Cambridge IAM group Sunday

[Bikerjim]

Just noticed Cambridge IAM are having one of there free assesments on Sunday at BT on Long Road in Cambridge.

I did one of these about two years ago and its not painfull but may highlight any bad habits (not those) you have.

I never did join (two much work) but will be attending Sunday with a view to. Ther are plenty of GS riders with em (see them go buy the house) and probably one or two on here.

You either lovem or hate em but the hi viz companys would be broke without em.

info

http://www.cambsiam.org.uk/events.php#a0

Jim

 

[Roger Chatterton]

Hi Jim
thanks for the info , and I might well go along, just to find out if I'm doing things right or not. Should be interesting morning, so might see you there. I WONT be wearing hi viz, just my normal GS type gear. And I can find Long Road without having to resort to my sat Nav !
Roger from Cambridge

 

[walkingpictures]

As a GSer in Cambridge I really should go along with this but after a shed load of Woodfordes Wherry in the Castle on Saturday night maybe it's not a good idea Have a good trip

Kimbo

 

[paul13]

sadly, i have been working most weekends at the moment,

hope to get out more at times,

one day,

 

[Roger Chatterton]

I went along and did an "Assessment" ride out with an IAM Observer. Glad I went, as I seem to have developed a few bad habits ( whilst riding I mean ). Got a scorecard at the end, plus some free advice.....apparently I should occupy more of the middle of the road on smaller roads, so as to display a more "Defensive" attitude on the road; I was tending to sit to close to the nearside apparently , so always new things to learn and practice in one's riding. Some good advice for roundabouts as well, and a reminder to keep an eye open for 30 signs etc. I missed a couple of 40 signs apparently ----wondered why the observer was riding a bit far behind at one point

So, might even sign up to do my Advanced Test -seemed some friendly guys, and at least one was on a 1200GS !! And they have a couple of RideOuts every month for IAM Members.

 

[Bikerjim]

What was your score on the card ????

I was very happy, did a good ride and got some good comments only a couple of negatives.

I signed up for a year for the skills for life as there are two many accidents these days and the ride out look good.

I got 3.6 out of 4

was that your R80 gs Roger

Jim

 

[Roger Chatterton]

What was your score on the card ????

I was very happy, did a good ride and got some good comments only a couple of negatives.
I signed up for a year for the skills for life as there are two many accidents these days and the ride out look good.
I got 3.6 out of 4
was that your R80 gs Roger

Jim

Hi Jim,
I only managed a 3 score - " ..in general a more commanding road position might help ".....Observer was of the opinion that one should always be riding in the middle of a lane on single lane roads (Whittlesford to Shelford for example). I use the far left hand side of a country lane when approaching a sharpish RH bend, to try to ride around in a straight line, and to get best possible line/view around the corner !!
Should swap lanes on roundabouts if traffic is light, so as not to have to lean bike over going round !
I kind of agree with some of the points, butmaybe I was riding too cautiously, being followed by an observer. I might well sign up , with a view to taking IAM test.
Still, I can take the negatives -just gives me more to think about and to improve

No, my bike was the turquoise green 100GS PD -I don't think it was there at the same time as yourself -you were out on your ride I think.
Must meet up for a ride sometime soon -time for another E Anglia get together I think.

 

[Malcvtr]

I use the far left hand side of a country lane when approaching a sharpish RH bend, to try to ride around in a straight line, and to get best possible line/view around the corner !!

Well, I passed my IAM test about 25 years ago so maybe I've got into bad habits too, but your approach seems dead right to me. Unless there's a hazard preventing you from taking the line, always go for maximum view round the bend

 

[good'oleboy]

What was your score on the card ????

I was very happy, did a good ride and got some good comments only a couple of negatives.

I signed up for a year for the skills for life as there are two many accidents these days and the ride out look good.

I got 3.6 out of 4

was that your R80 gs Roger

Jim

Good 4you jim I joined NAM (norfolk group) in98 changed my life loads of new mates travelled across france together and trips to see those lot up over the wall. now on the commitee trying to put a bit back so I hope you get out lots and have fun an' make new mates all the best well done. Dave @NAM

 

[Roger Chatterton]

Hi Jim,
I sent of a cheque the other day too, so we must meet up sometime and compare notes. I will probably go along to one or two of the events they organise, so let me know which ones you are going to. Hope I get a friendly observer !!!!
Roger

 

[Bikerjim]

Hi Roger

I went out on Sunday on a "Sunday run", very enjoyable although i did almost faint when a Pan European rider got out his pipe fair play very good rider.

The group had a mix of abbilites from one person only just past there test a month ago , to a 400cc scoter , to a selection of VFRs , the GS did attract a bit of attention.

Generaly the idea is to make progress but in a safe manner and stick to the 30,s 40, 50, etc but 60s are a bit hazy. I had some good comments on my riding so happy.

I have been alocated the "senior observour"


Wont be around for the next couple as off to the US of A for 10 days, have you had a look at there website.

Jim

 

[Roger Chatterton]

Hi Jim,
yes, had a quick look at some of the upcoming Events, and I may well join in a rideout very soon. Well, if your 1200 attracted attention, what will they make of a GS PD !!!?
So who is your "Observer"?
My Assessment ride was with Dave Parnell, who seemed a bit strict, but he might loosen up a bit as you get to know him. I've not , as yet, been allocated a regular Observer, as I only sent cheque last week.
I have been out on a couple of rides on my own since the Sunday Assessment ride, and try like mad to observe the speed limits, but some signs are quite easy to miss, and never too sure , if a de-restricted zone is a 50 or a 60 mph.
So, we'll see how things pan out, and who my Observer will be.
We'll keep in touch !!

 

[Roger Chatterton]

Hi Jim,
nothing much new on the East Anglia site here, so ...how's your IAM getting along ?
I've been on about 3 Observed Rides so far, and I must say it's great -very interesting, and forces me to be more observant, and to think more about my riding. Making me a bit faster too !!
There's a Theory nite ,and a Meet the Examiner nite too, both next week -I hope to get to both.
So, as far as I'm concerned this IAM stuff is great -even if I don't get my Advanced Certificate, it will have been well worth it ...
So, what's your opinions ?

Maybe see you next week ?
Cheers
Roger

 

[Bikerjim]

Hi Roger

Only been on one "assesed ride" very good but its a bit like being back in school , somethings i agree with it other times are a bit "air fairy" . I dont understand the max acceleration to 60 or NSL (as they say) im thinking its quick enough im only going to 60 not 85 it only takes a half second longer.

I have done a couple of Sunday runs which are a bit more relaxed and very enjoyable (and seen several GS) one of which riden buy a "roger" wasnt you was it ? ended up in a field (near Safron Waldon) after mis timing a corner. Aparently a bit bruised and suspected broken collar bone, think i would find it very embarasing to stack it with the IAM.

Think i have booked the evening seminars but having trouble with the GS and its MOT (Final drive and a sky wards light)

See you

Jim

 

[Roger Chatterton]

Hi Jim,
just lost the text of my reply as I went to see if you had an 1150 or a 1200 in your profile Is the headlamp not adjustable for angle ? It was on my 1150.
Anyhow, gist of my intended reply was that I agree that you need to "interpret" what Observer says sometimes, and make decisions and adapt their techniques to fit your own riding situations and abilities. My Observer, Ian, is a very quick rider, and does push me to always ride up to the speed limits, so's not to hold-up vehicles behind, etc .
But I will not be tempted to ride beyond my, or my bike's abilities. My 100GS PD does not have the best brakes in the world, and fairly narrow tyres, so I ride accordingly.
We should meet up for a gossip soon.

However, I am enjoying my Rides, as it encourages me to improve my riding, which is why I joined up.

Hope you get bike sorted & through MOT - give me a shout if you fancy a chat
cheers
Roger

PS no - it wasn't me who ended up in a field ....could be worse -you could do it on the actual Test

 

[Roger Chatterton]

Hi Jim,
do you make it home OK ? Bit of a shambles of a rideout, but glad we finally met face to face !!
Go and see Rick for any 1200 work that needs doing , and mention my name ( and see where that gets you !)
So, keep in touch, and see you at another IAM meet up soon ( but might well pass on the Rideouts)
Cheers
Roger

 

[Bikerjim]

Hi Roger

Yes made it home and then on to an assesed ride later in the afternoon,which i was quite happy with as im now scoring 4s on the cards.

Yes definitly a wash out but it beats watching football and the weather was nice , and the muppet that didnt understand the drop off system wont be back so next time might be a bit better

If i rember correctly there is a garage jetwash on Elisabeth way next to the gararge but the jetwash charges buy cash rather than token so a couple of quid will rinse the salt off over the winter (hope this helps)

Ride Safe

Jim

 

[Roger Chatterton]

Thanks Jim -I'll maybe try the Elizabeth Way jet wash sometime . Always wary of Jet Washes, as they can be a bit powerful -stand well back I guess.

Which cards are you scoring 4's on ? I don't get any cards, or any scores, just a " well, that wasn't too bad, but you could do it faster" kind of thing ! Went on my ride yesterday, round some tiny lanes near Reach and Swaffham and Hadenham. We should have done these last Sunday-they're a lot of fun -muddy, bumpy, narrow and bendy . The road goes past the "5 Miles Inn" at Upware. Great road for GS's !!! Very gusty though -apparently I should ride faster in the windy weather -got to go faster thatn the wind speed ...yeah right, and end up in the wretched dykes around Earith. Right .

Might go on the next Rideout, but not a huge fan of large group rides, but glad we met up at last.

Have you checked on the Cambs IAM website lately -not a lot happening there, some of the more recent post go back to July this year. Not like the GSers site eh !! Not even a post about the Sunday ride, or the Examiner Evening. Lively lot !!!
Keep in touch ,
Roger

 

[argee]

I did one of these assessment thingies couple months ago, but I didn't get a scorecard. The police assessor just said I was "a riding God" whatever that means....
I met one of his colleages whilst out on a ride a few weeks later, and he was very keen to give me a score.....so he gave me three points.

 

[Bryn]

The police assessor just said I was "a riding God" whatever that means....

He was dyslexic... meant Dog