Cameras never do it justice of course, but the road opened out and there was a lot to see. We tacked across the swampland on a raised road, which was mostly empty save for the odd lorry. The raised platform made for good viewing of the surrounding hills, all covered with lush green forest.

Now and then the forest broke into plains, giving a scene straight from Jurassic Park. All that was missing to complete the look was the odd brachiosaurus and circling pterodactyl! The weather made the riding easy, with temperatures in the low to mid 20s neither cooking or freezing us.

The road itself was fast and smooth, with the odd section severely warped by the extremes of temperature. Almost like a moto cross track, little “whoop-de-doos” everywhere. You’d better be on your feet when you hit one – or the 10″ of suspension travel will bottom out and airborne you go!

I can see why people pay money for moto cross, it’s good fun. (But probably more so without full luggage and on a lighter bike).