By Mousemat

Well gents, after trailing behind everybody at the Frolic in the Forest, where I did not become a lost boy thanks to the guys who helped to support the Tail end Charlie, I decided that though I had suggestions as to what I was doing wrong I ought to seek professional help.

I decided to take a course with the Mick Boddice Track training school at Darley Moor circuit near Ashbourne, Derbyshire. http://www.boddicedarleytraining.co.uk/

The day costs £250.00 and includes helmet, full leathers, gloves, boots and more importantly a Yamaha R6 in full race trim.

The day starts at 0925 with a briefing detailing the day's activities and the usual do's and don'ts given by Dave Luscombe the chief instructor.

There were 12 on the course with 6 instructors to look after us all. We started the day on the track with several laps of the track to get the hang of it, to be shown the lines etc. We were then split up into groups for various handling exercises. First being practice in counter steering and then a braking exercise. Between these exercises there was a coffee break with a question and answer session. After the braking exercise we broke for lunch, which was supplied. After lunch there was a discussion on tyres.

Once this was complete we were split into two groups of six and let loose on the track with three instructors per group, giving advice and guidance. This session started at 1330 where the fast riders could let loose and the slow ones like myself got extra help and tuition and ended at 1630.

Though probably still not the fastest mover on the block, the buttock clenching moments whenever entering a corner are now much less, and I finished the day tired and with a big grin. On reflection I would have been happier had I used my own helmet, but the rest was excellent.

Who knows I may go on to the advanced course next year