Any IAM Recomendations near Oxford

[Littledumptruck]

Is it possible to just put in for the test? I have effectively paid for it so I would not mind just taking a punt as I have nothing to lose.

Yeh, go for it..... you should have a form from IAM that you send in for the test.

Quite what you think you'll have gained from the whole experience is beyond me and probably every IAM observer thats read this and given you their good advice.

All you seem to have done is whinge about what you haven't got, and yet even after more than a few guys advice you still don't see that its YOU that has to do something. Stop waiting for them, ring your observer, hassle him to get out, if not ring the cheif observer and hassle him to find one that will.

It isn't the IAM's problem. Lord knows they're far from perfect, and I for one can't stand how they do many things these days, but this ain't their problem. Its between you, and you're group, so stop looking to blame elsewhere.

And stop thinking the whole experience is a time issue. Our groups longest serving associate was over 10 years from joining to passing his test. yet we also get the odd one that only needs a couple of rides. Relax, chill a little, go with the flow, get to know the group and the people within, give them a chance and you never know you might even get to make a few friends rather than expecting to turn up for a couple of rides, taking the test and disapeering back to where you came from. You'll only get from it what you're prepared to put into it.

But you put in for the test if you think you know it all from just reading the book.... You could of course be one of those that only needs a few rides after all. And to be really honest with you, it isn't dificult, and I suppose if you think that I nice official looking certificate will make you a good advanced rider then it's probably all you need to do.

 

[NLC]

Probably a bit out of the way but I am a member with Herts and Beds IAM (HBAM). I actually only ended up paying £89 as Herts gave me £50 back for doing Bikesafe and I don't even live in Herts (but not too far). Our group is good but I suspect with any of these groups it ultimately depends on your observer. Got through the program in about 4 months. Good luck.

 

[cliff]

The new group has still not contacted me despite promising much better support if I switched, I really cannot be bothered any more.

Is it possible to just put in for the test? I have effectively paid for it so I would not mind just taking a punt as I have nothing to lose.[/QUOTE]

If you are thinking about "just putting in for your test" then i would advise you to contact your Observer and ask him to give you a mock test to save you the embarrassment on the day of your real test

I am a an Observer with Middlesex advanced Motorcyclists (MAM) and we run 4 coures per year which start with 2 theory evenings followed by 4 course rides and you will have a different Observer for each ride. Each month we run pot luck rides for Associates that have missed one or more rides or who need extra rides and we also do ad hoc rides as there are Observers who like myself do shift work and are not always available for the set Saturday rides. Throughout the year we organise training tours to France and North Wales where throughout the day you will have different Observers with you on a one to one basis. If anyone is interested in Joining MAM we offer free assessments on the pot luck rides so riders can see if they like what we do without commitment or any one is welcome to come along to our monthly social nights.

Cliff

 

[Rasher]

Relax, chill a little, go with the flow, get to know the group and the people within, give them a chance and you never know you might even get to make a few friends rather than expecting to turn up for a couple of rides, taking the test and disapeering back to where you came from. You'll only get from it what you're prepared to put into it

I did not join just to pass the test, I attended group meetings, in fact I attended more monthly meetings than I had ride outs, and I would have been interested in the social side, I would have been interested in becoming an observer and putting something back, but now I do just want to do the test and scuttle off.

People here love to criticise, perhaps I did not do enough miles, or read enough pages in the book - I have read the book cover to cover and re-read some parts again and covered 4,000 miles since my last observed ride, or am I meant to ride around the globe between observed rides

I did not sign up to harrass people and bug someone who has other commitments constantly, or dob them in to the senior chap because they did not take me out enough.

I spoke to the original group before signing up and was told an observer would be available (I did not realise they meant on an annual basis)

I expressed concerns to the IAM who led me to believe the correct course of action was to change groups, so again I spoke to someone who said it was no problem and he would have me sorted in no time (I think he may have meant at no time would he have me sorted)

I should not have to stalk someone to get an observed ride, or keep complaining to the group leader, they give the impression they want new members and can cater for them so why don't they just do that.

I thought I could have got out 3-4 times during July and August, practised over my 3,000 mile Alps trip, got another couple of rides late September / Early October and be about to book my test, I don't want to spend 10 years on this, in fact if I can't get it done in six months with 25 years riding experience behind me then I probably should not be riding a bloody motorcycle.

The original groups response was not "we can do better" but "we could of done better if you had done this, that and the other", both groups are aware I have not got out much and all I really wanted to do was learn from them, yet neither have done anyting to rectify the situation, nor have the IAM, although they have been polite and helpfull with regard to switching groups and obtaining a refund nobody seems to have any commitment to providing the training, which is what I actually wanted.

I can either apply for my money back (which as I am about to be unemployed sounds like a good idea) or put in for the test, which it seems I am most likely to fail, the one thing I can't do is make people give up their free time, and it is not something I would ever feel comfortable doing, if observers were free and wanted to take me out that is OK, but I am not going to try to force someone into begrudgingly taking me out to stop me moaning.

Thanks to those who have given honest advice, but I reckon I may well go for the cash back option and maybe look at spending the money on some other training next spring, possibly commercial stuff where I will have a right to insist on getting what I pay for.

 

[EURTRAF]

Why not go down to TVAM's monthly Sunday morning meeting on the 15th and get an observed ride there. - They meet every 3rd Sunday from 09.00 at St Crispins school on the edge of Wokingham (Normally allocated and observer and away by 10).
You could also talk to them face to face about having an observer allocated to you.

S

 

[Rasher]

Why not go down to TVAM's monthly Sunday morning meeting on the 15th and get an observed ride there. - They meet every 3rd Sunday from 09.00 at St Crispins school on the edge of Wokingham

Wokingham is a bit of a trek for me, and a dull one at that, which is why I was hoping to find an observer near to me, with the time on his hands.

I paid up in June and had nothing planned throughout July and August, I wanted to get it done before winter as next Spring I am getting maried, I though June - October would have been time enough.

Even if I did get to Wokingham on the 15th we are almost into November and I don't fancy going to Wokingham over the winter, and again a 3-weekly rideout is not much good by the time some are ruined by weather it will be a 6-9 weekly affair, plus with a 3 hour round trip plus the observed ride it is time consuming and costly on fuel to go to Wokingham.

I realistically would not have time to do it before next June now and would lose out on my Skills For Life deal so really think I am better off getting a refund and then maybe trying ROSPA next summer, or just saving the cash / taking alternate commercial training.

Rapidly going off the idea of trying for the test as really I am most likely to fail and be out of pocket and still not gained any skills or qualifications.

The thread has gone well

I wanted to know if there was an available observer nearby so I could join their group and get this thing done, and it looks like that is not the case.


Thanks for all the advice, but I think I will knock this on the head

 

[wheeledwidewebb]

This has really pissed me off Rasher, your experience should have been productive rides with helpful people resulting in better skills and safer, more enjoyable riding. Plainly it has been far from that.

Too many observers only take it on for their own gratification I think, I know we have our fair share of these in our group.

Maybe investigate your local Rospa group mate. Advanced training is worth while but I can see why you are fed up up with the whole thing.

Chin up.

 

[Rasher]

Thanks for all the help everyone.

Is it possible to close this thread as it has gone a bit awry, I was only after a local observer to come forward (or be put forward) and it has turned into a bit of a rant, which was never the intention.

Had the IAM said contact the group Secretary instead of telling me I could switch groups things may have been very different.

The problems have mainly been down to a lack of communication (in my opinon at both ends) and I am probably a rare exception that slipped through the net.

I appreciatte that observers are volunteers and give up their own free time, whih is the main reason I did not want to complain to anyone, I really liked my original observer and would have loved to have got through my test with his help, but it appeared other commitments limited the time he had and I was not his only member.

I know this thread has upset some people, but one thing that I would like to point out is even after finding out I had applied to switch groups the attitude was "see ya" rather than offering another observer.

I did not intend to offend anyone, or put anyone of the IAM or Skills For Life, and hopefully their is enough advice here for anyone joining in future to see you are expected to push your observer - and again I don't think I will ever feel comfortable insisting a virtual stranger gives me even more of his spare time.

I will see if I can get a refund as I am still without an observer, I am bitterly dissapointed as I made a commitment to do this, paid my money and then saw the summer dissapear, OK I still went out on my own a lot, but I feel with a few observed rides I could have been test ready by now.

I am going to apply for a refund and have a re-think next year.

Can a moderator close this now - Thanks

 

[Martyn H]

I did not join just to pass the test, I attended group meetings, in fact I attended more monthly meetings than I had ride outs, and I would have been interested in the social side, I would have been interested in becoming an observer and putting something back, but now I do just want to do the test and scuttle off.

Rob, I don't know you well, having only first met you on a BikeSafe course earlier this year, but I am a little perplexed. I know the IAM Group that you joined very well, & on occasions I attend their social nights.

I have never been to one of those nights & NOT seen the Group Chairman & the Associate co-ordinator present, plus a good number of the committee, including the gent that I believe was your allocated Observer. You don't come over as a shy retiring type, so did you at any point approach them & explain your concerns ? I am sure you would have been met with a positive approach, & not dismissed as a whinger

It's only by explaining your perception of the problem that anyone in the Group can do anything to rectify the situation.

If it was a case that you & your Observer had incompatible work patterns, I am sure every effort would have been made to accommodate you, including an allocation to a different Observer, but again, it won't happen unless the issue is raised in a constructive manner.

I am pleased that I met you on BikeSafe & I am sure that you will pass an IAM or RoSPA test with only a very little work, & I wish you well.

 

[Big Red]

"Rasher" attended a number of monthly meetings whilst a member of the group, at these meetings he had a number of conversations with the Chairman, Associate Secretary, Treasurer and his Observer - at no time (to the best of the individuals recollection) were his concerns expressed. These are after all the people who can and will action change - but only if they are told that there are issues to be addressed.

It's sad that this matter has been made public in such a one sided manner.

 

[Rasher]

As I stated before I contacted the IAM, they did not guide me down what now appears to be the correct route.

It is obvious my switch upset people, this was not my intention, I just wanted to slip away and get the test done.

In my defence the switch was just accepted and nobody seemed to want to rectify the situation once they were aware of the problem, I was not offered another observer at this point, I assume my intentions were misunderstood and I managed to alienate myself (A skill I have perected over the years)

I did not want to dispute the group on this forum, just find an observer to help me through my test. I really liked the group, enjoyed riding out to the meetings and would have rejoined with that group after passing my test.

It seemed to me the original group currently lacked resources, my understanding was they only had one observer close to me and he had other candidates and seemed to have abusy work and family life as well, hence my original request to find someone local to me with availability.

It was not intended to offend anyone, or as an attack on the existing group - who I would have prefered to return to once the test was out of the way.

I have nothing but praise for people who dedicate their spare time to helping others, and I include every observer on the planet in that statement and would dearly have liked to have got through my test with my original observer, but IMHO he had far too many commitments and I did not want to pressure him into giving up precious family time for a virtual stranger.

Sorry to all I have offended, thanks to everyone who has tried to help, and especially the non-observers who have offered ride outs with me, it really is greatly appreciated.

Thanks to Martyn for kind words and lying about my ability to get through a test quickly - if I do re-sign for advanced training at a later date whoever ends up stuck with me won't find it all that easy.


Can we close now?

 

[Littledumptruck]

"Rasher" attended a number of monthly meetings whilst a member of the group, at these meetings he had a number of conversations with the Chairman, Associate Secretary, Treasurer and his Observer - at no time (to the best of the individuals recollection) were his concerns expressed. These are after all the people who can and will action change - but only if they are told that there are issues to be addressed.

It's sad that this matter has been made public in such a one sided manner.

I have to agree if this is the case. I think it's obvious that he's his own worst enemy and it doesn't matter how many people tell him so he ain't listening to us.

Strikes me he is an ideal candidate for ROSPA, and I wish him the best of luck with them round here

 

[Littledumptruck]

Can a moderator close this now - Thanks

You can do it yourself. Thread tools at the top and as you started the thread it will offer you the option to close it. Please do.

 

[Rasher]

As I stated before I contacted the IAM, they did not guide me down what now appears to be the correct route.

It is obvious my switch upset people, this was not my intention, I just wanted to slip away and get the test done. I assume my intentions were misunderstood and I managed to alienate myself (A skill I have perfected over the years)

I did not want to dispute the group on this forum, just find an observer to help me through my test. I really liked the group, enjoyed riding out to the meetings and would have most likely rejoined with that group after passing my test.

It just seemed to me they currently lacked resources, my understanding was they only had one observer close enough to me and he had other candidates and seemed to have a busy work and family life as well, hence my original request to find someone local to me with availability.

I have nothing but praise for people who dedicate their spare time to helping others, and I include every observer on the planet in that statement and would dearly have liked to have got through my test with my original observer, but IMHO he had far too many commitments and I did not want to pressure him into giving up precious family time for a virtual stranger.

Sorry to all I have offended, thanks to everyone who has tried to help, and especially the non-observers who have offered ride outs with me, it really is greatly appreciated.

Thanks to Martyn for kind words and lying about my ability to get through a test quickly - if I do re-sign for advanced training at a later date whoever ends up stuck with me won't find it all that easy.


Can we close now?

 

[Littledumptruck]

You can do it yourself. Thread tools at the top and as you started the thread it will offer you the option to close it. Please do.

You can't even follow this bit of advice eh......