A few folks had recommended advanced training, as I'm not the most confident rider. I looked at both IAM and Rospa, and went for Rospa as it has more focus on 1:1 sessions, which I prefer. I joined the Southern Group, and the process was excellent. Prompt, personal, friendly. I was invited along to the first session and it was the same in person. Nice people, friendly and efficent. I had a great 90 minute ride and picked up three good learning points already. I'm really impressed and enthused.
First Rospa session
- Thread starter Geecee68
- Start date
Nice one GC. Enjoy 
Good luck!
By the way, the majority of IAM groups do offer 1 to 1 sessions. For example, the group I belong to, up North, you are assigned to the same Observer for all your sessions, all are 1:1, including the initial assessment.
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Exactly this. Many, if not all IAM groups base training on 1-1 with the same observer and you are free to ask for a different observer if there are any interpersonal issues.
Best of luck Geecee68, you've taken a step which will stand you in good stead. Every new riding day is a new learning day and that includes for observers as well as associates. Get the basics of the "system" (IPSGA) ingrained, and you'll not go wrong.
If I may suggest one thing, as it's a common issue which newer associates seem to see as a quite challenging when really, it's about technique and timing....practice the "Take, Use and Give" part (encapsulated under "Information") and learn to anticipate hazards and plan for them in good time. It helps if you can lift your vision to look as far ahead as possible for clues, instead of the patch of tarmac to the front. It's surprising how much smoother your riding becomes, and mostly you can avoid late reactions such as sudden changes of direction or speed. It also helps relax your riding style and the enjoyment of the ride. Your observation skills will no doubt pick up more and more as you get into the swing of things.
It certainly doesn’t hurt to have any form of additional training however and I’m sure this varies from groups to groups but I personally found our local RoSpa group to be a set of pretentious pricks who have their own set of rules and in some situations their group riding was bordering on dangerous.
I found the IAM course to be much better and more informative and informal but each to their own and it could have simply been that our local RoSpa group were up their own arses.
I also did a local Bikesafe course in 2023 and that was excellent and would highly recommend that as an option even in place of the above two courses. Riding with bike cops as opposed to those who wish they were bike cops and think they are bike cops and occasionally dress like bike cops and paint and sticker their bike up like a Police bike is far more productive.
Right after that little rant I’m off for a lay down.
I found the IAM course to be much better and more informative and informal but each to their own and it could have simply been that our local RoSpa group were up their own arses.
I also did a local Bikesafe course in 2023 and that was excellent and would highly recommend that as an option even in place of the above two courses. Riding with bike cops as opposed to those who wish they were bike cops and think they are bike cops and occasionally dress like bike cops and paint and sticker their bike up like a Police bike is far more productive.
Right after that little rant I’m off for a lay down.
Not sure that qualifies as even a mini rant….not nearly enough f’s and Geoff,s or cnuts or even exclamation marks.It certainly doesn’t hurt to have any form of additional training however and I’m sure this varies from groups to groups but I personally found our local RoSpa group to be a set of pretentious pricks who have their own set of rules and in some situations their group riding was bordering on dangerous.
I found the IAM course to be much better and more informative and informal but each to their own and it could have simply been that our local RoSpa group were up their own arses.
I also did a local Bikesafe course in 2023 and that was excellent and would highly recommend that as an option even in place of the above two courses. Riding with bike cops as opposed to those who wish they were bike cops and think they are bike cops and occasionally dress like bike cops and paint and sticker their bike up like a Police bike is far more productive.
Right after that little rant I’m off for a lay down.
However, I take your point in that a) all training is inherently a good thing and…b) between Rospa and IAM, depending on your location, there is good and bad between the 2.
When I did mine (IAM), I went with them because they had a very local group, some of which I knew, and they answered my request for contact and more info. I contacted the local Rospa group twice and never received a reply. That made my mind up for me.
I had one observer/trainer all the way through until just before my test where I went out with the chief observer who I didn’t get on with. Saying that, I passed so I was happy.
My observer was a good bloke, he taught me a lot. He had a couple of bikes, one of which was half the hp of mine…..I couldn’t keep up with him on either….so smooth, and within the law….therein was the education.
Although many years ago now, I experienced the exact same but with the, now defunct local IAM group.It certainly doesn’t hurt to have any form of additional training however and I’m sure this varies from groups to groups but I personally found our local RoSpa group to be a set of pretentious pricks who have their own set of rules and in some situations their group riding was bordering on dangerous.
I found the IAM course to be much better and more informative and informal but each to their own and it could have simply been that our local RoSpa group were up their own arses.
I also did a local Bikesafe course in 2023 and that was excellent and would highly recommend that as an option even in place of the above two courses. Riding with bike cops as opposed to those who wish they were bike cops and think they are bike cops and occasionally dress like bike cops and paint and sticker their bike up like a Police bike is far more productive.
Right after that little rant I’m off for a lay down.
Having been a volunteer blood bike rider for many years and interacted with both IAM & RoSPA members I can confirm they both attract their fair share of knobs, but there are lots of really committed members of both groups.
Even though my IAM observer was full of his own greatness and suffered from too much bullshit I still learned lots of useful skills from him, for which I’m grateful.
You just need to determine which group you fit in with.
After my long layoff from motorcycling and back now with a few more years under my belt, I have been thinking about ROSPA or IAM. Have read a lot of stories about negative experiences and attitudes though. Rospa aren't in my area, but I may see if IAM are and how it is. From what I can tell, like most things it will probably depend on the individuals running it.
I did attend a theory Bikesafe Last week and my observed Bikesafe ride yesterday and it was excellent. Little bit unnerving for the first few minutes with a Police bike right on your tail and in the mirrors, but soon got used to it. I had done previous advanced riding techniques back in the 90's, so this was a good reminder and I am certainly rusty in some areas.
It is a shame there isn't a more structured or long term course with Bikesafe - with my experience on last week and yesterday, I would certainly be signing up.
I did attend a theory Bikesafe Last week and my observed Bikesafe ride yesterday and it was excellent. Little bit unnerving for the first few minutes with a Police bike right on your tail and in the mirrors, but soon got used to it. I had done previous advanced riding techniques back in the 90's, so this was a good reminder and I am certainly rusty in some areas.
It is a shame there isn't a more structured or long term course with Bikesafe - with my experience on last week and yesterday, I would certainly be signing up.
If you just want some advanced training and not bothered about the tests, then consider Rapid training. I am IAM and RoSPA but completed the Rapid RoadMaster in July and really enjoyed it and got a lot from it.
I’ve only heard positive things about Rapid, although it’s fairly pricey, I’m not saying it’s not VFM.
Not entirely sure about the track part, but that’s me.
Its on my to do list, but not at the top, yet.
Not entirely sure about the track part, but that’s me.
Its on my to do list, but not at the top, yet.
I’ve seen some videos of various YouTube folk doing a course with Rapid Training, to be honest what I saw looked reckless and totally unnecessary on the U.K. roads.
Well you certainly have your own views. I have been an IAM and RoSPA rider for over 10 years and did not find the training reckless and unnecessary. The coaching was from police serving or retired, never were you pushed to do anything, it was all about planning and utilising the skills you already have. But then I am probably a pretentious prick as I am a RoSPA member and Blood Biker
I've been in several IAM and Rospa groups and agree with the above posts. Groups can be very clicky and although there are a few knobs most of the people are ok.
I stopped going on the social rides because they were too competitive. Ten or more bikes charging around the countryside on a Sunday morning doesn't portray a good image of motorcyclists. There seems to be an unwritten agreement in these groups that it's ok to ride as fast as you can in the nationals as long as the 30/40/50 limits are adhered to. All under the IAM/Rospa badge of course so it's ok !?
If I want to ride fast I go out on my own and pick the time and place where I won't stand out and annoy others.
Thirty years ago I was an observer in one of the IAM groups and have a Rospa gold but I still consider myself to be "learning". It's a constantly changing skillset we are trying to master. Just look at how aggressive some of the driving is nowadays, then there's the awful state of the roads with all the potholes and cars suddenly swerving to avoid them, plus road signs being covered up because the local councils are failing to maintain the highways. There needs to be a new chapter in Roadcraft on all this.
My advice to anyone taking advanced training is go out with as many observers as you can, keep signing up for different courses, learn to ride off road and keep building on your skills. We never stop learning and improving. If you can learn one thing from each person or course then you have improved as a rider. Keep doing it.
Regarding the difference between Rospa and the IAM, don't worry about it.
Roadcraft and the Highway Code are the bibles so go on what they say. I've not done an IAM test since '97 but on the Rospa test you will get a lot of feedback. Again, think of it as learning, it's not just a test.
I stopped going on the social rides because they were too competitive. Ten or more bikes charging around the countryside on a Sunday morning doesn't portray a good image of motorcyclists. There seems to be an unwritten agreement in these groups that it's ok to ride as fast as you can in the nationals as long as the 30/40/50 limits are adhered to. All under the IAM/Rospa badge of course so it's ok !?
If I want to ride fast I go out on my own and pick the time and place where I won't stand out and annoy others.
Thirty years ago I was an observer in one of the IAM groups and have a Rospa gold but I still consider myself to be "learning". It's a constantly changing skillset we are trying to master. Just look at how aggressive some of the driving is nowadays, then there's the awful state of the roads with all the potholes and cars suddenly swerving to avoid them, plus road signs being covered up because the local councils are failing to maintain the highways. There needs to be a new chapter in Roadcraft on all this.
My advice to anyone taking advanced training is go out with as many observers as you can, keep signing up for different courses, learn to ride off road and keep building on your skills. We never stop learning and improving. If you can learn one thing from each person or course then you have improved as a rider. Keep doing it.
Regarding the difference between Rospa and the IAM, don't worry about it.
Roadcraft and the Highway Code are the bibles so go on what they say. I've not done an IAM test since '97 but on the Rospa test you will get a lot of feedback. Again, think of it as learning, it's not just a test.
You could contact your local group direct rather than go through the IAM and see if they do a free assessment ride? That way you could get a feel for what they're like without committing to anything. My local group did them back in 2016 when I did mine and it's a good way of finding out both what they're like and what'll b involved.
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That's the way to do it.
I have never been a member of any local IAM or RoSPA group. I did my training on an advanced course 10 years ago and did the IAM and RoSPA test on the same day. Now I just do some kind of training every year, be that track or this year Rapid and do my RoSPA test every 3 years by applying direct to RoSPA. I keep my memberships purely to be able to continue to Blood Bike.
Certainly Wiltshire & Gloucester RoSPA groups put on monthly meets at a local cafe during the summer months for people to go out on a no obligation check ride. Look them up on Facebook or via their websites.
www.wiltshireroadar.co.uk
Wiltshire RoSPA Advanced Drivers and Riders
www.wiltshireroadar.co.uk
I looked at it. Expensive, and I got the feeling it was speed focused...and I'm decidedly a slow rider!
That was my perception of it which is why I described it as reckless and unnecessary.
You sound more like me. I ride for MPG, not MPH and to make my tyres last as long as possible because I can't afford to burn the fuel and tyres like the 'Riding Gods do'. I tried IAM, the group has folded because it was so upitself. I then tried the local ROSPA group which is very friendly, as a group, but I am 30 miles from the group meeting place and they all come from around the same area, so know each other long term. I haven't been to a monhtly meeting for months because of working away and they meet on a Thursday evening. They do monthly ride outs, but they ride far too fast for me and after doing one day I decided I wasn't going with them again, they just rode and rode and went past loads of places I wanted to stop and look at. It wasn't my kind of day out at all, and focussed on 'biker cafes' for stopping for food - the kind of place I avoid like the plague because the food is invariably poor and over priced. The training was very thorough though, but it didn't prepare me for 'exam nerves'. The anxiety I got from 'being tested' compared to being out on a training run had me throwing up in the verge on the way round. That is nothing to do with the group, just something they hadn't considered.
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