I.A.M.'s course, anyone done it recently?,,,

[Greybeard]

If you really want to see the Police System in action, both slow - broken down to its proper parts where you can learn from it - and fast as they often ride, with full cometary (and comedy music...) have a look at Mike Waite's DVD. He's an (the) ex-police instructor and pretty much single handedly developed the cometary rider training system a lot of other forces now use.http://www.mikewaite.co.uk/

Interesting... I passed my IAM test last year having read the Roadcraft book and done one ride with an observer - but I was interested in putting this knowledge / skill into practice and taking things to the next level.

I bought the Mike Waite DVD a few months ago and thought it a superb demonstration of how to ride fast and safe - but I haven't yet make a booking.

As others have said - advanced training of any sort is a step in the right direction.

 

[Littledumptruck]

Generaly a good club with good ride outs, Problem is when people pass there test they are never seen again . Club needs more social or events to keep interest.


Jim

For some reason a lot of people only seem to join to do the test, collect the certificate. Some will see it as a club, but even then our club finds that very very few ever really support the events that are arranged. Ive been involved for nearly 10 years now and we still haven't found a way to guarentee a good turn out to a social event or talk. We can get good turn outs for rides, but most aren't interested other than riding.

 

[Littledumptruck]

However, in the Aberdeenshire area there is no active RoSPA bike group.

Thats about how it is for most of the country

I supposedly have 5 groups surrounding me, thats not including the one that is on my doorstep that doesn't actually have any MC observers in reality. Contacted all 5, only got one responce and that was a complete joke.

Sticking with IAM, at least they actually exist. For those that don't know, Iam do a further special assessment that actually grades your riding. I have been offered it by our Chairman to suss it out, so thats probably my next one. Doubt I'll get top marks as i refuse to do U turns, just can't see the need for stunt riding like that, especially on £10k+ bikes, way to risky.
Never done any on either my Iam test, or My senior observer test. I will ride at walking pace around a car park, and will demostrate a 180degree change of direction, but not by doing feet up u turns on cambered roads between curbs. I have always said I'd be happy to do one if said examiner was happy to lend me his bike for the test!! But funnily the situation never arrose

 

[Dan]

I did my IAM test this year. While the training is good, think of it more as an introduction to Roadcraft.

As for the club, the one I was in left me disappointed - all they want to do is slow riding and drink tea. More like the W.I. than a motorcycle club.

This video gives you a good idea... (don't open if foul language offends you! )

http://www.dailymotion.com/video/xf21zl_hitler-s-iam-motorcycle-group-plans_auto

 

[Wrigsby1]

I passed my IAM years ago after years as a professional biker and Instructor. I had an instructor mate who was a IAM observer and even though we didn't see things the same ways always, I respected him and knew he was out there riding day in, day out.

The same with the Examiner, a top bloke, ex Plod and doing mega miles as a Honda trainer and for fun.

As with Rospa and the Plod traffics, there are people who you respect and those that are full of crap. Many good riders who have great skills and their own systems steer clear of groups as they don't like being patronised or taken down the "tea stop" route.

Best thing is to pay a visit to a local group and see what you think. If they insist on Hi Viz or talk in acronyms then be wary. If they have swallowed Roadcraft or similar then take them with a pinch of salt. If they ride smooth, safe and get on with it then thats a start

I have never read a guide to filtering that is from the real world but have been held up by many that think they have

Also some "advanced" groups used to seem a bit accident prone...

 

[Dan]

As with Rospa and the Plod traffics, there are people who you respect and those that are full of crap. Many good riders who have great skills and their own systems steer clear of groups as they don't like being patronised or taken down the "tea stop" route.

Best thing is to pay a visit to a local group and see what you think. If they insist on Hi Viz or talk in acronyms then be wary. If they have swallowed Roadcraft or similar then take them with a pinch of salt. If they ride smooth, safe and get on with it then thats a start

I have never read a guide to filtering that is from the real world but have been held up by many that think they have

Also some "advanced" groups used to seem a bit accident prone...

Seems like a fair summary to me, in my experience.