{"version":"1.0.0","episode":{"title":"RIDER SKILLS: What to Do When the Front Wheel Starts to Wash Out","url":"http://getcarcurious.com/episodes/rider-skills-what-to-do-when-the-front-wheel-starts-to-wash-out","audioUrl":"https://media.transistor.fm/511f11b8/6a9d2778.mp3","description":"\n        When the front tire starts to lose traction or the bike suddenly feels like it’s about to go down, most riders react with some kind of defensive move that feels instinctively right. But is it? In this Rider Skills episode, Clinton Smout joins Jim Martin to look at what’s really happening in those split-second moments when an adventure motorcycle starts to let go off-road — and why what feels like a save may not be one at all.🔗 Show Notes & Links: Find photos, links, and resources related to this episode on our website at Adventure Rider Radio.🎧 Subscribe & Never Miss an Episode: We release new episodes of ARR every week on Thursday and of RAW on the 21st of every month—full of inspiring stories, expert advice, and insight from the world of adventure motorcycling. Hit subscribe so you never miss out!💡 Got an Idea? Have a guest suggestion or topic you’d love us to cover? We’d love to hear from you! Drop us an email through our website.⭐️ Leave a Review: Enjoying the show? A 5-star review on Apple Podcasts or your favorite podcast app goes a long way in helping others discover the show.📱 Follow Us: Join our growing community on Facebook and Instagram. Let’s stay connected!🙌 Support the Show: Love what we do? Help keep the adventure alive by supporting us. Your contribution allows us to keep bringing you great content week after week.📤 Share the Show: Know someone who would enjoy this episode? Share it with them! Word of mouth helps us grow and reach more riders around the world.📬 Join Our Newsletter: Be the first to hear about new episodes, bonus content, and more! Sign up for our newsletter at Adventure Rider Radio.🙏 Thanks for Listening! We truly appreciate you being part of our adventure community. Until next time—ride safe and keep exploring!\n\n  ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★\n\n      "},"annotations":[{"startTime":2.8,"endTime":7.7,"type":"term","title":"gravel or dirt","url":"/glossary/gravel-or-dirt","quote":"It's one of the most unnerving feelings you can have as a rider, going along gravel or dirt, coming into a corner and the front end starts to slide.","canonicalId":"term:gravel-or-dirt","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.85,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"Loose surfaces like gravel and dirt reduce tire traction and make grip more variable from moment to moment. That variability increases the chance of sudden front-end slide when cornering or when inputs upset the tire’s contact with the ground.","simplifiedExplanation":"Gravel and dirt don’t grip as consistently as pavement. That means the front tire can lose traction more easily, especially in corners."}},{"startTime":7.7,"endTime":16.3,"type":"term","title":"front wheel starts to wash out","url":"/glossary/front-wheel-starts-to-wash-out","quote":"It's one of the most unnerving feelings you can have as a rider, going along gravel or dirt, coming into a corner and the front end starts to slide.","canonicalId":"term:front-wheel-starts-to-wash-out","priority":0.9,"confidence":0.95,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"“Wash out” is when the front tire loses grip and the bike’s front end starts sliding instead of tracking where you’re steering. On gravel or dirt, this can happen suddenly in a corner when the tire can’t generate enough traction.","simplifiedExplanation":"It means the front tire suddenly loses traction. When that happens, the bike can slide sideways instead of turning normally, especially on loose dirt or gravel."}},{"startTime":75.8,"endTime":84.2,"type":"part","title":"cycle pump tire inflator","url":"/glossary/cycle-pump-tire-inflator","quote":"Experience riders choose the cycle pump tire inflator made by Best Rest products for one reason, because they can count on it when they pull that out of their pannier no matter what.","canonicalId":"part:cycle-pump-tire-inflator","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"A cycle pump tire inflator is a compact tire-inflation tool carried on a motorcycle for roadside use. In this segment, it’s emphasized as something riders rely on during emergencies, especially when removing it from storage.","simplifiedExplanation":"This is a small pump you keep on your bike to refill a tire if it goes low. The host is saying experienced riders trust theirs when they need it fast."}},{"startTime":75.8,"endTime":95.5,"type":"company","title":"Best Rest products","url":"/glossary/best-rest-products","quote":"Experience riders choose the cycle pump tire inflator made by Best Rest products for one reason, because they can count on it when they pull that out of their pannier no matter what.","canonicalId":"company:best-rest-products","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"Best Rest products makes motorcycle-focused tools, including the CyclePump tire inflator and other trail-ready gear. The host highlights their durability and lifetime warranty as reasons riders trust them when they need them most.","simplifiedExplanation":"Best Rest makes motorcycle tools you carry on rides. The point here is that riders trust them because they’re tough and backed by a long warranty."}},{"startTime":80.7,"endTime":84.2,"type":"part","title":"pannier","url":"/glossary/pannier","quote":"...because they can count on it when they pull that out of their pannier no matter what.","canonicalId":"part:pannier","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"A pannier is a side storage bag or case mounted to a motorcycle, commonly used for adventure riding. The mention matters because it’s where the inflator is stored and accessed quickly when needed.","simplifiedExplanation":"A pannier is a bag or case on the sides of a motorcycle for carrying gear. Here, it’s important because that’s where the rider keeps the tire inflator."}},{"startTime":86.0,"endTime":92.1,"type":"term","title":"Hex Wrench","url":"/glossary/hex-wrench","quote":"Best Rest has loads of other motor-specific products like the Hex Wrench, which is a combination tire iron slash wrench, and they're known for their top quality tire plugs and patch kits.","canonicalId":"term:hex-wrench","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.85,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"The Hex Wrench is described as a combined tire-iron and wrench tool. The key idea is multi-function trail hardware that reduces what you need to carry while still covering common roadside tasks.","simplifiedExplanation":"A Hex Wrench is a multi-tool that combines different functions in one piece. In this case, it’s meant to help with tire work and basic adjustments when you’re out riding."}},{"startTime":146.3,"endTime":150.1,"type":"term","title":"sand","url":"/glossary/sand","quote":"and I think a couple of times it was in sand right off the back because I got a really heavy sand.","canonicalId":"term:sand","priority":0.9,"confidence":0.95,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"Sand is a high-slip surface that dramatically reduces tire traction and makes it easier for the front wheel to lose grip. It also changes how the bike responds moment-to-moment, so small inputs can have big effects.","simplifiedExplanation":"Sand is slippery for tires, so the bike can lose traction more easily. That means the front wheel may start sliding even if you’re doing everything “normally.”"}},{"startTime":151.6,"endTime":156.8,"type":"term","title":"foot peg","url":"/glossary/foot-peg","quote":"was just sort of slide my foot off the foot peg because it's a factory peg and there's not much grip there.","canonicalId":"term:foot-peg","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"A foot peg is where your boot rests to control the bike with your legs. In this context, the rider is describing using the ability to slide a foot on the peg as a reaction to regain stability.","simplifiedExplanation":"Your foot peg is the platform you stand on. Here, the rider is talking about how their boot can move on the peg to help them react when the front starts to slip."}},{"startTime":564.4,"endTime":564.4,"type":"term","title":"traction","url":"/glossary/traction","quote":"The traction may well come back and you saved it and that's a great feeling. So an example would be like, for instance, if you were riding in the dirt, let's talk about a turn.","canonicalId":"term:traction","priority":0.9,"confidence":0.95,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"Traction is the grip between the tire and the surface. When traction drops (like on roots, mud, or loose dirt), the tire can slide and you lose control inputs like steering and braking.","simplifiedExplanation":"Traction just means how much the tires can grip the ground. If the ground is slick, the tires slide more and it’s harder to control the bike."}},{"startTime":822.8,"endTime":832.1,"type":"brand","title":"KTM","url":"/glossary/ktm","quote":"...BMW, for instance, KTM, you can't take the ABS off of the front wheel.","canonicalId":"brand:ktm","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"KTM is cited alongside BMW as a modern adventure-bike example where you can’t disable front-wheel ABS. This influences training because ABS changes the feel and stability during front-wheel traction loss.","simplifiedExplanation":"KTM is mentioned as another brand with front-wheel ABS that you can’t easily turn off. That changes how the bike brakes when the ground is slippery."}},{"startTime":822.8,"endTime":832.1,"type":"term","title":"ABS","url":"/glossary/abs","quote":"...the modern adventure bikes, BMW, for instance, KTM, you can't take the ABS off of the front wheel.","canonicalId":"term:abs","priority":0.9,"confidence":0.95,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"ABS (anti-lock braking system) prevents the wheels from locking during hard braking. On many modern adventure motorcycles, ABS is integrated in a way that may limit how much you can disable it—especially on the front wheel.","simplifiedExplanation":"ABS is a safety system that helps stop your wheel from locking up when you brake hard. If the wheel locks, you lose steering control, so ABS helps you keep it."}},{"startTime":822.8,"endTime":832.1,"type":"brand","title":"BMW","url":"/glossary/bmw","quote":"...the modern adventure bikes, BMW, for instance, KTM, you can't take the ABS off of the front wheel.","canonicalId":"brand:bmw","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"BMW is mentioned as an example of modern adventure motorcycles that restrict disabling ABS on the front wheel. That matters because front-wheel ABS behavior can change how the bike responds when the front tire approaches a slide.","simplifiedExplanation":"BMW is used here as an example of a brand where the front-wheel ABS can’t easily be turned off. That affects how you practice braking on slippery surfaces."}},{"startTime":970.0,"endTime":975.5,"type":"term","title":"exposed roots","url":"/glossary/exposed-roots","quote":"trails generally cause erosion in the amount of soil that's underneath our bikes. So if that trail's been out there for years and years and years, whether the trails used by feet, hoofs, or tires, there could be exposed roots.","canonicalId":"term:exposed-roots","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"“Exposed roots” are slick obstacles that can appear as trails erode over time. Roots can drastically reduce traction for the front tire, particularly when they’re hidden by leaves or wet conditions.","simplifiedExplanation":"Exposed roots are tree roots that have come up through the trail surface. They can be very slippery, and the front wheel can lose grip when you hit them."}},{"startTime":1024.4,"endTime":1040.04,"type":"concept","title":"Overland Expo West","url":"/glossary/overland-expo-west","quote":"Overland Expo West is coming this May 15th to 17th in Flagstaff, Arizona. And if Overland travel is your thing, or maybe you're just getting started in it, this event is worth attending.","canonicalId":"concept:overland-expo-west","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"Overland Expo West is an off-road and overlanding event that combines training, gear, and community for adventure travelers. It’s relevant here because the episode is about rider skills for challenging trail conditions.","simplifiedExplanation":"Overland Expo West is a big event for people who travel and ride off-road. It usually includes training and gear, which fits the skills-focused theme of this episode."}},{"startTime":1098.7,"endTime":1168.4,"type":"brand","title":"Perley's possum socks","url":"/glossary/perley-s-possum-socks","quote":"Perley's possum socks are the official sock of Adventure Rider Radio... Perley's are made from a blend of Merino wool and possum fur designed by riders for riders. And now they've got a new Nomad Perley, a thinner sock for year round use.","canonicalId":"brand:perley-s-possum-socks","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"Perley's is a sock brand marketed specifically for riders and outdoor use. The segment emphasizes comfort during long days in riding boots and describes the materials (Merino wool and possum fur) and a newer thinner “Nomad” version for year-round wear.","simplifiedExplanation":"Perley's is a sock brand aimed at people who spend lots of time in boots. They’re made with special materials meant to keep your feet feeling better after long rides."}},{"startTime":1360.2,"endTime":1383.0,"type":"term","title":"dab","url":"/glossary/dab","quote":"There'll be somebody holding their fist up in the air as they watch you go through the section. Every time you put a toe down, that's called the dab, which is a negative. And they hold the digit up.","canonicalId":"term:dab","priority":0.9,"confidence":0.95,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"In trials riding, a “dab” is when you touch the ground with your foot (often a toe) to steady yourself. It’s treated as a penalty because it indicates you didn’t maintain balance and control through the section.","simplifiedExplanation":"A “dab” is when you put your foot down to catch yourself. In trials, that’s considered a mistake because it means you lost balance."}},{"startTime":1412.2,"endTime":1428.0,"type":"term","title":"feet on the pegs","url":"/glossary/feet-on-the-pegs","quote":"handle lack of traction at either wheel, ride it out, fight to keep your feet on the pegs. And that really helped. So that's what we should be doing on our adventure bikes, then the same thing.","canonicalId":"term:feet-on-the-pegs","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.88,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"Keeping your feet on the pegs is a key control habit in trials-style riding because it helps maintain balance and prevents “dabs.” The speaker frames it as the practical way to avoid touching down when grip is poor.","simplifiedExplanation":"They’re saying you should keep your feet up on the foot pegs instead of putting them down for balance. That helps you stay controlled when the surface is slippery."}},{"startTime":1943.1,"endTime":1950.7,"type":"term","title":"wheel slip","url":"/glossary/wheel-slip","quote":"So we only want a little bit of wheel slip from the throttle input. And we get kids doing it and adults on the corners, light it up a little, and the back wheel will slide just for a second.","canonicalId":"term:wheel-slip","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.86,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"Wheel slip is when the tire rotates faster than the surface grip allows, causing a slide. The instructor stresses limiting throttle-induced slip so the rider can still make the turn and recover traction quickly.","simplifiedExplanation":"Wheel slip is when the tire starts spinning or sliding instead of gripping. The lesson says you only want a little slip so you can steer and regain traction, not lose the whole turn."}},{"startTime":2052.0,"endTime":2057.3,"type":"term","title":"stock motorcycle mirrors","url":"/glossary/stock-motorcycle-mirrors","quote":"The problem with stock motorcycle mirrors is pretty simple. When you drop your bike, and we all do, they break.","canonicalId":"term:stock-motorcycle-mirrors","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"The segment explains that stock mirrors are prone to breaking when the bike is dropped. It also notes that sometimes the mirror breaks off, but other times the mount can fail—creating a bigger control/visibility issue.","simplifiedExplanation":"Factory mirrors can snap easily if you drop the bike. If the mount breaks too, you lose the mirror and may need to replace more than just the glass."}},{"startTime":2091.4,"endTime":2119.9,"type":"company","title":"double take mirror","url":"/glossary/double-take-mirror","quote":"That's why we have double take mirror. Double take mirror has a double ball and socket design that allows the mirror to fold out of the way... double take mirror.com and really go to your way to let them know you heard them here on adventure rider radio.","canonicalId":"company:double-take-mirror","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.95,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"Double Take Mirror is an aftermarket motorcycle mirror brand designed to fold away using a double ball-and-socket design. The folding action reduces breakage risk during tight riding or drops, and the company offers a lifetime warranty on the system.","simplifiedExplanation":"Double Take makes mirrors that can fold out of the way instead of snapping off. That helps them survive drops, and they back it with a warranty."}},{"startTime":2135.6,"endTime":2160.2,"type":"company","title":"IMS products","url":"/glossary/ims-products","quote":"A foot peg is not just a foot peg. I mean, anybody can make a chunk of metal with teeth on it, but IMS products puts real design into theirs... IMS products foot pegs are engineered for the way we ride adventure riding","canonicalId":"company:ims-products","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.95,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"IMS products is an aftermarket off-road parts company known for designing components specifically for adventure and dirt riding. In this segment, they’re highlighted for their foot pegs’ grip, mud relief, and impact/flex features.","simplifiedExplanation":"IMS products makes aftermarket parts for off-road motorcycles. Here they’re talking about their foot pegs being designed to grip well, clear mud, and handle hits better than a basic peg."}},{"startTime":2246.9,"endTime":2268.2,"type":"term","title":"front brake","url":"/glossary/front-brake","quote":"...You're going to put two fingers on the front brake and slowly and progressively pull in the front brake. So the clutch is out...","canonicalId":"term:front-brake","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"The front brake provides most of the stopping force on a motorcycle, but it also has the highest risk of locking the front wheel if traction is limited. The segment’s technique is to apply it progressively with two fingers to reach the edge of traction without immediately losing control.","simplifiedExplanation":"The front brake is the brake on the handlebars. It’s powerful, so if you grab it too hard on slippery ground, the front wheel can lock and slide."}},{"startTime":2311.1,"endTime":2319.8,"type":"term","title":"locked up front wheel","url":"/glossary/locked-up-front-wheel","quote":"is a sensitivity of recognizing when the locked up front wheel is about to slide out either to the left or right and crash.","canonicalId":"term:locked-up-front-wheel","priority":0.9,"confidence":0.92,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"A “locked up” wheel means the tire stops rotating and skids across the surface. With the front wheel locked, steering effectiveness drops sharply because the contact patch isn’t rolling and generating directional grip.","simplifiedExplanation":"If the front wheel locks, it stops rolling and starts sliding. When that happens, it’s much harder to steer the bike."}},{"startTime":2477.0,"endTime":2482.9,"type":"term","title":"counterweighting","url":"/glossary/counterweighting","quote":"but those are a couple of things you can do. Can you talk for a minute about counterweighting\n[2482.9s]  and the importance of it for cornering in the dirt? Yeah.","canonicalId":"term:counterweighting","priority":0.9,"confidence":0.95,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"Counterweighting is shifting your body weight to help the bike stay balanced while cornering. In dirt riding, it’s especially important because loose surfaces reduce traction and make the front end more likely to wash out.","simplifiedExplanation":"Counterweighting means moving your body around instead of staying planted on the seat. On dirt, that body shift helps keep the bike stable so the front wheel doesn’t slide out as easily."}},{"startTime":2678.8,"endTime":2682.5,"type":"term","title":"look where you want to go","url":"/glossary/look-where-you-want-to-go","quote":"And you just mentioned looking at the ditch. That's the other thing and I know you say it all the time is, is you need to look where you want to go, not where you're going.","canonicalId":"term:look-where-you-want-to-go","priority":0.9,"confidence":0.93,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"This is a core riding technique: your vision drives your line. By focusing on where you want the bike to go, you help maintain correct steering and body position, especially when traction is uncertain. The speaker contrasts it with looking at where you’re going (or where you’re currently headed), which can be misleading during a slide.","simplifiedExplanation":"Look at your intended path, not the problem area. Your eyes help your body steer the bike. This is especially important when the front tire might be slipping."}},{"startTime":2722.5,"endTime":2750.0,"type":"concept","title":"obstacles","url":"/glossary/obstacles","quote":"The other thing I was going to mention is especially with obstacles, I think that sort of what I've thought about over the years is I realized that when I come to something, if I can't actually picture myself riding through it...","canonicalId":"concept:obstacles","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.86,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"“Obstacles” in this context are trail features that require planning and commitment—like rocks, ruts, or uneven terrain. The speaker emphasizes mental rehearsal: if you can’t picture a safe line and traction points, you should turn around or find an alternate route. That’s a risk-management approach to obstacle riding.","simplifiedExplanation":"Obstacles are the tricky parts of a trail, like rocks or uneven ground. The speaker says you should mentally plan how you’ll ride through them. If you can’t picture it safely, don’t force it—go around or turn back."}},{"startTime":2787.3,"endTime":2796.6,"type":"company","title":"Smart Performance Center","url":"/glossary/smart-performance-center","quote":"That was Clinton Smout, chief instructor from Smart Performance Center in Barry, Ontario, Canada. Smart Performance Center offers motorcycle, ATV and snowmobile training and certification programs as well as tours their website, smartperformancecenter.ca.","canonicalId":"company:smart-performance-center","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.95,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"Smart Performance Center is a training organization that provides motorcycle, ATV, and snowmobile instruction. In this episode, they’re referenced because the guest is the chief instructor there and discusses rider skills.","simplifiedExplanation":"Smart Performance Center is a place that teaches riding skills. The instructor mentioned in the episode works there and helps people learn safer techniques."}},{"startTime":2827.8,"endTime":2833.2,"type":"company","title":"Green Chili Adventure Gear","url":"/glossary/green-chili-adventure-gear","quote":"This episode was brought to you in part by Green Chili Adventure Gear at greenchiliadv.com, best rest products at cyclepump.com. Anytime you're dealing with these companies or anything you hear on Adventure Rider Radio, let them know you heard them here.","canonicalId":"company:green-chili-adventure-gear","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"Green Chili Adventure Gear is an advertiser on the show, likely focused on adventure-riding gear. The mention is part of the podcast’s sponsorship model rather than technical motorcycle content.","simplifiedExplanation":"Green Chili Adventure Gear is a sponsor of the podcast. They sell riding gear for adventure-style riding."}}],"speakers":[{"id":"s1","name":"Adventure Rider Radio | Adventure Motorcycling","role":"host"}],"transcripts":[{"url":"http://getcarcurious.com/episodes/rider-skills-what-to-do-when-the-front-wheel-starts-to-wash-out/transcript.vtt","type":"text/vtt"}]}