On Dirt Biking at Tristan Park

I can't really recall what was it I expected, but I'm pretty sure it wasn't soft sand, muddy pools, slush, rocky grounds and potholes, all of which played a part in upping my heart rate and swear rate (defined as the number of times/minute you say 'F***' in your mind...or otherwise).

Impressions of the Tristan Park experience:

• Guides - There were 4-5 guides assigned to our group of 11. They seemed to speak minimal English so instructions given were minimal. 

• Warm-up Route - The warm-up route was manageable and 1 round takes less than 5 minutes to complete. The guides provided on-the-spot riding lessons (whether manual or auto) to the non-riders and trailed them while they rode independently.

• Actual Route - As more than half of our group were non-riders, I assume we took an easier route. However, there were still potholes abundant and steep slopes for the thrill, excitement, and fall risk. 

• Charges - The charges were fairly reasonable at $100/bike, which included a full face helmet, knee-shin/elbow-forearm guards and gloves. Additional gear such as goggles (not recommended) and riding boots can be rented for an extra charges in S$.

We started with going laps around an easy circuit to get used to the bike and for the non-riders to learn how to ride. Considering a Class 2B motorcycle license takes 6-10 months to acquire, it was an amazing feat for non-riders to ride independently within 1 morning and get through the soft sand, muddy pools, slush, rocky grounds and potholes with no considerable injuries I spent half my time in panicked confusion.

I really wouldn't use the phrase 'my mind was in a blank' because it was a non-stop monologue of drama:

'..oh no oh no I'm too fast, need to slow down'

'..but if I slow down I'll start to wobble and get onto the soft sand'

'..but at this rate I'm going to ride off the route into the grass'

'..TURN NOW?? Arrggghhhh, barely missed that tree'

'..okay, go straight now and WOOAAAH!....why you slow down suddenly?'

'..down slope slowly, slowly, invisible hands tugging my wheel, arrrgghhhh....'

'...balance, balance, why keep tugging my wheel....?'

'...I can't stay in gear 1 cause my hands hurt, I can't stay in gear 2 cause that's too fast >.<'

'...down slope, WOAHH! *piakk*'

Thankfully we were given knee/shin guards, elbow/forearm guards, and full face helmets. Probably would be a good idea to put on thicker clothing and high cut waterproof shoes/boots though!