I called in to HG in Newry today about noon on my way home from work. There were a few police Pans parked out front and upon enquiring as to what was going on I was told that they were having a Bikesafe day.
Anyway, I got talking to one of the cops, Michael, who invited me to take a run in on the bike and he would take me out for an assessment, so I went home, had lunch and went back into Newry on the GS.
I have never undertaken any kind of riding assessment before and wasn't quite sure of what to expect but the guys were very friendly and very helpful.
Michael gave me a run through of what he would be looking for on the ride out, take off, cornering, gearchanges, braking, general observation etc. In all there are eight or nine different categories and you are marked from 1 (poor) to 4 (very good).
We discussed the route and then set off. Initially it was a wee bit weird having a fully dressed police pan running behind, but you soon don't pass much remarks on him. After a run of about 15 miles at a good brisk pace we returned to HG for the de-brief.
Michael was very complimentary regarding my riding, I passed and pointed out a few wee things I should take on board. His advice was good and I will take it on board whilst riding or even when driving the car. I was then given some freebies, a T-shirt, cap, mug and key-ring.
When I said above that I had passed I didn't tell the full story. I was the best rider they had assessed today riding in the worst conditions. Kenny at HG then presented me with a pair of waterproof Goretex gloves worth £65 for being the rider of the day.
Michael's colleague Bill Holden said that they would be willing to hold a UKGSer Bikesafe day if enough of us were interested in going along. It would be held on a day and at a location that would suit most of us and themselves and is a very kind gesture on their part.
Question is; how many of you would be interested in going along for a UKGSer/PSNI Bikesafe assessment day? Please reply to this thread to express that interest and we will see what the guys can come up with.
Looking at their website they seem to be quite busy up until late September, so maybe the first weekend in October might suit?
Many thanks to the lads Michael and Bill for an interesting (and for me profitable) day. The Bikesafe ride out is definately a worthwhile way to spend an afternoon on your bike, plus the fact that it may even get you a 10% discount on your insurance.
Anyway, I got talking to one of the cops, Michael, who invited me to take a run in on the bike and he would take me out for an assessment, so I went home, had lunch and went back into Newry on the GS.
I have never undertaken any kind of riding assessment before and wasn't quite sure of what to expect but the guys were very friendly and very helpful.
Michael gave me a run through of what he would be looking for on the ride out, take off, cornering, gearchanges, braking, general observation etc. In all there are eight or nine different categories and you are marked from 1 (poor) to 4 (very good).
We discussed the route and then set off. Initially it was a wee bit weird having a fully dressed police pan running behind, but you soon don't pass much remarks on him. After a run of about 15 miles at a good brisk pace we returned to HG for the de-brief.
Michael was very complimentary regarding my riding, I passed and pointed out a few wee things I should take on board. His advice was good and I will take it on board whilst riding or even when driving the car. I was then given some freebies, a T-shirt, cap, mug and key-ring.
When I said above that I had passed I didn't tell the full story. I was the best rider they had assessed today riding in the worst conditions. Kenny at HG then presented me with a pair of waterproof Goretex gloves worth £65 for being the rider of the day.
Michael's colleague Bill Holden said that they would be willing to hold a UKGSer Bikesafe day if enough of us were interested in going along. It would be held on a day and at a location that would suit most of us and themselves and is a very kind gesture on their part.
Question is; how many of you would be interested in going along for a UKGSer/PSNI Bikesafe assessment day? Please reply to this thread to express that interest and we will see what the guys can come up with.
Looking at their website they seem to be quite busy up until late September, so maybe the first weekend in October might suit?
Many thanks to the lads Michael and Bill for an interesting (and for me profitable) day. The Bikesafe ride out is definately a worthwhile way to spend an afternoon on your bike, plus the fact that it may even get you a 10% discount on your insurance.