## Stand up Off-road riding is done standing on the pegs. Grip the tank with your knees, keep elbows up and look far ahead. Standing lowers the bike's centre of gravity and lets your legs absorb impacts. ## Throttle control Smooth is fast. On loose surfaces, abrupt throttle causes wheelspin and loss of traction. Practice rolling the throttle on gently as you exit corners. ## Braking Brake with the front more than you think - modern dirt bikes have powerful front brakes. Use the rear brake to settle the chassis. On descents, use engine braking and cover the rear. ## Where to learn Start on flat, open ground, then progress to easy trails. The MX250 at 105 kg is a forgiving machine to learn on; the MX450 rewards more experienced riders. ## Gear up Always wear boots, knee guards, chest protector, gloves, goggles and a proper off-road helmet. Dirt hurts - armour makes it a lesson instead of an injury.