Advanced Riding Courses?

[nasty]

I'm planning on doing an advanced riding course to improve my all round riding - cornering, safety, filtering etc

I live in the North East and was planning on booking up with a RoSPA accredited instructor from Newcastle Rider Training, they offer 1:1 training for 1 day or 2 days at a substantial cost (I would think it will be well worth it though).

I then saw that there is a RoSPA approved local club that I could join - North East RoADAR - pay a small membership fee and you can get tution from RoSPA accredited riders for free but only maybe an hour or two at a time due to the demand.

So, has anyone else experienced either of these avenues etc etc? Any advice appreciated?
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ZX6R F3

[kate t]

After I came off last summer (nowt spectacular) My bike Instructor (who I have kept in contact with) offered me the chance to ride out with him while he was taking a client on a 'back to biking' day. You learn about taking corners, filtering safely etc. and basically just refresh your memory. I was going to tag along for the ride and to build up my confidence. Unfortunately, I didn't go as my chain decided to make a horrible noise and needed replacing. I know this is not the sort of thing you are taking about, but I'd say...do it! It can only help to improve your riding (I'm not saying it needs improving) you've got nothing to loose only new skills to gain

[nasty]

Thanks Kate

My riding does need improving and will always need improving as far as I'm concerned as I'm learning something new every day - The nature of the beast I suppose

I was just wondering whether to go the full 1day, 2 day etc course route or join a local club and get tution in small stages really - is it better to build your skills slowly by joining a club or overload/condense into a short period by doing a course?

Thanks
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ZX6R F3

[daesimps]

I did the IAM test last year and think it was a good idea. Not only did I learn quite a bit, but it's an excuse to get out every weekend. Telling SWMBO that I'm off out to learn to be safer makes it harder for her to find DIY to be done.

I personally think that it's better to do it over more than 2 days. You may find that in 2 days your brain hurts as there's not enough time to master something before you move on to the next topic. If you do it slowly (maybe 1 lesson a week) you can practice just the one new thing for a week in between. That way you've made a solid foundation before moving on, rather than spending 20 mins on some of the fundamental stuff before moving on without quite mastering it.

Definitely expect your riding to get worse before it gets better. When trying to focus on a new topic you'll inevitably cock something else up. Eventually it will become natural and just click, then you'll notice a big improvement.

Also, remember that once you've passed the test (if that's what interests you) you don't have to do everything that was taught. Part of what I consider to be 'advanced' riding is taking the relevant bits and adapting them to suit your style. It's also about knowing why you do something, as opposed to doing it because somebody said that is the correct way. I've found that since I did the IAM test there are some things I don't do as I don't agree with them, but that's my choice and I had all the information I needed to make that choice.

When you've done the training try and avoid a common mistake that occurs post training. Some people think "I've done some advanced training, I'm much better now" and get over confident and make mistakes. Be aware that no matter how much training you do there is always more to learn.

If you do decide to do a short course, I can recommend a guy called Kevin at https://www.survivalskills.co.uk/. He's based down south but goes "on tour" each year and does courses around the country. I spent 2 days with him in the Peak District and thoroughly enjoyed it. You get videos and feedback at the end, with a write-up to take away so you don't forget what was discussed.

This is just my personal opinion and I'm sure others will vary. Apologies for such a long post.

Good luck with whatever you decide.


Dae.
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If it ain't broke, fix it till it is!

[kate t]