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The infamous "Dead Engine Start". This is one of the most under-rated parts of desert racing. When your lined up with 100 or more guys all ready to go for it... it can be pretty intimidating and actually very nerve racking. So here is my take on the desert style bomb run Dead Engine Start. The first thing to do is remember that your safety and the safety of your competitors is always first.

Preperation

Preparation is very important to a good race. Be sure your machine is in top running order and ready to do the job. I have seen so many guys come to the start with an poorly maintained machine that will hinder their ability to get a first kick start. So be sure to clean your filter, make sure your carb is clean, you have a good sparkplug and that you have given the bike a once over before you ever leave the pits.

Practice Practice Practice

It's very important to practice your start and find a racing line to the bomb. I usually like to check out the bomb the day before the event when there are not to many people to hinder my ability to ride the bomb and pick out the good lines.

Line Selection

Line selection is very important to your start.

Getting to the Line

Getting to the line before the start of a race can make a big difference in your ability to get the line you selected during your practice runs. So wake up early, eat a good breakfast and show up earlier than your competition that way you can take some time to settle the nerves and mentally prepare for what your about to do.

Lining Up for the start

Lining up for the start is really important especially if the conditions are windy and you expect there to be dust. It's always safe to be on the upwind side of the start that way in case you don't get that 1 kick start your not having to ride in everyone's dust which can be pretty dangerous.

Waiting on the Flag

This is probably the most nerve racking part of being an off road desert racer. Waiting on the flag to drop is so nerve racking that sometimes it makes me fell like I have to puke! The key here is to relax while controlling your breathing.

The Kick

It's important that you are ready to go when the flag drops cause there are 100 or more guys looking to beat you to the bomb and a first kick start will help insure that you don't have to take the risk of riding in the dust.

Racing to the Bomb

Now your on your way with 100 other crazy fools holding it wide open this in when it really gets scary. Your adrenaline is pumping and your focused on reading the terrain and focusing on the bomb. Use your peripheral vision and pay attention to guys next to you so that your prepared in the case of someone coming over into your line. Don't follow right behind someone in case they get off and take you out. Focus, Breathe and remember your line.

At the Bomb and Beyond

Now you've made it to the bomb and you have several miles of tough desert racing ahead of you. This is the time that you settle into your race pace and conserve some energy cause it's going to be a long tough fight to the finish.

Good Luck and I hope this helps!

Jake - jacob911.com