After participating in several off-road activities as a beginner, I have gathered some key takeaways that may help others better prepare for their rides.
1. Choose a Mobile Carrier with Coverage in Mountainous Areas
Off-road riding often takes place in remote mountain regions or valleys where mobile signals can be weak or nonexistent. If an emergency arises and you don’t have a satellite phone, a reliable mobile carrier becomes your lifeline. In Taiwan, for example, Chunghwa Telecom provides coverage even in high-altitude locations like Yushan (Jade Mountain). There have been multiple occasions where I had no signal with my FarEasTone SIM card, while my riding buddies with Chunghwa Telecom were uploading photos to Facebook without any issues.
2. Use an Offline Map App, Inform Friends Before the Ride, and Check In Regularly
Offline maps are crucial for off-road riding, but Google Maps’ offline mode is not sufficient. Instead, use dedicated hiking and off-road navigation apps such as Hikingbook, Green Trails (綠野仙蹤), or Mapy.cz, which provide trail data not found on Google Maps. Always update the maps before heading out.
Before your ride, inform a trusted friend or family member of your planned route and estimated return time. Additionally, check in at key points—before entering the mountains, at rest stops, and after exiting. A good practice is to use Google Maps’ location-sharing feature to share your real-time GPS position with a trusted contact.
3. Wear Proper Protective Gear
Since you’re venturing off-road, safety gear is essential. In addition to a helmet, chest protector, elbow guards, and gloves, the most important items are knee braces and off-road boots (also known as motocross boots). ADV motorcycles can be heavy, and if your bike falls over, it may land on your foot. Off-road boots provide significant protection for your lower legs and ankles, reducing the risk of serious injury.
4. Bring Water and High-Energy Snacks
A hydration backpack commonly used for trail running or enduro racing is ideal for carrying water—at least 2 liters is recommended. For snacks, bring a mix of electrolytes, sugar, and high-calorie foods that are easy to carry, such as chocolate, nuts, and energy bars. Always check for any food allergies before packing your snacks.
5. Prepare Personal Medications
Before setting out, ensure you have your personal essential medications with you. If you take medication for a chronic condition, bring an extra 1–2 days’ supply as a precaution. Also, do not share your medication with others, as it may not be suitable for them.
6. Prepare Your Bike Before the Ride
- Upgrade your tires to at least 50/50 dual-sport tires.
- Have a trusted mechanic inspect your bike before the trip.
- Learn how to patch a flat tire, and always carry tire repair tools with you.
7. If Possible, Take a Course First
Taking introductory courses in off-road riding and mountain survival skills is highly recommended.
Off-road riding courses (at least Level 1 or Beginner courses)
- Off-road riding carries inherent risks. While I’m not trying to promote courses, if you’ve never ridden off-road before, structured training in a controlled environment with experienced instructors is far more effective and safer than learning on your own in the wild.
Hiking & wilderness survival courses
- These courses provide essential knowledge for safe navigation and emergency response in outdoor environments.
- Learning how to handle emergencies properly can increase your chances of survival if something goes wrong.
- The cost of training is negligible compared to the potential expenses of an actual accident.
8. Never Ride Alone – Always Go in a Group
It’s best to ride with at least two or three people so that if anything goes wrong, you have someone to assist or call for help.
Final Thoughts
Treat every off-road ride as if it’s your first time—approach it with caution and preparedness. The mountains will always be there, but the environment is constantly changing. Returning home safely is the top priority.
Rather than striving to be the fastest or most skilled rider, focus on minimizing risks, protecting your bike from unnecessary damage, and ensuring a safe and successful return.
Stay safe, and happy riding!