OSET Bikes welcomed over 60 riders and their families from right across the UK to Hooton Lodge Farm in Rotherham for their recent Weekender. The inclusive event saw the youngest, E-Class riders enjoying themselves alongside World level riders.
Over the two days families from Wales, Scotland, England and Ireland travelled to the premier venue to take part in a range of two-wheeled, fun activities. Rev Shed were also there, manning the OSET inflatable track and offering the chance for the public to ‘have a go’ on an OSET for people who were keen to see what it was all about.
Simon Armstrong, events manager at OSET, said: “This is the second year we’ve run the weekender and we wanted to introduce new elements, to keep it fresh. We were absolutely blessed with the weather too! In fact I’d say…phew what a scorcher.” With sun-tan cream required all round, the ice cream van did a roaring trade.
Simon added: “The camping field was home to dozens of families all getting to know each other. The whole point of the weekend is that it’s relaxed and fun. We want kids to develop new riding skills, ride alongside friends and encourage and support each other.”
Jordan Potter from Rev Shed managed the public Have-a-Go rides. He said: “The sport of trials is normally quite hidden as we mainly ride on private land without public access so it’s great to get the chance to invite people to experience just how easy it is to try the sport. The benefit of an OSET is that it takes away the fear factor and the misconception around the danger. Turning all the settings down to walking pace means anyone from age four – 94 can get on a bike for the first time and ride it safely.
“The fact the new TXP machines come with a seat option really opens up the possibilities for new customers. If you’ve never tried trials, standing up on pegs can feel really alien initially and the bike can feel really ‘far away’ from the rider. Starting with a seat and having the option to change into trials set up means the bikes also have way more applications and added value for families. Once they’ve had a go, people were able to see the bikes in action at the event.”
The morning of day one was designated training. The electric team welcomed some seriously world-class riders, including eight times Irish trials champion Sean Doyle who travelled from Dublin with his family, along with OSET alumni who were there to share their knowledge and skills with the next generation of riders. Multi-time British Champion James Dabill joined with Sherco team rider Harry Turner, OSET’s own Oliver Smith and female world rider, Sophie Bailey. Double British Youth Trials champion, Elliot Smith was supported by long-time pal Matthew Horne, while Dominic and Alexander Horne, both of whom rode at British level on OSET, with Jasper Fox who went onto compete in Enduros, also managing training sections.
Simon explained: “We wanted this year’s kids to listen and learn from OSET riders that had come before them. With the exception of Dibs all of these young people started their riding careers on OSET. They have always been able to completely boss the bikes and were highly competitive when riding against each other. Their skill levels, knowledge and ability to connect with the kids is incredible.”
Training consisted of six sections with riders split mainly by ability as each group rode together from section to section to experience as many of the trainers as possible.
OSET also recruited parents to provide feedback on the concept of a skills record. The draft four pager, is designed to encourage new riders to develop their riding ability through mastering a series of skills from the basics like simply riding standing up through to bike handling and manoeuvring such as figure eight turns, drop ins and riding cambers.
Ian Smith, said: “If you’re part of a family that has never been involved in trials the skills record will help people identify where new riders need to develop and provide ideas of things they can practice in the back garden and at events. It’s great to get the feedback directly from our customers so was a really useful exercise as we start to finalise the concept, ready for roll out potentially worldwide.”
Sophie Bailey, one of the OSET training team who has been riding since she was just five years old, said: “One of my highlights of the weekend was working with a young girl called Pippa Ward on the 12.5. She had never been to an event before, never ridden standing on the pegs and was surrounded by kids all whizzing about. By the end of the morning we had her standing up, grinning from ear to ear and feeling like a ‘proper’ trials rider.”
As well as beginners, OSET British championship riders like Wee Al Pollock and Ruairi Graham were also being put through their paces and challenged over the bigger obstacles.
The afternoon shenanigans moved from the trials park to open land where OSET had set up its all-new demonstration trailer and a full Klickstart course. Setting off from the OSET demo rig, the kids rode over ramps, navigated the slalom and turning circle, met a group of three T’Rex dinosaurs (they’d have been on OSET’s but their arms are too short to reach the handlebars) who they tagged before they had to face Watergun Alley. Complete with a hot seat, fast times saw kids switching in and out of the podium position. Not wanting to miss out, all of the trainers also rode the Klickstart gauntlet for a bit of fun and to give the kids (and parents) a chance to soak them. Great fun!
After a full day on two wheels, Ian Smith, founder of OSET Bikes and who was there with the whole family, said: “Events like the weekender have always been a significant part of the vision for OSET. We love seeing kids of all sizes and ability on our bikes simply having a great time. The new TXP-24 is just as much fun for adults too, which means the whole family can have fun on the same bike, no matter your experience or ability.”
Day two of the weekend offers a dedicated trial. Ten sections containing an easy, intermediate, hard and elite route ridden three times. Kids ride any route on any size bike.
Isabella Batty and Pippa Ward on the 12.5 white route stole the hearts of everyone there. Other beginners enjoying the winning feeling included Ethan Ward, Brody Mosey, Rocco McVitie and Amelia Batty.
Intermediate top spot holders were Oliver Wainwright, Bobby Dickie and Maisie Daines. Hard route winners, all of which are capable of riding at British National level were Joseph Botham and Ellis Child, and the elite route saw a double win for team Botham as Joe Botham took the win on the 20 and Matthew Kendall took the win on the 24.
Simon finished: “A huge thank you to Charlie Schofield for hosting and supporting us, nothing was too much trouble and we are incredibly grateful. Also huge thanks to all the parents, Carl Batty my right hand man at this event, Rev Shed, James Dabill and all the trainers who made the kids feel special. It was a great weekend.”
OSET Bikes is already prepping for 2025, with plans to run an exclusive OSET-only event, offering the opportunity for bike hire. Rachel Mcvitie summed up the feelings of families when she said: “Amazing weekend. Can’t wait for next year already.”