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Gethin gets ready for the ride of his life...
25/03/2011
"Geth-on"!
Whilst presenting various tv shows, I've been extremely lucky to have had the chance to obtain a PPL (Private Pilot’s Licence) and a HGV licence. I've driven a tank, completed Naval training and escaped a submarine from 30 metres.
But the one thing I've always wanted to do, and never really had time to, is learn to ride a motorbike. Until now! I got a call to ask whether I would be interested in travelling to South Africa with the Get On campaign, to support the invaluable, often life changing work undertaken by Riders For Health.
So I get to realise a dream, visit one of my favourite countries, AND have a chance to help other people - which is THE biggest privilege from what I do for a living.
This will be an amazing adventure, I just know it, having visited places like Malawi, Uganda, Madagascar.
The people of Lesotho in South Africa depend on the aid given from the 'riders that provide the health', as I will explain as I blog regularly during the trip.
My job is to become one of those 'riders'; but first things first - I need to learn to ride! I received some funny suggestions on Twitter when I posted a pic of me on a 125cc, asking you what you thought my latest challenge was?! Well, now you know, and just to confirm, I'm not the new 'Stig'!
My top instructor Terry has been putting me through some of the basic training, CBT (Compulsory Basic Training). I've been getting a handle of the bike, learning that the brake on your left handle bar is actually the clutch! It could have been a nasty start!
The training was good, clear and most importantly fun thanks to Terry. He did well putting up with a slightly excitable 33-year-old Welshman! After spending an intense morning in the local riding school, Terry felt like I'd impressed enough to take to the road... I didn't feel nervous, I felt confident and ready - with 'safety' drummed in my mind.
Thanks to radio-coms, until I grew more confidence Terry could talk to me the whole time from his bike - which was reassuring at the start. No problems were had, in fact, seeing the sights of London (Parliament square, Buckingham Palace, Pall Mall..) from a different perspective was pretty cool!
Before I knew it I was riding home with my 'L' plates on a bike Metropolis Riding School lent me to get practise in before our trip. The journey home was liberating, in control...and short!!
Last week I discovered that a full tank costs me £18, and parking is mainly free, apart from London town, which is just £1.10 for the day!!!
More blogs to follow right here as we 'ride' nearer to the South Africa trip... or follow me on Twitter, @gethincjones.
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Riders for Health do great work, but sadly isn't as well known as lot of . Hopefully with you & Darren Gough involved, it will get more recognition.
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