In May this year I passed my cross check... a week later I was hit by a drink driver while stood beside my bike. 2 weeks after that I moved house, away from my observer and into an area I don't know the roads (Reading to Telford). NIGHTMARE! Its now been 3 months since the accident, my bikes repaired... my back is almost there (FYI don't try to catch a Fireblade that is being pushed over by a BMW that's been hit at around 40mph by a Ford Galaxy... It hurts), and I'm booked to sit my test on Saturday (in 2 days!) I've been told it will be from Telford M54 services towards Bridgnorth and around the market... anyone know this area, know the roads/speed limits (I had a peek... very few signs!!)? Any other pearls of wisdom?? I've had no observed rides/training since early May and starting to worry I've lost touch with them good habits I'd been taught!!
simple stuff works, best,. don't forget speed limits are generally non negotiable on the test. Good luck
I passed mine at the end of August and very nearly got a first had it not been to a slight lapse in concentration 50 mins into the test. Just try to keep calm, the assessor expects you to be nervous so just don't do anything stupid and I am sure you will pass. Make all your observations very obvious, ride smooth and don't break the speed limit, hard in a 60 I know.
Hi pearls of wisdom ? Dont worry relax and read the road hazards ect. as per road craft hand book. Dont treat it as a "test" nerves may creep in stay positive. If you dont pass just take it again after a refresher with an IAM observer. Enjoy all the best.
Just chill, relax and enjoy the ride. I'm a RoSPA examiner and after booking the test in, I always contact test candidates the night before the test just to have a bit of craic, tell them to relax and encourage them to treat it as two guys having a ride out. Always, remember, everybody starts with a Pass. You have to respect speed limits. Work hard on your positioning and show your examiner that you're hunting for overtakes. OK, your overtake may not be on, but by moving from a following position up to an overtake position, having a look, and then dropping back off when it's not there for you will show your examiner how you're thinking and how you're planning. Plenty of observations and also when you get the opportunity turn your head and look across bends to see what you can see. I love seeing that as it just shows how riders are planning ahead and not just riding the road in front of them. Don't take risks. Make sure that overtakes are 100% achieve able and safe before committing. Here's four golden rules to lay alongside your IPSGA system... 1. Can I stop on my own side of the road in the distance I see to be clear 2. If I can't see the road in front of me (limit point/brow etc) - Roll it off 3. When I can see the road opening out in front of me - Dial some gas in, proportionate to the speed the view is opening 4. Never commit until you can see your exit and your exit is clear. Good luck, relax.
For the back, yoga For riding generally, yoga Is there any advantage to having an iam qualification ? Other than any time spent improving riding is time well spent
Thank you all yoga I have been doing - physio is about to start... now that the driver has admitted fault and they are willing to pay for it!! As for why I want IAMs.... I want to volunteer as a Blood Biker, which requires IAM or RoSPA, and because I wanted to improve my riding ability and generally stay alive I'm swotting up with the books this evening... going to wash my bike tomorrow and try to calm my nerves with a little spin round the potential ride route after work (I've tried the ride to Bridgnorth twice now... each time got lost and went on a different route so no idea where he'll take me!!!)
Remember that the examiner wants you to pass, so just ride for yourself and don't try to second guess the examiner. If you make any errors (I find that most do) learn from it and then get on with the ride, don't linger on it. Even if you aren't successful, remember that you are already a safer and quicker rider having got thus far, many don't even bother to learn advanced techniques! Enjoy the ride and good luck. Let us know how it goes.
I enjoyed my day on Bikesafe. A neighbor of mine is a retired police bike and car instructor and despite him being a bit of a fascist, I respect his opinion immensely when it comes to roadcraft, but he hates Bikesafe. Why? Because, he says it attracts mainly skilled and experienced riders who, yes, will take away one or two tips on improving their technique, but it was designed for youngsters, new to bikes, who although had passed their test, were limited in their experience. Personally. I disagree with him. I learned much about bad braking habits, I hadn't realised I had, for £35 and the fuel. I'd do another one.
As another RoSPA examiner and former IAM examiner I would agree with everything that Nickw said. In addition to what he said though, don't go out with the plan to try and impress. The more you try the more you will tense up, let the ride flow. Your examiner should try and put you at ease before the test starts, and the fact that you are riding on unfamiliar roads is good as you will be riding based on what you can see rather than what you know, so it becomes a more realistic ride, but remember the examiner is out to enjoy the ride himself, so treat the examiner as another rider, and if you take a wrong turn, don't worry, the test is about your riding not route finding. Biggest tip? Relax...... Remember you have your licence, this is a bonus. Good luck
I've just scrubbed my bike... cleaned the chain (who knew it was bronze coloured!) and topped up the oil... I clean my bike once a fortnight, but have until recently only cleaned the chain every few months as I have a scott oiler... think that was an error. Glad I've cleaned it! Anyone else neglect their chain ever so slightly and brave enough to fess up?! It's almost 6 months old... I replace mine every 5000miles (6 monthly)... is this good/normal/bad?
Whaaaat...... I got 22k out of my last chain and sprockets. Cleaned after every decent ride and then Wurth dry chain lube..... Anyway, don't forget to explain your pre ride checks... P etrol O ils and fluids W ater D amage and Drive Chain (need to talk about tight spots, lube and tension) E lectrics R ubber (tread depth and pressures in accordance with manufacturers guidelines - checked cold) Y ourself (making sure you are good to go, think of alcohol, residual alcohol, prescription medicines, nagging wife)
Petrol..yep a light tells me when it's running out Oils....trusting Mr Hondas engineering prowess to make sure they last between services Water, yep plenty in the shower this morning Damage.. My chains are a lesson in how not to look after a chain Electrics...That's the day job in part, sick of them Rubber....felt alright on the way home last night Yourself....always feel sh*te in the mornings so never a good barometer of the day ahead Fair play matey if you do that every day, but I would be sacked for lateness by Friday if I worried about that lot every morning
It's a question that will be asked prior to starting an IAM or RoSPA test. Unfortunately your interpretation of POWDERY may not assist in a test pass. Very well thought up though
