RIDE WITH YOUR HERO
Watch them live. Watch them on TV. Read their biogs. That’s heroes. But ride with them? Actually, yes…
Colin Edwards
» Cred: 2x World Superbike Champion, 12x Motogp podiums, 11 years in factory Motogp
Some riding schools have a star instructor who turns up to make the introductory speech and then naffs off, leaving the instructing to his minions. Not Colin. His premier dirt-track course runs for four days, and he’s there the whole time, instructing, riding, drinking and shooting (this is the only riding school we’re aware of that has a rifle range and an ex-marine sniper to teach you how to shoot things with massive guns). More conventionally, there’s a huge covered dirt oval, enduro courses and top notch kit.
» Prices: start at $2450 including accommodation.
» Contact: texastornadobootcamp.com
Chaz Davies
» Cred: 1x World Supersport Champion, 20x World Superbike wins
At the pinnacle of Ducati’s training is their Champs Riding Experience. This is a one day track riding course with a Ducati factory rider – last year it was Chaz Davies. He hasn’t confirmed for 2020, but the other options aren’t shabby – in the past they’ve had Carlos Checa and Troy Bayliss instructing. There are five students per factory god and you get a V4S for the day. » Prices: Around 2500 (£2250) inc bike hire » Contact: dre.ducati.it
Ady Smith
» Cred: 4x British Enduro Champion, 6x ISDE Gold, 2x National Supercross Champion Ady is one of the UK’S most successful off-road racers, and one of the most experienced off-road instructors too. Since 2003 he’s run KTM’S enduro school, so you can choose from an array of off-road KTMS. Off-road beginners looking for an entertaining day out are as welcome as enduro experts. Prices start at £210 (including bike, kit etc).
» Contact: adysmith.co.uk
James Whitham
» Cred: 2x BSB Champion, 1x WSB race win, 1x World Supersport Champion
Aside from being one of the most talented British racers of the last 30 years, Whit is a diamond bloke: funny; clever and down-toearth. His race school runs along the same lines as a trackday – 20 mins on track, 40 mins off – and just ten students per instructor. Whether you get Whit is down to luck, though his other instructors are generally BSB royalty including Dan Linfoot and Dean Harrison. » Prices: start at £195.
» Contact: jameswhitham.com
Kurt Nicholl
» Cred: 13x Motocross Grands Prix wins, 7x British Motocross Champion, 1 x Motocross des Nations winner, 2x American Supermoto Champion If you like a bit of motocross, this is a must. Kurt organises holidays centred around big Californian off-road events. You fly in, meet Kurt at his home (he mans the BBQ) and then ride a selection of the most famous Californian motocross tracks with him on new KTMS, before heading off to see the big race (again, with Kurt). Like Colin Edwards’ boot camp, this is a chance to spend a lot of time on and off bikes with a riding genius. Prices start at $1995 for a seven day trip including hotels, bikes, etc, but not flights. » Contact: championmx.com
John Mcguinness
» Cred: 23x TT wins, 6x NW200 wins, 1x British 250 Champion
John doesn’t instruct on trackdays, so – short of entering the TT – you’ll have to be more ingenious to ride with him. We recommend entering Dirtquake, probably in the scooter class. John did this earlier in the year (he came fourth), had a right laugh, and has built a dirt track in his garden. We’re guessing he’ll be back. And if he’s not there, Neil Hodgson and Guy Martin often pitch up.
» Contact: dirtquake.com
Michael Van der Mark
» Cred: 3x Suzuka 8-hour wins, 1x World Supersport Champion, 3x WSB wins
Fancy spending two days getting your bike fettled by Motogp technicians while you get instruction at Silverstone from Yamaha’s factory WSB riders? Of course you do. The only snag is you need to buy a new R1M. » Prices: £21,999 (for the R1M).
» Contact: yre.yamaha-motor.eu
Nick Sanders
» Cred: 8x ridden round globe, 7x ridden up and down the Americas
Part adventure guru, part affable eccentric, part maniac, Nick Sanders is an interesting fellow. He now runs an Expedition Centre, where you can go to plan your next trip in the presence of someone who’s almost certainly been there and done it, plus go for rides with the man himself in glorious Welsh countryside.
» Prices: start at £199 for two nights, though check to make sure the man himself hasn’t cleared off round the world.
» Contact: nicksanders.com
‘The only riding school we’re aware of that has a rifle range and an ex-marine sniper to teach you how to shoot’