Motocross is one of the most popular kinds of sports in the world today. Motocross is an off-road motorcycle racing that came into existence in the United Kingdom as a form of motorcycle trial competition. The thrill and fun of off-road riding on a motorcycle on a dirt filled gravel road is what drives the professional drivers to take part in these races.
Some basic motocross gear to keep one protected during such events include:
- Helmet:
This goes without saying that a helmet is a must for sitting on any form of motorcycle. It is the basic safety measure that is also mandatory in most countries for driving a motorcycle. The helmet is something where most drivers decide to spend a little extra as it protects the head and face from severe injury. A helmet with enlarged chin protection also keeps the chin are protected and the mouth and jaw from taking damage in case of a fall. The helmet should also be preferably light-weight as otherwise, it might prove to be burdensome for the driver and cause difficulties whole driving on the dirt. The helmet also serves as a source of recognition for most drivers and every driver has a helmet specially designed for him that marks him apart from the other drivers in the race. Motocross helmets should always have safety certification from the Department of Transportation (DOT) and the Snell Memorial Foundation.
2. Goggles:
Goggles are also an important part of motocross gear as it protects the eyes from the dirt and grit while driving off-road in the mud and dirt. The goggles keep the eyes protected from the sunlight to avoid difficulties in visibility. The goggles must be chosen to fit the helmet so as to prevent fogging on the lens and cause difficulties for the driver. However, to prevent this, one can simply buy anti-fog goggles to be safer. In case of muddy roads, the driver can opt for goggles that come with peel-off materials on the lens so as to if too much dirt gets accumulated on the lens, the driver can simply peel that layer off and clear his vision.
3. Full body armor:
Since one drive on the gravel road, keeping the body protected is a key part of motocross. Full body armor for motocross purpose comes with shoulder padding, elbow padding, chest padding, back padding, and even lower back padding to keep the entire body safe in case of any unfortunate accident. The fun and thrill of riding are always enticing, but one must always keep in mind the safety measures to be undertaken in the process.
4. Gloves:
Gloves are essential to keep the hands safe from the sunlight that they are constantly being exposed to while doing motocross events. The gloves come with extra padding as well to keep the bones of the fingers safe from harm in case of an unfortunate accident. The gloves should be comfortable enough to provide breathing space for all-day driving during motocross events. A double layer padding and silicone layer finger padding is the best choice to look for while buying gloves for motocross. The gloves are generally made of leather which helps in providing added protection and also reduce drafts for the driver while driving in colder weathers.
5. Jersey:
The right jersey is also a key element of motocross. Driving in normal clothes such as jeans and shirt might not be the best move for motocross. The jerseys specialized for motocross events are made of flexible materials and flexibility is something that is needed during motocross to move the body at all different angles to maneuver the bike according to the gravel roads. Generally, nylon jerseys and pants are preferred as they dry quickly, offer more toughness, and provide better airflow during riding.
6. Knee Braces:
Protecting the knees is important in motocross as getting hurt in the knees while doing motocross events may prove to be fatal and cause permanent damage. These braces prevent the knees from twisting and spraining in the case when the driver falls down or hurts himself. The flexibility of the braces does not interfere with the constant movement that is required by the driver to control the bike.
7. Long socks:
Long socks cover most of the leg and keep the driver warm and comfortable. Although it is not mandatory, many motocross drivers prefer to wear socks according to their own comforts.
8. Boots:
A sturdy pair of boots is generally a most important part of motocross gear. The boots protect the legs from injury in case of an accident and definitely falls in the top three gear items where the most amount of money spent is thought to be wise and contributing to one’s own safety. The boots provide safety to the knees and legs along with the shins and calves. Made generally with plastic plates and leather, the boots for motocross come with steel soles and heel guards that ensure overall safety for the legs. However, these boots might wear and tear over time due to constant rough use on the dirt tracks. So, it is essential to keep track of and change the boots at the right time to ensure greater safety while driving.
9. Neck braces:
Though not necessary as the body armor generally takes care of the entire upper body in case of any accidents or unfortunate falls, a neck brace generally absorbs and redirects the impact force during an accident, thereby protecting the fragile area of the neck.
While motocross is all about fun and the thrill of riding in the dirt and gravel with complete freedom, one must always pay importance to the safety measures required for taking part in such events. Safety measures are crucial, as without them, the fun can turn easily into an unfortunate event that might even prove to be fatal and life-threatening for the driver. Researching and purchasing the perfect gear before getting on the bike for the motocross event is always the wise choice.
