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| Stars Get On at Wheeldon |
04/05/2011 |
Wheeldon Off-Road Centre played host to four of the stars taking part in the Riders for Health charity challenge in Lesotho, South Africa .
Gethin Jones, Darren Gough, Shobna Gulati, Jill Halfpenny and Oliver Mellor cut their teeth in the field of off-road riding ahead of their adventure of a lifetime in Lesotho. The brains behind the event was the Get On campaign - the motorcycle industry’s campaign that promotes the benefits of life on two wheels. The stars themselves were specifically chosen for their lack of previous motorcycle experience. Over the past few months, each celebrity has been put through a rigorous training process to pass the CBT test before heading down to Wheeldon to learn the final set of riding skills ahead of the challenge - off-road riding.
Over five days, Gethin, Shobna, Jill and Oliver were under the expert tutelage of Andrew and Jim at Wheeldon, learning the art of off-road riding on the indoor circuits, outdoor MX track and a variety of challenging non-tarmac surfaces.
“The idea was to teach them all the basics of off-road riding and to ensure that each rider had the knowledge and skills to negotiate all types of terrain and obstacles that they may face on the trip,” commented Jim Savery, co-owner. “All four progressed really well throughout their training at Wheeldon and will have no problems during the ride in Lesotho. Both Andrew and I wish them all the best of luck on this worthwhile adventure.”
Strictly Come Dancing star, Jill Halfpenny, was the first to take to the red Devon mud, “The training took place at Wheeldon Off-Road Centre and was run by two lovely brothers called Jim and Andrew. It was one of the most exhilarating and most enjoyable experiences I have had and I would recommend everyone to give it a go. I was given some amazing tips and techniques for our South African trip and it was done in the most beautiful surroundings.”
Jill was joined by Shobna who is widely known as Sunita Alahan in Coronation Street. The girls shared some nervous laughs at the enormity of the challenge ahead and, with little riding experience between them, the training came in very useful. Shobna observed, “I am going to experience first-hand the difference two wheels can make in remote communities in need of support and vital health care. Everyone should get on a bike and learn to ride. I had a fantastic time at Wheeldon.”
Oliver and Gethin spent a few days training together and sharing riding tips ahead of the ‘Get On Africa’ trip with Riders For Health. Wet weather struck during their stay but the all-weather indoor riding facilities at Wheeldon ensured a dry experience for Gethin as he completed his initial bike familiarisation. It wasn’t long before the skies cleared and the outdoor circuit came into play for additional hill start and descent training.
“I’m already planning my next visit to Wheeldon! I didn’t think I could have so much fun on a bike. The local does a great pint too! Thanks to everyone at Wheeldon.” said Oliver Mellor, AKA Coronation Street’s Dr. Matt Carter. “I feel very proud to be given this once in a lifetime opportunity and also I find it very rewarding to be able to help others less fortunate and to highlight the incredible work Riders For Heath do in these communities.” The actor added.
The stars flew out to Lesotho on April 4, where they teamed up with charity Riders for Health. The group then spent five days riding out to clinics that support some of the most isolated and poorest communities in Africa, while also joining local health workers in delivering the vital supplies in the fight against HIV and tuberculosis.
Every step of the expedition was captured at www.geton.co.uk/africa, and contains all the regular blog updates, images and videos from the trip.
Visit the Gallery to see how the stars got on at Wheeldon...
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