Try off-roading for free

Motorcyclists are being offered the chance to try off-road riding for free with tuition from a former world motocross champion.

Off-road beginners will get free goes on bikes from Yamaha, Honda, Kawasaki, KTM, AJP and Husqvarna in an event staged by the Motorcycle Industry Association.

Top instructors including three-time former world 500cc champion Dave Thorpe will be on hand at an off-road training centre in Adstone, Northamptonshire.

The September 15 event is open to riders aged 16 or over with no off-road experience. A place will be allocated to the first 100 people to register at www.rideoffroad.co.uk from 9am on Monday August 13.

An MCI spokesman said: “In addition to the sheer thrill offered by off-roading, it provides one of the few social contexts where teenagers are happy to socialise with parents!”