ENDURO Sebastien Seb Guillaume – Hva’s Riders’ One Fun Training Husqvarna Factory rider Azzalin Team

As part of DMF’s mission for rider education through product and bike reviews, foundation founder Christine Firehock visited Southern California Ducati and put the new Monster 796 through the paces, on both road and track. We found that Ducati’s new mid-sized Monster is a nice fit in between the Monster 696 and the new Monster 1100. In particular, the new ATPC wet clutch technology that Ducati has developed for the 796 gave us superior control and stability during speed shifting (and particularly downshifting) during the intense downhill corners on Horse Thief Mile track at Willow Springs Raceway. The only real complaint we had for the bike is the non-adjustable stock front Marzocchi 43mm forks. While the 796 felt incredible on the track, aggressive riding on rough streets or roads might warrant an upgrade from Ohlins or Racetech. Highly experienced riders or track day junkies may want to skip the 796 and go right to the new Monster 1100. DMF will have an exclusive review of the 1100 in the very near future – check back soon! DianaMotoFoundation.org

Please excuse the fact that this video is not a high quality production. As a rider with over 600000 kms experience, I have come to the realisation that this topic is very important. So, I have made this clip to share what I know about probably the least understood and most important safety subject that every rider must master if they want to survive to be an old rider. This is information which the TAC (in Victoria Australia) don’t want you to know. I pitched an idea to them several years ago about putting together a series of videos like this one. They didn’t like the idea. So, now that I have a GoPro camera – I have gone out and made the first in a series. I would appreciate feedback.

A video tour of the premier competition and training centre in the South East of England showing the livery facilities and training available for riders of all levels. Thirteen times National Champion and Olympic Dressage rider Vicky Thompson is the resident trainer at Oldencraig. For more information visit www.oldencraig.com