I first had a go at riding off road bikes when I was traveling in New Zealand.  I enjoyed it so much, that I have been wanting another go ever since!  Tearing around some fields outside Rotarua was one of the highlights of the North Island for me. There is nothing better than being out in the beautiful scenery, with the adrenaline pumping and the wind in my helmet!

Near Totnes in Devon is Wheeldon Farm, Off-Road Bike Centre.  I had heard about them through a male friend who had been there on a stag weekend, and after a quick butchers at their website, noticed that they offered women only off-road experience days.

It didnt take me long to put my name down, and at 9am on Saturday I turned up at the Centre, rearing to go!  I was met by Andrew, owner of the centre and the guy who would have the task of teaching me to ride.  I was joined by three more ladies, before being kitted out with all the safety equipment.

The other ladies taking part already had biking experience, although mainly on road bikes.  The first session we had was on the beginners track, where we were introduced to the bikes controls.  It was time for me to play catch up, and get used to changing gears and stopping.  Once I had the basics figured out, we all moved onto the huge indoor track that Wheeldon has on-site.

First we walked the track, talking about the best lines to take and what to look out for whilst riding.  We hopped onto our bikes, Im not sure exactly what they were other than 125cc Suzuki Off-Road bikes.  It was actually easier on the main track because it was so much bigger, giving a lot more space to maneuver.  Each time we made our way around the course, we got a little more confident, pushing our speed and practicing taking corners correctly.

Im not going to pretend that I was naturally amazing at it, but I was definitely managing the basics, and feeling more and more comfortable on the bike.  Andrew rode with use giving us a chance to see first hand, what we needed to do.

Before we knew it, our time on the indoor circuit was up and a spot of well needed lunch was in order.  Stacked high with all the carbs and protein that we need to keep us going in the afternoon session.

We headed out on the bikes to Wheeldon’s outdoor MX circuit.  Andrew didnt tell us much about what to expect, instead just leading us onto the track. We rode around taking all the jumps, and corners in our stride.  The more I trusted the bike, the faster and more confident I became.  After tearing up the track, we then moved onto  hill practice.

The last section of the day was spent riding through the woods, on part of an enduro circuit.  This was by far the most advanced track we had ridden, with tight gaps, low tree branches, mud, hills and lots of other very scary features!  I was pretty tired by this point, and my clutch control wasn’t as good as it could have been.  There were a fair few girlie squeals that escaped me, despite my best efforts!

All in all I had a fantastic day, and now have the problem that I can’t wait to go again and get my own bike!  I would like to thank Wheeldon Farm for such a great experience. If you have ever had the slightest fancy to take up Off-Road biking, I would highly recommend taking part in one of these experience days.  They run at various times throughout the year, just get in contact to find out the dates!

Email info@wheeldonfarm.co.uk to find out more.

http://www.wheeldontwo.co.uk/index.htm