Off road clothing/protection

[donkeh]

Hi,

My primary reason for asking this question is initially the fact I will be attending the BMW off road skills level 1 course in a few weeks time.

I'm good for off road boots (SIDI Adventure), have got a helmet of course and some lightweight gloves.

I own some RST textiles, but since I suspect they may be a bit heavy/warm, I was thinking about hiring the trousers/jacket from the organisers. This will especially be useful if I end up getting wet/muddy (almost a given isn't it?) since I will have to ride home after the second day (work beckons...).

So what is needed in the way or armour/protection ?

Also interested to hear any thoughts on the suitability of my textiles and suggestions about suitable attire that I may purchase, since doing some off roading on the bike is definitely on the cards.

Thanking you

 

[Trekker3]

If the weather is going to be wet then hire their clothing, we ended up in the river at the back of the hotel with a sweeping brush washing our gear whilst we were still wearing it, wouldn't have wanted to ride all the way home as we had been through a bog that absolutely stank! The course is worth every penny and the skills you learn will serve you well, enrol for level 2 if you can afford the time/money as it will give you lots more confidence.

 

[Malvern_Beemer]

Don't get too hung up on what you need to take/wear. They have everything you might need available at the ORS including a hose to wash yourself down with at the end of the day. Just remember to take both parts of your license and enjoy the weekend.

 

[Sandman]

You should have had your joining instructions.....read them fully and make your own mind up if your gear fits what they recommend.

As they say, most folk overdress and sweat their arses off.

It was pretty cold in April when I did my Level 1 and I'm heading back to Wales for the Level 2 GS at the end of September. I have hired their boots (knee pads are provided with the boots) and trousers again. I can never get a jacket that fits me well so will wear my RST road jacket again.

It was fine in April with a wicking top, Oxford thermal top and jacket. I wore Oxford thermal trousers too as the motocross style trouser they hire are not massively warm.

My RST has built in armour but I might remove it and wear my Forcefield Pro Shirt that I have bought since doing Level 1. Combines chest, shoulder, elbow and back protection in an all-in-one shirt. Gets top marks in reviews.

I did see some folks wearing motocross type armour and others with big back protectors. It is very much up to you what you feel comfortable riding offroad in.

Any spills are generally low speed but the ground can be quite hard if it hasn't been raining and the first morning is on flat gravel areas.

You textile trousers would probably be more than adequate as long as you have plenty freedom to swing your leg over a bike wearing them but if you are riding home why not hire their gear and you can put nice fresh, dry clothes on for the slog home.

They would not let you ride if they felt your gear was unsuitable but they have loads of gear there and folks were hiring stuff on the day. The changing room is the portacabin that the gear is stored in and they will swap gear for you if the size is not right. I needed to swap boots three times!!!

You'll have a blast whatever you wear!!!

Sandman.