Wilderness survival
Learn how to live off the land. Ray Mears's Woodlore School of Wilderness Bushcraft (01580 819668, www.raymears.com courses ranging from Arctic survival in Swedish Lapland to African bushcraft and tracking in Namibia. Budding explorers will be trained in all aspects of survival, from setting up camp to finding food in the harshest of environments. The expedition courses are usually about two weeks in duration and cost from £2,000 per person, excluding flights.
Motor Racing
For the ultimate testosterone and petrol-fuelled experience, drive not one supercar but four - all in one day. Race around a circuit in a Ferrari F355 or 360, and then make like Jenson in a Lotus Elise, a Subaru Impreza WRX Turbo, and a Porsche 911. Driving Experiences.co.uk (0870 429 9325, www.drivingexperiences.co.uk) offers the package for £259 and has circuits in Oxford and Staffordshire.
The Tour de France
You can prove that there's life in the old dog yet by taking part in a stage of the Tour du France. L'Etape du Tour enables 8,500 ordinary cyclists to ride part of the route before the race kicks off. This year's stage is the 187km Alpine stretch between Gap and L'Alpe d'Huez. Take your own yellow jersey. Sporting Tours (0113 284 3617, www.sportingtours.co.uk) has a five-night, full-board package for £800, not including flights.
Surfing
Possibly the coolest sport in the world. Show you can still hang out with the young and hip by plunging into the icy waters off the coast of Cornwall and carving up a few big waves. Did we mention that the ladies really dig it? Blue Wings Surf School (01637 874 445, www.bluewingssurfschool.co.uk) has five-day courses including lessons and accommodation from £140.
Cattle ranching
Live out your John Wayne fantasies at the Arizona Cowboy College (001 480 471 3151, www.cowboycollege.com.) The college's senior instructor, Rocco Wachman, will have you 'riding and roping' like a real cowboy in no time with lessons in setting up cow camp, horsemanship and the art of the lasso. A week's stay at the ranch costs £2,250 and includes food and accommodation but not flights.
