Posted: Tue Jul 22, 2008 10:04 am Post subject: Junior off roading experience with 4 X Fun
As some of the regulars in here know, I'm now operating at John P's fantastic off roading venue near Chester.
Many of you have visited his site, and don't need me to tell you what a fantastic place it is, with varying degrees of challenges waiting to catch out even the most hardened off roaders.
John has spent many many hours developing the place to suit all tastes, and that now includes easier routes to introduce youngsters to this fabulous and fun pastime.
If you'd like to let your children have a go at driving, instead of watching in envy, then this is just the experience for them.
Only real stipulation is that they must be over the age of 11, and over 4'8", and physically able to steer.
The KAP prepared Suzuki Jimny is 'He Man' dual controlled, so clutch control and braking isn't an issue.
They'll receive one to one instruction from me, LANTRA qualified, and a guaranteed smile.
Please note that this experience has to be pre-booked.
Please don't turn up on spec at the site, as it is only open for those that have booked, and securely locked at all other times.
Contact details and more information on my web site:
Joined: 11 Mar 2006 Odometer: 3657 Location: wirral
Posted: Sun Jul 27, 2008 6:15 am Post subject:
Well I must say Colin is most professional and dedicated to his hands on teaching for the juniors .
The Novice track has had to be split so as to accommodate the complete learner to those with more experience .
From my perspective as the builder of the course , it was right from the word go , plus there is plenty left for a future visit or two as they progress.
If this just helps in a small way to both interest and educate Kids towards our hobby then its a success as far as I am concerned . Its early days yet but , maybe one day a future champion may arise, that would be nice ! .
The idea of combining skills with fun is a good way to introduce youngsters to driving in general , to all who book for a lesson , its NOT just padded out with classroom stuff , its Real hands on , ENJOY !! J P .
I'm taking my lad up there too, as soon as I can get hold of the wifes diary to see what weekends we're free. Can't wait myself, never mind about the boy!
With reference to your first paragraph there JP, do you know why?
I was discussing this with the mother of the lad that came up from Devon today, and the reason for the dedication is because I actually CARE for what I'm doing, and enjoy it immensely.
If you're happy in your job, it's bound to affect your ability to carry it out I think.
I get such a buzz out of seeing these kids whoop with delight with huge grins on their faces, and think, yea, I'm doing this because a) I want to, and b) I'd have wanted this sort of experience when I was a kid, but it wasn't available in the Victorian ages.
I'm NOT blowing my own trumpet here, but this lad today suffers from low self esteem apparently, and I could see it in his face and manner upon arrival..
It was his 13th birthday, and he was absolutely superb, and I told him so, not just to be nice and kind to him, but because he genuinely was.
He followed ALL instructions meticulously, and after the session his mum thanked me for giving him the much needed boost in confidence that I hopefully helped him achieve.
I can't get my head around that so much enjoyment can be gained from blowing the horn so much too! Especially the standard one on the Jimny!
Joined: 11 Mar 2006 Odometer: 3657 Location: wirral
Posted: Sat Aug 02, 2008 1:05 pm Post subject:
It has taken me a long time to let out my track as I was not just interested in the money as much as finding the right person !
Funny how it often happens on your own doorstep , Colin has still a lot to learn about "real" off roading BUT, his patience with kids has to be seen ,
It would be easy to BRAG away and promote our little enterprise , Those who know me or have followed my aims know this is not self motivated .
Working with Children is a Skill , Almost a gift , to see the pleasure they get learning to drive is humbling at times ,
If you get a chance to afford to bring your kids allong , I am sure you will see from the work put in its more than a business venture ,
I must sort some thing for the adults in the future [ WE deserve some 4xfun too] J P .
It's a real shame that so few kids get to experience offroad driving, it's all too easy to let them slide down the playstation route. We should be teaching our children the real skills that our Dads and Grandads taught us.
I remember being shown how to carve a point on a stick with a penknife, something as simple as that we take for granted but that was better than Grand theft auto, and being taught to drive a tractor was the coolest thing ever for a 10yr old.
It's the summer holidays now so you should be busy Colin, I'd like to open up my little track for the local kids to ride around but it's just too risky these days. They will probably go over the old pit site and end up getting their bikes confiscated or worse, having an accident with nobody around to call for help.
Funny how it often happens on your own doorstep , Colin has still a lot to learn about "real" off roading J P .
...just because you noticed me braking....AND BRICKING....it, going down that 1 in 1.5 blind hill with a sheer drop on either side, that you've made by the old brick gunhouse.
I challenge anyone to go down the first time, or indeed the second even, in what is virtually a vertical drop, without giving it a 'little dab'.
Incorrect granted.
Come on JP, I'm not that bad am I?
I ebb on the side of caution a bit granted, and that's why I ALWAYS say to the kids I'm instructing, "if you aren't happy about ANYTHING that I ask you to do, then tell me, and we'll move onto something else."
It's all about enjoying yourself, not unnecessary risk taking. That's my philosophy on the whole off roading thing, even going solo, and anything else, especially with youngsters on board would be downright irresponsible in my eyes, with possible catastrophic results.
You only have to make one serious mistake and misjudgment to have it on your conscience forever, and I won't allow that to happen.
Simon! Thanks for the tip!
New feature for the kids to enjoy: Sharpening an old stick with a pen knife!
Simon! Thanks for the tip!
New feature for the kids to enjoy: Sharpening an old stick with a pen knife!
You can laugh now Colin, but it won't be too many years before the only penknife you see is in a glass display case between the shotgun and the Suzuki SJ in the 'How we used to enjoy ourselves' section at the museum.
Simon! Thanks for the tip!
New feature for the kids to enjoy: Sharpening an old stick with a pen knife!
You can laugh now Colin, but it won't be too many years before the only penknife you see is in a glass display case between the shotgun and the Suzuki SJ in the 'How we used to enjoy ourselves' section at the museum.
Joking aside, i think it would be a great idea.
Getting kids of today away from these bloody playstations, roaming the streets getting smashed, and teaching them good old fashioned values and past interests.
Why not? There is a massive case for such ideas, but it has to be made fun and interesting.
Not quite sure if the 'boot camp' is the right solution.
Black Jimny has just gone to a new home in Scotland, and I'm genuinely gutted.
Needs must however, and now I can p'raps afford to do some serious promoting seeing as I'm on my own doing all this...original partner decided this wasn't for him after being offed a job with the 'Land Rover Experience' instead, hence the reason for two cars.
If Carlsberg ever make off roaders, they'll be called 'JIMNY'.
Joined: 11 Mar 2006 Odometer: 3657 Location: wirral
Posted: Tue Aug 19, 2008 6:13 pm Post subject:
Hey Steve be good to see you again on Sat , We can slope off while the sprog is getting the lowdown from Col, Thought Iwould put in a tester or two for the weekend ,
By the way How is Trugga I have not heard from him , pass on my kind regards if you contact him , J P .
Trugga's doing fine he still has his LWB but has bought a very nice SWB soft top internal roll cage and a few other goodies on it, think he is thinking of entering some Comp Safari's for fun.
Ill let him know you where asking after him
BIG thanks to the Difflockers, Ste, Simon, and Simon the gaffer who turned up for a fun day today...oh and JP too I suppose.
I think the lads of the bigger kids enjoyed themselves judging by the grins and laughter, and so did I, even if the front of car got completely baked in mud following the rather quicker than expected entry into the short but disgustingly muddy ditch that young Joseph drove us into.
He thought it was hysterical judging by his virtual uncontrolable laughter.
All in all, another completely satisfying day for me, but completely knackering. I can't believe just how much mental energy has to be put into this to make it fun AND safe.
Don't really notice it whilst instructing, but as soon as everyone leaves it hits you like a loose barn door in a gale.
Another busy day tomorrow now too, and hopefully my son will continue and finish camouflage painting of the container.
Once again. thanlks for the support lads. Very much appreciated, and I know it's making JP a very happy teddy too seeing all his very hard work coming together and worthwhile.
I really and honestly couldn't wish for a more interested, enthusiastic and helpful landowner. An absolute star, and I appreciate just how lucky I am knowing him.
ps. My web site is still down due to 'network failure following maintenance' apparently. Was supposed to be back on by midday, but it's still off.
Why oh why do these I.T. bods have to fiddle around.
If it's not broke, which it didn't appear to be imo, leave it alone!!!!!
Last edited by 4xfun on Sat Aug 23, 2008 8:56 pm; edited 1 time in total
Yes please Steve, oh, and you can be the resident photographer btw with piccies like that.
Mmmmm, seriously, there could be an opportunity there.
Customers absolutely love to see piccies of themselves driving around, as I remember from my 'Drive me.net' days in Shropshire.
The guy they employed made a decent extra income from that, selling framed pictures amd dvd's, all available via his laptop at the end of the session.
Joined: 06 Mar 2005 Odometer: 2903 Location: Somewhere
Posted: Sun Aug 24, 2008 6:45 pm Post subject:
Nice pics there. Colin, i know your face from somewhere but cant picture it!!!!
Is there a minimum age? __________________________________ Thanks - John
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