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Carrot
Original Poster
5,921 posts
72 months
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Been riding bikes for 14 years now, no accidents in the past 12 of those riding in all conditions. I thought it was about time that I furthered my training by looking at the advanced motorcycle training available. I have an observation ride in August, just thought I would post in here to get an idea of what to expect? Thanks in advance 
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vonhosen
27,207 posts
87 months
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More rain
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Carrot
Original Poster
5,921 posts
72 months
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vonhosen said: More rain Currently on day 4 of a motorcycle trip round Devon and Cornwall. I don't think I could actually get any wetter right now!
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BadgerBenji
2,965 posts
88 months
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Got my skills for life pack today for motorcycling, won't be taking it any further, they can't even get my name right, so how the hell they expect to give lectures on observation and information, and the TUG (take use give) when they can't get a name right.
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HeatonNorris
1,649 posts
18 months
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Carrot said: I have an observation ride in August, just thought I would post in here to get an idea of what to expect? A failed police applicant on a white / silver BMW / Pan Euro with dayglo vest and white helmet, who sits bolt upright at all times.
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S. Gonzales Esq.
1,677 posts
82 months
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BadgerBenji said: Got my skills for life pack today for motorcycling, won't be taking it any further, they can't even get my name right, so how the hell they expect to give lectures on observation and information, and the TUG (take use give) when they can't get a name right. You do realise that the course isn't actually delivered by the same people that send the packs out? IIRC, that function was outsourced to a fulfilment company a while back. Still, it's your money.
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BadgerBenji
2,965 posts
88 months
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S. Gonzales Esq. said: BadgerBenji said: Got my skills for life pack today for motorcycling, won't be taking it any further, they can't even get my name right, so how the hell they expect to give lectures on observation and information, and the TUG (take use give) when they can't get a name right. You do realise that the course isn't actually delivered by the same people that send the packs out? IIRC, that function was outsourced to a fulfilment company a while back. Still, it's your money. Looking back, a complete knee jerk reaction on top of probably the worst day at work ever. Been looking through the book tonight, and the block changing idea looks very useful, will try it tomorrow. Apologies for being a grumpy git last night.
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MC Bodge
4,030 posts
45 months
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You can expect various types of observers, some of whom are good, friendly, interesting and appear to enjoy riding enthusiastically. Others, less so. It is arguably more pragmatic than the car version and is worth doing to be observed/assessed to have somebody point-out things that you may or may not be aware of doing/not doing. I do see some fairly poor riding from bikers when I'm out-and-about. I suspect that a lot of people would benefit from somethign that makes them think about about their riding (or driving). To be honest, though, there isn't all that much to it content-wise for someone who has mechanical sympathy/understanding, good bike control, good observation, an understanding of the behaviour of other road users and has already made an effort to learn to ride (or drive) "well". My experiences
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MC Bodge
4,030 posts
45 months
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Have you had an observed ride yet?
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MC Bodge
4,030 posts
45 months
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Carrot said: I have an observation ride in August, just thought I would post in here to get an idea of what to expect? Thanks in advance I can only assume that it went badly....
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Promethius
20 posts
9 months
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I have the impression that standards are totally different between the car and bike sides of the IAM, many would-be members dropping out after feeling their observer is trying to pressure them to ride beyond their comfort zone. On the other hand, I have always found that following a police rider is very pleasant - they know they do not have anything to prove.
I also have my doubts about those who pass the test and then immeadiately start trining to be observers - theere is often more than a little ego at work there.
Some of the worst riders I have seen are those who ride to work wearing their 'ROSPA Gold Star Instructor' jacket - they are usually pretty poor advertisements.
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MC Bodge
4,030 posts
45 months
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Promethius said: ...many would-be members dropping out after feeling their observer is trying to pressure them to ride beyond their comfort zone. Really? I've not heard of that.
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FarQue
1,692 posts
68 months
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I did the IAM bike examination ride back in 2003 on a really wet summer afternoon around Preston and Blackpool. When we finished the examiner gave me a boll0cking and got very sweary with me and then admitted I'd passed...
... he was struggling to keep up with me. I got to our start/finish pub car park several minutes ahead of him. My, how I tittered. He was an overweight ex Policeman on a Pan European and I was on my mega-high mileage CB500 commuter bike.
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SVS
1,553 posts
141 months
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I never understood this ... Promethius said: ... those who ride to work wearing their 'ROSPA Gold Star Instructor' jacket ... Everyone makes the odd human error. Why compound it by wearing one of these jackets?
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MC Bodge
4,030 posts
45 months
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SVS said: I never understood this ... Promethius said: ... those who ride to work wearing their 'ROSPA Gold Star Instructor' jacket ... Everyone makes the odd human error. Why compound it by wearing one of these jackets? Along with the "Bike IAM pushing people too hard", I can't say that I've ever noticed this phenomenon either (maybe the wearer actually works as bike instructors though?)
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