Is adventure riding dangerous?
This can be a tough question to answer.
And it's a very relevant question for two reasons.
One. There is a big increase in middle aged and older riders getting into motorbike riding.
In many cases, its baby boomers coming back into the sport now, often called 'born again' bikers.
They have raised families, have plenty of spare time,
and often plenty of cash to throw at a big adventure bike.
Two. There are guys in the same position but they've never ridden before.
And instead of opting for a quite retirement and waiting for death,
they want to make the most of life and try new things for the first time.
Accident statistics do show a big increase in fatalities and injuries
among older motorbike riders.
And the media loves to sensationalise this and interpret the data to shock people,
as though grey haired riders are going crazy out there with speed, alcohol and stunt riding.
But it's just what you would expect when younger people are riding less,
and older people are riding more.
Unfortunately there are no real statistics for adventure riders.
But my theory is that adventure riding will probably be much safer than road riding.
Or it has the potential to be.
Why?
Road riders typically spend a lot of time in cities, or nearby on crowded roads.
Statistically, accidents involving other vehicles are usually not the riders's fault.
Sure, riders can adopt strategies to reduce risks,
but you are exposed to the shit driving skills of drivers and it becomes a game of chance.
When there is no other vehicle involved, the statistics show it's usually the rider's fault.
Of course!
Coming into corners too fast, not wearing a helmet, overbraking.
Essentially it comes down to the crap skills of you, the rider.
I think this is great news for adventure riders.
If your aim is to get away from the big smoke, you are also getting away from all those drivers.
And instead of playing Russian roulette, you have much much more control over your own safety.
So what can you do to make adventure riding safer?
There is a growing tendency for middle aged riders to buy
much bigger and heavier bikes in the past, whether it's road or adventure bikes.
So our cashed up boomers see that shiny 1200 or 1290 and say "It shall be mine".
If you are relatively new to riding, maybe just shoot yourself in the head instead.
It's quicker, easier and less messy.
And even if you were a skilled rider 20 years ago, you won't realise just how rusty you are.
And you'll probably crash trying to prove how good you are.
Consider something much smaller and lighter.
What else?
Wear a helmet.
Duh.
And get good protective gear.
Recent research does show older motorbike riders
are far more likely to break instead of bounce due to weaker bones.
We have more fat and less muscle, so less protection.
Also trauma to our thorax is more likely due to less chest wall elasticity.
Consider good body armour that extends to your back and chest too.
Know yourself.
Some of us are risk takers, others aren't.
If you are a risk taker, always be aware of your comfort zone.
It goes something like this.
Hi visibility.
The research supports the use of white helmets,
high visibility riding gear, leaving your headlight on. Consider driving lights.
Do some rider training.
It's good to see adventure riding coaching emerging in some countries.
Consider minimising your road riding.
Sometimes I tow my DR650 out to the dirt roads then start riding.
Does that make me a wimp?
Sure.
But if I'm going to die, I want it to be my fault.
Not some idiot car driver in the city trying to phone-text and eat his burrito.
If you are getting a motorbike for the first time,
or returning after a long break, consider maybe getting a dirt bike at first.
Dirt riding occurs in an incredibly unpredictable environment.
You learn so many skills quickly that will then protect you on public roads.
And while crash a lot, it's almost never lethal.
So there you have it, why we think adventure riding can be
a relatively safe way to enjoy life on two wheels.
Or at least you have far more control over how safe it is!
What you do think?
Have you got more tips for rider safety?
Keen to hear your thoughts as we will do a vid specifically on injury prevention later.