Just imagine this: you, your bike, a dirt track winding through forests and mountains, and that sense of freedom that only an enduro holiday can give you. Beautiful, isn’t it?
But wait a minute: as fascinating as it is, organising an enduro holiday is not that simple. We at Enduro Experience Croatia have been on several off-road motorcycling holidays and have learnt something from each one! With this guide we want to help you avoid the mistakes we have made and make sure that you have as unforgettable an adventure as possible.
Choose the right route
When planning your first off-road or enduro holiday, the choice of route is crucial. Don’t aim for something too challenging straight away. I recommend starting with mixed trails, which alternate dirt and asphalt. In several European countries there is the possibility of many kilometres of dirt roads, routes that are not too demanding and are a lot of fun. Try to plan your trip by creating the right mix to get to the end of your stage each day (especially if you have booked overnight stays before setting off). Bear in mind that the unexpected is just around the corner and even if it isn’t, you will want to stop a few times to take souvenir photos or just to get out and enjoy the view.
To find routes, talk to other bikers. If you are given GPS tracks, check each piece beforehand. Check that the track does not cross private land (for example, here in Croatia this happens often and unfortunately there have been problems with this in the past). Also check with Google Earth that the roads are also suitable for off-road four-wheel vehicles, this is usually a guarantee that the parts are passable by motorbike without great difficulty. To help you, there are many apps such as Komoot or Rever that help you plan routes suitable for your level.
Physical preparation: don’t underestimate it!
Riding on dirt tracks and trails requires more physical effort than you imagine. The first few times, after a few hours, you can feel really exhausted. If I can give you some advice, take some time to improve your physical fitness before setting off. Exercises such as squats, stretching and arm workouts will help you last longer in the saddle. Also, remember the importance of proper nutrition and hydration. A quality camelback like this is essential, and not only in summer.
The motorbike: how to prepare it for your enduro holiday
Before setting off, pay attention to your bike. Check the essentials such as oil, brakes, tyres and transmission system. Consider fitting tyres with knobbly tyres, which are essential for tackling the most challenging terrain. Add useful accessories such as an engine guard to protect the engine block from knocks and a quick repair kit: a flat tyre in the middle of nowhere can ruin your day!
During one of our tours in Tunisia, one of the bikes had crashed in the car park next to the guesthouse where we stopped for the night. As bad luck would have it, the crankcase got a real hole. It was a drama, the oil spilled onto the asphalt and being the first day of the holiday, it was a very sad moment indeed. Instead, thanks to the two-component paste that one of the guys had in his kit, we managed to repair the hole (which was more than 2 cm wide) and the next morning we were ready to go again. So, for us, two-component paste or liquid steel should always be carried.
Luggage: travel light, but with the necessities
Travelling by enduro bike requires careful selection of luggage. Start by making a list of what you would like to carry. Then review it, and remove what is not essential. Then, try to divide the things on the list into different luggage that you will carry. A good solution is water-resistant side bags and a technical backpack for the most important items. Regarding side bags: for off-road holidays, many people prefer to tie a bag on the back seat as it is perhaps less comfortable but also less annoying while driving. If you opt for side bags instead, we recommend soft ones, like these . Obviously the hard panniers are very nice and being equipped with the inner bags, they are also very comfortable. Unfortunately, should you suffer a fall (or should you simply drop the bike for some reason), they can be damaged and prevent correct closure.
Clothing: safety and comfort first
Good technical clothing is an indispensable investment. Don’t set off without it:
- Light, ventilated enduro helmet
- Jacket and trousers with integrated protectors.
- Robust gloves and technical boots for tackling any terrain.
If your enduro holiday involves changes in altitude, bring extra layers to adapt to temperature variations. Thermal underwear is always a good solution, both for hot and cold weather.
Take every opportunity to learn
Rough terrain riding requires experience. Don’t be in a hurry to tackle the steepest climbs or deepest fords. Sand in particular could be very challenging. If you would like some advice before setting off, here we discuss how to improve your riding techniques.
Conclusion on your offroad holiday
Planning your first enduro motorbike holiday may seem complicated, but with a little preparation and the right attitude, it will be an unforgettable experience. Don’t be afraid to make mistakes: every kilometre covered, even the most difficult ones, will make you grow as a motorcyclist. Start the engine, hear the roar of your motorbike and live the adventure.
Does your holiday include a trip to Croatia? Drop by and see us, we are always open. Even if you don’t want to go on a tour, you can stop us for the night or for a hearty meal! And should you have any problems during your off-road motorbike holiday, we will gladly let you use our workshop. You can find us here: https://g.co/kgs/mN6FvBh
Have a safe trip!