| We rarely get two reports for the same
event, sometimes we do not get a single report for some events. We have
published both as they are from two completely different type of people,
one is a 6'0" big racer guy and the other a slight young road biker girl
and both went and had fun so all those in-between should stop looking
for excuses not to unplug and get out in the mud next time.
Tony B version is first but you can
click here or scroll down to Michele P
version
see also
http://www.cashonda.com/experience/index.html
Tony B version
TOTALLY FANTASTIC
click
small picture for bigger image in new window.
click
here for forum topic with more information on this event
Anyone thinking of doing one of these days should just
book it. I am thinking really hard about buying an off roader
now.
The
morning started with Myself and John Hewitt meeting up with David Daws
for breakfast, then off to the School (off road track) where we also met
up with Michelle and her partner.
We met Sheridan (MCN Off road school organiser and really nice guy) we
were then given our protective clothing, helmet, shoulder and chest
pads, elbow and knee pads, boots, gloves, and really cool looking over
trousers and top.
There were 12 (maximum number) of us on this day and made to feel
welcome with a really relaxed atmosphere, there were 3 other instructors
on hand for help and advice one of which was the dogs ##### at riding
these things.
We had a short briefing for safety, how to kick start
one of these beasts, and how to position our bodys on the bike while
riding. There were plenty of bikes to choose from, Honda XR 100, 125,
250, 400, 650. And we were told to try any of them we wanted during the
day 10am - 3pm
I think most of us opted for the 250's first Then with our hearts
pounding fast we were lead off by the instructor for one lap of the
circuit, Hard course first then shown easy one.
I think we all fell off within the first 2 corners.
Anything you have learnt on a road bike FORGET IT. The only time i got
my knee down was when i was flat out lying in a pool of mud. After the
first lap, which seemed to take 4 hours, we all came in to discuss just
how hard, difficult, different, scary, but totally enjoyable this was.
We were followed round all day by instructors on bikes
and on foot (to help us pick up the bikes and get out of the mud) also
given advice on our techniques and what we were doing wrong or right. By
12.30 I was really into it, coming in to jump on the 400 but it was just
a bit to much for my first time the 250 was just great. And I started to
get more confident sliding the back end, lifting the front wheel over
the jumps, sideways power sliding through the bends and mud. Sheridan
gave me more advice on body positioning for the banked corners it was
AWESOME.
Then with all of us getting more confident we had a
mini race between three of us, 5 laps around the mini course. And the
winner was yours truly.
By
3 o'clock we were all xxxx and could only just about lift our legs and
arms covered in mud. I fell off 3 times during the day. And i will leave
it for the others to tell you how many times they did. But all in all it
was a fantastic day out and I am so close to going out today and buying
one. We all can now understand why the Road race guys all do off road to
keep fit during the winter. This was the hardest riding I have ever done
and never felt so knackered at the end of a day.
I could go on for ever about this, it was that good.
But i'll shut up now. I have to say Many Many thanks to Sheridan and his
crew for an excellent well run day and helping us all go home in one
piece. and i will be booking up for the Bournemouth track ASAP.
So to all reading this, if you want something really different, and
challenging. Book up and JUST GO FOR IT.
Tony Bryant
Michelle
P version
Moto
X Off road experience... How I saw the Day
I can't do it… You're gonna fall off… That's scary…
they broke their leg… that's exhausting… your mad… The words buzzed
around my head… It was 3am; I was lying in a warm bed; in a travel lodge
in Doncaster. The rain was beating against the window outside. I just
couldn't do it. Why had I thought I was capable of doing this? Sheridan,
that's why. Sheridan (hereby known as 'Shed'), had told me I could do
it. He knew I could do it. How did he know? Col was really exited when I
told him I had booked the event in Doncaster as a gift for our 2nd year
together. I relayed everything Shed had said on the phone, and now I was
lying in the Travel lodge motel, 7miles & 7hours away from facing the
fear.
When the alarm went off I had decided that I would
pull out, loose my money and settle for just taking pictures of everyone
else, I was a girl so it would be readily accepted and probably
expected. Compliant with my excuse I ate a healthy breakfast and we set
of for the venue. We met up with everyone else booked in and names flew
about. I focused on Shed and Tony as they'd had prior contact, but to be
honest I was too scared to take much in. I was scared to pull out and I
was scared to announce defeat.
Before I knew it I was all tackled up and kicking the
gear shift down. Everyone seemed to be in the same state of anticipation
and fear. Shed had asked what we each wanted from the day and assured me
that after completing the main course I would be allowed to opt for an
easier option. So I only had to do it once … I could do that.
I'm not quite sure when I changed my mind on the whole
theory of MotoX. Maybe it was face down in the mud, or maybe it was
after getting both wheels off the ground at the same time, the feeling
of accomplishment came after every feeling of fear. I got better and
faster every lap, yet knew my limitations only too well so stayed firmly
on the 100cc choice of bike. The only thing that could have made the day
more enjoyable would be my level of fitness and stamina. I lost count of
how many times I accomplished the once feared course, and the smile was
as good as it was on the grid at Assen. I am glad I had the opportunity
to try this sport with a great group of guys that encouraged and made
the day all that more special. The whole package was a top day event.
As for the Big race 'o)
Snoopy Head Novice 3xLap Race
Contenders: Bike:
Tony Bryant Honda ER250
John Hewitt Honda ER250
Colin Nicholls Honda ER250
The course:
 A smaller and less muddy section
of the course that resembles Snoopy's head when bird's eye view is taken
(coincidence discovered by Michelle for entertainment value). The big
course leads in and out at shoulder level.
Three Contenders,
racing on a gentleman's bet around a designated area. The rules were
easy… first to complete three laps of the course wins.
Front row on the grid and the guys revved their 250 beasts, waiting for
the start signal. And there off…
Tony gets away fast coming inside John and Col to take lead on Tight Ear
Turn. John has a problem with gears, leaving him bringing up the rear.
Sliding the back end round and opening the power up for Table Top Jump,
these bikes had all the torque in low gears. A tight left and Tony had a
2second lead. Unfortunately, Tony had missed the part of the day when
Ryan (the dogs *** rider) had realised a safety factor with visual
restrictions, so had changed the turning area and thus invented Mushroom
collar corner. Missing this new turn area, he overshot the turn and
ended up going off the course and heading around Snoop's shoulder to
start the main course. Col had been with Ryan earlier so took full
advantage of Tony's wrong turn and slid his way around Mushroom collar
turn and headed for Hair Pin Nose. John was close behind but lost
control at Hair Pin Nose the bike seemed very reluctant to start again;
still the first lap. Tony at this point had managed to turn around and
rejoin the race, but John was still having starting difficulties, so due
to the misunderstanding with directions, I called a re-start.
The racers all line up ready for the start… and there off again. Tony
got a huge lead at the start. John and Col were almost level as they
battled for second position. The rider's completed one lap safely; Col
desperate to pass John in second position whilst first is looking safe
in Tony's capable hands. Col enters Tight Ear Turn too fast with John
ahead, flips the back end out and he's down. Tony and Dave leap Table
Top Jump and race around Mushroom collar turn. No problems at Hair Pin
Nose and the guys are racing along bumpy snout when John looses control
at Snoopy's Eye. Tony having no problems with Forehead leap comes round
and laps frantic Col; still trying to start his machine; compression
compression compression, start; no joy. Tony completes the final lap
alone, claiming un-defeated Champion and the other two are disqualified
for taking too long. The crowd cheered (that was me).
Joking apart...
Fab day :) Michelle x
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