Graham Jarvis claimed victory at the 2014 Getzen Rodeo by combining elite riding skills, precise bike control, and smart race strategy. This guide breaks down his winning approach so you can apply the same techniques to improve your own dirt bike performance.
Key Takeaways
- Master slow-speed balance: Jarvis’s control at low speeds gave him an edge in technical sections.
- Optimize suspension setup: Proper sag and damping settings matched the rocky, uneven terrain of the Rodeo.
- Use momentum wisely: Jarvis conserved energy by using terrain features instead of brute force.
- Focus on line selection: Choosing the smoothest, fastest path through obstacles saved time and reduced fatigue.
- Stay relaxed under pressure: A calm upper body and soft grip improved traction and control.
- Practice precision over speed: Winning came from consistency, not just raw pace.
- Pre-ride reconnaissance pays off: Studying the course beforehand helped Jarvis anticipate challenges.
Introduction: What You’ll Learn from Graham Jarvis’s 2014 Getzen Rodeo Win
The 2014 Getzen Rodeo was one of the toughest extreme enduro events of the year—rocky trails, steep climbs, and unpredictable weather tested even the most seasoned riders. Yet Graham Jarvis, known for his smooth style and unmatched bike control, rode his way to victory with a blend of technical mastery and mental focus. In this guide, you’ll learn exactly how he did it—and how you can apply those same principles to your own dirt bike riding.
Whether you’re preparing for a local enduro race or just want to ride more confidently on technical terrain, Jarvis’s 2014 win offers a masterclass in precision, preparation, and patience. We’ll walk you through his bike setup, riding techniques, race-day strategy, and mental approach—all broken down into actionable steps you can follow.
Step 1: Understand the Terrain and Event Demands
Before you even think about throttle control or suspension settings, you need to know what kind of riding the Getzen Rodeo demands. This isn’t a motocross track—it’s a natural terrain enduro with steep, rocky inclines, deep ruts, mud patches, and tight switchbacks. Success here isn’t about top speed; it’s about control, balance, and endurance.
Study the Course in Advance
Jarvis always pre-rides or walks the course when possible. He looks for hidden rocks, loose soil, and potential lines that others might miss. If you can’t pre-ride, study GPS maps, watch past race videos, or talk to other riders who’ve tackled the trail.
Identify Key Challenges
At Getzen, the most difficult sections include the “Rock Garden Climb” and the “Mud Chute Descent.” Jarvis knew these would be bottlenecks, so he practiced slow-speed maneuvers and practiced picking lines that minimized wheel spin and loss of balance.
Pro Tip: Mark tricky sections on your GPS or mental map. Plan your approach before you hit them at speed.
Step 2: Dial In Your Dirt Bike Setup
Jarvis rode a modified KTM 300 EXC in 2014, but the principles of setup apply to any modern enduro bike. His configuration focused on traction, stability, and rider comfort over long, punishing stages.
Set the Suspension for Technical Terrain
- Sag: Jarvis ran 100–105mm of sag (about 35–37% of total travel) to keep the rear wheel planted on uneven ground.
- <Fork Compression: Slightly softer than standard to absorb sharp rocks without bouncing.
- Rebound Damping: Slowed down to prevent the bike from kicking back after big hits.
This setup gave him a plush ride that maintained wheel contact—critical for traction on loose or rocky surfaces.
Tire Choice and Pressure
He used Michelin Enduro Medium tires with reinforced casings. Tire pressure was set to 12.5 PSI front and 13 PSI rear—low enough for grip, but high enough to avoid pinch flats.
Pro Tip: Carry a portable compressor or CO2 inflator. Adjust pressure based on conditions: lower for mud, higher for sharp rocks.
Steering Damper and Controls
Jarvis ran a hydraulic steering damper to reduce handlebar kick on rough descents. He also adjusted his levers and pegs for maximum comfort and control, with pegs raised slightly for better clearance.
Step 3: Master Slow-Speed Bike Control
One of Jarvis’s biggest advantages was his ability to ride slowly without putting a foot down. This is essential in enduro, where races are often won or lost in technical sections where speed is minimal.
Practice the “Clutch Feather” Technique
Use the clutch to control power delivery, not the throttle. Roll the throttle on just enough to keep the engine running, then use clutch slip to modulate speed. This prevents wheel spin and keeps the rear tire gripping.
Body Positioning for Balance
Keep your weight centered or slightly back. Stand on the pegs with knees bent, elbows up, and head over the handlebars. This “attack position” lets you absorb bumps and shift weight quickly.
Use the Rear Brake Strategically
Jarvis rarely used the front brake in tight sections. Instead, he relied on the rear brake to pivot the bike and control descent speed. This prevents front-end washouts on loose terrain.
Pro Tip: Practice riding at walking pace through cones or over logs. The goal is to go slow without stopping.
Step 4: Choose the Right Line Every Time
Line selection is where Jarvis separated himself from the pack. He didn’t always take the shortest path—he took the fastest *sustainable* path.
Look Ahead, Not Down
Your eyes should be scanning 10–15 meters ahead, not staring at your front wheel. This lets you anticipate obstacles and plan your line early.
Use Natural Features to Your Advantage
Jarvis used rocks, roots, and ruts as launch pads or braking points. For example, he’d ride up a rock to gain height, then pivot off it to change direction—saving energy and time.
Avoid the “Rider Track”
Just because everyone else is riding a certain line doesn’t mean it’s the best. Jarvis often took wider, smoother arcs around ruts or mud holes, even if it meant a slightly longer route.
Pro Tip: If you’re stuck, stop and walk the section. Sometimes the best line isn’t rideable—it’s walkable. Knowing when to dismount is part of winning.
Step 5: Conserve Energy and Stay Mentally Sharp
Enduro races like the Getzen Rodeo can last 3–4 hours. Fatigue leads to mistakes, and mistakes lead to crashes or time loss. Jarvis won by managing his energy wisely.
Ride Smooth, Not Hard
He avoided unnecessary throttle bursts or aggressive braking. Smooth inputs mean less strain on the bike and less fatigue for the rider.
Take Micro-Breaks
On long, flat sections, Jarvis would sit down briefly, relax his grip, and take deep breaths. These small recovery moments added up over the race.
Stay Hydrated and Fueled
He carried a hydration pack with electrolytes and ate energy gels at checkpoints. Even mild dehydration can impair focus and reaction time.
Pro Tip: Practice riding while sipping from a water bottle. It sounds simple, but it keeps you hydrated without stopping.
Step 6: Troubleshooting Common Issues
Even Jarvis faced problems during the race. Here’s how he handled them—and how you can too.
Bike Won’t Start After a Tip-Over
Stay calm. Turn the fuel off, flip the bike upright, wait 30 seconds for oil to drain from the cylinder, then restart. Jarvis carried a spare spark plug and tool kit just in case.
Losing Traction on a Steep Climb
Don’t panic and twist the throttle. Ease off, shift your weight forward, and use small clutch bursts. If you’re still sliding, dismount and push—sometimes walking is faster.
Handlebar Vibration on Descents
This usually means your front tire is bouncing off rocks. Slow down, stand taller, and soften your grip. Check tire pressure—too low can cause instability.
Pro Tip: Carry a small multi-tool and tire repair kit. A 5-minute fix can save your race.
Conclusion: Apply Jarvis’s Winning Mindset
Graham Jarvis didn’t win the 2014 Getzen Rodeo because he was the fastest rider on the day. He won because he was the smartest, most prepared, and most controlled. His victory wasn’t about raw power—it was about precision, patience, and practice.
You don’t need to be a pro to benefit from his approach. Start by focusing on one area: maybe it’s slow-speed balance, or maybe it’s learning to read the terrain better. Small improvements add up. Ride smooth, think ahead, and respect the bike. With time and practice, you’ll be riding with the confidence of a champion.
Remember: the best dirt bike riders aren’t always the ones who go fastest. They’re the ones who make the fewest mistakes—and when they do, they recover quickly. That’s the Jarvis way.
