Friday June 21, 2013 at 4:20pm
Facebook is buzzing with comments and pictures from the 400 people who had their first taste of dirt riding over the weekend.
The four day long Motorcycle Off-Road Experience was held between 13th - 16th June at Brake Hill Farm in Brigstock, near Kettering. It was organised by the members of the Motorcycle Industry Association’s off-road group, to provide people with the opportunity to try off-road riding for the first time.
This attracted people from 38 different counties plus London. Some were road riders, but quite a few had never been on a bike before. Despite this, most managed to progress to a full motocross trail by the end of each session, with the help of expert trainers, including 3 times World Champion Dave Thorpe.
Honda, Kawasaki, KTM, Suzuki and Yamaha provided bikes, kit and trainers for a heavily subsidised fee of just £15. The AMCA ran the trackside element of the event with overall project management and communication provided by the MCI. Other off-road organisations also attended to provide a comprehensive induction into all off-road options. These included the sporting body ACU and the Trail Riders Fellowship (TRF), which works to preserve the use of green lanes and offers a gentler form of recreation for motorcycle off-roaders.
The weather was windy but mostly dry and with so many people turning up early for sessions, it was easy to bring the start time forward one day when rain threatened.
The MCI contact centre managed the registration and booking process and is in the process of surveying all participants to see how they will be pursuing their interest in off-road riding. 93% agreed to be contacted by manufacturers and trainers post event. Howard Dale, General Manager of Kawasaki and Chair of the MCI’s Off-Road Group says the response was incredibly positive: “I’ve never seen so many happy faces in one place. People were buzzing after their first taste of off-road riding. It was the same among all those involved in running the event too. This level of cooperation within the industry is unprecedented, and the ‘feel-good factor’ for everyone involved over the past four days has gone off the scale and importantly many of those attended are determined to pursue further training or buy a bike!”. Comments from Facebook: (Click here for MORE Facebook page) John Underdown Spent Sunday on ebay looking for a beat up MX to practice on.... Manny Moo Moo I had a great time, first a 15 min intro at Kawasaki world and now you guys just convinced me MX is the way forward. Russell Hawkins Thanks hugely for a fantastic experience. All you guys are a credit to your sport! Special thanks to the crew at KTM for keeping us all safe! Well worth the ride down from Liverpool, can't wait for the pictures! Tim Haffenden Thank you for an absolute belter of a day. By far the best £15 I've ever spent..... although as a result of it I intend to be a few grand poorer over the coming weeks as a new toy occupies the garage. Katherine Penfold Awesome day! Thanks so much to all the guys for making it so much fun and keeping us safe, especially the Honda team for the help and encouragement
I have muscles aching today where I didn't even know I had muscles!! Johnny Bravo Thank you. It was A W E S O M E!!! My legs are still aching & I'm still smiling like a madman Anna Adshead Thanks to everyone on the Suzuki team - had a really great time (once I'd overcome the initial nerves.......) Laura Wiles Eeek can't wait. I had such a good time on Saturday, and as someone who has never ridden a bike before I was so proud of myself for picking it up so quickly! good luck everyone! Nathan Beahan Absolutely fantastic experience morning ... I'd say you've hooked in more than a few people to the world of off-roading! Lucy Stiles Thank you so much everyone! Team Yamaha rule. X Ian Broughton...Still got the grin!