If you’ve never ridden off-road before then get yourself signed up to the Motorcycle Off-Road Experience (MORE), operated by the Motorcycle Industry Association. The emphasis is to provide a safe and structured way to introduce newbies to off-road riding.
The four day event takes place for the third successive but this time at a larger and more centrally located venue in Nottinghamshire in June. You and 399 others can choose from any one of five manufacturers for a morning or afternoon session, there’s even a women only session. Each manufacturer will provide their own expert trainer to guide you through your first steps:
- Honda: Dave Thorpe, 3 x World Motocross Champion
- Yamaha: Barry Johnson, former Motocross Grand Prix rider
- Kawasaki: Mick Extance, Enduro gold medallist and seven times Dakar Rally competitor
- KTM: Ady Smith, multiple enduro and supermoto champion
- Suzuki: Neil Prince, ex British Champion and Suzuki UK Motocross Team Manager
Where?
The Amateur Motorcycle Association’s track at Beavercotes, just off the A1 in Nottinghamshire, NG22 0PS
When?
Friday June 20th and Monday June 23rd. The women only session takes place on the morning of Friday 20th June
How much?
For £25 you get a bike, all equipment and training.
How long?
The days are split in to morning or afternoon session
How old?
So long as you’re over 16
How do I book?
Via an online system from 10am on Saturday 10th May
400 places are available and are allocated on a first come, first served basis but be warned and get it in your diary because all places were booked within an hour last year.
Howard Dale, General Manager of Kawasaki and Chair of the MCI’s Off-Road Special Member Group explained why the manufacturers involved are willing to subsidise the event: “A survey of last year’s participants showed how much fun the event was with 98% stating there should be further MORE events and 97% intending to do more off-road riding. A lot of people clearly got the off-road bug, with a third taking further training, and over 1 in 10 buying their own bike. We were convinced there was a demand for an event such as this and our research confirmed this.”
Neil Prince from Suzuki, said, "Last year's event was a real success, with lots of newcomers to the sport getting their first taste of off-road riding and motocross. Everyone that I spoke to at the event seemed to have been bitten by the off-road bug, with lots asking about the sport and what their next steps should be to get riding more often. It's great that the motorcycle industry comes together for this event to give people the chance to start riding in a safe but fun and hassle free environment."
For more information take a look at the official website: www.rideoffroad.co.uk
