Now don’t get me wrong but it can be ‘difficult’ to teach your girlfriend/wife/partner something where it involves ‘them’ having to listen, or to be instructed by yourself. Generally, it ends in a need for an anger management counselor of some sort for both parties, as they walk off in opposite directions as if a duel is about to commence, maybe?
Anyway, this was the conundrum I found myself in one day at the local pub. These two delightful ladies, Hazel and Natasha, decided they’d like to learn to ride a motorcycle with basically zero previous experience. Well to be honest Natasha (the blonde one), was more excited than the dubious Hazel (the brunette one). I wasn’t too keen to assist though, possibly due to the reasons mentioned earlier?
A few days later I was having breakfast with Stuart Baker (Suzuki motorcycle boss), and he said, “Send them to the CMA Rider Academy because we supply the bikes for absolute beginners rider training”. Well you didn’t have to ask me twice and the inevitable dispute with aforementioned ladies was averted – hurrah!
Soon after the two ladies in question, and myself, found ourselves at the CMA Rider Academy to attempt ‘mission impossible’ and after an entertaining day the mission was, to all parties delight, well and truly achieved – hurrah x 2!
The day will cost a new rider R450 and for that you’ll enjoy expert tuition, all the coffee and water you can drink, a lunchtime meal, and then you’ll wait in anticipation for your achievement certificate, hopefully.
It all begins with a lengthy introduction into the correct clothing for a motorcyclist to wear, which the girls seemed to absorb, and the necessary abundance of safety tips. Both agreed they’d learnt something from the classroom, which was nice…
However, myself included, we all wanted to get into the practical side. This was expertly transmitted to the virgin riders by 30 times SA National Drag race Champion, Peter de la Rey. To watch the girls listen intensely to Peter was something to behold as he ran through the basic controls of a motorcycle on their rolling road, using a Suzuki GSX 250 tied to a stable platform.
It was an introduction on how to use the throttle, clutch, and rear brake to basically get the bike moving and more importantly, how to stop it. As you can see the ladies came away highly impressed with themselves because they could now send a motorbike into motion on tarmac.
Then it was onto the next action as they were given a Suzuki GSX150, and GSX250 to perform on what they’d just learnt, and it all went according to plan with Peter and his crew instructing admirably. After a jerky start from both they soon managed their first solo and unsupported ride on a motorbike and many teeth were shown as radiant smiles emerged. Oh yes, both can now ride a motorcycle with no input from myself – a proud moment indeed, and well done to both the Academy and all concerned.
Hazel and Natasha both received certificates for passing the introductory course, what’ll undoubtedly be one of their proudest achievements in life, possibly? So, if you know of anyone who wants to get onto two wheels without an argument I (www.BillysBikes.co.za) couldn’t recommend this course more. Mission Impossible achieved….
For more information and bookings get in touch with
or call (082 441 6850)
2023 National Cross Country - Round 1 – Legends
The offroad racing season is officially open and the boys in orange made sure they came home with plenty of points for the Brother Leader Tread KTM team following round 1 of the National Cross Country Series. The event was held at the all too familiar Legends Adventure Farm just outside of Pretoria.
It was a big test for the team with three riders coming back from injury and they did not disappoint. Brad Cox who crashed out of the infamous Dakar Rally early this year made amends and walked off with a classy win in the OR1 class as well as securing 3rd overall. “I’m really happy to be back racing considering my start to the season and looking forward to building on this” Cox commented still caked in dust and sweat.
Teammate Scott Heygate also on the mend after a significant knee op said it was a demanding route “I took it one lap at a time and enjoyed being back on the bike” he added. Heygate has his sights set firmly on the rest of the season and expressed his gratitude to the team for supporting him throughout and is looking forward to rake in some solid results. Heygate eventually finished 2nd in the OR2 class bringing more points into the fold for the team.
Matthew Wilson, who had surgery to his shoulder in December, knew he was in for a long day. “I knew my fitness was going to be under fire here but I felt pretty happy with my pace, the third lap the fatigue was starting to become a factor so I pushed up until the fourth lap before calling it,” he said knowing the season is still long and won’t be won or lost in a single race.
Stalwart Kerim Fitz-Gerald has his sights set on the overall victory once more even though he is riding in a new class this season tackling the competitive senior class. “Overall has always been my goal” Fitz-Gerald exclaimed. Fitz-Gerald had a roller coaster of a day suffering a small crash but thankfully I didn’t damage anything on the bike or himself. “There were some moments out on the route, I love the twisty stuff so pushed hard there” he said and added that all in all he had a good day on the bike. “Taking the win in seniors is a good start but I look forward to the rest of the season to try bring home the overall win” he said.
Megan Prinsloo from KTM South Africa said the team is content with two 1st places and a 2nd for a flying start to the season laying an excellent foundation to only improve on as the season progresses.
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