When I purchased the Bird in March I made a promise to myself. Do some advanced training.
Something I had contemplated several times over the years.
So I did a bit of digging. Bikesafe, IAM, ROSPA e.t.c.
I opted for ROSPA as I thought about doing voluntary work on the blood bikes (weekend working twice a month has probably put the brakes on that).
When the day came for my initial observed ride I was rather anxious. Well, nobody wants to be told they are an absolute dick & shouldn't be on the road right?
Well, let me tell you. It's not like that at all. My instructor (who we'll call Geoff, for that is his name) followed me for some 20 miles, then over coffee suggests where he sees I could do things a bit different, & to follow him for a few miles whilst putting into practice what he has suggested.
Arrangements are made for the next session, where upon Geoff once again passes his wisdom to me as we continue the learning curve.
I can honestly say I really looked forward to my sessions. Geoff took me on some cracking local roads that I didn't know existed.
After 4 sessions we have quite a hefty lay off of 8 weeks. Due to my France trip, then working, his blood bike weekend, e.t..c.
I was rather expecting him to rip me up for ass paper on our next session, fearing some of the bad habits had reared their ugly head.
I was rather surprised when he said he thought I was ready for the mock test.
One more session & he said he was going to inform the club sec that I was ready for my test.
2 weeks later I had my mock test with a different instructor. I had a really good ride until the last 250 metres where upon I failed. I didn't come to a complete stop at a stop sign. I honestly thought I had, but his head cam showed that whilst putting my foot down & slowing right down I did not come to a complete stop for a few seconds. I also cut the mini roundabout 100 meters from the finish (remember Geoff telling me a story about when he was doing his diploma & mini roundabouts, so naturally that popped into my head as I approached it. I realised as soon as I cut it I had dropped a bollock. Oh well!)
Bollocks. Disheartened, a little. But I could blame no one but myself.
Surprisingly, he recommended me as ready for my exam.
So, fast forward to last Saturday & I met with my examiner in the pre arranged place & time.
The test took about an hour of riding Motorway, town & country. Followed by Q & A session on the highway code & motorcycle roadcraft.
I gained a Silver pass, was obviously hoping for a Gold. Apparently it was a near run thing, but a few inconsistencies knocked me back just that little bit.
Disappointed, yes. But I am thinking of re-sitting my test in the spring.
If I'm honest I didn't put enough time in on my own. It's hard working 10 hours a day driving maybe a couple of hundred miles, & having a 12 day stint. Didn't have to work weekends when I first signed up for it. But, I guess I should still have made more effort to get out on my own.
This at the age of 54 and not having done any training since passing my test in '81.
So, my message is if you've wanted to do it but are put off by having someone ripping your riding to pieces. It ain't like that.
I now have a friend whom I can call upon to take me for a spin & keep me in check, heck he even invited me to go with him to europe sometime.
So what's the cost.
To become an associate member I believe is £25 (went up since I joined). Each session with your tutor costs £10 for their fuel & a coffee or tea.
The test fee is £61 this includes full membership to ROSPA ROADAR. Also your examiners fees.
Best money I have spent in years. I am now a safer more competent rider, hopefully the wife will accompany me more on the bike.