An Afternoon With Red Bull Sponsored Rider Chris Birch - by the Braap Brothers

Credits to Red Bull

Chris Birch

Red Bull's Official Sponsored Rider, this New Zealander is all about Extreme Enduro.

Credits to Red Bull

Having crowned 1st for the Roof of Africa Enduro race for three consecutive years (2008 - 2010) and finishing Top 3 every year (2007 - 2011) at the Red Bull Romaniacs, Birchy (what his friends call him) has proven despite such races that can often stretch beyond physical and mental exhaustion, he's got it all in control.

We don't have him here in Singapore, but Ulu Choh Dirt Park is near enough (18 minutes from Singapore's Tuas Checkpoint) where Chris Birch is flown in to conduct an exclusive Off-Road clinic, proudly organized by the Braap Brothers.

Credits to Braap Brothers

What better way to pick up some tips and tricks from the Pro of the Pros over a midweek afternoon?

It was just me and my little black lamb (my suzuki DR200), among the herd of the orange mean machines (KTMsssss). I don't feel intimidated at all... totally :D Cuz I'm sure Chris will take really good care of every single one of us!

Right, Chris?

Credits to Braap Brothers

Sounds.. good..

Without further delay, we started off with some fundamental theory on the set up of our dirt bikes.

Taken with HTC Re Camera

Bike Set Up

From the positioning of our handlebars, to the level of our levers, we learnt that it's important to have these basics in place as it really helps us ride in the most optimum comfort, which directly affects how well we ride.

Riding Position

Next, sitting and standing position during off road is essential to get it right to maintain your center of gravity while on the bumpy roads. This involves moving just your hips instead of your entire body when countering corners and tight bends.

Getting some help here

Tyre Pressure

There is no magic number to what our tyre pressure should be because its subjected to various factors like the type of bike, the rider's weight, type of tyres etc etc. Hence, go by your feel. Release the air till its moderately soft enough but not to the point it might damage your rims.

Through the theory, Chris pointed out common bad habits that even seasoned riders have, but hey, its never too late to correct them. He taught us many things that made practical sense and when we tried it on the spot, we realize how much easier it was to ride off road properly.

Not just that, but the skills he shared is also very helpful especially when riding on the roads because it instills a natural sense of defensive riding in us, which could save us from potential accidents etc.

Credits to Braap Brothers

Wanna know what exactly he taught us?
SIGN UP FOR THE CLINIC THE NEXT TIME ROUND! :) hahaha

After all that theory, its time for some tight trails, rocky hill climbs and curvy steep slopes!

Taken with Drift Camera - With abit of hands on earlier, my face has new dust make up!

With the sun at its mightiest now, what are we waiting for? Let's go!

Chris on the KTM Adventurer

Me

Chris on his KTM 450EXC

Taken with HTC Re Camera - Me on my DR200 trying my best to imitate Chris with mini jumps

Uphill climbs in the jungle

Up and down we went, left and right we turned, Chris took us through and guided us all the way. The whole trail was well paced and no pressure at all. We applied the techniques learnt during the theory and realized significant riding improvement.

"Boo, how much mud is there on my faceee?"

Boy, it was scorching hot under the sweltering heat. Sweat trickling down our backs with dust all over our faces, yet we were all in smiles from the ride.

Cheerios to Chris Birch for being SUPER AWESOME!!

With THE MAN :D

What an honor not just getting to meet Chris, but to have an up close and personal dirt bike coaching session by him!

Credits to Braap Brothers. From Left: Ben Crookenden, Myself, Peter Grinsted, Muhd Alkhatib, Chris Birch

Red Bull Sponsored Rider Chris Birch Off Road Riding Clinic would not have been possible without Team Braap Brothers, a big Thank You to these guys!

Let's Braaaaaaaaap On!