Thanks to Jon "Lebowski" for bringing the Scorpa along today.
Nicola had cut me loose for the day to go out and watch, learn and possibly play.
I rode up on the GS and met him and Chris.
Registered and got my number...... 63 which has to have some significance as it is my birth year.
The three of us went off into some of the woods for me just to get the feel of the bike on dirt.
Then bit by bit we went thrugh sections, and to be honest, I was knackered after an hour, hurting in places I did not even know that I had.
After a drink break, we were out again, and bit by bit it got easier...... I even managed a few clear sections (probably about 5 of them) some after a couple of failures.
We took some pics in one section, which is will post for those who like pics.
It was a relatively easy day out, with sections alligned to all abilities.
It was perfect as a gentle introduction for me.
A Massive THANK YOU to both guys for helping, advising and being very patient with me through the day.
Jon relaxing at the first break session.
Big and Little. So different.
Random bunch of pics now.
Jon getting it on.
Chris doing his thing. Seems a GasGas does not use much fuel.
Last thing was the lessons learned..... 1.) I learned to compress the front end to get it to ride over small logs and obstacles. 2.) Always make sure you have the fuel tap on regular "on" setting, not reserve. I ran out of fuel as we came out of the last and furtherest section, then pushed the bike through one field/paddock from the crest of the horizon, while Jon whizzed off to fetch some fuel and also ran out 300 yards from me. As Chris said..... the lesson is to read the owners manual before setting of. We pushed the bikes to the start of the first field while he fetched some fuel on Chris's bike.
Bikes waiting for a refill.
All in all, a great day.
It has to be the most fun you can have for such a limited budget, and everyone is ready to help and give advice.
My favourite was watching an 80 year old guy playing for 5 hours non stop..... Has to be up there with my best memories.
I am sure I will know just how much fun I had today when I wake up tomorrow morning.
Nicola has also been very sympathetic so far, not sure what she will have to say when I wake and squeal like a pig at 3am while turning in bed.
Looking forward to the next time out, and getting to understand more about bike control.
Hope we are inspiring some others to start playing too.
Nicola had cut me loose for the day to go out and watch, learn and possibly play.
I rode up on the GS and met him and Chris.
Registered and got my number...... 63 which has to have some significance as it is my birth year.
The three of us went off into some of the woods for me just to get the feel of the bike on dirt.
Then bit by bit we went thrugh sections, and to be honest, I was knackered after an hour, hurting in places I did not even know that I had.
After a drink break, we were out again, and bit by bit it got easier...... I even managed a few clear sections (probably about 5 of them) some after a couple of failures.
We took some pics in one section, which is will post for those who like pics.
It was a relatively easy day out, with sections alligned to all abilities.
It was perfect as a gentle introduction for me.
A Massive THANK YOU to both guys for helping, advising and being very patient with me through the day.
Jon relaxing at the first break session.
Big and Little. So different.
Random bunch of pics now.
Jon getting it on.
Chris doing his thing. Seems a GasGas does not use much fuel.
Last thing was the lessons learned..... 1.) I learned to compress the front end to get it to ride over small logs and obstacles. 2.) Always make sure you have the fuel tap on regular "on" setting, not reserve. I ran out of fuel as we came out of the last and furtherest section, then pushed the bike through one field/paddock from the crest of the horizon, while Jon whizzed off to fetch some fuel and also ran out 300 yards from me. As Chris said..... the lesson is to read the owners manual before setting of. We pushed the bikes to the start of the first field while he fetched some fuel on Chris's bike.
Bikes waiting for a refill.
All in all, a great day.
It has to be the most fun you can have for such a limited budget, and everyone is ready to help and give advice.
My favourite was watching an 80 year old guy playing for 5 hours non stop..... Has to be up there with my best memories.
I am sure I will know just how much fun I had today when I wake up tomorrow morning.
Nicola has also been very sympathetic so far, not sure what she will have to say when I wake and squeal like a pig at 3am while turning in bed.
Looking forward to the next time out, and getting to understand more about bike control.
Hope we are inspiring some others to start playing too.
