Watagans Trail Bike Tours: Skills Days

Master the art of dirt-bike riding in the bush with Watagans Trail Bike Tours, catering for novice to intermediate riders.

Are you new to the sport, feeling rusty, or simply want to improve your riding skills? If so, the Watagans Trail Bike Tours’ 1-Day Trail Skills ride is the perfect fit for you.

Riding a dirt bike is fun and challenging. Nothing beats the rush of adrenalin and sense of accomplishment you get from simply going on a great ride with fantastic people. The learning curve of riding dirt bikes can also be steep and intimidating at times, but it’s a sport that you can always learn more from. Bruce Hancock, owner of Watagans/Bulahdelah Trail Bike Tours, has created a brilliant 1-Day Trail Skills ride, which aims to help people progress and go deeper into the sport.

Bruce’s Trail Skills days are perfect for riders who are simply wanting to improve their skills and learn the art of riding in the bush. As you ride through the bush, when you hit challenging terrain, Bruce will offer explanations and guidance. The day flows well with loads of riding. When you come across logs or rocky ledges, he will stop and give you some tips before you have a go yourself. He tackles all the major obstacles you’ll encounter in the bush, then steps you through how to approach it in easy to understand language that will help you ride better – with better throttle control, body position, etc.

The coolest part of the day is you’ll tackle stuff that will throw you out of your comfort zone and help you progress. Everyone is catered for on his 1-Day Trail Skills riding day. This is not an elitist ride, but rather a supportive ride to help you improve, no matter what level you’re at. It’s so refreshing to experience Bruce’s approach to trail riding – he’s a no-fuss bloke who wants you to get involved and have fun.

Do yourself a favour, sign up for one of Bruce’s Trail Skills rides and enjoy learning the craft of riding in the bush. We paid $150, which included lunch, a survival pack (snacks, muesli bars and wipes for your goggles), Uvex anti-fog spray as we were riding in the rain, re-fuelling of the bike and a beer at end of the day!

For more information, visit: www.trailbiketours.com.au/tour-info/watagans

^ Bruce giving us the pre-ride, “Motorcycle riding is dangerous, but gee it’s fun,” speech!

^ Everyone had a go at climbing hills that pushed their limits. With Bruce’s advice, everyone improved and got up the hills.

^ Chris Boon is an animal. New to the sport, he’s learning so fast. He is prepared to have a go at everything. Bruce’s Trail Skills days are helping him really enjoy the sport and learn from his mistakes.

^ Riding over slippery logs is a challenge. Bruce’s tips give you confidence and knowledge to tackle riding over logs.

^ Everyone is encouraged to come out, ride and learn. Boundaries were pushed, but everyone finished with big smiles.

^ The slippery log won this encounter. With Bruce’s tips, on the second go, the tables were turned and the KTM and rider blitzed it.

^ Bruce’s secret bike wash location, deep in the heart of the Watagans.

^ Chris Boon enjoying a five-star gourmet lunch in the middle of the bush. Bruce re-fuelling bikes in the background.

^ Myself and Boony, all smiles at the end of a great ride.