Segway Forest Adventure

Welcome to a new section here at the Virtual Hot Tub, Activities. Here I’ll be writing about activities that I’ve taken part in and – I hope – would be of interest.

Segway

For those who don’t know, a Segway is an electronic transport device. It has two wheels and a central column so that the Segway resembles an upright broomstick. The rider travels around stood on a base, with two wheels that carry the contraption around.

I had the opportunity to ride a Segway at Go Ape in Delamere Forest, Cheshire. The experience, called “Forest Segway”, was a guided tour around the forest in charge of my own machine. segrally-oct-7-t-sm

The session began with a brief safety talk and time learning to ride the Segway. There was a small track to work my way around, learning the basics of control and balance. Slowly I developed a better grasp of the device and grew in confidence.

Next it was time to hit the trail. As part of a group, we started off slowly for the first few minutes till we reached the track and were allowed off the leash. At first, the slower speed meant that it felt as if I would fall off the back; so I over compensated by leaning right over the handlebars. Segway_Bray_Aug2014 91

The Segway started to get really fun as soon as the safety was off and the vehicle could travel faster.   It was immense fun cruising around the forest, making wide arcs round corners and picking up speed along the straight tracks. As we weren’t racing, there were no potentially dangerous collisions amongst the group, no bad vibes at all. It was just about learning to ride the Segway and having fun with the wind in your face.

I enjoy any activity that involves speed and balance, and found the experience of riding the Segway brilliant. They are quite simple to master and very soon I was enjoying riding around. Stopping and starting was quite simple, though not always executed with finesse. There were no issues with safety and everyone had a great time.

Riding a Segway is definitely something I would recommend!

You can read all about the Go Ape Forest Segway Experience here.

Alternatively, check out what my old pals at Treatme.co.uk have on offer here.

Disclaimer: Platinum Al’s Virtual Hot Tub is not responsible for any injuries you receive whilst participating in any of our featured activities.  You silly bastard.

Platinum Al’s Virtual Hot Tub receives no remuneration/compensation from featured venues.  Unfortunately.

Evel Knievel: Evel Genius

Evel Knievel Touring Exhibition

Although I don’t remember that much from the 1970’s, I remember the important stuff.  Like the Six Million Dollar Man.  And Starsky and Hutch.  And Kojak, the Dukes of Hazzard, Raleigh Choppers, and Spangles.  Oh, and some obscure film called Star Wars.  I don’t remember Bowie, T.Rex, Zeppelin, Sabbath or the Pistols.  Or skateboards – that would all come later.

One thing I do remember from those days was Evel Knievel.  Mostly because my friend Justin had ALL of the Evel toys.  He had the wind up stunt cycle, a rocket bike, even the very cool and fully equipped Scramble Van.  The van had loads of tools inside to fix up Evel’s Harley Davidson stunt bike.  I loved those toys (though I couldn’t be envious, I had plenty of Action Man and Star Wars stuff of my own).

Evel Knievel was an icon of my childhood, right through into the 80’s.  I don’t even know if I saw any footage of him performing any of his stunts.  I didn’t need to.  The name Evel Knievel became another word for daring, for bravery, for facing fear.  And despite the numerous crashes that the real Evel suffered, his name became a synonym for mastery of the most dangerous stunts – or obstacle – that anyone could face.

Evel Knievel was the ultimate in motorcycle stunt riders.  More than that, he became a real life superhero – able to take on the most lethal challenge and survive.

A couple of years ago, whilst attending one of the Memorabilia events at Birmingham NEC, I was able to view some actual artifacts from Evel Knievel’s career.  The Evel Knievel Exhibition was in town, so I was able to view the items first hand.  Here are a few photos of the event.

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The Evel Knievel website is here.