First off - this post is not aimed at any ONE person / it's just a view from a part time trainer that it's been said is not the most conventional of educators.
I resist getting into these (repeating
) threads but,
here's one important Observation;
it's a test - regardless of whether IAM or RoSPA.
In any test you do need to be pressured, a little, so you show your true, honest reactions to the Hazards around you.
You may not like or regularly ride with such "Progress"
as the Examiner wants / needs to see.
But if they dont see it, they cant Assess you properly.
I have a RoSPA DIP / Gold and have had for some years. If (no; when
) i'm asked
"what makes you qualified to comment / train / advise / tell me what to do?!" - there you go - that's what.
However,
i dont ride around all the time with a day glo (hate them. there's a time and place, but that's not all the time) on.
I dont ride at Gold standard all the time either
. (ask Micky - he's seen me ride and is a better qualified judge than i'll ever be).
I'd say i ride at Silver... most of the time... unless on a 'private road', track or similar
.
Why?
because that's my comfort zone. i.e; better than average / safe enough / relaxed / in full control of my patch of road and well aware of other fuc ... sorry - road users.
But when needed i can switch up a gear and make as much progress as wanted, needed or just simply desired
.
Why bother with all this palaver of tests and rechecks then?
Because it's a yard stick by which i measure my own and other road users behaviour / skill / sharpness.
There are days i know i'm not the sharpest tool in the box - i could be tired, unwell, stressed or distracted - whatEVER!
The point is the Training helps me KNOW this and take it into account with my ride. Thus keeping me safe, upright and able to ride another day.
If you took a Grade 8 piano playing exam - and had to play 'Fur Elise', you wouldn't complain or criticise it because you always play boogie woogie or you're in an Emerson Lake and Palmer tribute band, now would you?
No - you'd see the value of the discipline, practice and habits the exam gave you, to enable you to play 'Hoedown' at 140 beats per minute!
Here - chill out for a few minutes. See you on the road guys
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