Ask the Editors: How to Get Ready to Shred Dunes
Absolutely- and the degree of difference in technique has a lot to do with the specific setup of your machine for the conditions at hand. Generally speaking sand-specific tires and excessive horsepower are two very good things to have on tap when it comes to blasting across the deep stuff. Individuals who ride the desert alone often do a whole lot of modifications to their machines; things like extended swingarms for stability, sand paddles and a whole lot of sealing of gaps. The average rider only visiting usually needn’t take such drastic measures but do remember that grains of sand can be very damaging if they get into moving areas and particularly if they have a means of entering your engine.
No matter how careful you’ll be- there will be airborne sand particles from other machines so be certain to clean and well oil your air filter. It may also not be a bad idea to install shock boots/ covers to keep sand from sticking to oily spots and grinding these sensitive and smooth-sliding bits.
As far as actual riding technique.. The first thing you’re going to want to come to terms with is the importance of momentum. Almost like riding in deep snow, stopping then trying to start again is a great way to find wheel spin. Instead work your way up to speed and do what you can to carry as much as possible so that you’re skimming the surface of the sand rather than digging into/ pushing it.
Dunes look amazing in photographs but up close they are very sight-prohibitive. It’s almost always impossible to see over the next one so climbing and attempting to launch off them is always better when scouted first. The easiest way is to find dunes where other riders are already camped up top and to signal to them whether or not the coast is clear. There is a reason that most desert riding spots require whip flags- any sort of line of sight advantage as to what’s over the next ledge is extremely beneficial.
Be ready to change direction. We’re surprised how often we encounter riders with a burst of momentum up the side of a dune only to discover the surface is steeper or longer than they calculated. Running out of steam and cartwheeling back down or getting 3/4 up only to frantically start spinning your wheels are situations best avoided. Instead, approach with the mindset that if you don’t think you can clear the hill in question, you can arc your way across the surface using momentum and power your way back down. Again this all comes back to the importance of momentum.
Prepare for the sun. It goes without saying that goggles are a must with the airborne dirt and sand but you may wish to slide a pair of smoked or preferably yellow lens sunglasses under the goggle as well. Midday the sun is highest in the sky but prior and after results in shadows. It can be very easy to underestimate a wash-out or deep rut when the shadows run deep.
Make sure you have a GPS enabled device in the vehicle or on your person. It’s pretty crazy how easy it is to get disoriented or lose sense of direction in an endless sea of sand.
Lastly dress for a stranding. Hydration is absolutely critical in the dessert. Even if all goes well, expect your body to demand much more fluid than normal riding. Be safe, have a blast!
