Finally managed to get my bike serviced with new tyres after last months puncture woes, so out for a long awaited run with Mark last Sunday. The Metzeler Tourance Next 2 seem good so far, a bit stiffer and sportier than the old Next I’d just had taken off, it will be interesting to see how they wear. With a meet with Mark at Dom’s bike stop (I was late, he beat me there this time ha ha), followed by a nice little run down to Newtown, Crossgates with an aborted ‘Mach loop’ due to stormy weather we came back over to Knighton where we stopped at ‘Shotgun’ Carl’s cafe to listen to many a tale too numerous to mention here. Hilarious chap hailing from Brum’, my ears are still ringing and those home cooked chips are divine. We must make a return visit soon.
So recently, I decided to set myself a new Motorcycling challenge and signed up for the ‘IAM Advanced Rider Training’. I’ve been in two minds over the years, I always enjoyed the BikeSafe courses attended as an introduction to Advanced Motorcycling run by the Police some years ago, and back in the early ‘80’s doing the RAC Star Rider courses. What I didn’t fancy was rolling out of bed early on a Sunday morning and riding miles away to meet an instructor / observer down in Worcester or some other such place. Much to my surprise I found a very active group nearby that meet every Sunday less than a mile away - Kidderminster Advanced Bikers (KAB). On several occasions while touring with Steve he suggested I might like to try IAM course since he had qualified some years ago. I can only hope his suggestion was nothing to do with my riding when following behind! Anyway, after our Brittany trip I thought yeah, let’s give it a go. I went out for a ‘taster’ session to see what’s involved and meet the rest of the group. I paired up with Derek, one of the chief observers and we headed on down to a meet cafe in Herefordshire. On the way Derek pulled in front and pulled me over to impart his critique on my riding. I’m pleased to say, not too bad as it seems, the assessment was I need sharpening up on certain skills, raise my awareness of hazards. Also tidy the machine handling up a bit too, along with sort out my positioning.
How not to ride .. Road Rash on the Megadrive with Paul. Happy days (and nights).
For the price of a rear tyre I signed up with IAM, and last Sunday went out with Patrick my assigned Observer, who I’ll stay with for the rest of the course. I must say Patrick introduced me to a fascinating insight into Advanced Riding techniques. He took me in hand and methodically broke down my riding style, skill level and put together the beginnings of a plan to get me up to Advanced level. We ended up in Newtown, Wales for his critique, and then paired up with Intercom for his bike to bike narrative and discussion while riding behind. The return ride with his advice proved to be more relaxed than the ride down. He slowed me up a bit, got me thinking about all sorts of stuff and proved to me the opportunity to think 10 seconds ahead, pointing out all sorts of hazards way, way in advance. Human Factors come into play too, along with the IPSGA framework (Information, Position, Speed, Gear, Acceleration), it’s clear I have a lot to think about in the coming weeks. I really enjoyed my first real session and did find it a lot of fun. I know it’s going to be a real challenge though, and my head was spinning at the end of the ride but I am looking forward to getting deeper into improving my roadcraft. Watch this space!
