ONE FAST MOTHER - MICHELLE CLABBY-LEWIS

It’s no secret that we love a moto mama over at VC and they don’t come more awesome than Michelle Clabby-Lewis.

At 36 years old Michelle is mama to two young boys and is a full on dirt ripper who can be found riding epic trails in her home town of Portland, Oregon, competing in enduro comps and regularly beating the competition ! To say she’s got her hands full doesn’t even cover it!

We caught up with Michelle to ask her about her life with motorcycles, and for a few words of wisdom when it comes to balancing being a Mama and getting that dirt when you need to.

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Where are you originally from and where do you live right now?

I grew up in Chula Vista, California, basically on the border of California and Tijuana, Mexico. I’ve lived the last 11 years in Portland, Oregon.

How and when did you start out riding motorcycles?

Well, my first time ever on motorcycle was a dirt bike when I was 16. After, a quick lesson from a friend, I saddled up and immediately whiskey throttled, flew off the bike and somehow ripped my pants. I didn’t touch another motorcycle until I was 26. Then a friend brought a dirt bike camping and gave my friends and me a lesson and let us tool around camp. At the time I wasn’t super interested in off road riding, but more interested in getting my motorcycle endorsement and getting a street bike. My now husband and all his buddies had all been riding Harleys for a while, and I was tired of riding on the back. So, that’s what I did. Took a riding class and got my endorsement and bought myself a Harley Sportster.

I rode the shit out of that thing. First, just around the city, then as I got more comfortable, I adventured as much as possible. I remember my first “long ride” (4 hours long, lol)... 30 minutes into the ride I had to pull over to collect myself. It was windy af (Google windy day at Vista House to see just how windy it can get in the Columbia Gorge)... Anyway, the point is, I feel like that ride was when I fell in love with the feeling of being on the road... the elements, the smells, the scenery, all of it. I did several epic rides with groups of friends, but the best are a toss up between my honeymoon around the Southwest with just my husband and my return trip from Babes Ride Out 2 (Joshua Tree to Portland via mostly the 395) with 3 other women.

Sadly, my Harley is collecting dust in the garage. I pretty much stopped riding street bikes after having kids, mostly because you can’t put a car seat on a bike lol. I’d go on a ride here and there and rent a bike when I went to events like Babes Ride Out, mostly because I didn’t have the time to do a full on multi-day road trip. Mom life is demanding... between breastfeeding/pumping and all that stuff it makes more sense to just have your kid around all the time, at least in those early years.

“Like most things, greatness takes time. Literally, the only way you get better at riding is by riding.”

What do you currently ride?

2020 KTM 150-XCW TPI

What first got you into riding dirt?

My friends and I had been doing an annual trip to Moab, Utah since 2008. I mostly was into wheelin’ (Jeeps) and side x sides. But, then my husband and his buds all started riding dirt bikes when we would go. So, in 2013, (29 years old), I decided to rent a dirt bike while we were in Moab. I figured, hey I’d been riding street bikes for a while now, I’d totally be able to hold my own on a dirt bike. Ha, I ate shit A LOT and cried A LOT, but after that I was like okay this off road riding is fun.

When we got back to Oregon I eventually ended up buying a used Honda CRF230 that I never got to ride, because it got stolen literally right after I bought it. It took a while to lock down another bike. I had a friend that broke up with his girlfriend and had a lowered Yamaha WR 250R for sale. I’d say that was my first dirt bike. Still, I wasn’t super into dirt bikes, it was just something I did when we would go camping. I mean, I’d just scoot around in jeans and a vintage jersey.

Then my husband started racing offroad. I don’t know what it was, but that’s ultimately what got me super into riding dirt. I grew up playing soccer and field hockey, so maybe it was the competitive nature in me. I had gone to several of his races and was like “I want to do that”. I entered my first race in 2015 (age 30), a Hare Scramble in southern Oregon. I was so scared, it was a mass start, I was lined up next to Justin (my husband) and 200 other riders. I came in 4th in my class, which is pretty impressive if there was more than 4 people in my class LOL. Anyway, the experience was humbling but also lit a fire in me that I hadn’t felt in a while. I was determined to improve and become a better rider. A week or two after that race I found out I was pregnant with Thomas (my first kiddo). I like to say that I started having babies and really riding dirt at the same time.

So now you’re a mama to two amazing little boys. How do you make riding work for you now as it can’t always be as simple and easy as it was before having a family?!

We invested in a travel trailer (30ft Airstream). 99% of the time we take our boys wherever we are riding. We go with friends and take turns going out for rides. Recently I convinced my mom to move the Oregon from California, so she’s been coming with us and helping with the boys so Justin and I can ride together. I make its sound so easy, but it’s not. Kids are tough and have needs and opinions. We just “embrace the suck” and do things anyway. Over time things that seemed so hard aren’t as hard. The boys love camping, bikes and dirt bikes. They both absolutely love riding on our bikes with us. Yes there are still meltdowns, but nothing beats being outdoors. Also, we go to a lot of places without internet, so that guarantees no “screentime” for all of us.

Do your family come along with you when you and your other half compete in enduro?

The Moto world is definitely one of the most family oriented industries there is. A lot of the events are organized where the whole family can race. Kids in the morning, Amateurs next, followed by Experts. There are however times where Justin and I are racing at the same time, and thats when we get help with our kiddos from family or friends. We like having them at events with us so they get used to the experience themselves and also there’s nothing like seeing their faces after a tough race.

What has been the biggest challenge that you’ve met about being a Mama that loves to ride motorcycles?

The guilt is real. I feel guilty for choosing myself over anyone or anything else. But the BEST thing you can do as a mother, is find something that creates happiness that is not dependent on anyone or anything but yourself. I found that in riding. So the challenge has become making the time or creating the opportunity to ride as much as possible.

Do you have any advice for other women who are mothers that would like to get into riding and dirt bikes?

Invest in good riding gear. And wear knee braces. We moms can’t afford to get hurt. We’ve got tiny humans to take care and sometimes our partners when they think they are young and invincible lol. Also, go to a womxn’s event. Like Camp VC, Babes in the Dirt, Over and Out Moto, or a Dirtastic Event. Take a class or clinic.

“Make moto friends... One of the people that helps with my boys the most is someone I met riding!”

How do you think your riding/ or how you view your riding has changed since becoming a mother?

I actually did an instagram post about this a while back. Time has always been precious, but when you’re a mother it becomes even more so. The minutes fucking count. If I’m riding, it took a ton a “work” to get there (finding help to watch the kiddos, cleaning/maintaining my bike and gear, stay- ing fit and healthy) so if I’m out, I’m going to make the most out of it. Riding as a mother is different, I’m super intentional, present, focused, and in the back of mind I know that I need to show up for my kids after this ride, so let’s not fuck ourselves up.

How soon were you back on your bike after having your little ones?

I had to look back at photos to remember. I was back on a dirt bike 6 months postpartum with Thomas (my first). I had a gnarly childbirth, so it took a while to heal and feel comfortable again. Totally different with James (my 2nd). I was back on a bike literally the day after my 6 weeks postpartum check-up and then I raced a ISDE 8 weeks postpartum. That was not easy. I literally pumped (breast milk), got my bike out of the impound and lined up to race. I could literally feel the pressure of my milk building up the entire race. That’s one of my favourite Moto Mom memories.

“Riding as a mother is different, I’m super intentional, present, focused, and in the back of mind I know that I need to show up for my kids after this ride, so let’s not fuck ourselves up.”

How did you find the right bike for you? Did you ask anyone for advice?

The “right” bike is always changing... The “right” bike also depends on the type of terrain you’ll be riding a majority of the time. My KTM is perfect for the technical woods riding I am riding the majority of the time. It does fine in the desert, but lacks the power/speed for those long open stretches. I’m lucky to have a partner that knows me and knows bikes pretty well. We are a bit biased towards KTM’s because we owned a KTM shop.

What are your favourite trails that you’ve ever ridden and why?

I’m fortunate to live in the Pacific Northwest which has miles and miles of single track through the most incredible scenery imaginable. The Gifford Pinchot National Forest is probably my favourite area. It’s challenging, high consequence with unbeatable views.

What is your ideal day out on a motorcycle? (who with, where would you ride and what would you be riding).

I can’t wait for the day my kids are both out there riding with their Mom and Dad on their OWN bikes. But until then, if I could teleport all my lady friends from all over the world to come ride in my neck of the woods that would be epic.

Why do you ride?

It’s so fun.
It’s a constant challenge.
It’s taken me through the most beautiful terrain with the most epic views.
Also, have you ever calculated the calories you burn while riding?! Hello fitness.

What’s the biggest fear you’ve conquered on a motorcycle?

I haven’t conquered my biggest fear yet... I’m completely terrified of catching mad air at a track. Water crossings care still scary even though I’ve done a bunch of them.

What is your greatest achievement from motorcycle riding?

My greatest achievement "with recognition” was a first place finish in the Devil’s Head ISDE, arguably the hardest race in Oregon. Just finishing is a feat in itself, so the fact that I came out on top was my single greatest “recognised” achievement.

Whats the biggest lesson you’ve learned from riding motorcycles?

Like most things, greatness takes time. Literally the only way you get better at riding is riding.

Anything else to add?

You’re never too old to start something new. Don’t use being a mother an excuse for not doing something, but rather a reason to do something. I promise you, nothing is harder than having a child. Anytime, I’m struggling or feeling overwhelmed or defeated, I literally tell myself “nothing is harder than childbirth, I got this”.

INTRODUCE A LITTLE MORE DIRT TO YOUR INSTA FEED!

Pic// Claudia Agati - Steph Bolam, Maddie Banks & Lizzie Banks

DIRT DIRT DIRT!

Looking for some serious dirt riding inspo to fill up your insta feed?

From pro motosport athletes to riders who just love getting kicks on trials or racing in amateur racing, this little lot will dirty up your feed and make you want to go rip some dirt more than everrrrr!

STEPH BOLAM

GRACE MWARI

BEHNAZ SHAFIEI

JORDAN JARVIS

GIRLS BEHIND BARS

KELLY MCCAUGHEY

BRITTANY WOOD

CRYSTAL LOVES MOTO

THE GIRL WHO RIDES THE WILD

MICHELLE CLABBY LEWIS

MEGAN GRIFFITHS

TRAIL BOUND LADIES

ANYA VIOLET AGHABABIAN

LUCIA AUCOTT

BABES IN THE DIRT

LEAH TOKELOVE

TANYA MUZINDA

LOTTE VAN DRUNEN

OVER AND OUT MOTO

EMMA BRISTOW

MADDIE BANKS

WLF ENDURO

LAIA SANZ

LIZZIE BANKS

ROSIE ROWETT

THE VC DIRT GUIDE - FROM TRAILS TO TRIALS

AMANDA FORDYCE

LOOKING TO GET YOUR KICKS IN THE DIRT ?

There are plenty of ways to get out on the dirt on a motorcycle but where the hell do you start? How do you get to know the difference between off road and trail riding or start to know your enduro from motocross and decide which ones right for you? Arghhhhhhh!

So we’ve broken it down into a quick bite size guide to which dirt discipline is which so you can get to grips with every shade of muddy fun out there and make that big decision where you wanna jump in...

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TRAIL RIDING

Basically trail riding/ green laning is some of the most fun you’ll ever have on two wheels. Its non competitive and if you find the right crew to ride with its basically like being transported back to being a kid playing out with your buds. Imagine ripping through fields, moorland, mud tracks and single track ruts a foot deep. That’s trail riding.

You’ll need a road legal dirt bike to do this (with a number plate etc) as trails in the UK = Byways. Byways are highways over where the public have a right of way for vehicles but they are usually used as places to cycle, horse ride / walk etc.

Its a dicey game getting to know where you can and can’t ride (and can also be a pretty political battle against other people enjoying the outdoor spaces in the UK ) but once you’ve got yourself on some rides with some more experienced trail riders and find out the perfect places ride you’ll never look back. You’ll have access to some of the most amazing riding the UK has to offer and test yourself to the absolute limit ….with guaranteed smiles all day long (apart from when you fall off).

Keep your eye on here for our focused trail riding tips blog post coming very soonz for a ton of info on how to get into trail riding!

KTM FREERIDE

THE BIKE

Trail bikes (not to be confused with trials bikes) can be any bike. You could go trail riding on any road legal trials, enduro, dual sport or mx bike, equally you could trail ride on an adventure bike or indeed a GSX-R1000. The bike needs to be road registered, beyond that ideally it needs grippier tyres and good ground clearance but truly the world's your oyster with trail bikes. One of the best bikes sited as a great beginner bike for trails is the KTM Freeride. Another great bike is the Beta X -trainer but you’ll find those a little more pricey. Want something more full size off the bat? Check out Honda CRF250s, KTM EXC 350s, Yamaha YZ250s and the Husqvarna FE250 /350. Want something for on road (around town) to also go off road on? Check out dual-sport bikes like the Kawasaki KLX250 / Honda CRF 250 or 450L.

GET INSPIRED - Check out these links to get your self hyped to rip some trails!

@cobuilt_anthony

@trailboundladies

@wlfenduro

@erikahurst_

@anyavioletuniverse

@imaclabby

@leahtokelove

@tipsyunicorn

https://www.trf.org.uk

https://trailridinguk.com

Need some more convincing?

…. Check out this vid from FOX where a bunch of homies take to the trails in Idaho (ok not the UK but it gives us all the feels of trail riding trips with our buds) 🖤

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ENDURO

Enduro means riding or racing dirt bikes over challenging long-distance terrain essentially.  Enduro derives its name from “endurance” because the races are typically long and span difficult and varying types of terrain.  Enduro used to refer more to a cross-country dirt bike race, but now is pretty much used any time someone is riding on rough off-road paths. Think of it as more extreme version of trail riding with trials slow speed skills and navigating rough terrain and obstacles thrown in. It’s a novice-friendly sport with plenty of competitions going on all around the UK so chance are there’ll be a club near you.

Next up is extreme enduro or Hard enduro where competitions blur the lines between enduro and trials dirt biking with athletes battling it out on the worlds most challenging moto terrain. Wanna know more? Check out the Red Bull Erzberg Rodeo and Red Bull Romaniacs to get a feel for the pain fest that is Hard enduro!

THE BIKE

For enduro you’re looking at pretty much the same bikes that are used trail riding except this time you can’t really use any road going machine. Enduro bikes tend to be a sharper turned tool specific for the job and a lot of competitors go for a two stroke as opposed to a 4 stroke due to their extra poke to get you up and over massive obstacles but there’s a huge range of engine capacity making many, particularly older models, perfect trail bikes too depending on if you wanna compete or want a bike that could do a bit of both. Long travel suspension does make these taller and they should have lights and slightly larger fuel tanks than mx or trial bikes.

Check out these bikes - KTM 250 EXC, KTM 300 EXC, Husqvarna FE250 /350 and the Husqvarna TE 250i

GET INSPIRED - Check out these links to get your enduro on!

@m_letti304

@off_road_tryout

@ktmenduroexperience

@janedaniels196

@rosierowett16

@jonnywalker_22

Wanna know more? …… Check out the best in the world compete at Hard Enduro below:

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TRIALS

Trials is a slow speed motorcycle finesse discipline where riders navigate obstacles that seem impossible to ride over—think boulders, cliffs, waterfalls, streams, etc. Yep, NUTS!

When competing at trials you basically have to do all of this whilst never falling off and if you touch the ground you accumulate penalty points whilst getting through a section. Completing without touching is called "cleaning a section."

Trials is basically sited as the mother of all moto skill disciplines with many of the world best enduro and rally riders coming from the trials world like Laia Sanz and Graham Jarvis. If you’re looking for a way to start of riding dirt but are unsure about high speed stuff, trials is a great way to start out and there are plenty of great trials schools in the UK open for beginners lessons. We love Inch Perfect trials in the Forest of Bowland near Clitheroe but there are loads more around too.

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THE BIKE

Trials is the slow-speed, very novice-friendly and a great way to hone your bike control skills. The bikes are categorised by having little or no seat, torquey power, lots of steering lock, soft tyres and are a good deal smaller than other types of off-road machine with no seat (due to the standing stance used in trials) .

Check out bike brands like - Montesa, Vertigo, Beta and Electric motion (kick ass electric trails bikes!)

GET INSPIRED - Check to some of the best in the game and some riding schools to get you started below:

@dougielampkin12

@hannah_m_styles

@louiseforsley77

@emmabristow_

@inchperfecttrials

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MOTOCROSS

Motocross is a form of off-road motorcycle racing held on enclosed off-road circuits. Think high speed riding on a purpose built track with jumps, twists and turns in everything from sand to mud. Basically the objective is to simply complete a course in the fastest time possible whilst competing against about 25 to 30 riders.

Motocross originally came from motorcycle trials competitions held in the United Kingdom and over the years has developed into one of the most popular forms of dirt riding in the world with different competition series in different countries. Being a UK originating sport MX clubs litter the UK as do MX practice tracks which all run groups or classes for novice and beginner rider so you won’t find it hard to find one. Also don’t be afraid to go try it out or be intimidated by the big tracks nd big jumps. At first you can just roll over them easily and work your way up. Whats important is that you call up your local track and tell them you’re just starting out and ask when’s the best time to come down so you dont show up on a high speed / experienced riders practice day. They’ll tell you whats up and maybe even throw you a few tips :)

Variations of motocross

SUPERCROSS - ”SX” is similar to motocross except the tracks are built inside stadiums, jumps tend to be slower but launch the riders higher, and events are run at night under the lights. The race format is timed practices, qualifiers, and one points-paying main event. This is a ”pro only” sport because the jumps and whoops (successive bump sections) are so technical and dangerous.

ENDUROCROSS - Sometimes referred to as "EX," EnduroCross combines enduro and arenacross elements. The temporary tracks are small like an arenacross track, but the obstacles are all offroad based: logs, water, sand, and rock gardens. The racing is done with a starting gate and qualifying system much like supercross. The events also hold amateur races on the same track.

ARENACROSS - Arenacross is similar to supercross except that the tracks are smaller so that they fit into arenas rather than stadiums. Starts are also similar, but the narrow tracks have a two-row start, with both rows leaving together from behind a single gate.

FREESTYLE MOTOCROSS - "FMX" is a contest of midair tricks judged for style and difficulty. Riders jump from steel or dirt ramps and usually land on large dirt mounds. Freestyle is a specialized form of jumping, and riders usually perfect new tricks by jumping into huge pits filled with foam blocks. Freestyle has developed subcategories like Best Whip, Speed and Style, and Step-Up (high jump on a motorcycle).

THE BIKE

Motocross bikes are similar looking to enduro bikes but have stiffer suspension and more aggressive power than equivalent engine enduro bikes because of the nature of the sport/ terrain/ jumps. Because the tracks are more aggressive the bikes are to match. A straight up motocross bike will also be non road registered (as you’ll only ever use it at an off road track) so you won’t be able to take it trail riding on roads/ by ways etc.

If you think you want to get into motocross specifically check out this great article by Red Bull on “How to get into motocross”

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FLAT TRACK

In a nut shell it’s going fast and turning left on a huge dirt oval but what might seem like a simple idea is actually a super skilled and super fun way to get your dirt fix. Flat track (also known as dirt track) races are on large dirt oval tracks (usually horse trotting tracks) with high speeds.

The flat track scene here in the UK is run by the DIRT TRACK RIDERS ASSOCIATION and is one of then most welcoming and inclusive moto racing clubs in the UK with race classes open to beginners who are just starting out. If you fancy getting into it then definitely try out the mini bike class ( aka the most fun you'll ever have on two wheels!) everyone at the DTRA is on hand to give you a helping hand. All you’ve got to do is ask!

THE BIKE

Flat track motorcycles can have either two-stroke or four-stroke engines in amateur competition. Flat track bikes have front and rear suspension, and rear brakes. The brakes are what make it completely distinct from speedway, as the brakes allow for a different cornering technique. Four-stroke motorcycles dominate professional competition and depending on the venue, can be single or multi-cylinder. Check out the slides below for some suggestions of the different class of bikes used for racing :

Honda CRF 100 /125

These are the perfect bikes to start you off trying out flat track, learning the rising skills and racing in the mini bike class of the DTRA. They are light, nippy and SO MUCH FUN! Most flat track training schools teach beginners on these so you’ll be able to have a go before you jump in and buy one too.

DTX bikes

The most common of flat track bikes is the DTX bike . DTX bikes, which are simply stock-frame motocrossers set up for racing flat track by changing the front head set up and lowering the overall bike (put simply) can be raced in the rookie class so if you fancy something bigger than a mini bike this would be the class for you. Favourites are usually Honda CFR450s but the best thing to do is to go along to the DTRA races and check out all the bikes in the rookie class to see what would be best for you!

Vintage flat track racing

Probably more suited to someone who has some racing experience the vintage class at the DTRA is a crowd of some serious machines from Bultacos to some of the fastest old Triumphs we’ve ever laid eyes on.

GET GOING FAST AND TURNING LEFT WITH THE GUYS BELOW:

Champions flat track school

Days on the dirt

Dirt craft UK

Dirt track riders association

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SPEEDWAY

Its fast, loud and its hectic!! Speedway is similar to flat track in the sense in that its a high speed, oval track racing sport but there are a few major differences. It’s a predominately team orientated motorcycle sport, where bikes that have just a single gear and no brakes race around an oval track of packed shale and dirt in an anti-clockwise direction. Four riders take part in a race over four laps. Riders use this surface to be able to slide their bikes sideways into the bends, this is often referred to as powersliding or broadsiding. When racing, riders can reach speeds of up to 70mph (110kmph) on the straight sections of the tracks.

THE BIKE

Speedway bikes are a unique type of motorcycle as they do not have brakes (!) , riders use the clutch as a mechanism for starting a race and for slowing at the end of the race . There are two manufacturers of speedway engine - GM engines are produced in Italy and Jawa engines are produced in the Czech Republic. The fuel used to power a speedway bike is pure methanol this allows an increased compression ratio to the engine which then can produce more power than other fuels therefore giving increased results including higher speeds. Bikes must weigh a minimum of 77kgs and by using the rear wheel and engine sprockets you are able to adjust the gear ratio, which need to be changed for different track sizes and conditions to get maximum performance.

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RALLYING

Rally racing is made up of multi-day or even multi-week long events that are a mix of high-speed riding ability, navigation skills, and endurance over long distances. Similar to enduro / cross country in some ways, rallying is done on much larger engined heavier bikes that are better equipped to cover the mileage with larger tanks for better fuel capacity. With some races covering hundreds of miles, riders rely on a road book navigation system to find their way on a mix of everything from rough off road terrain to roads.

At the highest level of competition rallying isn’t for the faint hearted as the most famous rally races are cited as some of the toughest races on earth - The most famous of which being the Dakar Rally.

That being said you can get into rallying at all levels (even just for fun with one off events and rides) and there are many clubs and races in the UK to get you started.

Check out this rad article by rider Egle Gerulaityteabout her first rally race!

THE BIKE

Ok, so the Dakar-ised bikes might look like something from space but they actually start off as pretty ordinary dirt bikes or adventure bikes/ dual sport bikes that you can buy straight from a dealership like say a KTM 450EXC or a KTM 690 ENDURO R. The difference between these bad boys and an enduro or MX bike is that they usually have a much larger engine than you’d want to trail ride / enduro ride with (450 - 700cc is most usual) thus weigh more. Basically you can buy a totally off the shelf body kit/ extra fuel tanks etc to rally-ise it and you’ll probs also need an engine retune to deal with the changes.

GET INSPIRED - check out some of the worlds most incredible riders below:

@laiasanz_85

@tobyprice87

@sundersam

@lyndonposkitt

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Think you fancy a go a some dirt related fun?

Make sure you follow VC DIRT on instagram for regular updates and new of VC dirt events of all kinds from enduro and beginners days to trials!

COME RIDE DIRT WITH US @ VC DIRT DAY 2020

Cant wait until Camp VC 2020 to get on the dirt ?!

We’re teaming up with Docklands riders this March to present a day of dirt training with our Intro To Dirt track day at London docklands inner city track!

Open to riders of every skill level from total beginner with different bikes to suit all experience levels and heights, the sessions are in 3 hours riding slots (morning and afternoon) and include everything from training with professional enduro coaches, all kit, insurance, bikes, and a VC goodie bag.

We’ll also have tons of info on how to get into off road and trail riding in the UK from our community and we’re also bringing along some of our own dirt bikes for you to take a look at where to start out, so come armed with all your burning questions and get ready to hit the dirt!

CLICK HERE FOR ALL THE DEETS AND HOW TO BOOK !!