Phoenix Training

[_Church_]

Once I’ve recovered from the financial hit caused by getting the KTM back on the road, I’d like to start working on my off road skills. Phoenix Motorcycle Training has some green lane courses for 270£ a day, includes bike hire and all gear. This seems like pretty good value to me, but what do you think? Are there better options out there? Should I just save my money, get a cheap enduro, and learn on my own?

[Robbo87]

I'm not a member of SWB's 'Down and Dirty' brigade but did a fair bit of various off-road m/c sports in the past. My view is this; if you've never savoured the delights of of off-roading - ever, then an introductory day with a specialist trainer would be a good shout if you can swallow the financial outlay. If you're halfway motorcycle savvy then, imho, one day should be enough. It's then down to mixing with like-minded souls to develop the experience and skills to take you from the 'Oh s##t!' level to where you start to really enjoy it. Above all, don't think you can buy your way to off-roading excellence, it'll only come with practise. Good luck.

[Jug]

It can't hurt doing a course but I did the hard way.
I bought a bike and some basic kit and then went out riding (and falling off) with mates, and to be honest if I were to do it again I'd still do it that way.

After the first ride I stopped falling off as much and soon started getting a bit quicker, which in turn made it easier.
You just have to get enough confidence to relax and enjoy it, and the only way to do that is to ride.
Maybe see of your local riding group (trf) do newbie rides, if so I'd just get a bike and start riding with them.

[billinom8s]

Have a look at places like the Yamaha off Road school in wales. It's a bit of a trip up but you get all the best kit and tuition from Yamaha enduro team riders and professional tutors. It's a very well run course and caters for all abilities.

[_Church_]

Ok good stuff here, thank you very much for all the advice.

I had come across the Yamaha school, but I’ll give it another look.

Cheers all!