Riding dirt bikes in Colorado calls for some dirt bike preparation. The rocky single track, the elevation and the long days on the bike aren’t an easy adaptation. Today we’re talking about some ways to prepare yourself, and your bike, for that Rocky Mountain riding stoke!

Why Colorado?

Though Idaho, Utah, and Montana are growing in popularity for dirt bike riding destination trips, the mecca is still Colorado. I’ve been riding there since I was a wee lad with my Dad, Papa Pierce, way back in the 90’s when we would drive cross-country from Louisiana. I was also lucky enough to ride the Colorado 500 with my Dad in 2006. Those gnarly routes fostered the growth of Seat Time and the Seat Time Adventures we hosted back in 2015, 2016 and 2017. What I have learned throughout the years is how different the rider, and the bike, need to be setup for riding in the rocky mountains. 

Tires and Mousses

The evolution of gummy tires has made traction a lot easier to find. For this trip to the Tomichi Creek Trading Post and The Shady Burro Enduro, I mounted up the IRC VX30F and JX8 Gekkota (gek‧kota). These were recommended by Rich Larson, the IRC Tire Guy himself. The rocks of Colorado require bib mousses, there is no other option. I’ve flatted with tubliss in the Rockies, never again. The bib mousses I utilized with the IRC Tires were the Nuetech NitroMousse Platinums 235 (front) and 305 (rear).

Bike and Gear Prep

My 2018 Sherco 300SE-R two stroke needed some carburetor jetting love from the guys at JD Jetting. It’s JD Jetting kit I bought back in 2019 and it’s still a great option. I also softened up my suspension to prepare for the rocks and roots. I should have gone more extreme on the softer side and then gone stiffer if needed.

After the bike was ready for shredding the single track, I needed to prepare the riding gear and body. Riding gear wise, I utilize the Fly Racing Patrol XC Pants and Jersey. I like the pockets and vents, and the extra durability this gear set provides. I also wear a Fly Racing Riding Jacket that has tons of vents, removable sleeves and is crazy durable. I fill my Fly Racing butt pack and USWE Hydration pack with water, extra oil, tools, zip-ties, hose clamps, quick steel and anything I can carry to make sure I can get myself, or another rider, off the trail and back home. 

On the bike, I have a few Trailbound products that help me carry extra gas and media equipment. I have the Enduro Strap Front Fender Kit to carry a fuel cache bottle for extra pre-mixed gas and the Pad Pack Handlebar Bag to carry my GoPro batteries, sd cards and mobile charger.

That’s it! What did I forget? What do you carry with you while riding in new terrain to make sure you and your bike make it back to the trailhead in one piece? 

If we don’t get a chance to see you on the trail, we’ll see you on the internet. Enjoy #GettingSeattime and tag us in your riding adventures!

Enjoyed this content? Support Seat Time on Buy Me A Coffee!