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What started as a new experience quickly became something I won’t forget. Not only because of the challenges, the lessons, and the laughs, but because I was stepping into something completely new. I got my M2 about a year ago and I would say I had built a decent level of confidence riding on the road. What I didn’t realize was just how different off-road riding would be.
At Yamaha’s Kando Day in the Dirt, a group of co-op students and I arrived at SMART Adventures ready to take on that challenge. After a warm welcome from the SMART team, we geared up—my first time in full off-road equipment. Right away, the stiff boots made even simple movements like walking feel unfamiliar. After warming up on ATVs and side-by-sides, it was time for what we had all been waiting for: the dirt bikes.
Let’s get to business.
I was placed in a small intermediate group with two coworkers and our instructors, Louise and Alex. The bike for the day was a TT-R 230. It felt different immediately—no key, taller frame, and a clutch friction point different than what I was used to. Our first laps were all about adjustment. The uneven terrain, loose rocks, and constant shifts in balance made it clear that this wasn’t like street riding. Every movement required more attention. I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t nervous. Out on the trails, we learned how to ride standing—using our knees for control and positioning our feet carefully to avoid accidental inputs. It helped absorb bumps but applying it while riding took focus.
Then it happened.
Coming into a turn, I misjudged my line, hit a rock, and lost momentum. When it was time to accelerate out of the curve, I didn’t give enough throttle—and the bike went down. I rolled and got back up almost instantly.
My reaction? I laughed.
Within minutes, I was back on the bike—but something had changed. I felt more relaxed and more aware. The fall didn’t shake my confidence—it improved it. I started to understand the balance between control and commitment. As the ride continued, we worked on slow-speed control using only the clutch, which was more challenging than expected. But step by step, things started to click.
Then came the final test: a steep downhill followed immediately by a climb.
The goal was simple—control your descent, then carry enough momentum to make it up the next hill. Too slow, and you wouldn’t make it. Too fast, and you’d lose control. As I approached the drop, I focused, controlled the bike on the way down, and committed the way up. Steady throttle, constant motion—and I made it to the top. From that moment on, everything felt different. I was more comfortable, more fluid, and more confident with the bike. As light rain began to fall, we rode through the forest in what felt like the perfect ending to the day—calm, immersive, and incredibly rewarding.
For someone new to off-road riding this was a completely new challenge in a completely different environment. By the end, it wasn’t about riding perfectly. It was about learning, adapting, and pushing through something new. I understood how sometimes us being nervous is just a costume of excitement.
