Motorbike training… the Gambian way…

So after my semi-traumatic experience of motorbike training in the UK (radios not working, hail stones and – when the radios were working- hearing helpful commands such as 'What are you doing!', 'That was not good…' and 'I am concerned…') I was feeling more than a little apprehensive about my training in Gambia. After about 5mins on the first day however I realised that it was going to be a little different.   After meeting and greeting everyone in the workshop we sat down by a workbench. After about 30 mins we were given a talk by Sol about the importance of looking after your bike 'It can be very useful in your work but if you do not care for it is worse than useless!'. We were then given a talk about maintenance. After all this talking we were desperate to get on the bike… but this was too big a step it would seem. Sol then announced that the 'work' will start tomorrow and that we were just chatting and getting to know each other today. So we had a lazy day in the workshop- the guys and girls were great fun. Eventually after a lot of persuading we were aloud to sit on the bike and kick start it – which was then followed by a rapturous cheer from anyone that was close by. So that was our first day… a little more relaxed than the UK.   Over the next couple of days… we rode the bikes round and round a field (which often had children playing football and a herd of goats wandering around).. We also did a hideous amount of figures of eight and emergency stops. We were now ready to leave the field… the excitement was just too much as we finally escaped and explored huge puddles, manic roads, sloppy mud, powder like sand (the worst by far!) and a golf course.   Here are some things I have learnt during my training…   Dry powder sand is evil and should be avoided at all cost! If sand is unavoidable: attempt to stand, lean back, pick up speed and resist the temptation to close your eyes… Do not become too attached to the path you want to take as you are very likely to slip onto a new path… (that could also be quite philosophical…) Two stroke oil is more important that engine oil How to adjust the clutch lever, brakes and chain and what each tool in my tool box does… If the cap that covers the chain falls off you can fashion one out of a flip-flop To expect the unexpected at all times (like a car overtaking you when you are attempting to overtake a donkey and cart...) Use the horn at every available opportunity When going through a small river like puddle put bike in first gear, stand up, keep a steady throttle and pray quietly that you are not going to suddenly disappear under the water… That I am utterly in love with my bike!! (Who is called Lamin by the way)