Quadbikes

Many of todays quadbikes are fitted with automatic gearboxes, therefore you don't actually need to use your feet at all. Even if there is a foot pedal for the gears, you'll find that the bike will pull away in second, third or even fourth. Thus enabling you to - Stop- Take a look at the next piece of terrain you're about to travel over - Select the best gear for the job - Then off you go again ...easy.

I don't often go for sports that entail the use of an engine, but I must admit I found quadbiking good fun. My experience of quadbiking was at Greystoke near Keswick. They have an excellent pre set course that takes you up and down some very steep hills. From the highest elevation of the course there are some great views across open hillside. You also travel along twisting tracks that weave between gnarly looking trees, with only an inch to spare, go screaming across wide open fields (it was the bike that was screaming - not me - honest!), and a section that follows the bed of a narrow stream.

One tip for spinally injured. Make sure that your ankles or shins arn't resting against any hot parts of the engine. If you're not sure which bits get hot - ask someone. Greystoke also have a sort of low profile, wide wheelbase buggy. I think it is called a Woodstar but don't quote me. This vehicle is very fast and gives an exciting ride - You can get all four wheels off the ground !! The really great thing is it can be driven by quite high level tetra's (there are 'tetra grips' on the steering wheel).

If you get the opportunity to try quadbiking, give it a go, it is good fun - but remember - ride safely!