An afternoon with R_U_LOCAL ('Reg')
Discussion
I was privileged to spend an afternoon driving with our Reg today, after he offered to give me an assessment and some pointers. I'd only emailed him to ask about decent ex-police ADIs and was blown away when he offered to take me out himself. As part of our discussions he asked if I'd like to post up my experience on here, and I'm only too happy to oblige. Whilst I'm not quite as handy with the proverbial pen as he, I'm only too happy to share my thoughts and experiences with the hope it might help, or even inspire, others. 
I would have liked to have done so a little earlier in the day but unfortunately a heavily pregnant Mrs M6 had a bit of a funny turn this evening, though she's OK and resting now. I think perhaps she's just getting revenge for me having a day out to myself haha Anyway...
Having arranged to meet up at a secret location in the north west, I was eager to arrive and rocked up early. It gave me a little time to gather my thoughts and take in the scenery, such as it was, before Reg pulled in to meet me with a smile and a cheery wave. After a quick chat about Reg's approach to advanced driving and what I wanted to get out of the afternoon, Reg formulated a plan. We'd take a short ride out encompassing a few A roads, plenty of twisty B roads and varying hazards. Reg would assess my driving, see where I was up to, and then take me around a second time under instruction to help me improve on where I seemed to be going wrong. Finally, we were to swap cars so Reg could give me a demonstration drive to replicate my faults then show me a different (better) way.
I have to admit that as nice a chap as Reg turned out to be, there's something inherently daunting about sharing your car with a stranger who's about to judge you on (OK, OK, 'assess') your driving. Especially one who carries so much intellectual and communal weight as does he, being rightly respected in these parts for his monumental knowledge of all things Roadcraft and AD. After my recent not-so-great experience with a RideDrive day out, I was doubly apprehensive as i did want to improve my driving but didn't want to walk way feeling even worse than before! I needn't have worried, as he turned out to be one of the nicest and most genuine guys I've ever had the privilege to meet. [NB you can give me that fiver later, Reg!]
I did try to drive 'normally', for two reasons. First it would be stupid to try to drive 'properly' and cheat myself out of an honest assessment of my daily driving. Second, Reg didn't strike me as the stupid type and he'd have seen straight through me anyway! As it happened we completed the circuit with me making a couple of obvious faux pas (to which I did comment I'd noted) and otherwise enjoying some fantastic views and an area with some very nice cars indeed!
After parking back up at the start point, Reg explained in what turned out to be the calmest and most clear but authoritative way where he thought I would benefit from some improvements. He did so in an entirely constructive way, and it was genuinely refreshing to get feedback that somehow buoyed my confidence and enthusiasm while simultaneously pointing out my weak areas. I was rushing into hazards a little too much, and although my gear changes were smooth, they were too quick and would benefit from some slowing down ('acknowledging neutral' as it were). There's a part of you that resists criticism, but of course the other 99% of me knew he was right on both counts. My wife had, unknown to Reg at the time, often said she felt my driving was 'too fast' and 'dangerous/scary' at times, because I often appeared like a manic racing driver even when sticking to the speed limits. I liked to hold low gears, not helped by a lower powered car with more mid than low range power, and the noisier the engine was (for the same road speed!) the more 'scary' my driving apparently became to her. Now my wife does drive, but is a newly passed driver really (two years) and she doesn't get out much. Since becoming pregnant her eyesight has suffered (pressures apparently), and so I imagine the loss of distance vision coupled to loud engine noises and sharp use of controls is a little daunting when you're not the one in control. The same speeds in higher gears didn't bother her, but this did affirm to me Reg's points about smooth use of the controls translating to a better passenger experience... He was right, and I knew it.
Reg pointed out that no matter how fast, frantic or otherwise the outside conditions and the driving actually was, maintaining a calm head, slow smooth inputs and a facade of Zen behind the wheel translates to passive and calm passengers. He was right! After trying things his way on the second trip around, under instruction, things just felt 'different'. The driving wasn't much better I'm sure, but somehow changing the way, and order, I approached the tasks of hazard approach, avoiding brake/gear overlap where possible and slowing down my gear changes translated into a drive that just felt more... planted. Serene even. I'm not sure but it just 'clicked' and felt way smoother and you could actually feel the car hunker down into corners, breathing a sigh of collective relief that it was receiving a hitherto unknown level of sympathy beyond the norm.
Having completed my second lap of Reg's little course, and feeling much better about my driving already, Reg decided to show me how it was done. I have to say here, entirely unprompted, that Reg's abilities and natural flair as a teacher shone through here. Yes we had a little friendly banter and a joke (can't really help it when I'm merely half grey and he's fully bald! haha
), but his excellence really shone through. I can honestly say that my little spin in that BMW one-series was the best driving I'd ever encountered. The car positively purred under his direction and hand on heart I've seen more obvious gear changes out of a warm DSG gearbox. They were simply seamless, whether changing up or down, and his rev matches were absolutely sublime. The skill was blatantly apparent and didn't need words, they spoke for themselves!
I know full well Reg didn't do that to show off, he's much too grounded and nice a guy. That said it was impossible not to be impressed regardless! He showed me how I was treating the controls; braking late even though I'd already seen a hazard hundreds of yards ago, changing down at the same time, then slamming back onto the gas without a second thought. Then he showed me 'his' way... Hazard ahead, mirrors, position, drop the speed, slooowwwww off the brakes, into a suitable gear, steer and accelerate away. Classic system, but in a fluidity and with a professionalism that just screamed experience without needing to shout about it.
I remember commenting something about buttery gearchange and having something to aspire to. Reg just laughed in a marginally self-conscious way and, brushing aside my compliment, the attention was suddenly back on me. When you're that skilled there's a tendency to develop a little bit of a swell-head, but not Reg. I was quite serious though, he had in one ten minute drive 'gelled together' everything I'd been reading about and watching on YouTube. It was a sublime experience and made me want to become at one with the vehicle in the same way, allowing my own passengers that degree of detachment and comfort from the external conditions regardless of what they were. I was genuinely impressed!
Unlike my RideDrive day out, which knocked my confidence and wasn't amazingly structured in all honesty, today had really put a spring in my step. I knew AD was where I wanted to be, and after seeing Reg at work I knew I had a long, long way to go. Regardless, I knew now it was definitely where I wanted to be and that having learnt to control a car for my DSA test it was now time to learn how to actually drive one! So much for ten unblemished years of 20-50k a year... I felt like a learner again, but in a very good way!
We rounded off the afternoon back in my car, for a long (couple of hours) drive through to Skipton and various places. Reg wanted me to put into practise a couple of the things he'd shown me, and give me a chance to feel it all come together rather than just remain theory. With stunning scenery, ice capped mountains and occasional friendly prompts from the passenger seat, I had the best drive I've known in years. Thoroughly relaxed, the open road and a willing car, with an amiable companion to share it with. It was freeing and exciting all at the same time, and I have to say everything just 'clicked' and suddenly it was making sense. Braking early and/or using acceleration sense, hazards were just floating by and I was able to throw my attention further down the road to deal with the next one(s). The car was almost driving itself, and things were much more fluid and enjoyable.
Truth be told, this was in no small part down to Reg's prompts from the passenger seat, but just like his driving his instruction was unobtrusive and reassuring. It really felt like a "Look, Ma, no hands!" moment. It all made sense. After a quick blast back down the motorway we rolled into the car park where it had all started. I do hope the smile on my face said it all! If I'd have had a pot of money I'd have given it to Reg without a second thought, he gave me confidence in my driving and showed me where I could build upon it. I'm thoroughly invigorated and looking forward to practising the things he's suggested, but doubly excited to go out with him next time... This huge feeling of progress over two simple little changes to my driving! God only knows what it'll feel like when I pick up some other tricks!
Thanks a million again, Reg. You're a true gentleman and a fantastic driver that even your excellent posts on here bely. It was a pleasure to meet you and I can only hope I come out the other side doing you some justice! Apologies again for undergoing a personality removal (you've still not met the 'real me'!) as it's amazing what concentrating so hard on your driving does for your conversational abilities! Amazing to feel like a learner again, throwing out one word answers to your polite conversation, feeling rude but struggling to process IPSGA, control the car and verbalise all at the same time! haha You took it in good humour and assured me you'd seen it all before, but I did still feel rude and hope to treat you in the future and show you my fun side haha.
Thanks to everyone who read this far, I hope it gave you a little taster of the wonderful afternoon I have had, and paid honest testament to the lovely, wizened character that is 'Our Reg'. Cheers!
I would have liked to have done so a little earlier in the day but unfortunately a heavily pregnant Mrs M6 had a bit of a funny turn this evening, though she's OK and resting now. I think perhaps she's just getting revenge for me having a day out to myself haha Anyway...Having arranged to meet up at a secret location in the north west, I was eager to arrive and rocked up early. It gave me a little time to gather my thoughts and take in the scenery, such as it was, before Reg pulled in to meet me with a smile and a cheery wave. After a quick chat about Reg's approach to advanced driving and what I wanted to get out of the afternoon, Reg formulated a plan. We'd take a short ride out encompassing a few A roads, plenty of twisty B roads and varying hazards. Reg would assess my driving, see where I was up to, and then take me around a second time under instruction to help me improve on where I seemed to be going wrong. Finally, we were to swap cars so Reg could give me a demonstration drive to replicate my faults then show me a different (better) way.
I have to admit that as nice a chap as Reg turned out to be, there's something inherently daunting about sharing your car with a stranger who's about to judge you on (OK, OK, 'assess') your driving. Especially one who carries so much intellectual and communal weight as does he, being rightly respected in these parts for his monumental knowledge of all things Roadcraft and AD. After my recent not-so-great experience with a RideDrive day out, I was doubly apprehensive as i did want to improve my driving but didn't want to walk way feeling even worse than before! I needn't have worried, as he turned out to be one of the nicest and most genuine guys I've ever had the privilege to meet. [NB you can give me that fiver later, Reg!]
I did try to drive 'normally', for two reasons. First it would be stupid to try to drive 'properly' and cheat myself out of an honest assessment of my daily driving. Second, Reg didn't strike me as the stupid type and he'd have seen straight through me anyway! As it happened we completed the circuit with me making a couple of obvious faux pas (to which I did comment I'd noted) and otherwise enjoying some fantastic views and an area with some very nice cars indeed!
After parking back up at the start point, Reg explained in what turned out to be the calmest and most clear but authoritative way where he thought I would benefit from some improvements. He did so in an entirely constructive way, and it was genuinely refreshing to get feedback that somehow buoyed my confidence and enthusiasm while simultaneously pointing out my weak areas. I was rushing into hazards a little too much, and although my gear changes were smooth, they were too quick and would benefit from some slowing down ('acknowledging neutral' as it were). There's a part of you that resists criticism, but of course the other 99% of me knew he was right on both counts. My wife had, unknown to Reg at the time, often said she felt my driving was 'too fast' and 'dangerous/scary' at times, because I often appeared like a manic racing driver even when sticking to the speed limits. I liked to hold low gears, not helped by a lower powered car with more mid than low range power, and the noisier the engine was (for the same road speed!) the more 'scary' my driving apparently became to her. Now my wife does drive, but is a newly passed driver really (two years) and she doesn't get out much. Since becoming pregnant her eyesight has suffered (pressures apparently), and so I imagine the loss of distance vision coupled to loud engine noises and sharp use of controls is a little daunting when you're not the one in control. The same speeds in higher gears didn't bother her, but this did affirm to me Reg's points about smooth use of the controls translating to a better passenger experience... He was right, and I knew it.
Reg pointed out that no matter how fast, frantic or otherwise the outside conditions and the driving actually was, maintaining a calm head, slow smooth inputs and a facade of Zen behind the wheel translates to passive and calm passengers. He was right! After trying things his way on the second trip around, under instruction, things just felt 'different'. The driving wasn't much better I'm sure, but somehow changing the way, and order, I approached the tasks of hazard approach, avoiding brake/gear overlap where possible and slowing down my gear changes translated into a drive that just felt more... planted. Serene even. I'm not sure but it just 'clicked' and felt way smoother and you could actually feel the car hunker down into corners, breathing a sigh of collective relief that it was receiving a hitherto unknown level of sympathy beyond the norm.
Having completed my second lap of Reg's little course, and feeling much better about my driving already, Reg decided to show me how it was done. I have to say here, entirely unprompted, that Reg's abilities and natural flair as a teacher shone through here. Yes we had a little friendly banter and a joke (can't really help it when I'm merely half grey and he's fully bald! haha
), but his excellence really shone through. I can honestly say that my little spin in that BMW one-series was the best driving I'd ever encountered. The car positively purred under his direction and hand on heart I've seen more obvious gear changes out of a warm DSG gearbox. They were simply seamless, whether changing up or down, and his rev matches were absolutely sublime. The skill was blatantly apparent and didn't need words, they spoke for themselves! I know full well Reg didn't do that to show off, he's much too grounded and nice a guy. That said it was impossible not to be impressed regardless! He showed me how I was treating the controls; braking late even though I'd already seen a hazard hundreds of yards ago, changing down at the same time, then slamming back onto the gas without a second thought. Then he showed me 'his' way... Hazard ahead, mirrors, position, drop the speed, slooowwwww off the brakes, into a suitable gear, steer and accelerate away. Classic system, but in a fluidity and with a professionalism that just screamed experience without needing to shout about it.
I remember commenting something about buttery gearchange and having something to aspire to. Reg just laughed in a marginally self-conscious way and, brushing aside my compliment, the attention was suddenly back on me. When you're that skilled there's a tendency to develop a little bit of a swell-head, but not Reg. I was quite serious though, he had in one ten minute drive 'gelled together' everything I'd been reading about and watching on YouTube. It was a sublime experience and made me want to become at one with the vehicle in the same way, allowing my own passengers that degree of detachment and comfort from the external conditions regardless of what they were. I was genuinely impressed!
Unlike my RideDrive day out, which knocked my confidence and wasn't amazingly structured in all honesty, today had really put a spring in my step. I knew AD was where I wanted to be, and after seeing Reg at work I knew I had a long, long way to go. Regardless, I knew now it was definitely where I wanted to be and that having learnt to control a car for my DSA test it was now time to learn how to actually drive one! So much for ten unblemished years of 20-50k a year... I felt like a learner again, but in a very good way!
We rounded off the afternoon back in my car, for a long (couple of hours) drive through to Skipton and various places. Reg wanted me to put into practise a couple of the things he'd shown me, and give me a chance to feel it all come together rather than just remain theory. With stunning scenery, ice capped mountains and occasional friendly prompts from the passenger seat, I had the best drive I've known in years. Thoroughly relaxed, the open road and a willing car, with an amiable companion to share it with. It was freeing and exciting all at the same time, and I have to say everything just 'clicked' and suddenly it was making sense. Braking early and/or using acceleration sense, hazards were just floating by and I was able to throw my attention further down the road to deal with the next one(s). The car was almost driving itself, and things were much more fluid and enjoyable.
Truth be told, this was in no small part down to Reg's prompts from the passenger seat, but just like his driving his instruction was unobtrusive and reassuring. It really felt like a "Look, Ma, no hands!" moment. It all made sense. After a quick blast back down the motorway we rolled into the car park where it had all started. I do hope the smile on my face said it all! If I'd have had a pot of money I'd have given it to Reg without a second thought, he gave me confidence in my driving and showed me where I could build upon it. I'm thoroughly invigorated and looking forward to practising the things he's suggested, but doubly excited to go out with him next time... This huge feeling of progress over two simple little changes to my driving! God only knows what it'll feel like when I pick up some other tricks!
Thanks a million again, Reg. You're a true gentleman and a fantastic driver that even your excellent posts on here bely. It was a pleasure to meet you and I can only hope I come out the other side doing you some justice! Apologies again for undergoing a personality removal (you've still not met the 'real me'!) as it's amazing what concentrating so hard on your driving does for your conversational abilities! Amazing to feel like a learner again, throwing out one word answers to your polite conversation, feeling rude but struggling to process IPSGA, control the car and verbalise all at the same time! haha You took it in good humour and assured me you'd seen it all before, but I did still feel rude and hope to treat you in the future and show you my fun side haha.
Thanks to everyone who read this far, I hope it gave you a little taster of the wonderful afternoon I have had, and paid honest testament to the lovely, wizened character that is 'Our Reg'. Cheers!
hat off to you mate for going to seek the advice so many require, but think they don't need. I like you, enjoy reading his posts, and as and ADI/Fleet trainer have learnt from him as well....we ALL never stop learning.
I think your attitude is already there for being a safer driver, and that word "attitude" along with every one "rushing" everywhere is for me part of the problem with many of us on the roads today
Long may he continue to post!
I think your attitude is already there for being a safer driver, and that word "attitude" along with every one "rushing" everywhere is for me part of the problem with many of us on the roads today
Long may he continue to post!
Excellent.
I've had some good experiences with good drivers/riders too, and there is plenty to learn.
slowing down my gear-changes and making them more deliberate is something that I've been doing for the past couple of years and it can really help to improve smoothness even if you have already improved smoothness with the other controls.
I've had some good experiences with good drivers/riders too, and there is plenty to learn.
slowing down my gear-changes and making them more deliberate is something that I've been doing for the past couple of years and it can really help to improve smoothness even if you have already improved smoothness with the other controls.
I was a newbie to track days, but thought I knew it all, I had a quick bike and regularly hit triple figures on my daily commute.
Reg jumped in with me on a track day in a little silver 205 GTi at Llandow and made me realise I knew very little. Those few laps improved me as a track driver, as a biker and slowed me down generally whilst improving my vehicle control (which I still work on each track day)
Reg - Thanks, you probably saved my life.
Reg jumped in with me on a track day in a little silver 205 GTi at Llandow and made me realise I knew very little. Those few laps improved me as a track driver, as a biker and slowed me down generally whilst improving my vehicle control (which I still work on each track day)
Reg - Thanks, you probably saved my life.
Deciding to learn more about driving as a result of me learning to ride a motorbike and trying to do it properly was good for me too. There is always more to learn and practice and I enjoy driving anything. It's not about the car.
masekwm said:
Reg - Thanks, you probably saved my life.
....I now can't get "last night a DJ saved my life" out of my head Gassing Station | Advanced Driving | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff