This episode of Rider Skills with Clinton Smout focuses on a technique that doesn’t often get much attention. While experienced riders and instructors use it instinctively, it's rarely highlighted despite being essential for mastering great control. With just a bit of simple, low-risk practice, this skill can dramatically improve your riding and control without the risk of dropping your bike. Links: Photos and links related to this episode can be found in the show notes on Adventure Rider...

Andy, Josh, Sean, and Marlin are riding buddies with a unique bond. Approximately every two years, they try to go on a major expedition. Their most recent adventure involved riding the length of the Silk Road, focusing on getting off-road as much as possible. While they ultimately did not complete the journey as planned, the trip led to a spectacular discovery. Links: Photos and links related to this episode can be found in the show notes on Adventure Rider Radio. Subscribe and never miss...

Motorcycle riders often spend considerable time learning and perfecting their riding skills. Our popular segment on the show, Rider Skills, discusses various techniques and the importance of learning them and practicing them in real-world conditions. However, what's sometimes missing is the next step—real-world exposure. Ben Dragoo has developed a curriculum specifically designed to help train riders preparing to compete in adventure motorcycle challenges like the GS Trophy. This episode...

Irwin Kubilius set out for a solo ride into the desert, fully aware of the challenges ahead. With experience, skill, and preparation on his side, he emerged unscathed in the end. But in hindsight, we can pinpoint a series of seemingly harmless decisions that could have easily led to disaster if conditions were less than ideal. Links: Photos and links related to this episode can be found in the show notes on Adventure Rider Radio. Subscribe and never miss an episode: We release new episodes...

Chad Horton and Rose Padilla were headed home after being on the road for over five years. They flew to Panama City for a 2 to 3-day layover but ended up waiting for 2 to 3 weeks due to a delay in DHL delivering their motorcycle and gear. Ultimately, DHL admitted that they had lost track of the crate containing the motorcycle and all their gear, leaving Chad and Rose stranded in Panama. They eventually made it back home to LA. But what was it like to come back from such an incredible...

Chad Horton and Rose Padilla were headed home after being on the road for over five years. They flew to Panama City for a 2 to 3-day layover but ended up waiting for 2 to 3 weeks due to a delay in DHL delivering their motorcycle and gear. Ultimately, DHL admitted that they had lost track of the crate containing the motorcycle and all their gear, leaving Chad and Rose stranded in Panama. They eventually made it back home to LA. But what was it like to come back from such an incredible...

Owen Clarke is a journalist who mostly writes about action sports. He’s spent years traveling the globe, chasing stories and adventures. As an outdoor enthusiast, his journey often began with long drives on rough, remote roads—each mile taking a toll on his car and nerves. But then, everything changed. That was until Owen discovered the motorcycle. Not that he wasn’t already a rider, but what he discovered in the motorcycle changed how he looks at his adventures in more ways than...

Owen Clarke is a journalist who mostly writes about action sports. He’s spent years traveling the globe, chasing stories and adventures. As an outdoor enthusiast, his journey often began with long drives on rough, remote roads—each mile taking a toll on his car and nerves. But then, everything changed. That was until Owen discovered the motorcycle. Not that he wasn’t already a rider, but what he discovered in the motorcycle changed how he looks at his adventures in more ways than one. ...

In this episode of Rider Skills, we’ll explore the challenges of sand riding and introduce a new technique to help improve your confidence and skills on sandy terrain. Expert riding instructor, Clinton Smout, will share practical tips and advice to help you navigate sand more easily and become a better rider. Links: Photos and links related to this episode can be found in the show notes on Adventure Rider Radio. Subscribe and never miss an episode: Make sure to subscribe so you never miss an...

In this episode of Rider Skills, we’ll explore the challenges of sand riding and introduce a new technique to help improve your confidence and skills on sandy terrain. Expert riding instructor, Clinton Smout, will share practical tips and advice to help you navigate sand more easily and become a better rider. Links: Photos and links related to this episode can be found in the show notes on Adventure Rider Radio. Subscribe and never miss an episode: Make sure to subscribe so you never miss...

In this episode of DEEP TROUBLE, Chris Hoerenz needed a break from work, so he and a friend decided to fly into Park City, Utah, for an adventure. The plan was to rent motorcycles from a company that Chris's friend had used before, which would also provide GPS tracks for their day trips. After picking up the bikes and looking at the GPS routes, they chose one that seemed to suit the day and rode off. With GPS tracks provided by a reliable source, what could possibly go wrong? Links: Photos...

In this episode of DEEP TROUBLE, Chris Hoerenz needed a break from work, so he and a friend decided to fly into Park City, Utah, for an adventure. The plan was to rent motorcycles from a company that Chris's friend had used before, which would also provide GPS tracks for their day trips. After picking up the bikes and looking at the GPS routes, they chose one that seemed to suit the day and rode off. With GPS tracks provided by a reliable source, what could possibly go wrong? Links: Photos...

Moin Khan, from Pakistan, has been passionate about motorcycles since childhood.  While attending school in the United States, Moin was surprised by how little people knew about Pakistan, and much of what they did know seemed inaccurate. So, after finishing school, he decided to ride a motorcycle back to Pakistan, calling his journey ‘A Different Agenda’. His goal was to change perceptions about Pakistan, one encounter at a time. In the end, Moin was amazed by how the journey unfolded and by...

Moin Khan, from Pakistan, has been passionate about motorcycles since childhood.  While attending school in the United States, Moin was surprised by how little people knew about Pakistan, and much of what they did know seemed inaccurate. So, after finishing school, he decided to ride a motorcycle back to Pakistan, calling his journey ‘A Different Agenda’. His goal was to change perceptions about Pakistan, one encounter at a time. In the end, Moin was amazed by how the journey unfolded and by...

After years of talking about it, Steve Robertson embarked on his solo ride from Ontario, Canada to Ushuaia, Argentina in late 2023. He had never done a big international trip like this before, he didn’t speak any Spanish and knew the language barrier could be a challenge, but with a translation app in hand and his goals firmly set, he felt ready to go. On the eighth day of his trip, he had an accident in Mexico. He went down and was injured—unable to lift one arm—but fortunately, nothing was...

In late 2023, after years of talking about it, Steve Robertson embarked on his solo ride from Ontario, Canada to Ushuaia, Argentina. He had never done a big international trip like this before, he didn’t speak any Spanish and knew the language barrier could be a challenge, but with a translation app in hand and his goals firmly set, he felt ready to go. On the eighth day of his trip, he had an accident in Mexico. He went down and was injured—unable to lift one arm—but fortunately, nothing was...

Setting your motorcycle suspension sag is crucial for your bike's handling and safety, not just to keep your tires in contact with the ground or to compensate for added weight. Renowned adventure rider Chris Birch highlights the importance of getting this adjustment right. Traditionally, measuring sag has been tedious, often resulting in incorrect settings. However, with a new device that simplifies the process and allows you to do it solo, accurately adjusting your sag for varying loads is...

Setting your suspension sag is crucial for your bike's handling and safety, not just to keep your tires in contact with the ground or to compensate for added weight. Renowned adventure rider Chris Birch highlights the importance of getting this adjustment right. Traditionally, measuring sag has been tedious, often resulting in incorrect settings. However, with a new device that simplifies the process and allows you to do it solo, accurately adjusting your sag for varying loads is now easier...

On this episode of DEEP TROUBLE, Griffin Jory is on a multi-day ride with friends in the mountains when he decides to go on a solo day ride that should see him back at camp in time for dinner. However, as the sun sets and the stars come out, Griffin is exhausted and can hardly think straight. He finds himself alone in the wilderness, in a place where a heavy adventure bike was never meant to go. Photos and links related to this episode can be found in the show notes.  Adventure Rider Radio...

On this episode of DEEP TROUBLE, Griffin Jory is on a multi-day ride with friends in the mountains when he decides to go on a solo day ride that should see him back at camp in time for dinner. However, as the sun sets and the stars come out, Griffin is exhausted and can hardly think straight. He finds himself alone in the wilderness, in a place where a heavy adventure bike was never meant to go. Links: Photos and links related to this episode can be found in the show notes on Adventure Rider...

Determining the best line for climbing a hill and figuring out how fast is fast enough can be difficult. Understanding when to ease off the throttle and knowing what to do if the climb cannot be completed is crucial. Riders of heavy adventure motorcycles may question whether it is worth attempting the hill at all. This week, our exclusive RIDER SKILLS program will feature pro rider Clinton Smout from SMART Adventures, providing professional instruction on how to climb hills on adventure...

Determining the best line for climbing a hill and figuring out how fast is fast enough can be difficult. Understanding when to ease off the throttle and knowing what to do if the climb cannot be completed is crucial. Riders of heavy adventure motorcycles may question whether it is worth attempting the hill at all. This week, our exclusive RIDER SKILLS program will feature pro rider Clinton Smout from SMART Adventures, providing professional instruction on how to climb hills on adventure...

At 31 years old, Annette Birkmann left her career as a lawyer in Denmark, sold all her possessions, and set off to pursue her lifelong dream of riding a motorcycle. When she arrived in Buenos Aires, Argentina she bought her first bike and spent eight months working in a motorcycle workshop. She then headed out on a solo year-long journey across the Americas and while on her trip she realized that even though she was in different surroundings, her problems had come along with her. On a quest...

At 31 years old, Annette Birkmann left her career as a lawyer in Denmark, sold all her possessions, and set off to pursue her lifelong dream of riding a motorcycle. When she arrived in Buenos Aires, Argentina she bought her first bike and spent eight months working in a motorcycle workshop. She then headed out on a solo year-long journey across the Americas and while on her trip she realized that even though she was in different surroundings, her problems had come along with her. On a quest...