I'm always eager to learn and would love to improve my riding skills, even after 45 years. On the track I have loads to learn, to be sure. But on the road, could the IAM contribute anything? Is it likely that some IAM guys would have knowledge, experience or understanding superior to mine? Could they teach me something I don't already know better than them? Why should not I be teaching them?
I'm 50 and decided that either I get myself a high performance bike now or never. Changed my sensible Moto Guzzi for a Diavel. Loving it! I sure hope that 51 isn't too old or i'll have to sell it next year ! :/
If you want to do some advanced training and don't fancy the IAM, I'd recommend Rapid Training (Rapid Training) - not cheap, but they tailor the training to what you're interested in/need. All ex police riders. Did a day with them on overtaking (just to try and build a little confidence), and also a couple of days touring/training in Wales with the other half, in filthy weather. Funnily, what has put me off quite a lot of advanced training (including earlier encounters with IAM and Rospa) has been the emphasis on "making progress", the attitude that every vehicle in front of you is an obstacle to be overcome/overtaken, rather than just relaxing and enjoying the ride.
But I'm quite good at making progress, and I do regard every vehicle in front as an overtaking opportunity; that's what makes riding relaxing and enjoyable, isn't it?
Good point; the IAM guys may well have fallen into bad habits along the way. I don't see why my habits, or yours, should be any worse than theirs.
WTF???? Keep to your scooter MJW. WTF am i going to use rear brake on a round about unless riding a supermotard? And please keep to the outside of me if you planning on frigging about with the rear brake on fast corners................. People who do that use the NHS alot.....................
If you ask car drivers out there most will say they are a good drivers, even the 90 year old with cataracts. We have all fallen into bad habits in the past as riders and drivers. But at the end of the day as motorcyclists we are more at risk and should look to maintain and improve our skills constantly, by whatever means. Slagging off one group really doesn't help and potentially will put off some from even bothering to try. I hear what you are saying with regards to the type of observers you can get in IAM's, but who cares? It's not about personalities, it's about having fun on the bike and staying safe, so you can ride 'till you're 90!
So you think I should take riding advice from a bloke with less experience and a habit of crashing..?
