Loam

Loam is soil made of a balanced mix of sand, silt and clay, often with organic matter. For dirt bike riders it describes soft, crumbly, slightly moist dirt that knobs can bite into easily, offering predictable grip and a cushioned feel.

Freshly prepared or ripped motocross tracks and forest trails after light rain are often described as loamy, and riders consider it one of the best surfaces to ride. When it dries it can turn dusty, and when soaked it becomes mud.

Loam rewards aggressive riding and allows ruts and berms to form. Intermediate to soft-terrain tyres with medium-spaced knobs work well.