Water crossing

A water crossing is any point where the route goes through a stream, river, ford or flooded section. Rally roadbooks often mark a ford with the French word gué. Before riding in, stop and assess: depth, the speed of the current, what the bottom is like (rocks, sand, mud) and where you will exit.

If in doubt, walk it first. Deep water can reach the air intake or exhaust; water sucked into the engine (hydrolock) can bend a connecting rod. Know where your bike's air box intake is.

Technique: enter in a low gear at steady, moderate speed, keep the throttle constant so the exhaust does not suck in water, look at the exit and avoid stopping mid-stream. Afterwards, test your brakes and later check engine oil, air filter, wheel bearings and electrical connectors for water.