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Learn how to broaden your bike skills from the masters

Published: 16 November 2018
  • Patsy Quick is the master at the Desert Rose Adventure Riding Academy.
    Patsy Quick is the master at the Desert Rose Adventure Riding Academy.
  • Perhaps you'd like to visit the Ron Haslam Race School for some training?
    Perhaps you'd like to visit the Ron Haslam Race School for some training?
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If you truly want to be the master of your motorcycle, the learning doesn’t stop when you get your pass certificate, nor indeed is it restricted to tarmac. There are many motorcycle schools to choose from, each offering something slightly different, be it flat track, trials, or track riding. If you want your riding to keep improving, learning all the different disciplines certainly won’t do any harm.

We’ve compiled a list of some of our favourite training schools below, to help you choose the right one. What do all the schools listed below have in common? They’re all run by former race and championship winners, so they’re akin to learning how to play football from David Beckham.

These schools aren’t just a way to improve your bike handling skills, they’re also incredibly fun and could potentially open up a whole new segment of motorcycling to you.

Honda Ron Haslam Race School

Who’s the master?

Former GP star and all-round legend Ron Haslam, of course, and, sometimes his nearly-as-famous son Leon plus other well known Brit racers, past and present.

What you get:

Track tuition for all levels of skill and experience, and the Elite Experience. MCN’s Consumer Editor, Emma Franklin, says: “There are loads of customers, but you never get the sense that you’re being rushed through. It’s just really positive and it makes you feel good about riding bikes on track.”

Honda Ride and Skid It

Who’s the master?

Aidan Collins, five-time UK pro class Flattrack champion and Les Collins, former speedway world number two.

What you get:

This is a speedway school that caters for all levels of skill from novice to professional racer. The instruction is carried out by either ex or current flattrack and speedway riders. Former MCN Consumer Editor, Tony Hoare, says: “The drills around tight circles marked out by cones are revelatory as Collins encourages you to snap the throttle open to make the back end snap out of line for tighter turning.”

KTM MX Experience

Who’s the master?

Barry Johnson – former British and international motocross racer who won four British titles.

What you get:

Motocross training for all experience levels training on a choice of off road KTMs.

Mick Extance Experience

Who’s the master?

Mick Extance, who has completed the Dakar Rally five times.

What you get:

A variety of courses including Enduro Experiences and One to One Training. There are Spanish tours too for riders who want to go further afield.

Ady Smith Off-Road School

  • Location: North Wales, Worcestershire, Bradford, Bristol, Kent, Matlock and Eastbourne. 
  • Price: From £85
  • For more information visit: www.adysmith.co.uk/

Who’s the master?

Ady Smith, winner of many UK championships, as well as 11 International Six Day Enduros, winning six Gold Medals and getting fifth in the 125 Class.

What you get:

Off road and supermoto schools for all abilities. The bikes are supplied and there are also other set-up days for your own bike.

BMW Off-Road

  • Location: Ystalyfera, Powys SA9 1YA, Wales
  • Price: From £199
  • For more information visit: www.offroadskills.com

Who’s the master?

Former off-road and motorcycle endurance racer, Simon Pavey.

What you get:

There’s a choice of several different levels of training from beginners starting with Level 1 to Level 3. You can also join their two-day Adventure Travel Training course to get you started with planning the trip of a lifetime. You can also take part in the Adventure Bike Maintenance one-day course. Each course is supplied with kit if needed and snacks during the day.

Desert Rose Adventure Riding Academy

Who’s the master?

Patsy Quick, who has competed in four Dakars and was European Women’s Champion.

MCN Sports Editor, Michael Guy, says: “Patsy and her team of instructors have been there and done that – meaning that their riding experience and bike preparation skills are current and second to none.”

Dave Thorpe Honda Off-Road Centre

Who’s the master?

Dave Thorpe – four time 500cc World Champion

What you get:

Off road training for novices upwards.

Yamaha Off- Road Experience

Who’s the master?

Geraint Jones, 10-time British Enduro Champion and holds eight ISDE Gold medals (International Six Day Enduro).

What you get:

Jones runs courses for novices upwards on adventure bikes as well as enduro machines so you aren’t just restricted to motocross bikes.

Sweet Lamb Adventure Bike Rally

  • Location: Glanrhyd, Pantmawr, Llanidloes, Powys SY18 6SY, Wales
  • Price: From £85
  • For more information visit: www.adventurerallybike.co.uk

Who’s the master?

Mark Molineux, British endurance and rally racing champ, road riding since aged 13 and fully certified ACU off-road coach.

What you get:

Depends what course you attend, the selections are Beginner Entry Level Day, Techincal Skills Training, Intermediate Trail Riding, Intermediate/Pro Rally Ready and Specialist Training (Road Book & GPS Navigation and One-to-one Training).

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