The recent boom in adventure bikes has been fuelled by many motorcyclists' dreams of making a big trip, if not actually taking the Long Way Round the world. But, as it is in the car world, the reality is that few owners live the dream and that most dual-purpose machines rarely get their tyres muddy. An ideal compromise becomes clear as I'm riding a KTM 1190 Adventure R behind several other riders on a familiar Hertfordshire road. Suddenly the lead rider indicates, slows, and heads up a narrow, unsurfaced track that I've ridden past countless times without even knowing it was there. Moments later I'm standing on the KTM's footrests, trying to keep the big V-twin pointed the right way on a surface of dirt and stones. I'm riding at less than 15mph but it's challenging yet enjoyable – and less than 20 miles from home. Welcome to a typical ride with the Trail Riders Fellowship, the group for motorcyclists who "enjoy exploring the countryside using the historic network of unsurfaced roads and vehicular rights of way".

Our group was one of three that had set out from a local dealership this morning, split according to experience, type of bike and how far people wanted to ride. Most riders were on small-capacity trail bikes but as well as my borrowed KTM there were a couple of BMW R1200GSs. Motorcycles can cover an amazing amount of ground using only ancient rights of way Our middle group's ride will cover about 60 miles, the majority on non-Tarmac surfaces. What it won't include, says lead rider Trevor Judd firmly, is any "off-road" riding. "Nothing we ride is off-road because they're all roads," says Judd, the local group's Rights of Way officer. It's just that some aren't paved. The TRF's strictly obeyed code includes stopping and turning off engines for horses, and sticking to legal routes. The latter occasionally leads to differences of opinion with others who ride on green lanes, as unmade routes are known. Britain's complex hierarchy includes byways, which are open to vehicles, and bridleways, which aren't.

Avoiding the latter doesn't preclude long rides, given a knowledgeable lead rider. "You can get from this side of Hertfordshire right across Essex, and all points north, west and east," says Judd. motorcycle salvage yards springfield mo"On one route they reckon to have an ice cream out by the Wash, and get back late in the evening." bill of sale dmv mnSimilar runs are held by most of the TRF's regional groups, of which there are more than 40 across England and Wales. used motorcycle parts peiMany organise trips to destinations including the Isle of Man and Spain. j and s motorcycle superstoreThe TRF also has a political role because much of the £45 annual subscription goes towards the battle to keep historic roads accessible to motorcycles and other vehicles.

"There's a lot of controversy because someone on the Peak District National Park Authority is trying to get the lanes there shut down," says Judd. "A lot of the TRF's effort nationally goes to defend those rights." Our ride takes in a short stretch of the Icknield Way, a route since Roman times, but avoids the section near Luton that was recently downgraded to a bridleway. The trip ends with an optional splash through a local ford "to clean the bikes". I ride the big KTM through one way, water lapping over its wheels, but decide not to push my luck so take the bridge back. Ewan McGregor wouldn't be impressed, but I've hugely enjoyed my adventure on the Adventure. And, unlike him, I'll be home in time for tea. * .uk The KTM 1190 Adventure R is equally adept on tarmac or trails KTM 1190 Adventure R review As a more off-road- oriented version of KTM's 1190 Adventure, the R model is a wonderfully fast, fine-handling bike that is built for both Tarmac and dirt. It shares the standard Adventure's 1,195cc V-twin engine, which produces 148bhp and comes with multiple riding modes and much electronic refinement.

The R model's longer travel suspension and larger diameter wheels are useful on rough surfaces, but even this Adventure comes with road-biased tyres that are not designed to cope with mud – hence a few walking-pace spills on my TRF ride. Fortunately, although the R is very tall it's quite light for a big adventure bike, and has sturdy tubular steel engine protectors that kept scrapes to a minimum. Although excessive for local green lanes, where a small, inexpensive single-cylinder bike is all you need, the Adventure R would come into its element if you also had to ride a long way to reach them. It's a brilliantly versatile machine that also makes an excellent tourer. THE FACTS 1,195cc four-stroke V-twin, six-speed transmission Price/on sale: £13,799/now Power/torque: 148bhp @ 9,500rpm/ 92lb ft @ 7,500rpm Top speed: 150mph (estimated) Range: 190 miles @ 40mpg Verdict: Superbly quick, capable and sophisticated all-rounder with slightly more of an off-road bias than the standard 1190 Adventure;

fun both on and off road Telegraph rating: Four out of five starsGet your business listed here. Tel: 01246 470 848 Mob: 07540 276 027 Click to email us >> View our website >>Family owned and run, DVSA Approved Training Body offering CBT, CBT, DAS,  125cc Licence (A1), Restricted Access  (A2), Progressive Access  (A2 to A), Post Test Training / Advanced Training Training is individualised and tailored to meet your needs, at times that are convenient to you – 7 days a weekCourse start from £99 for CBT (includes bike hire, fuel, loan of equipment)No extra cost if the CBT takes more than a day. Tea and coffee is free too! Free Taster Sessions availableHarley motorcycle training – we are able to deliver your Full licence training (A) on our Harley 1200 Roadster or for A2 on the Harley Street 750Fully guided tours to the amazing Isle of ManInstructor training to DVSA Cardington assessed and DAS instructor standards Tel: 0114 261 9911Mob: 07410 700 026 or 07813 008 396 Click to email us >> View our website >> View our Facebook >>ATB is family owned motorcycle training school with good old family valuesWe cater

for all ages and levels of experience and the atmosphere is always friendlyCourses include:- CBT, Direct Access, A2, A1 Licence, Accelerated Access and Advanced TrainingOur aims are to tailor courses to your individual needs, and to provide the finest, safest and most enjoyable trainingAt ATB you will always be treated as an individualWe are South Yorkshire's finest training school and pride ourselves in being able to provide the finest training available Tel: 0115 972 8293 Mob: 07905 179 916 Click to email us >> View our website >>1 Hour taster, CBT, A1 A2 and A (Direct Access) trainingAdvanced courses available. Bike+, Refresher, RoSPA and ERS (with a possible discount from Derbyshire Council)Ideally located for Nottingham, Derby, Mansfield and Leicestershire - open 7 days a weekMotorbike training sessions recorded by on board camera's for rider developmentBikes and safety equipment included in priceHigh pass ratesGift vouchers available Tel: 01283 545 900 Mob: 07828 144 845 Click to email us >> View our website >> View our Facebook >>L.D.C. has 20 years of experience in Car

, Motorcycle and Trailer trainingCBT from £95.00 or 4 day direct access from £664.00 including test feesWe have the largest off-road training ground in the area, less than 2 miles from the test centreTraining 7 days a week with qualified and experienced instructors. DVSA Cardington ApprovedBikes hire, VAT, use of helmets, insurance, CBT certificates all included for 50cc,125cc, 500ccDiscounted clothing - Boots from £54.00 - Helmets from £40.00 - Gloves £18.00Bike sales, tyres, accessories, repairs and service from our showroom at 10 Falcon Close, DE14 1SGMore InformationThe Pirelli Stadium Princess Way Burton-upon-Trent Staffordshire DE13 0AR MapLichfield Rugby Union Club Cooke Fields Tamworth Road Lichfield Staffordshire WS14 9JE Map  About usLDC driving school has been providing driving lessons, CBT and Direct Access motorbike training along with instructor training since 1991 in the Staffordshire, Derbyshire & Midlands area, covering Burton, Lichfield, Derby, Tamworth, Ashby, Swadlincote, Sudbury, Uttoxeter & Overseal.

All from our central booking office at 18 Borough Road, Burton on Trent.We have a range of cars and bikes in manual -or- automatic to suit everyone's needs and have male and female instructors.After many years of training, the owners Les and Janet Churchley, along with a team of instructors, have built up an enviable reputation in the industry, as more people pass their test in Burton with LDC than any other school.Our SitesLDC have a large off-road training centre at the Pirelli Stadium in Stretton (Burton Albion's football ground - only 2 miles from the test centre) where we complete our Compulsory Basic Training for mopeds / motorcycles, and our trailer towing training.Our training centre is also used for our new starters who may not want to go on the road straight away when learning to drive. Our CoursesOur prices are competitive but please visit our website for Special OffersWe carry out CBT 7 days a week plus Module 1 and 2 training.Bikes and helmet hire is included in all fees - 50cc, 125cc and 600cc bikes are available Our Customers Other ServicesMotorcycle Sales, Service, Repairs, Parts, Tyres - Further details hereWe also sell low cost helmets, gloves, jackets and boots with at least 10% off normal retail prices at our office - 10 Falcon Close, Burton-on-Trent, DE14 1SG.