Robert,

first of all, welcome to Sparky Slider.

As Noodle said, boots gloves and helmet are compulsory.

After that it's up to you, but we recommend you wear something that will protect you when you fall of - and you will fall off, everybody does.

The only time the ground is soft is a) when there's 6 inches of mud or b) your watching somebody else fall off.

It's rained a bit in Brum today, but not enough to make it muddy.

See you tomorrow.