Take it to another level

If you really want to know what it’s like to ride an adventure bike offroad, without the paralysing fear of crashing your own pride and joy, then you really should invest in a bit of instruction at a skills school.

For less than the price of a top-end textile jacket or magpie-attracting bike trinket you could learn some moves that’ll improve every mile you ride for the rest of your biking life. That sounds like pretty good value to us. And a lot of fun.

We’ve picked five of the UK’s top adventure experiences here to whet your appetite – places that will not only improve your skills, but also provide you with unforgettable experiences you can learn from. Once of the very best is BMW’s Off Road Skills centre, founded by Dakar legend, Simon Pavey. We sent MCN reporter Dan Sutherland to try it out, he takes up the story...

Loving learning

‘Whatever you do, don’t touch the brakes,’ I internally mutter to myself for the umpteenth time as I approach the brow of the rock-strewn, gravelly hill, ready for the descent.

I’m in Ystradgynlais, just south of the Brecon Beacons, for the Level One course at BMW Off Road Skills. Run by former Dakar rider, Simon Pavey, the school offers training to riders of all skill levels on everything from the G310GS, middleweight F850GS and the R1250GS in the 4000 acres of Walters Arena. The majority of our first day is spent on an open area of gravel, learning the basics of off-road riding, including the art of picking up a 249kg R1250GS on your own. Then comes balance exercises, which begin with learning how to hold the bike upright off the stand using just one hand, then just one finger. From here, we’re told to move around the bike with the stand up, with the first to make it around the bike without touching it earning a free beer that evening. Then comes riding control exercises, including slaloms and locking both wheels in motion. Day One ends with our first trail ride on everything from flat ground to dusty tracks taking in gentle inclines, open turns and a few dirt roads. I’m now confident on gravel and, despite the bike moving around, feel secure enough to apply what I’ve learned. Day Two brings rocky descents, water crossings and some of the biggest rock-scarred hills I’ve ever seen (let alone ridden up).

It’s a challenging obstacle course designed to push our abilities to the max. I make it through with all limbs intact and a smile still on my face. I’m not about to give up my trackdaybiased lifestyle, but I’ve achieved much more than I thought myself and the bike were capable of. Sign me up for Level Two!

‘I achieved more than I thought was possible’ ‘Learn moves that’ll improve all your riding’