So today I did BikeSafe...

[Fifteen15]

and it was amazing. Had a brilliant day. I arrived at 8:15 and we started at 8:30. The first couple of hours involved a traffic bike cop talking about the very basics i.e. not overtaking on junctions, hazards etc. I've only been riding for 9 months (3000 miles), but because I've been reading this forum pretty much everyday for all of those 9 months and picked up a hell of a lot along the way, what he was saying was just recapping what I already know and what most people already know. Then we had 15 minutes break followed by a short 45 minute presentation by the only motorbike paramedic in the area. This was slightly more interesting as it was all new to me. He basically spoke about DR ABC (Danger, Response, Airways, Breathing, Circulation) which was brought to life by a shit load of (but very interesting) anecdotes.

Anyway, now the fun bit. I was lucky, I had two observers observing me. One was an IAMs observer but had never been on a BikeSafe course and the other was a traffic bike cop. They probably chose me because I was the least experienced. Also I was the youngest there therefore statistically more likely to wrap myself around a fence post. It's worth mentioning, I'm 19, and I was the youngest there by about 10 years.

Onto the ride itself. Before we started the officer asked me what I'm not so good at so we can focus on it/them. Having only 9 months experience I could have been there all day reeling off a list of things I'm not good at. But I chose the thing that has got me in a few hairy situations a few too many times. Cornering. More specifically, positioning into, around, and out of corners. Any off we went round some VERY windy roads. I'm talking NSL + 90 degree bend windy. I was first, and because I didn't know the road, I overgunned it and found myself slamming on the brakes just before I tipped the bike into a 90 degree bend. It was a bit hairy, but typical of how I misread corners. We then pulled over and the cop explained in detail how observation, positioning, gearing and vanishing points all contribute to being able to read a bend. So about 2 hours of practice and a few stops and more useful pointers along the way, we came back to the same road. I didn't know it was the same road as before so I went along at the same speed oblivious to the 90 degree bend that was coming my way (which has taken many lives apparently). As I came up to it, because I'd been practicing all these techniques, observation, positioning and gearing in particular, I flew around it at a fast but safe pace no problems. I was buzzin!

We got back, and my riding had improved tenfold. The cop filled out a sheet and marked me from A-D on where he thought I was at. The list had stuff like cornering, position, acceleration, attitude etc. I was given a B and C for most of them, but before the ride I would have been given a D on most of them. He also said I had something that 9 out of 10 lads my age don't have, and that's the right attitude. I don't think they get many young people in these kind of courses.

On a side note, we did have to keep to the limits. I've read a few people saying (albeit a few years ago) that they were allowed over the speed limit, but not here. I reckon they changed the policy on that a while ago. Also the bike cop I was with was brilliant. I have nothing against the police but it's nice to get to know the person behind the uniform. I have an IAM's taster day tomorrow that was part of the £35 BikeSafe course. It's just this one off weekend though and never been done before, and if it's anything like BikeSafe, it's going to be awesome.

The reason I've stuck this in New Bikers section and not General Chat is because I am a new biker, and most people here are, and if you are in the same position as me and still want to get better/safer/faster, then I can completely recommend BikeSafe
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"Pain is weakness leaving the body, and blood makes the grass grow faster...but I'll wear my gear anyway"

[Daytona Paul]

Good to hear you enjoyed Bikesafe

Where did you do it? £35 is pretty cheap!
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www.angliaroadtraining.com
CBT FROM ONLY £85
Back to Biking Refresher Day £99! Book with a friend and get 20% Discount!

[tbourner]

I'm thinking I'm going to do this once I've passed as well.
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Trev, now a biker?
Looking for first big bike.

[Fifteen15]

[Zombeh]

Cracking accouint Fifteen, cheers.

I have just passed my test, and would very much like to go on one of these. Currently I'm on a 125 but looking for something bigger - would it be alright to do a BS course on a 125 if I don't find a new bike between now and then, or do you think I should wait til I'm on something bigger?

[Fifteen15]

[trikeschick]

Good to hear you enjoyed the experience. I am signed up to do this with Central Scotland Police. It only cost £10 and that was for a booking fee. There is one classroom session on 2 july then an onroad session on 29 July.

I have had some less enjoyable rideouts with more experienced riders. I don't go over the speed limit out of choice whether driving or riding. I ride my bike for enjoyment and speed isn't part of that nowadays - I was a tad cocerned at some of the bravado around getting to speed on the bikesafe course so you have reassured me. I only passed my bike test last year but have been riding on and off for nearly 30 years, including trikes. I have plenty confidence but just can't be doing with the stupidity os ome of my fellw biker 'mates'
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"Light travels faster than the speed of sound, which is why some people appear bright until they speak"

[Nell]

Thanks for this 15. I will definitely be looking in to courses in my area.