After last year’s wash out, the MotoGP, Silverstone was transformed as the blue-ribbon event was bathed in glorious bank holiday sunshine. The racing didn’t disappoint and neither did OSET Bikes. Determined to come back bigger and better in 2019 the electric bike manufacturer welcomed track stars, trials heroes, TV crews, photographers, the army and families to the OSET Village.
With two inflatable have-a-go tracks, it meant nearly 1,000 free rides for kids aged 4 – 12 over the four-days. While the have -a-go bikes were speed, power and response limited to ensure no accidents, right next door the demo team had the throttle and power turned up to tackle the two dozen obstacles that included a banked wall, upturned maxi-skips, see-saw and sharks teeth, designed to develop back-wheel riding skills.
In addition to trials riding, OSET’s electric motocross bike was on show too. As well as the opportunity for kids to try it out, the demo riders participated in hare and hounds style races to show some of the MX-10’s capabilities.
Ian Smith, founder and CEO of OSET Bikes, said: “It was incredible this year! We had a team of 52 to set up, manage the have goes, mind the demo riders and speak to the public about OSET Bikes. We believe OSET Bikes is the easiest way to introduce kids to two-wheels. They’re easier than riding a bike as you don’t even need to pedal – just twist and go - as demonstrated by the hundreds of kids that had never ridden a motorbike before and simply got on and could ride an OSET.
“What makes them so fun, is that you can simply be a back-garden rider or you can join an OSET Cup or your local club and learn a whole heap of new skills and make a load of friends all year round.
“And what we’ve found with the MX-10 is that as the power is linear, the very youngest motocross riders often ride quicker as there’s no scary power band and they can increase the speed at a rate they feel comfortable.”
Trials legend and 12 times World Champion Dougie Lampkin headed over to spend time with the demo kids on the Day of Champions while Can Oncu, the youngest ever winner of a world championship race (Moto3), Tom Luthi (Moto2), Marcel Schrotter (Moto2) and British favourite John McPhee (Moto3) all enjoyed time away from the track, but still on two-wheels on the OSET off-road demo course. And the team even welcomed army representatives, who headed over after hours to have play on the bikes.
Oliver Smith, whose dad Ian made the first OSET Bike when he was just three (he’s now 18), provided instruction to Luthi and Schrotter on the OSET 24.0, said: “What these guys can do on track is immense. To be able to share some of what I do on two wheels and for all of us to have a load of fun during a really busy weekend for them was a real privilege. We’d love more of the paddock to come and take a break with OSET and look forward to welcoming them next year!”
With a demo team ranging from aged 5 – 18 there was an opportunity across the weekend to spend time in the MotoGP paddock with many riders being lucky enough to spend time in Cal Crutchlow’s garage and meet their heroes including Marc Marquez, Alex Rins and Andrea Dovizioso.
Simon Armstrong, who managed the event for OSET Bikes, said: “The whole weekend was brilliant. The aim is to get kids on two wheels while showing the skills they will be able to develop very quickly. Trials riding is about learning technical bike skills that provide an essential foundation for whatever form of bike sport you go on to enjoy. Some of the world’s best enduro out downhill mountain bikers learnt the technical skills they need by starting out with trials riding.
“I’d also like to say a huge thank you to all of the people who volunteered to help provide an incredible experience for hundreds of children. You never know, one of them might be the next Marquez!”
OSET Bikes plans to return for the 2020 MotoGP which is scheduled for 30th August.
