Ready to Ride?

Everything You Need to Get Started on Your Off-Road Adventure

Trail riding is an exhilarating way to explore the countryside, and East Anglia boasts a diverse landscape, from sandy forest tracks to muddy byways and rolling hills, making it an excellent region for beginners and seasoned riders alike.

If you’re eager to leave the tarmac behind and venture onto green roads, there are a few things that will help you get prepared.

1. The Right Bike

Trail riding needs a motorcycle that can handle both paved roads and off-road terrain. There are a few different options, depending on what type of riding you’re planning on.

You can opt for off-road focused enduro bikes, such as the KTM EXC range or Yamaha WR which are lightweight, robust and can handle the most technical terrain. The downside is these require high levels of maintenance and although road legal, are not designed for lots of road miles.

Dual-sport or trail bikes including the Honda CRF 300L or KTM 690 Enduro are versatile enough to cope both on and off the tarmac but do make some compromises between off-road capability and on-road comfort. There’s wide variety in this category, including some bikes with lower seat heights, but not all are equal when it comes to off-road performance, so consider whether their weight, power, suspension spec and tyre choices will suit your needs.

Adventure bikes like the Yamaha Tenere 700, Honda Africa Twin or BMW GS Adventure series are built for long distance touring and are also capable on rugged terrain, but their heavier weight typically makes them more difficult to ride off-road than their lightweight cousins. Extras like luggage add to the load when you’re on soft terrain or tight trails.

It’s important to select a bike that matches your experience level and physical stature, as you’ll be handling it across unpredictable surfaces.

2. Essential Gear

Safety is paramount when trail riding. The following gear is recommended:

• Helmet: A full-face adventure or motocross helmet with proper certification (e.g., ECE 22.05 or ECE 22.06). Road helmets can be used - but be warned, they will get sweaty and dirty!

  
  

• Protective Clothing: A sturdy, abrasion-resistant jacket and trousers, preferably with built-in armour, are ideal, but trail riding requires physical exertion, so look for well-ventilated, breathable kit. Waterproofs can also be helpful, especially in winter.

  
  

• Boots: Need to be sturdy, with ankle and shin protection. Off-road or adventure boots are ideal.

  
  

• Gloves: Lightweight, armoured textile gloves are perfect.

  Top Tip: Carry a spare pair in case they get soaked or saturated with mud.

  
  

• Goggles/Visor: Protecting your eyes from dust, branches, water and debris is vital. Wear goggles with a motocross helmet or ride with your visor down if using an adventure helmet.

  Top tip: Consider using a pair of safety glasses with an adventure helmet for slower speed sections where you may want to keep the visor up.

  
  

• Body Armour: Consider body armour to protect your back, chest, shoulders, elbows, hips and knees if these are not already built into your jacket and trousers.

  
  

3. Legal Requirements

Trail riding on public rights of way is subject to UK laws. You MUST have an appropriate motorcycle licence, insurance, and your bike must be taxed, MOT’d, and road legal (with lights and number plate). Green lanes are designated byways open to all traffic (BOATs), or unclassified country roads (UCRs), but many are subject to local restrictions or seasonal closures, which need to be checked in advance and respected.

4. Navigation and Planning

Not all countryside paths are open to motorised vehicles. Ordnance Survey maps and apps like Outdoor Active, OsmAnd or OS Maps can be helpful to locate legal routes, but routes still need to be checked against local authority definitive maps and for Traffic Restriction Orders (TROs). Always plan your ride in advance, considering distance, terrain difficulty and weather conditions. Joining guided rides, local trail riding groups or the Trail Riders Fellowship (TRF) can provide support or advice with route planning.

Navigation can be with a dedicated GPS system, or an app on a bike-mounted smartphone – but be aware that vibration can damage a smartphone’s electronics, so consider using an old handset.

5. Basic Maintenance and Tools

Off-road riding is demanding on your motorcycle. Before heading out, check tyre pressure, oil levels, chain tension and brakes. Pack a basic toolkit and consider how you will handle a puncture – whether that’s with tyre levers and a spare tube at the side of the trail, a puncture repair kit for tubeless tyres, or enough manpower to get the bike back to the tarmac for recovery.

Top Tip: Include some duct tape and cable ties in your kit for temporary repairs. Having a few reusable cable ties on your handlebars can be useful in a tricky spot.

6. Essential Supplies for Yourself

Off-road riding is also demanding on yourself. It often requires a lot of physical exertion, especially if terrain is muddy or technical. Make sure you carry plenty of water to stay well-hydrated – a hydration bladder in a rucksack is ideal, and you’ll need extra in hot weather. Carrying some snacks, such as cereal or energy bars or trail mix is a good idea to recoup your energy and concentration if you’re flagging. Don’t forget a first aid kit and a mobile phone in case of emergencies.

Top tip: Seal electronics, valuables and anything perishable in Ziploc bags to keep them dry in the event of heavy rain or an unscheduled dive into a water crossing.

7. Riding Techniques

Trail riding differs from road riding. Stand on the pegs to improve balance, keep your elbows up, and look ahead to anticipate obstacles. Practice throttle and clutch control on loose surfaces. Take it slow, especially in muddy or rutted sections, and always be courteous to other countryside users. Consider getting some training – there are some excellent off-road motorcycle training schools for riders of all levels of experience.

Always ride in company. Dropping the bike at some point is to be expected on loose or muddy surfaces, and even the most experienced riders can find themselves in a tricky situation. An extra pair of hands to help pick up a bike or provide assistance with an obstacle is always welcome, and having others to help in case of a breakdown, injury or emergency may be vital.

8. Environmental Respect

Preserving the UK’s countryside is a shared responsibility. Ride only on legal routes, avoid disturbing wildlife and leave no trace. Close gates behind you, give way to walkers and horses, and keep noise to a minimum. It’s vital to ride responsibly and sustainably to protect the future of trail riding. Consider joining the TRF to team up with others actively riding and conserving the green road network.

Trail riding in the UK is a fantastic way to blend adventure, skill and the pleasure of exploring the outdoors. With the right bike, gear, and respect for the countryside, you’ll be well on your way to discovering some of East Anglia’s hidden gems. So gear up, plan your route, and hit the trails - or book your ride with us now - your next adventure awaits!