IAM-Advanced rider course

Discussion in 'Lounge' started by kirk holmes, Apr 28, 2021.

  1. kirk holmes

    kirk holmes Member

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    I'm booked on this and wondered if anyone else has done it and got any tips?

    I am back to riding after, ahem, a fair few years off so thought it would be wise to improve my skills.

    Got my first observed ride on Sunday. I hope they are gentle and have enough time for the feedback bit :(

    Been reading the Police Motorcycle Roadcraft book and it looks like the IAM book is very similar.
     
  2. Iain

    Iain Active Member

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    I did mine about 25 years ago, best thing, especially after time off the bike, you can do.
    Much will depend on your observer, and clubs can be a bit stuffy, but look beyond that, and try and find other experienced riders on similar bikes and ride with them when you can.

    Make sure you have fun, and enjoy the experience.
     
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  3. Blade runner 1

    Blade runner 1 Elite Member

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    I did a free observed ride with an IAM instructor a few years ago as part of a safety awareness day. I never went on to do the course, but it was very interesting and the instructor was very knowledgable and keen to pass on his knowledge to his students. Turned out he was an ex traffic motorcycle cop who just came across as a fellow biker wanting to share his years of experience.
    I’m fortunate to have a good mate who is an advanced rider and I’ve learned so much from him over the years.
    You’ll definitely come away from the course being a better safer rider.
     
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  4. kirk holmes

    kirk holmes Member

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    I do hope to be safer for it and more confident. I think like you say Iain it all depends on the instructor. I dont work well with officious people so i hope they are down to earth.

    Glad you both found the experience a positive one.
     
  5. Lozzy

    Lozzy God Like

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    @T.C may have some tips
     
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  6. Nigel H

    Nigel H Active Member

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    Did it, then made observer twenty years ago.
    Frankly the first thing I learnt was how 'tunnel vision' I had been.
     
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  7. bradt

    bradt Elite Member

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    Done it some years ago and thoroughly enjoyed it, most important thing learnt and remembered was road positioning .
     
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  8. NS400R

    NS400R Elite Member

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    Did IAM many years ago, then ROSPA a couple of years ago to encourage my son to do it. Well worth it. Manchester IAM were very stuffy BMW types. ROSPA were much better.
     
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  9. Kentblade

    Kentblade God Like

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    Pity about the comments on groups being stuffy. It really does depend on the group.

    I was advised to go there by one of the local traffic cops 25 years ago, think he was of the opinion fining me was not working, went with a cocky attitude that they would teach me nothing and all be flat caps and whippets and Beamers, yep my observer was over 60, but was riding a 900 Blade, he had a fantastic way of putting across what a cock I was on the bike without causing the slightest offence.
    I’ve always credited him with probably keeping me alive on the road on a bike ever since. For me it worked, to the point that I was poacher turned gamekeeper becoming a bike observer, finally went onto be a National Observer in cars until I dropped out 2 years ago.
    Car group was not the same as bike group, and I don’t think I ever really fitted.

    My only advice to anyone is you have to want to be there of your own vocation, then be prepared to admit there is another way, after that it’s all down to the individual how and where and if they want to use the information passed on.
     
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  10. jokeshopbeard

    jokeshopbeard Active Member

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    LOL, kinda makes it sound like the AA 12 step program when you put it like that!

    I'm only kidding BTW; I would love to do this. I've done two of the Bikesafe courses over the years, the latter of which was much more involved although both were very enjoyable and enlightening.

    I also ride occasionally with a friend who's done the IAM course and have picked up some good habits from him too. Being the safest rider/most skilled rider one can be whilst still having a blast is absolutely where it's at IMO.
     
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  11. dern

    dern Well-Known Member

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    Definitely agree with that.

    I completed mine last year and it was the best thing on a bike I've done in terms of improving my safety while giving me more confidence. I ride faster on average now but definitely feel like I'm less likely to be involved in an accident.
     
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  12. Kentblade

    Kentblade God Like

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    LOL Get where your coming from and I didn’t explain it well.

    Over the years, I saw countless people come through the door who became associates as their called, who were coerced their by their partners or their parents. Some were fine and actually took what they could from the advice and techniques we supply, others really didn’t want to be there, and after a number of years of doing it, I got to the stage that if they didn’t want be there on a Sunday morning when I’d dragged myself out of bed and volunteered my time and hopefully useful experience, then they might as well fu*k off and not bother me again. At that point I decided to retire gracefully before I said what I was thinking and caused a stink.
     
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  13. bladey

    bladey Senior Member

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    Yep, Sunday mornings, early up and out. Did IAM's about 12 years ago and it was well worth it. I was told by the Management here that if I didn't she wouldn't visit me in hospital when I came off. But I did it anyway...:D. Still feel I could do with a refresher, especially after a winter lay off but it does instill good habits which last a riding lifetime.
     
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