by Rob Cuthbertson
Everyone at the Dave Thorpe Off-Road Centre is passionate about motorbikes and motocross in particular. You feel that they are all driven by a common aim: to help everyone enjoy the excitement of this amazing sport, even if they’ve never done it before. There are a variety of options: complete beginners can go for a taster day or one-to-one tuition and those with a bit more experience will opt for the Enduro off-road adventure. So the centre attracts all kinds of visitors: keen motocross riders who come two or three times a year, business people on corporate days, adventurous hen or stag dos, Christmas parties and groups of youngsters.
Dave Thorpe himself is a four-time motocross World Champion and, as he had all his success on a Honda, there was only one choice of motorbike to use when he set up his
off-road centre in Wales – the CRF250X.
I went along to try out the taster day. I used to ride a trails bike as a child and remember great days off-roading but I never followed it up. Last year I passed my CBT and spent the summer on my restored scooter. So I jumped at the chance to spend a day riding a Honda CRF250X off-road.
The taster day was run by the centre’s manager and head coach, Steve Sword, one of the most respected motocross riders in the UK with over 27 years of experience under his belt. Steve’s kind, patient manner would put anyone at their ease and after a friendly briefing we got into our kit, which is supplied, and we were ready for off.
There are three tracks for different levels of experience and after taking us round once, Steve put us through our paces and gave us feedback on technique. He quickly pointed out that my body position was wrong. I was too far back and should trust the bike and lean further into the dirt. It felt slightly unnatural but improved my riding immediately, both in technique and confidence.
It was no time before I was pushing myself way beyond my comfort zone. The feeling of the back wheel slipping under me as I cornered was a new experience and totally thrilling. I did lap after lap of the track under Steve’s watchful eye, then we had a run back to base for a quick brew before setting out to explore the woods, open moors and green lanes of the off-road section.
This is where the fun really begins! It’s a real challenge as you’re covering so many different types of ground, from road to pathway, over tree roots and up cindered hills. I’m used to mountain biking so I was quite comfortable going downhill. Going uphill at the same speed was a new one for me, as you stand up in the bike and everything is happening a lot faster. There are no worries though, as the CRF250X can take everything you throw at it. They really have thought of everything: it has a lower centre of gravity for agility, the suspension is tuned with just the right amount of flex to take the bike over any obstacle, small or large, and the rubber-mounted handlebar reduces shock to the hands and arms.
We spent one and a half hours out on the moorland and Steve’s calm manner and helpful suggestions made me feel that anything was possible. Learning to jump and power round a corner was a highlight. I can’t wait to go back and ride both the circuit and the Welsh countryside. Off-road is more than addictive, I can highly recommend it.
About the centre
The Dave Thorpe Off-Road Centre is situated in Ynysybwl in South Wales. On the edge of the Beacons National Park, only 18 miles from Cardiff and a few miles from the coast, it’s in the middle of the country’s most stunning scenery. It’s also some of the best off-road motorcycling terrain in the UK.
