Learn with a legend
Yamaha’s Off-road school in Wales is run by 10-times British Enduro Champion and eight-time ISDE gold medal winner, Geraint Jones, and offers a brilliant range of bikes to ride and an incredible off-road playground to enjoy them in.
Ably assisted by his two sons, Dylan and Rowan – who also competed at the highest level – the school is aimed at anyone from complete rookie to enduro expert, but while there’s a full day of riding ahead there is also a clear focus on training and education in the skills you need to handle any bike with confidence off-road.
The majority of the bikes are userfriendly, but highly capable, Yamaha WR250s, but Yamaha’s whole range is available starting with the TT-R125 through to the big 1200 SuperTénéré – and including the Ténéré 700 – all meticulously prepared on-site. A typical school day sees Dylan run through the basic dos and don’ts of off-road riding, from seating and standing positions to gear selection, braking and reading the terrain. You’ll then head off out of the Jones’ farm and up into the rolling Welsh hills and within ten minutes you’ll be beside an old-fashioned scrambles track – essentially a course marked out in a field – with no jumps but plenty of corners. Let loose to do your best, the Joneses will be watching your every move. After a few laps of observation, Dylan brings everyone back in to give valuable pointers and demonstrations as Geraint talks everyone through what he’s doing right or wrong. Then you’ll head into the stunning Hafren forest. The terrain is a mix of long climbs and challenging single tracks linked with easy fire tracks so there’s always a way to opt out, which means everyone can stay in their comfort zone – or push further if they’re bold.
Then it’s on to narrow trails weaving their way through beautiful woods where your riding techniques are analysed, and instruction and advice put into practice.
No matter who you are, if you want to get better off-road and ride the latest Yamaha off-road and adventure bikes, a day at the Off-Road Experience is worth every penny – and you’ll certainly sleep well afterwards!