Completed a Bikesafe course last Sunday and would thoroughly recommend this to those who have not done one, I do not mean to preach to the converted and all the IAM / ROSPA bods here, you may sign off now.
The cost was a piffling £20, this is for 2 days (consecutive Sundays) and includes lunch, the first day is in a classroom, with the second being on the road for an assesment ride with a Copper / IAM Observer / ROSPA observer.
I originally did a similar course (over 3 weekends) back in 1995, and was pleased to see that the same chap (Martyn Hillier) as before would be taking the course, although he had a new sidekick by the name of Rossi (no, not that one) Martyn also hangs around this forum from time to time so be careful what you admit to!
The course is based on the Roadcraft book which I am sure you all read at least once a week, probably straight after your Bible study
the classroom day runs through the concepts from the book and is accompanied by some chatter and slides, this is not a "you must not speed" brainwashing exercise, and offers something for all types of riders.
The rideout day is obviously a bit more fun, my ROSPA guide for the day (Mike) was a top bloke and had chosen a fantastic route that covered all types of riding and was a damn fine rideout, his criticisms (constructive) were spot on and in all honesty I knew what they were gonna be, but since having them "officially" pointed out I have been better at trying to break these bad habbits.
I will probably go on to do either the IAM or ROSPA advanced course soon, this is not compulsory, I am just getting to that age where things such as IAM qualifications, BMW motorcycles and comfortable slippers somehow seem attractive.
I really do think these courses are worthwhile, so if you have not been then try and get along to one, take a few mates as well and spread the word, apparently it is those that need this traning most that are hardest to get on the courses, it is a pity these are not offered instead of the completely shite speed awareness courses for those caught "making progress".
The people running these courses do it for the love of motorcycling, and to help motorcyclists get more from their biking and I am sure they all help save accidents and lives, they put a lot of their own time (and fuel) into this cause and all they want in return is for you lot to turn up, surely not too much to ask?
The cost was a piffling £20, this is for 2 days (consecutive Sundays) and includes lunch, the first day is in a classroom, with the second being on the road for an assesment ride with a Copper / IAM Observer / ROSPA observer.
I originally did a similar course (over 3 weekends) back in 1995, and was pleased to see that the same chap (Martyn Hillier) as before would be taking the course, although he had a new sidekick by the name of Rossi (no, not that one) Martyn also hangs around this forum from time to time so be careful what you admit to!
The course is based on the Roadcraft book which I am sure you all read at least once a week, probably straight after your Bible study
the classroom day runs through the concepts from the book and is accompanied by some chatter and slides, this is not a "you must not speed" brainwashing exercise, and offers something for all types of riders.The rideout day is obviously a bit more fun, my ROSPA guide for the day (Mike) was a top bloke and had chosen a fantastic route that covered all types of riding and was a damn fine rideout, his criticisms (constructive) were spot on and in all honesty I knew what they were gonna be, but since having them "officially" pointed out I have been better at trying to break these bad habbits.
I will probably go on to do either the IAM or ROSPA advanced course soon, this is not compulsory, I am just getting to that age where things such as IAM qualifications, BMW motorcycles and comfortable slippers somehow seem attractive.
I really do think these courses are worthwhile, so if you have not been then try and get along to one, take a few mates as well and spread the word, apparently it is those that need this traning most that are hardest to get on the courses, it is a pity these are not offered instead of the completely shite speed awareness courses for those caught "making progress".
The people running these courses do it for the love of motorcycling, and to help motorcyclists get more from their biking and I am sure they all help save accidents and lives, they put a lot of their own time (and fuel) into this cause and all they want in return is for you lot to turn up, surely not too much to ask?
), some are complete knobs as my partner found on her first day of Bikesafe, her second day was much better with a different guy
