and innovators who create and supply the bits we enjoy deserve and need our support. Click here for list: adv-rider-resource-list
In addition, our vendor for tow straps is Art Dakos, “The Strap Guy.” Here’s a link to his site: The Strap Guy
DART t-shirts and other gear are available through our on-line store. Here’s the link: https://www.bonfire.com/store/dart-gear/
Physical Fitness. Fatigue is usually the primary factor limiting learning. A reasonable level of fitness is always helpful toward successfully completing any adventure, and exertion during this training can wear you down. Your experience will be much more fruitful if, at a bare minimum, you do moderate interval training three or four times a week. Running, bicycling, stair climbing and rowing are all excellent choices. During warmer months, be sure to acclimatize well before your class. Here’s an article on Fitness for Overlanding, which applies to two-wheeled travel as well, from OutdoorX4 magazine: Fit for Overlanding – OutdoorX4 Issue 19
Hydration: A hydration bladder or personal water bottle is highly recommended, as are snack bars for a quick pick-me-up.
Other:
Be sure to wear sunscreen if conditions dictate.
FAQs:
Frequently Asked Questions are listed below. If you have questions not covered here, contact Ben Dragoo at (405) 706-7228.
Are knobby tires required?
Answer: We strive to provide successes during your training. Traction varies according to terrain and weather. Although some students do fine with street oriented tires, we suggest erring on the side of more aggressive tread designs. Chances are you will need them on future rides anyway.
Should my tires be aired down?
Answer: You can check tire pressures at orientation. Typically, 25-28 psi is recommended for big bikes and 18-22 on smaller 250-650 cc machines.
Do I need a heavy-duty skid plate?
Answer: You might. Stock skid plates often fail when rocks are encountered, but on Level 1-2 classes this is not usually an issue.
Do I need bar risers?
Answer: You should be able to stand comfortably, hands resting lightly on the grips with a slight bend of the knees and of the waist. If you are hunched over, you may need bar risers of the appropriate height.
Are adjustable bar risers okay?
Answer: Riser blocks are significantly more secure, but some riders do okay with adjustable ROX style risers. They are not our preference, however, because they tend to move in a fall.
MORE QUESTIONS? Contact Ben at (405) 706-7228 or benvolioadv@gmail.com.