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Yamaha Off Road Experience

Run by ex British Champion Geraint Jones from his farm near Llanidloes in mid Wales nine of us had booked ourselves in to celebrate a friends 40th birthday. Our group ranged from someone who had not ridden a bike in six years, and very little off road experience, to those of us who still try and ride the odd Enduro or hare & hounds event. The days riding can be tailored to suit your needs and given the range of riding abilities we opted to keep everyone together at least for the morning session. We arrived at 9:30 and were away for just after 10am. You can either take your own bike or hire a selection of bikes from trailies to WR's. With two instructors, one of which was Geraint himself, on WR450's and those hiring on WR250's we were given a detailed briefing before heading off for some steady trails over farmland leading to the forest which was to be the main area used for the day. We soon headed up to a motocross track after heading through the forest so we could be watched and some basic instruction was given to ensure people new to off-roading got the basics right. Given this was the end of January and it hadn't rained for a week we were very lucky to have avoided any real ice and although a little slippery at first, the track soon thawed providing a bit more grip. It was here that we all got chance to swap bikes and test WR450's v WR250' and anyone one else who wanted have a go on someone elses bike. A small table top jump was mastered by a few who were regular off roaders and Geraint rode our own bikes and offered some advice on set up. By the time we finished here it was nearly 1 o'clock and we headed back to the farm for lunch which was provided. After refuelling ourselves and the bikes we headed out again this time for some excellent forest trails. We set out loops which the faster riders could ride as many times as they liked at their pace whilst the others took it a bit steadier. Following Geraint through the woods was real fun as the loops laid out had everything seen in an Enduro and also included some nice natural step up jumps , inclines, descents , ruts and water to wheelie. It was good to be really able to give it some, or at least try! Sevel sections of forest were used like this before we split in two for the last hour. The faster riders went with Geraint and the others talking a more enjoyable "trail pace" to take in some great scenery. I went with the faster riders and no matter how hard you tried Geraint always had plenty in reserve to effortlessly keep ahead. As we worked hard our guide for the day never even broke sweat. As dusk approached and a couple of guys buried there bikes in deep ruts and we started to head back to the farm and met with the other group as we did so. By the end of the day every one was unanimous in their praise for the quality of the terrain and the way the day had been run. One of the best days riding you can have without the pressure of competition or the limitations of trail riding. At £70 with your own bike or £160 if you hire, which includes all riding kit, it not so cheap but all agreed it was value for money. As we heading off for the local pub our bodies were aching and we had so many stories from the day it is one of the best ways to experience off road riding. More information can be found on the website at http://www.yamaha-offroad-experience.co.uk/