Browse
Log in / Register
Share
March 17, 2025 — After a painful off-road attempt with KTM left me with broken ribs and a bruised ego, I knew I needed a proper foundation. That’s when I booked a day with Phoenix Trails, a UK-based motorcycle training company that offers structured off-road courses for riders of all levels. Their introductory trail riding course in Derbyshire turned out to be exactly what I needed: a back-to-basics approach that finally taught me how to ride dirt without relying on luck.
I’ve always been a learner by doing. From track days in a Mazda MX-5 to racing an 800 HP Ferrari GT car, I thrive on practical skill-building. But motorcycles came later, and off-road riding was a completely different beast. Watching Charley Boorman and Ewan McGregor’s Long Way Round planted the seed, but my first “proper” off-road day with KTM and Alex Snow Off-Road in April proved I wasn’t ready. The event was aimed at experienced riders, and while I had a blast, I ended up with two broken ribs. That day taught me a hard lesson: you can’t fake competence on loose terrain.
Phoenix Trails operates training centres across the UK, with off-road schools in regions rich with green lanes and byways. For my introductory course, I wanted to unlearn bad habits and build technique from the ground up. The day started at a café near Eyam, a scenic village in the Peak District. Our instructor, JB, didn’t jump straight into riding. Instead, he spent time understanding each rider’s background and goals. I was joined by Nikki, another rider with similar
