Joining me for the start of the basic drills were some fellow students that consisted of a VP of a trust company, John Merola, a cable TV guru, Tony Munoz and finally a local motorcycle tech Tim Wheeler.

We got stuck into many different styles of flat track drills that taught us braking and sliding maneuvers. Again, it's amazing the skills one can pick up riding a mini.

You learn to control the impending crash with your butt and hips, although for me that impending crash usually became the real thing. My attempts at avoiding crashes that could be considered both comical and potentially injurious usually became crashes that were comical and potentially injurious. I don't think I ever gave in to a graceful low-side, I should have though, it was the safest crash available at the Oliver ranch.

For most of the morning we were too preoccupied with racing each other, running each other over and telling each other how fast we were "in real life. In retrospect we all could have got better quicker if we had ignored each other and listened to what uncle Rich was trying to teach us. We were later treated to a catered lunch, at Oliver's Subway - I really think we all competed with each other for title of best sandwich artist too. I think Merola took top honors with his patented quadruple-decker, ham, turkey and Swiss with lashings of Advil and Mayo…

That night, and after a whole day of crashing, riding, and crashing some more, I proved I was the consummate rock star rider by, icing down my knee's, cramming down three Advil's and crying myself to sleep. I was so tired and unfit for day two that I considered making some excuses, but I could see Mr Oliver wagging his finger at me a calling me a wuss, a remark that I believe I resemble.

I soldiered on and boy, was I glad I did. I resolved to do some thinking for a change and apply what I'd learnt the previous day and get that sliding thang' down. I did, or rather I did better.

In between sessions, Rich threw in some top secret hand and eye coordination skills that highlighted good breathing techniques and showed how to be calm to explore your potential. I won't tell you what one of those drills are, but if anyone up-to-no-good should ever stumble on to Mr Oliver's property late at night, I believe this particular drill comes with a night-scope.

We also did some excellent motocrossing on mini YZ80's. Teaching you to be in the right gear at the right time, skillful use of the clutch and maintaining slides into and out of corners to keep up the appropriate speed. I must admit I was anxious about riding motocross due to my poor off road skill levels, but even I surprised myself on these fast mini's.

We were also due for a three hour street ride, but we all voted to stay flat tracking, it was that much fun.

At the end of day two we were introduced to Sean Edin. He had been reviewing (and giggling, I'm sure) our dietary listings and sat down to explain what we should and shouldn't be doing and why. I must admit I was dreading this part, for my own alcoholic reasons, but I shouldn't have been, for it was both fun and informative. I can see why so many pro-racers, including a certain Mr Nicky Hayden, have employed Sean in the past to help with their fitness goals and techniques, that man knows his vitamins.

So what did I get out of it? Well it was cool to take a look into the world of the professional athlete; it also gave me some good tips that have already improved my riding and personal fitness level. I knew I could talk the talk, Rich has helped me with some aspects of my lifestyle habits to walk that walk, consequently I'm now attending therapy and the AA.

Seriously though… it's a tune up for the mind and body and will help any aspiring racer assume a lifestyle that will enhance his or her skill level. Rich will show you the good habits to make and specifically the ones to break.

So, you're not a racer? Then this fun camp is perfect for you too, with the emphasis on fun.

Finally, I just bought an XR100 and with those Rich Oliver taught skills in my corner, roll on the 2003 season because with those skills learnt and applied, the advantage is all mine.      

Mike Emery