If you are just getting in to off-road motorcycling, looking to improve your general motorcycle handling skills, heading off to far flung shores for that ultimate riding adventure or just want a great, fun day out, then our off-road training schools are a great place to start.

About the School

Based at our purpose built 26 acre off-road activity centre in Hertfordshire, our off-road motorcycle training schools take you through the fundamentals of off-road motorcycle trail riding.

The day starts with your arrival at our centre around 9.15am (doors open at 9am) where we will sign you in and get you kitted up in all of the relevant protective equipment (all supplied). Once everyone is dressed and ready to go, we get the camera out and take a group shot for prosperity and introduce you to the bikes and their controls. We have a wide variety of machinery which we will allocate depending on height, weight and experience.

The morning is all about bike handling techniques and building your confidence and will include simple things such as the correct way to pick up a motorcycle without injuring your back, through to riding with the front wheel locked. We will stop for a short break mid-morning for a complimentary cold drink to keep your hydration levels in check.

After lunch we head up to our larger off-road area to learn about more advanced techniques such as hill climbs, riding through ruts and how to transverse water (weather permitting). We then start to put together all of the techniques that you have learnt during the day in to a trail riding circuit around our facility.

At the end of your day, we gather everyone together for the presentation of certificates and we will award the most improved rider of the day with a trophy to keep as bragging rights. We will take another group photograph (so you will have a before and after shot!) and give you a web address where you will be able to download them from.

Training Modules

Complete newcomers right through to the weekend trail rider will benefit hugely from our single day course and will learn the following techniques:

• Getting used to an off-road motorcycle and their controls
• The basics of handling an off-road motorcycle
• The correct way to recover a dropped bike
• Body positioning
• Riding while standing on the pegs
• Weighting pegs to steer
• Slalom while standing up
• Braking techniques rear
• Braking techniques front
• Safe locking of wheels
• Cornering
• Climbs and descents
• Riding through ruts
• Coping with water crossings (weather permitting)

Other Options

For those who would like to mix off-road training and an off-road adventure tour, we have two options available which we call The Home Counties Plus. This can include either half a day training on our site, followed by a half day guided trail tour around the local lanes or you can have a full days training followed by a full day out on the trails of Herts, Beds and Bucks. You will require a full motorcycle licence to participate in the Home Counties Plus Tour. Click here for more details.

Facilities at our Site

We have a dedicated customer reception suite where customers can chill out watching DVD's of all the action from our activity centre or sit out in the sun on our large decking area. We have a small 'tuck shop' where you can purchase cold drinks, crisps and chocolate.

We also have conference facilities, function suite, a purpose built covered BBQ area, toilets and a cafe on site which makes it the ideal venue for the corporate and public sectors alike.

Spectators

Our schools are run over quite a large area of off-road terrain which makes spectating very difficult. For those who really would like to watch all the action we can offer a spectator package for up to 3 people for £250. This will include being looked after by one of our staff for the day and ferried around the facility in one of our 4x4's.

The member of staff looking after you will take professional grade photographs which will be supplied to you on CD/DVD at the end of the day, and you will also be driven around our superb 4x4 circuit as an added bonus.

This MUST be booked in advance. Spectators that have not taken this option will be restricted to the customer signing in and decking area - in this case you will only get to see the mornings action from a distance and will not be able to view any of the action in the afternoon. Spectators are not allowed to wander around the facility for safety reasons.

Restrictions

No motorcycle licence is required for our school, but you must be a minimum height of 5ft 3in, aged 16 or over and have a basic knowledge of riding a geared motorcycle. We would also like to point out that this is quite a physical activity and not suitable for people with physical disabilities or over 18 stone.

Our off-road motorcycle boots range from sizes UK4 to UK13, helmets range from S to XL, body armour from size S to XXL and we cater for waist sizes from 28-44 inches. If your clothing sizes fall outside this range you will need to supply your own to participate.

About your Instructor

Your instructor for the day is a National and International race champion, motorcycle tester and riding instructor with many years experience. Ian Cobby has skills including an in-depth understanding of riding techniques, strong analytical and communication skills, motorcycle set-up and technical knowledge as well as track event management expertise (and boy can he wheelie!).

His professional work experience includes private one-on-one instruction with track day riders and racers from club to national level, riding instructor with the European Superbike School and the Ducati Experience, road tester for Triumph, Harley-Davidson and Buell and has also written articles for Superbike magazine.

Ian's race experience includes:

• 1986 BMCRC 350 Production Champion
• 1987 Silverstone Cup Winner
• 1988 New Era 1300 Production Champion
• 1989 Norman Hyde Classic Champion (national)
• 1990 Battle of the Twins Classic Champion (national)
• 1993 Harley Davidson 883 Champion (national)
• 1994 BEARS Champion (national)
• 1995 British Supermono Champion (British Championship)
• 1995-97 Triumph Speed Triple Challenge Podium Finishes
• 1996 Crescent Suzuki Factory Rider BSB
• 1997 World BEARS Championship - 2nd overall after completing just 3 of the 6 rounds!
• 1997 Spa Francorchamps Championship podium finishes
• 1997 British Superstock Championship podium finishes
• 1997 British Supersport Championship top 10 finishes
• 1997 Six Hour Endurance Race Winner
• 2000 Thailand International Challenge Race Winner

As you can see, you will really be learning from a top instructor!

Booking an Off Road Motorcycle Training School

All it takes to secure your place on one of our off-road motorcycle training schools is a £50 deposit. Availability is detailed on the right hand information bar on this page, but we may be able to open up a new date for you if your group size is 4 or more.

Our schools are very popular and we would recommend reserving your place early by calling our bookings hotline on 01582 842244. You can also buy gift vouchers for this experience at our on-line store

Please do not confuse our off-road motorcycle trainings schools with a motocross style school.