Giving it welly with Si Pavey!

Wow! Somewhat struck for words....that doesn't happen very often.

Si Pavey's offroad school is for sure, as Billy suggested, probably the best in the world! Whilst I had possibly the steepest learning curve of my life, discovered I've almost definitely 'bitten off more than I can chew' regarding the Pyrenees trip, I've gotten the bug! I undertook a Level One course for novices, I ascertained fairly early on that I'm just off 'complete beginner'. And to have been taught by Si Pavey, the man himself, what a privilege.

When I arrived, to say my nerves were in tatters would be an understatement, I knew that I'd be riding a BMW G650 GS. The group of circa 25 odd were all - whilst all ages, shapes, sizes and walks of life evidently seasoned bikers! Uh oh! I passed my test 14 years ago on an MTX 125 and didn't get on a bike again. I ride my GasGas 200 EXC and have for perhaps an hour or so ridden Mr T's KTM 400. So, a new big BMW was frankly 'frightening the pants off me'. As it turned out, when we set off, my first thought after pulling away and NOT stalling and thinking 'whoopee' was 'ooo I'd like one of these!'

We went off in convoy and needless to say, I'm not exactly a speed freak on a bike, so whilst I was still in the convoy (and still in the same country) there was some distance between me and the person in front! Oop - a pattern which was to continue.

Day one started with lots of foundation techniques, picking the bike up, braking, riding slowly and executing small manoeuvres, tight circles and of course standing up at all times. Si later commented, I don't teach anyone to sit down until they can stand up - I wasn't standing up very well - more hunching than standing. When you do stand correctly as with all the tips and techniques - what a difference!!! Gwyn, my instructor has the patience of a saint and boy did he need it, practicing what it feels like to lock up front wheel, back wheel, emergency stops et al, I was permanently one exercise behind?! Did what was required - eventually - but not when it was required!

Linley, Si Pavey's fabulous wife gave us girls an inspiring 'pep' talk at the beginning and my goodness it helped, there were several times when I thought, you've done it this time Kate, out of a comfort zone too far!

After lunch we did some descents, with engine braking (like that - don't really get that with the GasGas), with brakes, with both. This was when the cussing that was going on generally unheard within my helmet was turning to whoops and yippees when I achieved what was being taught. (Thanks Gary for buckets of patience at the clunch pit). Ha - perhaps there's hope for me yet!

After an amusing evening of tales of derring do, some embellished (perhaps?!) around the supper table, day two arrived. I was nervous again and the weather was ridiculously heavy rain, however breakfast with Ross Noble caused the anxiety to, at least temporarily, be distracted.

So, day two, as Linley predicted, it all started coming together - mostly anyway?! I still wasn't giving it enough 'welly'. On the way there, Gary Taylor (yet another stonking rider) appeared alongside (I was at the back again) to the Walters Arena, to encourage me - both in spirits and in using the throttle!! Incidentally, the back drop to Si's offroad school is absolutely stunning, although I could only really see it on Friday! Nestled in the Brecon Beacons - just beautiful.

One comment that has stuck in my mind is to 'let the bike do it's job' . The moment you start to fight it is when it's likely to go pear-shaped. As Si commented so often, top riders do everything with finesse. To watch Si, I know that absolutely to be true.

This is probably the time to mention my clutch control or lack of! I was dropping the clutch big time, stalling regularly as if it were a competition and therefore, finesse was not a descriptor that would be used, reference my riding, any time soon! And my poor, long suffering little bike, did smell a bit once or twice - oop! Had a top lesson from Si in what's going on with the clutch, and therefore letting it out slowly - what a difference!

Billy gave me some top throttle tips in the morning, i.e. use it girl! He came alongside at one point jauntily side-saddle which made me smirk and urging me on to rev it!

To say, my riding has come on in leaps and bounds (or perhaps smooth and powering through would be more appropriate) would be an understatement. I broke my brake lever day one, my clutch lever day two at the point just beyond my middle finger - that got me using it properly with two fingers!! I have bruises of every hue.

I took Mr T's Benelli Tre-K out today, an 1130cc road bike, which had someone paid me to do last week, I wouldn't have. It was great, I loved it and enjoyed it, even if I did possibly look a complete eejit in full offroad regalia on a road bike. I had just been out on the GasGas - what a difference two days make! Do I sense a shopping opportunity for some leathers on the horizon!!

Linley, once or twice suggested, 'look where you're going Kate, not where you're at' - a motto for life me thinks . It works!

So, whether you're a seasoned road biker wanting to develop your skills, a keen offroader, or a novice or even a complete beginner, a few days at Si's school and you won't be disappointed!

On a personal level, I made some really lovely friends which was wonderful and got to know others a bit better.

The girls Irene and Ailsa, seasoned roadbikers were so very supportive.

Oddly, I didn't cry, whilst very close to it several times until Simon said well done at the end of day two - lost it then big time - fortunately it was raining too, I hid in my helmet!!

Thanks Si. Thanks Linley. Thanks Gwyn. Thanks Irene. Thanks Billy.

Sooo very much!

This time last year......this time in September ?!?!

Here is a link to the training that I'm off to tomorrow. This was last year on youtube; Billy Ward, Charley Boorman & Ross Noble preparing to go to Africa. ....

This is what I'll be up to..........

http://youtu.be/q7ePQ3EXy0w

An ungainly stop in front of Steve Parrish, advice from Ross Noble and some serious training from Si Pavey!

How did I (as you know a biker of six months) come to an ungainly stop in front of Steve Parrish (MotoGP commentator) and Marc Potter (MCN editor) and end up training with Si Pavey (5 times Dakar winner) in Wales at the suggestion of Ross Noble (very funny man) in order to ride over the Pyrenees with Chris Evans (not of Radio 2)?

The pressure is on and I'm training with Si Pavey 8 times Dakar competitor at the BMW offroad school in Wales this weekend. Mr T is home alone with the girls. I have to admit, I'm freaking out ever so slightly - well I'm nervous anyways. Got a lovely new camelback today (to carry drinks) from Martin and Donna and am sitting here wondering whether water will be strong enough to calm said nerves. I'll be riding a BMW G 650 GS , the biggest bike I've ever ridden is hubby's KTM 400 XC!

You may remember, I came to a rather ungainly stop in the gravel car park of The Queen Adelaide pub in Cambridgeshire. This particular piece of rather inadequate bike handling was in front of not only Steve Parrish (the MotoGP commentator), but also Ross Noble (top comedian and biker), Marc Potter(editor of MotorcycleNews), Billy Ward, working on the Big Africa project with Charley Boorman and many other good and great of the biking world.

Unable to be beamed up in embarrassment or spontaneously combust, I parked up without a spill (just) and was tempted to keep my helmet on!

It was then that Ross Noble quietly suggested that some time with Si Pavey for some serious off road training might be a top idea. So when the opportunity presented itself, I panicked mildly and took it!

As an executive coach, I understand the need to harness both one’s confidence and positivity with technical/ professional expertise and capability. Confidence alone will only get one so far in any environment, be it leading a world class organisation or riding a bike. And my skills and capability on an off road bike are currently still lacking. As Ross Noble will testify!

The reason for all this, as you know, is to be able to ride over the Pyrenees with Chris Evans who works with Cyril Despres, one of the top enduro riders on the planet to raise £7500 for Great Ormond Street Hospital and KidsCo.

Great Ormond Street Hospital (GOSH) will always be important after our eldest daughter was admitted for a benign lipoma in 2005.

Yippee! Little update; we have raised just shy of £3500 through kind donations and also sponsors of logos on the bikes, including Royston-based, GB Racing, Special Little People, a company specialising in aromatherapy for children, Esse Retail and Spa in Melbourn, Torque Racing and Stevenage-based Werx and ZeroNineMX . Support has also been given by OceanOne boutiques in the West Country, DawsonVAServices in Newcastle and Eagle Performance.

The fundraising auction for this challenge is on 30th July at the Queen Adelaide in Croydon. Thanks Michelle for so kindly hosting it. We now have some fab signed childrens books, The Tygrine Cat series by Inbali Iserles.

The next blog after two intensive days of training will either be elation or the polar opposite. I may need to lie in a darkened room for an hour or two and probably may have one or two tender spots!

Dirt school!

Martin (Wittering) of Torque Racing made a comment last week, 'time in the saddle, Kate!'.

So, I've been doing exactly that - got hilariously wet today too. Every single thing that I was wearing was soaked - yeuk! Fun though, made a decision to avoid the chalky slopes however, on balance I think the grass was just as slippery. Mr T, the girls and our pooch, all got soaked too. One of those, right in the middle of nowhere moments when the heavens opened - so thanks to all the family for not only accompanying me on my practice but getting soaked graciously too! Good excuse for cake and hot chocolate when we got back home though.

Our cat was sensibly curled up on a chair!

Having looked at potential training days, summer holidays, the girls activities, professional commitments et al , I thought hmm... better take this in hand.

In light of Martin's comments I have booked myself into 'dirt school' for some serious time in the saddle and some tuition and learning along the way. Along with a few trail days.....

Whilst I was coming down the chalky ascent I was pondering a conversation that I'd had (at work) earlier in the week. Positive psychology is a very powerful thing and mastering one's confidence in a given scenario equally, however not to be at the expense of mastering skills and capability!

So, school it is, albeit of the off-road variety and some outings with Mr T.

Another boost today with another donation to GOSH, thank you! It's what this is all really about; raising funds for Great Ormond Street Hospital and KidsCo, charities that do so much to try to make the world a better place for children.

Halfway there and botox for bikes?!

The GasGas isn't a new motorbike however now it has new plastics and graphics with logos of the companies and people that have generously sponsored and helped us so far, it looks not only fantastic but years younger! Hmm - like a bit of that myself! Botox for bikes!!?
A few firsts yesterday, we went to the Royston & District Motorcycle Club Show in Meldreth

I rode there and Gary kindly escorted me on his bike (bit of angst - situation normal - had set in). The two bikes were logo'd up and we were putting them on the TorqueRacing stand. I got overtaken by a classic Triumph on the way - teehee. When we arrived I was quite humbled, don't think I've ever seen quite so many bikes and I was certainly aware of my limited bike experience - didn't embarrass myself though or Gary (to my knowledge!!). There was everything there; hogs, roadsters, sports bikes, scooters, cruisers, a stunning Ducati desmosedici and of course enduros! Thank you to Mark Coningsby for the interview and letting everyone know what we're up to!

We are now halfway through this journey and have 2 1/2 months to go, I purposely haven't counted up potential training days for reasons of remaining calm.

So big list of thanks to; Donna Gray, former champion, and my trainer (keeps me smiling), Martin Wittering of Torque Racing for keeping my bike 'fit', Jim Gale at Werx for the graphics and plastics, Enduroland for being on their site and their constant support and motivation on practice days, Michelle at The Queen Adelaide for hosting the auction (don't forget 30th July), Dave Newman at Supremebeing for the challenge Tshirts for the auction and making us 'cool' in the process, Martin at Schoolyard for printing the challenge T-shirts. Billy Ward, Graham Banks of GB Racing for sponsorship and donation of the British Superbike Passes for the auction, The Wendy House, Ocean One, Special Little People, Steve Parrish for MotoGP goodies for the auction, Eagle Performance, Dawson VA services, Sally, Serena & Steff at Esse Retail & Therapy for their endless encouragement especially on the 'what am I doing?' type days!! So many thanks to all those who have very generously donated.

And of course to Gary for tips, techniques and buckets of patience, Caroline (Gary's Mrs) for so much encouragement, Mr T for limitless supplies of support, putting up with me and gently assisting (occasionally shoving) me out of my comfort zone and for lots of cheerleading and support from my sis, Elly and the girls.

And I rode in the dark too - not far mind, but a first!

We're at c£3500 in fundraising so here's to the next stage.

Lust and glitter........

I was thrilled to be asked to be a guestblogger this week on the

Great Ormond Street Children's Hospital blog http://greatormondstreethospitalcharity.wordpress.com/ - another first!

Lusting after the paint job (honest?!) on the Triumph Speed Triple that Ross Noble rode from one tip of the UK to t'other for Riders for Health, I was delighted to hear that Esse, one of our fabulous supporters of the challenge, offer glorious glittery Shellac nails. Perfect for bikers! Especially those lusting after.......

On more important matters, since my tuition with Gary at the weekend, I've been on the bike every day since - a record. On Mr T's bike to be precise. It still phases me a tad mostly because it's heavy, a 400EXC 4 stroke. Possibly also because it's a bit grotchety when first out of the garage and not yet warmed up - bit like me in the morning! However, it's all practice and if I can manoeuvre that particular beasty in a figure of eight, the GasGas should be easy, apart from the blipping the throttle bit, which you don't really need to do on the 4 stroke.

From all this slow work on heavy bike I'm developing all sorts of muscles in my legs and boy my stomach muscles ached yesterday.

I've practiced all the techniques that Gary shared; ascents, descents, lots of figures of eight and little right hand circles (yeuk - not good at them) got some air again of the top of the hill- teehee. I was enjoying it too, even if the thumping in my heart indicated otherwise once or twice.

Then as an extra boost, albeit unplanned, a couple of eejits had somehow managed to get their car (what it was doing on the byway I have no idea) stuck on something and was blocking the way rather. In fact it wasn't blocking the way, it was blocking my way, my usual route that is! So, on heavy bike I went through a little gap with a big lumpy bit in the middle, a concrete slab, a muddy puddle and a thorny bush and aforementioned car to my right. A scenario that would ordinarily have rendered a stop on my part and help from one of the boys or another way to go. Either way, a mishap would potentially have been expensive. As Mick Andrews said in a trials video (vintage technology) that we've borrowed from Gary, it's often all in the head, the difference between a successful manoeuvre and one less so.

I did it!

There's hope for the old girl yet or perhaps it was just a spot of fairy magic from my glittery biker nails. Positive psychology! Whatever works eh....!

Danger from your own bike when you're not even on it!!

An afternoon with Gary and how different the challenge looks! I.e. a bit more possible than last week.

Still haven't got my bike back, so undeterred I took out Mr T's 4 stroke 400 KTM and practiced on the field near the house. I noticed the weight difference, also the more consistent power delivery, linear, I'm informed, the the GasGas is more lumpy , to my mind anyway. Still managed a few kangaroo like manoeuvres! Either way it's very different to the GasGas. Then after an hour or so of that, went to a local clunch pit for some practice and tuition with Gary.

Lots of ascents and descents, where to put my weight, use of the throttle, clutch, brakes. The big difference with the 4 stroke being that the engine brakes which helps when going down hill. So, did lots of that!

Then Gary suggested something new. He put out a couple of rocks about 2 bike lengths apart to practice slow controlled riding around. He then demonstrated how to move on the bike in a figure of eight and it looked so easy! Then I had a go. I started off with some fairly (?!) tight loops to begin with. My left hand turns are okay but to the right leave much to be desired. Did lots and lots left and right - gosh I was pooped.

I then tried it on Gary's bike, a 2 stroke KTM 200 and not dissimilar to mine. That was easier, all down to the weight I think and manoeuvrability.

Next, a few laps on Gary's bike and the ascents and descents again with some little turns at the bottom. Got some 'air' at one point, both wheels in the air over the top of a hill - what fun I thought afterwards. At the time, I was thinking I've used too much throttle and I'm on Gary's bike - eek! Then more slow riding loops and figures of eight.

Caroline, Gary's lovely wife, had said a few weeks ago that Gary was a very good and very patient teacher. She is absolutely right. Even when, on one descent I stood up a bit late at the top of the hill and then grabbed the throttle, so went down the hill mighty fast and nearly ran Gary over in the process! And I was riding his bike! Goodness! That got my heart going. Gary very calmly asked what I had done? Mr T, the girls and my great friend Wends who were all watching at the time, thought it was hilarious, the facial expressions were good apparently and Mr T has never seen Gary move so quick! Don' t think Gary thought it hilarious - not at the time anyway!

Slept like a baby last night, I was exhausted and fortunately my baby slept too!

So, more of the same today and by the end of June, there is a somewhat steep climb in the pit, that I need to have conquered! Mr T asked which bike I preferred, hmm , bit like comparing apples and pears. Can I take a 2 stroke and a 4 stroke to France?

Thanks Gary!

Adding a sprinkling of Film Director glamour to the challenge.

I'm overexcited...........again!

Went to SupremeBeing, the very cool clothing company with my daughter, to take the challenge T-shirts signed by the lovely Ross Noble and delightful Steve Parrish (who is also kindly donating some MotoGP goodies - what a stonking race this weekend) to be finished with the charity logos this afternoon. Big thanks to Billy Ward for making it happen and also for the signed copy of the Long Way Down by Charley Boorman . Piccy's attached - the auction from 7.30pm on Saturday 30th July at The Queen Adelaide, Croydon, Cambs. We met David Newman, MD and one of the creative genius' behind this fabulous brand and they have also very kindly agreed to donate some clothing to the auction too! (Possibly encouraged by my daughter who rather loudly whispered that we didn't have any non-bikey, girly stuff for it?! -oop). Thanks so much David and all the team at SupremeBeing.

Then, I spoke with Ed Blum, a BAFTA nominated Film Producer & Director, you may remember 'Scenes of a Sexual Nature' with Ewan MacGregor, Hugh Bonneville & Catherine Tate to name a few. Ed has another movie on the way, though under wraps at the moment, very exciting .....so watch this space..... He has very kindly agreed to be our auctioneer for the evening, which is marvelous - thanks Ed, brilliant.

Now I just need to get that minor detail of practicing in and frightening-self lessened! I'm out with Gary one evening this week and of course in 9 days time on the 15th June, we'll all be at The Royston & District Motorcycle Club Show......hope to see you there?

Big boys don't cry........

.........though to be fair I didn't cry as much as explete on Saturday, though if I'm honest it was probably both!?! Transpires my moment of 'exasperation', shall we say, is on YouTube - if you want to see it though, I'll leave that up to you to find it!

So, I took one of the big boys bikes out - one of the KTMs!

This week has been all about getting my confidence back and it is still somewhat lost.....!? My bike is 'at the salon' ! Having new white plastics and all the logos put on - very exciting and what a top collection of logos; Torque Racing, Esse Retail & Spa, GB Racing, Ocean One Boutiques, The Wendy House, Werx, Supreme Being, The Queen Adelaide, Special Little People, Enduroland, Dawson VA Services, Eagle Performance and of course GOSH and KidsCo. Then the little GasGas is off to Martin at TorqueRacing for a new clutch. By all accounts, my hydraulic cylinder isn't playing ball and my basket is still not quite up to standard - and that's the extent of my knowledge!!

Since the debacle on Saturday I've been out practicing nearly every day and am at least feeling much better about 'ups' and 'downs'. On Wednesday, it rained and hailed here - so to say my back end was squirming would be an understatement, however I didn't fall off or drop it so that must be progress! And the big boys bikes - smooth, responsive, took the hairy bits in their stride, coped expertly with both my tentativeness, panic and over-exuberance (if inadvertent) - are we talking bikes or the boys.....?!!!? Hmmm.....

Practice as if you were the worst, perform as if you were the best............ here we go!