Off Road Skills clothing advice please

[(RIP) sherpa]

Can anyone whose been on the BMW course in Wales give some advice on clothing and what to wear.

I have BIGfeet and am having trouble finding a pair of offroad boots to fit me. I have spoken to Simon Pavey and he's borrowing a pair of his mates large offroad boots but if they don't fit when I get there I'll be wearing my Daytona road boots - is this sensible?

Got an old Tuareg jacket I'm gonna wear and bought a helmet I don't mind bashing on the ground - I'm expecting to fall off!

Hiring the trousers on site - do they have knee protectors in? I forgot to ask when chatting with SP.

Considering he's not even met me yet I'm well impressed by the lengths he's already gone to to help - his mate lives in London and Simon's wife was working there so she picked up the boots for me to try - top team I say!

Looking forward to it but would like to be prepared so any advice appreciated

Sherpa

 

[Mouse]

I've been trail riding for the last year (not constantly ) in a pair of old Sidi road boots. Of course, proper off road boots will offer more protection but some protection is better than none.

Also if you are new to the off road stuff, a pair of massive motocross boots can be rather distracting as compared to road boots you have virtually no feeling through your feet

If you want knee protectors they are not expensive to buy, less than 20 quid.

 

[andy1100xx]

Sherpa

I went on the stage 1 course back in April 2004. From a base of zero I learned a hell of a lot, very well worth it....and.....you will not believe what those guys can do on a 1150 Adventure

As I was travelling light I didn't have any of my own gear so hired everything from SP and it was good kit, fit for purpose. Most of the riding is pretty slow on soft ground so loads of body armour isn't required - your Toureg and his trousers as is will be fine. The boots however are very important as your lower legs are the bits that get quite a beating. I remember SP was very insistant about having the correct boots....there were quite a few guys there with road boots and he made them change them.

Easier said than done I guess but If it was me I would really make the effort to try to get the boots sorted in advance.

Cheers
Andy

 

[(RIP) sherpa]

ta!

very much for the advice.

This is pretty consistant with what I am geting from other sources as well.

As I said I'm really looking forward to this and want to make the most of it so will probably be spending before the off (or should that me offs!!)

Thanks again fellas

Sherpa

 

[Nin]

Hi Sherpa

It's a great course, you will have a fantastic time.

Listen to Si - his advice is spot on.

All I can add from my experience is that you will get HOT from working hard and wet (it's Wales after all!). If you can get goretex socks to keep your feet dry and warm, that will help. You will mostly be on gravel but boots that grip in the mud will be really helpful.

An openface lid is really helpful for comfort and visibility. Instead of goggles you might want to try safety glasses (from your local DIY shop). Just as good protectiona and they don't steam up. Offroad gloves give you loads more feel and control.

Enjoy and grin hugely - I did!

Nin