Topic: Whats your dream?

[john]

Is this the sort of thing to do over the winter in readiness for fulfilling next years summer biking dreams?

I would think so as theres not much else to do !

Though of course it means getting out the Motorcycle Roadcraft book and attempting to assimilate it, that'll need a few good strong cups of coffee...

[TallGuy]

Well I'm possibly one step closer to one of my dreams. Next year could see me riding round a muddy field and along balance logs trying not to fall off while some chisel faced sarge (not the soft and cuddly pipe and BMW slippers PFM type) tries to teach me to ride a trials bike.

Suppose I better get some practice in so I don't look a right numpty. Off to eBay to find me a cheap CRF450/500.

[Mr Rizla]

I find myself at a junction i find hard to choose from. as most of you know i no longer have a bike (at this time) due to an accident. Looks like i may have lined up an ex courior bike (600 Bandit) with known history as a winter hacker which will do me for now but next year i will want my new summer toy. Normaly id say straight away i want a gixer k8 but for some reason i find myself hesitating and wondering if i want a slightly less demanding ride '>
Next year i WILL gain advanced riding skills, at least IAM if not ROSPA, i want to learn as much about hazard awarness as possible, trust me it would be time well spent for all to do this type of riding

[john]

I've just gone through the same process of self-examination and decided that, aside from my blade giving me knackered wrists, knees, arse and back perhaps a sportsbike wasn't necessarily the best thing for getting the best from the public highway safely so an FZ1 is on it's merry way to me next week '>

The deluge of accidents this year has also made me wonder whether my 20 years of accident free riding are down to luck or skill, I think I need to just make sure its more of the latter which is why I'm going to do some advanced training and pick up that dull, dull book and try and take it seriously ! '>

[Trisckie]

I would like to do my IAM, but feel i need a bit more experience on my bike before i tackle it.

[Grandma]

Quote (Trisckie @ Oct. 03 2007,23:07)

I would like to do my IAM, but feel i need a bit more experience on my bike before i tackle it.

Anyone can do it and often it's the best way to do it as soon as possible before developing trends in your riding which are not appropriate and may be unsafe even
Fortunately there are a lot of IAM motorcycle groups dotted around London, with just one Rospa group which is Crawley area. They tend to share the same examiners and the tests are similar although with Rospa there is a free retest every three years to ensure your riding has not slipped
IAM do a Skills for Life package presently £85 which includes Associate membership & test fee, but they are talking about increasing this next year.
Not sure of Rospa fee as I just did test without training as I had already done my IAM with Alex some years before, now due for my retest as the end of the month. The Rospa pass is graded bronze, silver, gold whilst the IAM is either pass or fail, but both give you good feedback on your ride.
Try these links:
IAM South of the Thames

http://www.iam.org.uk/iamgrou....ethames[/URL]
IAM North of the Thames
http://www.iam.org.uk/iamgrou....ethames
Rospa
http://www.rospasmart.com/
all the Observers/Tutors are qualified and undergo training which takes about a year but are volunteers, so usually a contribution of say £10 per ride is given to them towards their expenses, apart from that there is just your local group membership, so it is a very economic and friendly way of improving your riding skills on a one to one basis. '>

[john]

Does the RoSPA test allow you to join the IAM or do you have to do the two deperately ?

[Grandma]

Quote (john @ Oct. 04 2007,12:27)

Does the RoSPA test allow you to join the IAM or do you have to do the two deperately ?

Sadly they are separate and Rospa can be a bit elitist., but I belong to both quite happily, gain something from each, including good friends '>

[slim]

To do "THE RING".

And guess what, heading off at 5 am tomorrow to do just that! Monday is an open day, so aiming to get a few laps in on the trumpet for a giggle. I'll let you know how I get on, and possibly post some pics!

A

[john]

Quote (Grandma @ Oct. 05 2007,07:09)

Quote (john @ Oct. 04 2007,12:27) Does the RoSPA test allow you to join the IAM or do you have to do the two deperately ? Sadly they are separate and Rospa can be a bit elitist., but I belong to both quite happily, gain something from each, including good friends '>

Which would you advise to go after first then ?

[eezyrida]

Quote (john @ Oct. 06 2007,21:34)

Which would you advise to go after first then ?

Funnily enough I had a fantastic morning today learning low-speed machine control with Kent Advanced Motorcyclists. It was at the police training centre in Maidstone so probably not very handy for most people here (except perhaps Ifizzy). Highly recommended, it taught me an enormous amount, especially proper clutch, throttle and rear brake control. Probably the best £10 I ever spent. It was also my first taste of advanced motorcycle training and I am now very keen to do more.

I am very keen to join in a TLB IAM or RoSPA training session.

Oh, and my dream for next year is to ride to eastern european countries especially Romania  '>

[john]

it's handy for me, I'm in Bromley '>

[eezyrida]

Quote (john @ Oct. 06 2007,23:39)

it's handy for me, I'm in Bromley '>

Fantastic.  '>  One of the main IAM Kent people also lives in Bromley.

I've got lots more to say on this so I will send you an email, otherwise I will get accused of thread-hijacking again...  '>

Pl let me know if you don't receive it and I will re-send as a pm.

[TallGuy]

Our main KAMG and IAM person is Grandma.

As for whether to do IAM or RoSPA first, I would say do IAM then if you feel you need to do RoSPA. Only reason I'm looking to do RoSPA is because of the work I do.

[Grandma]

Quote (eezyrida @ Oct. 07 2007,00:21)

Quote (john @ Oct. 06 2007,23:39) it's handy for me, I'm in Bromley '> Fantastic.  '>  One of the main IAM Kent people also lives in Bromley.

Sounds like our Chief Observer Dave Murphy, should have been there yesterday, but dead battery on bike and had a meeting in Chipperfield to attend too so couldn't do both! Sounds like I may be seeing you soon, going to IDCAM next Saturday, same place?

[eezyrida]

Quote (Grandma @ Oct. 07 2007,06:02)

Sounds like I may be seeing you soon, going to IDCAM next Saturday, same place?

Fantastic. I know Keith Mitchell through my girlfriend and he invited me along to yesterday's session. The facilities are excellent, everyone seemed very friendly and supportive and the roads round there are ideal so I will be in touch with the Associates Coordinator tomorrow to put my name down for next Saturday's IDCAM. Hopefully there will be a space available.

I hope no-one there remembers my embarrassing episode doing u-turns when I dropped my bike and smashed my right indicator - yet again...