Starter for 10 - OSET launch kids' motocross academy
By Team TMX on 2nd May 18
Eight years ago, OSET Bikes successfully lowered the age at which children could compete on trials bikes.Now, the child-friendly company has done it again for budding motocross
riders.
With its electric MX10, the progressive-thinking OSET has set up two academies designed to teach children how to ride motocross safely, with the ultimate goal to get kids racing earlier but safer.
Each academy will hold a fleet of OSET MX10 machines that children can come and simply have a go on for fun, try before they buy or participate in training.
Have-a-go, 1-2-1 training and fun sessions are already taking place with MER in the South West and Hypertrax just outside Glasgow.
Ian Smith, founder of OSET Bikes, said: Its a great start. Sessions are getting booked up quickly, theres a lot of interest and older children have already had the opportunity to race the MX10.
Its a positive start and we would encourage anyone interested in getting their kids on two wheels to go along and try out the MX10 for size. Moving forward, OSET is working with the MCF to enable each academy to offer youngsters from the age of four the chance to go through a full days training.
This will include understanding flags, throttle and braking control, cornering, overtaking and what to do in the event of a crash. Once children have completed the course they will get the MCF approved certification to send to the governing body to apply for their first racing license.
Ian said: We want kids racing and having fun, but doing it safely. No one wants to see kids getting hurt so getting their racing wings means everyone has had some basic training, making track time safer.
Roy Barton MCF general manager, added: Our absolute priority is safety for everyone.Children will need to demonstrate competence to our approved trainers and pass the training programme a bit like a CBT before being eligible to apply for a license and ultimately race.
We are just putting together the paperwork before officially launching the training programmes at OSET Academies, which will allow us to sanction racing for 4-6-year-olds on the MX10. We have been holding discussions with a number of our clubs who are looking to identify what opportunities exist at current events planned for 2018 with a view to potentially offering race opportunities for the youngsters.
The academies available are located at MER in the South West and Hypertrax, based in East Kilbride, MER will offer mobile training at various venues around the UK. Set up by Rusty Griffiths, his OSET Academy provides the opportunity for 1-2-1 training, MCF training, have-a-goes and the chance to race Hypertrax is Britains first electric indoor motocross arena.
There is the opportunity to have a go on an MX10, try before you buy and take part in MCF approved training. OSET is currently talking to two additional, major MX venues in England and would like to speak to anyone else who may be interested in joining the programme, and taking a fleet of MX10 bikes.
Rusty Griffiths from MER, said: We are delighted to have been chosen as one the first venues to launch the OSET academy. We think this is great opportunity to teach those fundamental racing skills to make kids better and safer riders.
Parents and kids have the chance to try before they buy too the cost of which will be knocked off an MX10. Neil Buchan, from Hypertrax added: Its great to offer the MX10 to the youngest riders.
Being indoors means were not weather dependent. It enables children to really concentrate on their training, rather than being distracted by the weather. I think this move by OSET and the MCF is a fantastic opportunity for many children and will ultimately mean safer riding as they filter through the classes.
Simon Armstrong, sales manager at OSET, said: Demand was initially very strong for the MX10.
Now we have created an opportunity to develop essential skills and take part in fun races, I think this bike has the potential to be My First Bike for the next generation of motocrossers. At the moment kids get on an MX rocket ship at age six.
No one want to see kids getting hurt, and our ethos of taking fun seriously is one we want to bring to the MX market. What that means in practice is getting kids from the age of four on an MX10 and offering fun skills training and race experience to provide a stable foundation to go onto the bigger and faster machines.
Kids at age six will be ready to race competitively, as theyll already possess the basic track, bike and race skills needed.
The ground-up design for the MX10 has seen the team analyse the ideal off-road geometry for children aged 4-7 and design components and systems to achieve optimum performance.
The MX-10 features adjustable seat height giving even the smallest riders more confidence as they can touch the ground. When lowering the bike, the geometry alters to provide more stability for raw beginners.
The front forks, rear shock and brakes are all designed to suit the bike and young riders theyre lightweight and adjustable because one size does not fit all. Linear, electric power is easy for children to master and allows for parental control.
Anyone interested in taking part in the new MX events should check www.osetbikes.com/gb keep an eye on the facebook page or register their interest with
info@osetbikes.com
If that isnt enough OSET info to wet your appetite, we have been to Inch Perfect in the depths of the Trough of Bowland to test both the MX10 and the 24.0 trials bikes. To see what these electric beauties are all about, grab your copy of TMX on May 17.
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