How to Ride In and Out of Ruts Safely

Riding ruts is a lot like riding sand, but with one big difference. Sand riding is almost always on flat terrain, whereas ruts can be uphill, downhill, or flat.

Motocrossers use ruts as mini berms, but they can be trouble for casual riders. Controlling the front wheel is key. Stand on the pegs and get your weight over the middle of the bike or slightly over the rear wheel—this is easier uphill and on flats than downhill. Look ahead, not at the front wheel. Try to stay out of the rut. If the rear wheel drops in, stay on the gas, control your direction with the front wheel, and ride out.

If the front wheel drops in, use the side knobs on your tire to control your direction. Steer in the direction your bike wants to fall, and the side knobs will grab the rut and help right you. Stay on the gas and ride it out. If both wheels are in the same rut, you can either ride it out, or try to loft the front out of the rut and get the rear to follow.

If your wheels end up in different ruts, it’s best to stop and drag the rear into the same rut as the front.