Hardpack

Hardpack is a riding surface of dry, tightly compacted dirt or clay. It is common on summer motocross tracks, forest roads and dry trails where traffic and sun have baked the ground hard.

Hardpack looks grippy but knobs cannot dig into it, so traction is limited, and a thin layer of dust on top makes it slippery. Rear wheel slides and front-end tuck are typical problems.

Tyres designed for hard or intermediate terrain, with more closely spaced, lower knobs and a slightly softer compound, work best. Ride smoothly, roll the throttle on progressively and keep weight over the front wheel in corners to keep it biting.