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SACU Training Day

Rosewell Nr Penicuik - 12th Oct 2003

Thanks to Colin Tait for the use of his farm and track for a beginners and new to enduros training day.  The only mud was at the powerwasher at the  end of the day.

With new British Enduro Champions Chris Hay 125 and Richard Hay 450 in attendance there was plenty of experience to pass on. After signing on and splitting into groups it was off round the track  to loosen up. Berms , hill climbs and jumps were the lessons of the day.

The main thing passed on was - plan in advance what you are going to do. Enter corners at the speed you choose and then blast out at full speed. Most problems occur when riders enter a hazard without any plan on how to get out of it. Richard showed several lines round a corner depending on where the berm was and how smooth the track. Riders were also taught how to attack a hill and how to come down it safely. Although Stu Young did a classic "flying W" over the bars when his front wheel dug in, stopping fast is as important as going fast !!.

Lunch time was a chat about the SACU and the now traditional wheel change. Alex made full use of this as his was the demo bike - he asked to have the tread turned ( It's not Kwik Fit you know .... ). A good suggestion on using old tubes as a liner to stop punctures was made when it was pointed out that you are better to slit the outside of the tire rather than the inside as it prevents compression punctures better. Good point !

Change of trainers and locations after lunch and some fast practice with the Hays showed how the top riders do it. A day enjoyed by all and no injuries - only stiff joints the next day.

Part of the proceeds of the day are to be used to help Chris Hay in the ISDE in Brazil. He is a member of the Junior team and expected to do well in the sandy test there.

SACU Training Day

West Bold - Walkerburn - 8th June 2003

19 keen young riders turned up for the first SACU Enduro training day of 2003. Run by Training Coordinator Dougie Maclean with the aid of several Scottish Expert Class riders at West Bold Farm in Walkerburn. A famous check from British and World rounds.

Dougal Walker, Murray Thomson and Malcolm Bissett lead the day along with Dougie and were helped by Paul Scott and Greig Walker.

Click on the photos to enlarge. E-mail me if you want a full size copy.

Starting the day with a brief safety talk followed by scrutineering and sign on the riders were then lead across a smooth grassy field to the course. That was the last time they saw flat, dry ground for the rest of the day. Mud and rocks were in abundance and proved real Enduro terrain to teach on.

Learning how to cross streams , ride up hills, and then back down hills, corner on a greasy slope and ride ruts. And not forgetting the mud. There was a lovely wee bog all set up - the trick - don't stop - but no one told Tom Rae ( see photo).  Riding standing up, sitting down - it didn't matter - just keep going.

Some of the riders had ridden several events and were looking to improve their technique - others were new to off road and just wanted to see what it was all about. Riding a range of machinery from full blown GASGAS 450 Enduro machinery to trail bikes every one was able to get round the track - fitness proving the final hurdle. Somebody was going to be stiff after this.

Bruce Joyce wrote - would just like to thank you and your collegues for the sterling work in putting on such a fantastic day. My son, Luke, and myself thourghly enjoyed ourselves, learnt plenty and came home in absolute agony.

Although all the volunteers were very helpful I would like to make a special thanks to a couple of them. Paul helped Luke by repairing his bike so that he could continue having fun. And Dougal, poor Dougal, he was so patient with us numpty novices that we really did learn more than he probably realises.His deliberately throwing himself off his bike occasionally to make us feel better was exceptional. I even learned how to start my bike properly!. Once again thank you all for a wonderful day. If it is possible we would love to attend another training day in the future. Better not tell Dougal though as it might frighten him.Best regards BruceP.S. I am so sore.  

The instructors did - very rarely it must be said - make an occassional mistake. And of course were caught on camera.

The riders were initially set off round a small course before being split into smaller groups with an instructor. At the end of the day they were told that they were finished and could go back to the start - or have another couple of laps of the track.  Everyone blasted off round the track - despite looking knackered - and put in some very impressive rides. Smiles all round. We had to drag them off the hill at the end.

Lunchtime provided a chance to talk about Enduros and introduce the riders to time checks and special tests. Dougal Walker provided the obligatory tire change at short notice.

A big thank you must go to the landowner of West Bold Martin Laing and Family and to the farmer David Hamilton for their for help in letting use the ground - good to be back in the borders again.

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