Sand

I thought I'd ask for some suggestions on technique for riding in soft sand. There was a section about 100 feet or more dragon's back in very soft sand that to me seemed much deeper than anywhere else around the place. At the time I didn't know if I was supposed to fly across it, or go slow. Going slow was a terrible mistake. :) It reminded me of riding a jet ski in rough wake on the lake, bouncing all over the place. I basically "paddled" my way up the bumps, getting some pretty funny looks by guys on ATVs. Stalled a few times. It was terribly embarrassing.

I'd really like to give that another try (or however many it takes to get it right) and was wondering what the best way to tackle something like that.

My tires were around 13 PSI. I didn't want to go much lower because we were on some trails with rocks and such.
 
if its not a race track and is just a trail ride, then after giving it the gas as the guys said above, don't worry about the bike wandering a little from side to side. As long as you are not going to hit a rock, ride off the track, etc then just let it wander as long as it is going forward in the direction you want to go.
 
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The tire pressure is always a compromise when you have as many variables as a trail provides. we always seem to have some rocks so I run a little higher yet.

for sand as was noted you need some speed. i run a little lower gear than if i was on something firmer (about 75% of my rev range on approach, so I can hit the end of the fat part of the power fast if I want to) . to increase balance try putting one foot further forward on the peg than the opposite one. with no really big jumps to hit I would have the ball or even ball and toe of one foot mainly on the trailing edge of the footpeg and the ball arch area of the other foot on the leading edge of the peg. what you are trying for is an "athletic position" as close as possible to what you would have your feet placement if catching a baseball, throwing a punch etc. you don't do most sports with your toes lined up like lots of people ride a motorcycle. it is harder to balance and your arms end up trying to hold you in place. get the widest footpegs you can fit on too. next set your feet to the toe turned in/heels turned out position. this will help you grip the tank with your knees. keep your elbows bent and even though I ride a little further back, unless there are "whooped out" sections, my head is probably about 8-10 further back than usual and i pretty much keep the same stance so my legs can work the bumps. depending on what you ride you should be able to use your engine to keep the front end light when you need it. make it a position you can eventually make yourself comfortable in, and DON'T stretch to get into the position, (save the stretching for "saves").

If you do that you should be able to make it through most of the sandy areas with your feet on the pegs and your butt off the seat. feet up in sand and soft mud are your targets.
 
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