Off-Road Race Safety

If you are a new desert motorcycle racer, then there are a few things you should know when you are out on the desert course with other racers.

I work with the International Racing Rescue Crew. Or also known as “IRRC”. We are a group of volunteers that attend desert racing events and other high population days in the desert to help injured or broken down riders. It is something we enjoy just as much as you enjoy racing. 

Having spent +5 years as a rescue rider, here are few common courtesy’s or safety tips to stay safe and help out your fellow riders.

I see a rider that needs help? On the course you may see a rider parked on the side of the course. It is courtesy to slow down and give them a “thumbs up” to see if they are ok. If the rider gives you the “thumbs up” back, then that means they are OK and you can continue riding. If they waive you down or don’t respond, stop and see if they need help. It is also possible to see an injured rider (down rider) on the course. If you are the first one there, you need to stop racing and help your fellow rider because you would want the same if you were injured. When you are the first to stop, you should stay with that rider until you can be relieved by IRRC or event staff. The next rider that stops should get the rider number and ride ahead to the next checkpoint where they can radio IRRC for help. If it is a serious injury, other riders will stop and help.

My bike broke down? Racing is hard on bikes and sometimes things break. It is important to pack some water with you and some minor tools. Even though you want to race light, they could prove helpful should something happen. When that happens the first thing you do is move you and your bike off the course. Number 1; it is a safety issue. You don’t want another racer to hit you or your bike and cause injury. Number 2; it is courtesy. Those racers want to race just as bad as you do so clear the path for them. If you think you can fix your bike, give the other riders the universal thumbs up to let them know you don’t need help. If your bike cannot be fixed, let the first rider that stops know that you are done racing and need a ride. They can tell the next checkpoint and they will radio for IRRC for assistance. Then have a seat and watch the race until help arrives. This is where that water and tools come in handy. If you manage to get your bike running, make sure you check in with the finish line and let them know you made it back by other means and we will call off the rescue rider. If you have to stay out there, keep in mind it might take some time if rescue vehicles are tied up with medical emergencies. But know we won’t forget you out there. IRRC often stays well after the race is over to clear the course and make sure all riders make it back.

I crashed! We all know some crashes are harder than others. If you go down take a second and make sure you are not injured. If you feel you are able, try to get you and your bike off the course as soon as possible so you do not become a safety hazard. When you’re ready, take a moment to collect your thoughts and continue on. Remember to use the thumbs up method with your fellow racers to let them know if you are ok or not. If you go down, are physically injured, and you cannot move yourself out of the way, then do your best to wave for help. Desert riders will help you out and the system described above will work for you. IRRC will be activated and we will be on our way as fast as we can.

We are all out having fun and when things go wrong, keep a cool head and remember these tips. You will quickly find that you are part of a community that will help you get back to camp so you can tell your new race story. Also know that your fellow riders, U.S.D.R, and the International Racing Rescue Crew (IRRC) will be out there helping you out.

IRRC is a non-profit volunteer group that provides emergency medical and rescue services at no charge. Volunteers and donations are welcome. Visit www.irrcsar.org for more information and contact info.