MOORE MOMENTUM 2024

RIDING THE WILD

By Chris Bacarella

Beyond the Beaten Paths

“The allure of overland travel lies in the journey itself—a journey that takes us beyond the beaten paths, into the heart of nature's beauty. While traditional overland vehicles pave the way for exploration, there's a unique charm and excitement that off-road motorcycles can bring to the overland experience. Let’s delve into how these two-wheels might enhance and enrich your next overland journey.”

Tackling the Uncharted

Picture this: rugged landscapes, extra narrow trails, and challenging terrain leading to an incredible view. Off-road motorcycles are your golden ticket to places most standard overland rigs can’t make. Not all of us have a fully-built rock crawler, or want to put our vehicle in a situation it might not make it out of. Park your rig, make it your basecamp, and head out to the less traveled path on two wheels!

Feeling the Need for Speed

Who said overland travel can't be a little faster? Often times the rock-covered trail your aired-down Jeep has to take at 8mph can safely and easily be done on a dirt bike at 20 or more miles per hour for a cautious and experienced rider. If you have a great loop trail on your list but might not have the time to get it done in your rig, a motorcycle might just be the tool that allows you to complete it. We know the journey is the destination, but the compliance of motorcycles off-road might just unlock a new level of adventure for you.

Nature's Front Row Seat

Overland travel is all about connecting with nature, right? Well, dirt bikes take it up a notch. No A/C, no plush seats – just you and the great outdoors. You feel the changes of the ground below you, breathe in the fresh air, feel the heat, and really become one with your surroundings. It's a connection with nature that is sometimes lost when you’re in the comfort of your own vehicle.

Surviving on Your Own Terms

When you're out there in the middle of nowhere, self-sufficiency is the name of the game, and as you know, us overlanders LOVE to be self-sufficient! Riding motorcycles offroad adds a totally new meaning to this as you can’t carry loads of gear. You have to pack light and think critical on the gear you can bring with you This unlocks a totally new way of thinking and just might have you re-think how much you actually need the next time you pack your rig!

Joining the Two-Wheeled Tribe

Overland travel isn't just a solo mission; it's a community affair. Off-road enthusiasts gather at rallies, expos, and trails to swap stories, talk gear, and share tips The two-wheeled world is the same! It’s a great opportunity to meet new people and open your eyes to an all-new off road community.

“You feel the changes of the ground below you, breathe in the fresh air, feel the heat, and really become one with your surroundings.”

Eco-Friendly Adventures

Believe it or not, off-road motorcycles can be Earth's buddies too. When ridden responsibly –key word responsibly - they can leave a lighter footprint compared to their four-wheeled counterparts when sticking to designated trails and keeping the noise down (think Leave No Trace but on two wheels) Much like responsible overlanding, responsible riding ensures you enjoy nature's beauty without leaving a mess behind

In a nutshell dirt bikes aren't just vehicles; they're your partners in crime on the road less traveled. They open up new horizons, inject excitement, deepen your bond with nature, make you self-sufficient, connect you with a rad community, and can even contribute to lower impact on the environment. On your next overland trip, pack up a dirt bike, throw it on the back of your rig, set up the ultimate basecamp, and go explore! Once you feel familiar, maybe the next overland trip you’ll leave the rig at home.