The Mick Extance experience

We trekked into deepest, darkest Wales and paid a visit to the Mick Extance Experience for some enduro-based shenanigans (and took the chance to check out Rieju's new Hard Enduro range, too). Here's how we got on

-  Ross Mowbray

Mick Extance doesn't really need any introduction. But if for some reason you're not familiar with the five-time Dakar Rally finisher, here's a brief introduction to the man himself.

It might come as no surprise, but Mick has been around bikes all his life. His old man was a keen scrambler and a founding member of Poole Speedway, and at the tender age of 15 Mick bought his very first bike, which he used to compete in and win his first-ever trial. Not a bad start.

He had a crack at Motocross for a few years, racing at British Championship level, but his true calling was Enduro. Mick had plenty of success racing at both British Championship and World Championship level, and in 1993 was approached by the Auto Cycle Union and asked to be part of the team representing Britain in the infamous International Six Days Enduro. He gladly accepted and the team took home the gold.

Mick then took a bit of a break from motorcycling, instead focusing his attention on the UK Downhill Mountain Biking Championship. As you'd expect, he did very well, going on to compete at international level and becoming the 12th best ranked rider in the world. After a bit of time away from motorcycles, Mick got back in the saddle for the European Enduros in 2000. Entering as a Veteran, he won the championship title. But there was a niggle in the back of his mind - one event that had evaded him so far, which at 17 he'd vowed to his mate he'd do: the Dakar Rally.