Advanced training Staffordshire/Derbyshire

[baxtermt]

Hi folks

I have recently bought a r1200gsa after 15 years off a bike (I know a big bike to start on, but it was a great price and a lovely bike) But with so long off a bike I think I really need some refresher training or doing an advanced rider course.
I live on the Staffordshire Derbyshire border, are there any recommendations for anyone around this area, or which route to take, RoSPA, IAM or other.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated

Ta Matt

 

[GlynnJ]

Hi folks

I have recently bought a r1200gsa after 15 years off a bike (I know a big bike to start on, but it was a great price and a lovely bike) But with so long off a bike I think I really need some refresher training or doing an advanced rider course.
I live on the Staffordshire Derbyshire border, are there any recommendations for anyone around this area, or which route to take, RoSPA, IAM or other.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated

Ta Matt

Welcome to UKGSer!

You will get answers in favour of each of IAM and RoSPA. They are both good, and both have their quirks. Ultimately, the important part is the person delivering the training, whichever organisation they 'work' for. I would go with the closest/most convenient.

As you are in Derbyshire, you might find this interesting:

 

[littleade]

Welcome in, I was in the same position as you 10 years ago. I'd agree with @GlynnJ above, your local team and more importantly your observer is the most important, so I'd try and make contact with your local group from both organisations to have a chat and maybe meet in person before deciding which to pick. Some groups offer a free assessment ride (which your local group would tell you about) which would be useful for both sides if that's available. The groups in general are likely to be busier through the spring/summer so you might have to wait if their observers are already fully committed. Some groups also ask you to contribute towards the observers fuel costs, so that might be worth establishing before you decide. Here's a link to the IAM website for their local group contacts. I'm not sure if it'll work for you or not?

Local Groups | IAM RoadSmart

www.iamroadsmart.com

Good luck

 

[wessie]

you could start with https://bikesafe.co.uk/staffordshire/ which will give you some education and an assessed ride to give you a baseline of where you are - they have spaces in May

https://bikesafe.co.uk/derbyshire/ also has spaces in May

 

[Lord Snooty]

Why not look for a local training school to do you a day's refresher training - Leedude of this parish is an instructor in the Derbyshire area.

 

[dommiek]

Pick up a copy of "Motorcycle Roadcraft". All road training is based on this book and it'll give you a head start with whatever training route you take.

 

[King Rat]

Hi folks

I have recently bought a r1200gsa after 15 years off a bike (I know a big bike to start on, but it was a great price and a lovely bike) But with so long off a bike I think I really need some refresher training or doing an advanced rider course.
I live on the Staffordshire Derbyshire border, are there any recommendations for anyone around this area, or which route to take, RoSPA, IAM or other.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated

Ta Matt

Whereabouts on the Derbys/St Affordshire border are you? We are in Uttoxeter and I have gone through your conundrum. There was an IAM group in Cannock, but they folded because the head honcho was a dictator (literally) and it all fell apart. The ROSPA group Staffordshire Advanced Riders have gained an enviable reputation and are a very sociable group. Sunday group rides, I was unsure at first, but fear not, they are very well organised and limited in number, maximum of I think it is 18 in one group. If more turn to then they split into 2 groups to keep the numbers down and avoid mass ride numbers. Individual assessment and ongoing coaching and I stress the term 'coaching', not instruction or tuition, very strongly. It is a highly thought of group nationally. 1st Thursday of the month in Eccleshall at the pub with the columns outside (Royal Oak?).

Feel free to get in touch with me and I am happy to go for a bimble with you with confidence. Bike Safe is a very worthwhile initiative too. I have done several and still do the odd one. I have already given my ROADCRAFT away, sorry.

 

[Barnoe]

If you have a mate with a bike then get out a few times by riding to a quieter area while you get a feel for it. (Let him take lead and you follow)

Im not against rider training, its a good idea but i think you should get used to the bike and get a bit of confidence first.

If you go into a RoSPA, IAM situation and get bad feedback your just going to feel worse.

 

[baxtermt]

Whereabouts on the Derbys/St Affordshire border are you? We are in Uttoxeter and I have gone through your conundrum. There was an IAM group in Cannock, but they folded because the head honcho was a dictator (literally) and it all fell apart. The ROSPA group Staffordshire Advanced Riders have gained an enviable reputation and are a very sociable group. Sunday group rides, I was unsure at first, but fear not, they are very well organised and limited in number, maximum of I think it is 18 in one group. If more turn to then they split into 2 groups to keep the numbers down and avoid mass ride numbers. Individual assessment and ongoing coaching and I stress the term 'coaching', not instruction or tuition, very strongly. It is a highly thought of group nationally. 1st Thursday of the month in Eccleshall at the pub with the columns outside (Royal Oak?).

Feel free to get in touch with me and I am happy to go for a bimble with you with confidence. Bike Safe is a very worthwhile initiative too. I have done several and still do the odd one. I have already given my ROADCRAFT away, sorry.

Hi King Rat
Yep, bang on with Uttoxeter, my in-laws are from Eccleshall too, so I know the Royal Oak.
I've just tried to private message you but I can't seem to find an option to.

Hopefully see you around, and maybe go for a coffee to chat all things bikes, local stuff and training

Matt

 

[RedRick Esq.]

Very near to you is a bloke called Nigel Bowers who used to be the Rospa examiner and did advanced training under the name advanced biker

I do know he has wound down a lot in recent years but he was very good and if required I can put you in touch with him

 

[casbar]

Personally I wouldn't be taking hints about riding from anyone who is less than a RoSPA Gold rider or similar. But ideally either a RoSPA or IAM Tutor or a qualified advanced instructor or a Police taster session.

There are other options including Rapid training, who run both road and track/road advanced coaching matched to your personal goals and expectations.

 

[King Rat]

Hi King Rat
Yep, bang on with Uttoxeter, my in-laws are from Eccleshall too, so I know the Royal Oak.
I've just tried to private message you but I can't seem to find an option to.

Hopefully see you around, and maybe go for a coffee to chat all things bikes, local stuff and training

Matt

You need to help fund our Lord and Master's yacht by subscribing in order to gain full use of the forum - worth every penny.

 

[baxtermt]

You need to help fund our Lord and Master's yacht by subscribing in order to gain full use of the forum - worth every penny.

Yeah subscribed now, need to keep that yacht sailing and we all know fuel prices have sky rocketed

 

[timeandtide]

Very near to you is a bloke called Nigel Bowers who used to be the Rospa examiner and did advanced training under the name advanced biker

I do know he has wound down a lot in recent years but he was very good and if required I can put you in touch with him

I can vouch for him.
Really nice quiet unassuming guy - was involved with bike & car training for W Midlands feds IIRC.
Knows his onions but doesn’t force them down your throat!

 

[Flappytabs]

Very near to you is a bloke called Nigel Bowers who used to be the Rospa examiner and did advanced training under the name advanced biker

I do know he has wound down a lot in recent years but he was very good and if required I can put you in touch with him

I think he wound down because the Salt Box Cafe closed so his meeting point dissapeared .

Nigel is a top trainer who happened to award me a first on my IAM. Derby IAM are ok and Rapid training really are good.