RUST magazine: RUST#39

HUSQVARNA FE350
the-flow, you as a rider in unison with
the bike, reading the terrain, finding
your lines, constantly trying to improve
and focusing on the enjoyment you
find within that.
Macao was my third attempt at rally
raiding; each event has been held over
different terrain and as a result I’ve had
mixed feelings. One was super wet and
technical, slow and UK-esque; that one
suited me and I did well even though it
was my first time out. The next one was
fast and sandy and I loved it. But this
one I didn’t. This last event, after a few
hours in the saddle on day one I was
feeling no joy. I hadn’t thought about
riding all day, the constant requirement
to focus on the road book holder, ICOs
and terrain to make sense of the short
distances and constant change of
directions changed my riding position
and focus. I just wasn’t comfortable
on the bike, I had to sit down more
often than I like (or risk a big crash) and
found reading the road book at speed
dangerous – and that’s the point it’s
not about speed it’s about precision, it’s
not about free riding it’s about obeying
rules. I ride dirt bikes to get away from
rules.
So here’s a top tip from Tomasz
Pessanha at F2R. Helping me with my
road book positioning after day one he
told me there should be no more than
5 degrees variance between your line
of sight and the road book or you risk
it all not watching where you’re going.
So sitting most of the time becomes
necessary – argh! Unless you’re short, if
so then things work pretty well.
The majority of accomplished rally
raid riders, especially the older ones
have managed to transition into the
sport quite happily. Not able to compete
competitively with young guns in a
flat-out race, rally raid evens the playing
field. A competent veteran with good
navigation has an equal chance against
a slim-hipped youth. I’m not sure that’s
all important to me, what is important
w
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