Moto Tip | Dodge The Roost
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Welcome to the new Answer Racing Moto Tips feature! Answer Racing has been producing the highest-quality motocross and off-road gear since 1976, and this month launched its new line of 2020 apparel. With riders like Alex Martin, Ryan Villopoto, Nick Wey, and Mike Sleeter flying the Answer flag, there is a wealth of knowledge and know-how when it comes to riding a dirt bike efficiently and effectively in the Answer camp. Each week, Answer will bring you some riding tips to help you become better at the sport you love! Have a specific skill you’d like to improve? Comment below and we will cover it in a future post!
The roost hurts more these days. Blame it on age or four-strokes, but we can all agree that the stone spray through up by the rear tires of others stings a little more than it used to. But roost will always be an element in motocross and overcoming it is a trait that can allow riders to go faster and finish higher in the running order. Think about it: if the displeasure caused by the flying dirt causes you to chop the throttle or break your concentration, then it’s costing you time on the track. For this Moto Tip, we asked Alex Martin to explain how he avoids the trouble with line choices and the proper equipment.
I don’t use handguards too often, except for a track like Unadilla. If it’s a really bad situation, then handguards are a really good thing to have.
A chest protector is a must. There are races like the Vegas Supercross, where the roost is really bad going in and out of the stadium, so a chest protector really saves the day. Unless you’re a masochist and you love the pain [Laughs]. We’re spoiled in a sense because tracks in the US have picked the rocks out of their dirt and it’s not so bad anymore. Even Salt Lake City wasn’t that bad.
Make a conscious effort to stay out of the roost thrown by the guy in front of you. Usually, it’s easy to do. Like when you go down a straightaway, you can swerve out of the way a bit. But the best thing you can do is get the holeshot so that there’s not anyone in front of you [Laughs].
You can still take the fast lines, for the most part. For example, in a corner, you could take the main line, pop out, and move over a foot or two from the roost. Sometimes those lines won’t be “the race line” but because you are out of the roost, not ducking your head down or winching through it, you can actually maintain a good pace.
