It was late on a Thursday afternoon when Simon Thomas of X-Trail rang. "I have a group of riders coming down from the Portsmouth area tomorrow, as they are using their own machines I have a spare DRZ400, would you like to join us for the day?"

Well this was a very difficult one indeed. I had much to do in the office and now had a choice, - I could either stay in my office (the black hole) all day typing etc., with no one to see or speak to getting really fed up. Or I could go on a proffessionally guided tour over Exmoor, plus the North Devon and Somerset area, in the sunshine, - with a friendly group of bikers on a loaned new bike. Tricky!

Well it took much thought, but one and a half seconds later I finally agreed to accept this wonderful offer.

There was a slight downside of course, as winter days were now getting shorter (darkness starting around 4:30pm) the group had requested a 'Dawn to Dusk' day out, which meant I had to get up at 6:30am for an 8:30 sharp start at X-Trail headquartes near Bampton in Devon, (a beautifully quaint old English village in the heart of the westcountry). Now for those that don't know me - 6:30am doesn't actually exist in my world!!! Never the less I made it OK.

As I arrived (early!), Simon was wheeling out the two steeds that we would be riding that day. As his bikes were all identical and kept in prestine condition - maintained regardless of cost by Simon himself, from the X-Trail fleet of four new DRZ400's he grabbed the first two.

The lads from Portsmouth were experiencing technical difficulties with one of the tow cars and rang to say they would be just a little late. Ever thoughtful, Simon got the kettle ready and prepared bacon sarnies for everyone before the 'off'.

When the lads arrived and unloaded their bikes, they found that Simon had already set out chairs in a dry warm area for each to sit on while changing, - such is the attention to detail, - well done that man!

So after a quick nosh up, everyone changed into riding gear. A quick stab of the magic buttons (for most) and we were off. Simon DRZ400 lead, Graham on his KTM250 two-stroke, Gerald Yam426WR next, Martyn KTM400 and Mark Husky410. I followed up as sweeper!

Within a quarter of a mile from X-Trail HQ, we were already diving into our first 'green' lane. A long 'brisk' slightly downhill stony trail, - that was strewn with autumn leaves hiding the 'killer' rocks and stones which are prominent along many lanes in this part of the world. This is when I first became very impressed with the DRZ. Because if riding my little XLR200, these small rocks would have thrown me all over the place - in fact probably off, but the DRZ didn't even let the rider feel that there was any stones there!

Before we set off I noticed that all Simon's DRZ400-E's (yes they are all the pukka enduro 'E' models - not the foo-foo street bike version,) were equipped with enduro knobbly tyres. Now although these are good tyres, I have to say they would not normally be my first choice from experience on Exmoor trails, where the slippery rocks and stones are normally best conquered with MT43 or similar Trials tyres.

However instead of trusting Simon's judgement on this I asked to drop the pressures from 15psi to a slightly more supple 12psi, in order to prevent wheels 'kicking'. As we left the first lane and did a short road trip to the next, I thought - "well it handled great on the lane, but I don't feel so confident on it on the tarmac!". The bike appeared to oversteer and be twitchy. That’s when I noticed a rather flat looking rear tyre!!!

Now as 'Tail end Charlie' it meant the rest had disappeared to the next junction, which was a bit tricky for me as I did not want to ruin a new X-Trail tyre playing a dodgy game of 'catch-up'. Out with my can of 'Holts Tyre Weld & Inflator', but no luck - it just didn't stay up. Whilst cursing under my breath and thinking "why didn't I listen to Simon & leave 15psi in there - because now it IS MY FAULT! - and too fix it and continue, will mess up everyone's day (short days in winter remember)". So I with deep regret I decided to ride back to base slowly and call it a day.

Simon will take a run at any pace requested by the group (within TRF guidelines) and as these lads were good enduro riders, we tended to push on. Now these Exmoor trails were truly beautiful - if slightly deadly. To start with most ran across wooded hillsides, were long and sweeping with picturesque views to die for. Often stony and tree lined meant the fallen leaves hid the many dangers that I knew lurked beneath. This didn't seem to bother the others though and I had trouble keeping up. Luckily the DRZ's grunt meant a quick squirt here and there would always allow me to catch up.

Just as I was thinking how much better than me these lads must be, - down went the first one. A long narrow downhill between two tall hedge banks, down over rock steps, slabs at all sorts of weird angles - mostly hidden by leaves and suddenly Mark's Husky 410 front wheel washed out off a slippery stone ledge, tucking him neatly under the bike, on rock too! - Ouch.

Realising that the group were feeling a little 'frisky' Simon took us swiftly into one of the many woods he has arranged to use - for a little 'enduro' practice! This was GOOD. As we all weaved in and out of the trees at warp speed my loaned DRZ came into its own. You can't ignore its weight, but the handling and power make up for it big time. As my confidence grew with the bike staying with the group here became effortless - and I am pleased to report that when we finally stopped for a break and cool down, I had hardly broken into a sweat! - Nice bike.

Now more in tune for a temperate trail ride, we all set out of the forest. - But this is when Gerald impressed me with his thriftyness, I just could not believe my eyes! Whilst batting along at a fair old lick on the forest track, - which started to get a bit rutted and gooey at this point. We had to fork left, everyone took it real smooth, but then Gerald - just in front of me, threw himself off his Yam 426 and dived head first into the deepest part of the mud. He came up holding something small shiny silver and round, quoting "I found 20 pence". Personally I didn't think it was worth the trouble!!!

Next down was Mark again. A slippery trail 'T' junction and too much throttle, caused his Husky to spin out and go down once more. Sadly he had the nasty habit of protecting his bike from the rocks by throwing his left hand in between the two. However his hand was now starting object to this treatment and became badly swollen.

Many wonderful lanes later we all pulled up at a glorious - genuine country pub. Worried about going in with muddy clobber on, but our fears were soon allayed by Simon who had pre-arranged our lunchtime stop.

As we walked in all the locals were friendly - what a shock. It wasn't long before we were deep in conversation regarding all matters concerning using the countryside to enjoy our lives! - We didn't expect that!!!

What grub - STUNNING, and cheap too - I wanna go back!

Now full up, we crossed the road, fuelled up and set off once more to the delights of open moorland going. The trouble was - what a slippery rocky climb we had to do, to get to it.

As the day went on, the more and more I became impressed with certain things: ONE. Simons organisational and trail guide skills. Through his vast knowledge of the area, Simon was capable of varying the route to meet our riding needs - as regards skill levels and timing to get us back to base before nightfall. - All this without adding large sections of road riding. TWO. His choice of using DRZ400E's as the X-Trail fleet bike. I have never found an easier to ride machine. It cruised up snarly slippery rocky steps with grip to spare, - compared to all the other bikes. And comfort, wow what can I say, except I didn't feel any bumps all day! - My arse certainly loved it!

For those that don't know it, Tarr Steps is a beautiful ancient clapper style bridge - probably from stone age times. It spans a very wide and often DEEP river. So the ford beside it is not always passable. But today it looked good, real good. For the first time ever I could see the bottom clearly. It averaged about 18 inches deep, but the water pressure was low and the clear bottom meant that all the boulders could be clearly seen and hence avoided. So I didn't mind going first for once. The idea was - send me to the other side and get out the camera. This way I could get some photos and also the Portsmouth lads could see a safe route through!

I selected first gear edged into the river and carefully picked my way between the large underwater boulders. Just as I was thinking "This is easy, no risk of it going wrong - so just enjoy it chum", cough, the engine spluttered to a halt. I had grunted the DRZ so slow that it stalled mid-stream, and of course muggins here didn't have his fingers on the clutch to stop it. So there I was feet down and water pouring into my boots. There is a moral there - but lets not talk about it - please!

Bury Slab. The least said the better. Whose bright idea was it do go there? I particularly didn't like the bit where after stopping and having both brakes on hard, the DRZ started to accelerate very rapidly backwards down over 2 foot high rock steps!!! It must be said the DRZ did me proud on the way up, I had battled past all the stricken riders bar one - Martyn KTM400, whom with nowhere else to go I drew up alongside - before the 'incident' happened!

In all fairness we all 'stupidly' told Simon we wanted to try it. 30 minutes later in pools of sweat from lifting and pushing, the group finally made the top!!!

Towards the end of the day Graham, whose KTM250 maintenance schedule was becoming rather more than a joke - had a chain derail. It was then we noticed that the rear sprocket was not just seriously loose. But also had bolts entirely missing! Special Allen keys were needed this time, but the X-Trail boss was not phased. - Simon to the rescue again! Unrolling his well equipped bum bag, Simon appeared to have a tool for everything and just as well too!

Finally arriving back to base just as dusk was falling, we changed quickly and were all treated to a nice brew. It took 30 minutes or so before we started to realise, how tired we actually were and all agreed it was a heck of a good days trail riding.

Simon has been a top motorcycle and rally car mechanic for most of his carreer and is also a talented Expert Class Enduro rider. His love of dirt bikes started way back in 1979 when he had a Vespa 90 Supersprint (yes a scooter) which he rode around a local farmers woods. He has always enjoyed the wonderful trails and green lanes that feature in abundance in his neck of the woods, and decided two years ago to form X-Trail.

X-Trail's main business is taking groups of riders for a guided 'Exmoor experience' tour. Simon is a very capable organiser and these days are focused to each groups particular desire and or ability.

Existing off-road riders are welcome to bring their own machines for the day, but for those that wish, X-Trail can supply supperbly setup new machines - which includes insurance (whatever the state of your licence!) and also all the riding kit needed one would ever need, including - a proper helmet, boots, trousers, shirts, jacket, gloves, armour, bum bags, etc, etc.

In fact for 'first timers', X-Trail own an adjacent off-road training area, where Simon will assess riding ability, then teach those who need it the basic skills necessary to have a good day out trail riding the areas wonderful 'green lanes'.

If you bring your own bikes - which must be well silenced and road legal, the cost of a days adventure with Simon is £150 for up to five people (that’s per group - not each), although Simon can organise days for larger groups by arrangement.

For the full X-Trail experience - hiring Simon's bikes and all the riding kit necessary, the cost works out very competitively from £160. Which when you consider all that is required - and supplied, it is a bit of a bargain!

Remember - we are not talking 'roadmaps' and 'get on with it yourself' here. This is the full pukka treatment, a top notch guide - who tailors the whole day to your very own requirements.

Other X-Trail services on offer include: BIKE HIRE for Enduro's, remember these are Suzuki DRZ400'E' full enduro spec 4-strokes with electric start. LIVERY SERVICES, Simon can garage/store, service, repair or maintain all makes of dirt bike. He supplies parts - some to major dealers! Will fit mouses, keeps new tyres in stock and can race prep bikes to the highest spec.

You won't regret it, - I certainly didn't.

Thank you Simon - nice one!

PS. I case Simon is away or out on the trail, his mobile is 07976-939727.

Article Copyright - Adrian Harris