Happy New Year to all my biking chums.  I hope you still managed to get out and about a bit between the showers, or should I say downpours, over the Christmas break.

I want to say a big THANK YOU to all those who supported the Teddy Bear Run to the Heath Hospital just before Christmas.  Over 400 Teddies and Cuddly Toys were delivered.  Thanks and Well Done to you all for that.

Here is news of the next ride out.  Sunday the 15th of January.  Meeting at Caerphilly Mountain Snack Bar – The Mountain Monster on the A469 on the top of Caerphilly Mountain.

Meeting at 9am for a 9.30am departure.

We will be aiming for the Bleddfa Forest area and then Knighton for a lunch stop.

We did a run up there recently and were hoping to stop in the Hundred House Inn (Pictured here) but despite having had an email to tell me they were open again for business we found it closed when we got there.  So we will try again, but if not the Horse & Jockey Pub in Knighton has always been very welcoming.  ( an idea of numbers in advance might be useful so I can let them know we are coming if there is going to be a gang- if you could let me know).

Knighton is a quaint little Border Town, where half the town is in Wales and half the town is in England.  Also the ancient Offas Dyke runs through the land nearby.

We’ve had a busy year with the training side of things and I will soon be publishing a calendar of events for this year.  I’ll let you have dates of future Ride Outs, Advanced Courses, and Euro Trips etc.

I’ve now got an excellent team of instructors who are all either Serving or retired Bike Cops or Highly Qualified RoSPA Diploma Holders and Advanced Tutors so all your training and riding needs can be catered for.  Hopefully you be able to meet some of them at these events through the year.

We are looking forward to a busy 2012 as the Bike Licence Laws are due to change in 2013.  We are looking to be putting more emphasis on our Advanced Training and Euro Tours over the next 12 months.

Incidentally 2013 will be our 10th Birthday.  It was in 2003 that I set up 1st Class Rider Training, originally working on my own after working for a few other schools in the area so 2013 will be an important one for us.

So keep an eye out for our Blog Posts throughout 2012.  You can also follow us on Facebook. Just click the link on the right to log straight in.

So I hope to see you on the 15th.  If you haven’t been with us before, then you will be very welcome.  If you haven’t been for a while then please come along and say ‘Hello’ again.

Join us and get your free copy of ‘Motorcycle Monthly’ and your copy of  the latest bike glossy ‘Gear Up’ mag.

It’s all good stuff.  1st Class in fact…

Come on……. you know you want to……….

I just want to give you an up date about the North Wales Trip that was advertised on the last Blog Post.  Due to unforseen circumstances we have to change the date for the trip.  I apologise to those who have already put your name down for the trip.

It is now proposed to run the trip on the weekend of the Friday the 7th of October – Sunday the 9th. ( I promise it will be Sunny that weekend…….. I had my fingers crossed when I typed that…)

I hope those that are on the list are still able to come, and hopefully these dates may also allow others time to get their names added.  The trip is limited to 10 bikes and there were a few spaces left.

We are still very busy with the learner training and we are also planing more of the one day topic courses.  Courses to come will be, Overtaking and for those who have just passed a test with us, we will be running ‘Pillion Passenger’ 1 day courses, to name just two.

With regards to the planned Four Day Advanced Course, it may be necessary to re-schedule the start date.  This is due to juggling the duties of my instructors.  I am very pleased to welcome back Jeff Johnson who has trained with us for quite some time but has been busy with the Bikesafe Scheme.

Jeff is a fellow RoSPA Examiner for the Advanced Motorcycle Test and he will be doing CBT, Direct Access and Advanced Training for us.  Jeff is still a serving Traffic Cop so is well able to help you get the best from your bike, before it gets the better of you. He will also be examining the candidates from the Advanced Courses that we run.

As soon as his availability is confirmed hopefully we will be able to re-start the Monthly Rideouts and still deal with the high demand for cbt’s.

So please be patient with me for the time being whilst it is more work than play…

If you didn’t before, do it now.  Get your name on the list for the North Wales Trip.

We have set up a page on facebook for other biker news so log on and join us.  Just open facebook and search ’1st Class Rider Training’

Come on……. you know you want to………

I’m really sorry for this, but I have been let down and it is beyond my control.

Anyway… I don’t want to let you down, my loyal biker chums!  So there have been a few changes to the plans to try and fit around our learner training demand.

NORTH WALES TRIP.  It has been decided to postpone the planned French Trip for later this month.  (With the Euro Exchange Rate being so poor it has been decided to stay closer to home).

We are planning a three day/two night run to North Wales on Friday the 30th of September – 2nd of October.  Staying at a very pleasant seaside Hotel at Llandudno, on a Bed & Breakfast basis.

Spaces are limited and we need to finalise the booking quite quickly to avoid disappointment. So if you are interested, please let me know as soon as you can.

The best way to do this is to text me on 07545567273, with your details. Start the text with the word ‘TRIP’.   The total cost will be finalised shortly when we get numbers in.

This will be a guided tour,  conducted in the same manner as the Euro Tours so will suit all abilities and bikes. Taking in some of the best biking roads, (and cafes) throughout our glorious Principality.

So please be quick to get your name in.

ADVANCED COURSE. There are still spaces on the next Four Day Advanced Course, leading to the opportunity to take the RoSPA Advanced Test, at the end.  This is a four day course, which is spread over a number of weeks to suit you.

The last course we ran resulted in the award of 3 Gold Grades, 3 Silver and 2 Bronze.

For reviews of the course, and to find out what previous students think of us, please search ’1st Class Rider Training’ in Google.

This will bring up our business listing pages, where you can click on ‘Reviews’.

This course is set to the highest level, and a Gold RoSPA Grade is deemed to be the highest Civilian grade available.

So get your name on the list.  Te reserve your place on the course text me your details.  Start your text with the word ‘ADV’.

Hopefully the normal Monthly Ride Outs will resume shortly and I will keep you posted.  I aim to publish a calendar of ride outs, courses and tours  for next year and it is my intention to give the ride outs greater priority next year.

Thank you all for your support over the years, and thank you for your patience now.

In the mean time you can also follow us on Facebook.  Just become a friend of ’1st Class Rider Training’ on Facebook for regular biking and training up dates.

MAG Demo Flash Mob Ride. 1pm Sunday the 25th of September.  This is a good one.  There is a whole host of legislation being planned by our Euro Governors in Brussels and some strange laws intended against bikers in France, which could well be heading our way in the future.

The intention to show our dislike of this Euro Interference is to partake in a Flash Mob Style Demo Ride.  Meeting at various Motorway Service Stations approx 12.30 on the 25th, for a prompt National move off along the Motorway at a steady 40- 50 mph, just for about 15 – 20 mins, for a quick impact, disruption and ‘show of force’ along the motorway network.

This is a national event with many starting points being arranged.  Coryton Asda is one and Cardiff West Services (top of Ely Link Road) is another. The Mag Website is continually updating the start point list so check them out for full details.  It’s got to be worth taking part.

If you are not yet a MAG Member then please join.  I can supply you with an application form.  They are fighting for your rights to ride, and that must be worth £25 a year for your membership.

Jackets & Gloves. We are still selling CE approved, waterproof jackets with 2 styles being available at just £85 each  and 2 styles of gloves at just £25 per pair.  Enjoy a discount and buy a jacket and a pair of gloves together for just £100.

Motorcycle Monthly & Gear Up Magazine.  We are now distributors for Gear Up magazine.  A new quarterly glossy in a handy A5 size and we continue to distribute Motorcycle Monthly  newspaper.  Both are available from me and both are completely free.

Come on…..you know you want to……

In this blog: July Ride Out.  For Sale Jackets & Gloves. The Next French Trip, Next Advanced Course. Plus details of a series of one day specific topic training days, the first one is a Cornering Day.

Ride Out. This weekend was intended to be set aside for a ride out to Aberdare Park Motorcycle Road Races but unfortunately I have to work again to cover the exceptional demand that we are experiencing at the moment for CBT courses. If you are attending Aberdare Park be sure to take your breakfast at The Hot Pot Cafe is in a side street just off the main road by the park, opposite the end of the start straight.

So the July Ride Out will be Sunday the 17th. This will be up towards Barmouth, replacing the Ride Out that was cut short in June.

Meeting at MacDonald’s – Golden Arches Restaurant – at Coryton Interchange, junction 32 of the M4 for a 9.45am departure.  Please arrive in time to allow for the pre-ride briefing, and wherever possible please arrive with a full tank of fuel.

1st Class Rider Training – Jackets and Gloves.  Pictured here is just one of two styles of jacket that we are now selling.  We are able to offer for sale a Cordura, waterproof motorcycle jacket.  With CE approved armour in the elbows and shoulders.  This quality jacket comes with a removable thermo lining and and foam back, upgradable comfort pad.  Many zipped and velcro pockets, adjustable arm and wrists and an elasticated waist.  These jackets are brand new, bagged and tagged and are a snip at only £85.  We have two styles, the one pictured here and another plain black with reflective piping.

We also have for sale two styles of motorcycle glove.  1 Waterproof in super soft cowhide, with extra reinforced fingers (no, not ‘extra’ fingers!!).  The other is a mix of textile and leather, a thicker glove, also waterproof.  The gloves are just £25.  But if you buy a jacket and gloves then you only pay £100. All items are available to view at our Cardiff based training site – please ring for an appointment before attending.

French Trip. Rouen. 16th – 18th September 2011.

This will be a re-run of the trip to the Ancient City of Rouen on the banks of the River Seine, and a scenic ride from Normandy. The dates for the trip are from Friday the 16th – Sunday the 18th of September. For full details see our previous blog or visit www.1stclassridertours.co.uk   I should have my bike back by then after being reversed over last month.

The cost is £360 which includes return ferry crossing from Dover to Calais, three days with two nights shared hotel accommodation overlooking the river, on a bed & breakfast basis. The hotel is close to the Medieval City Centre which was the scene of Joan of Arc’s martyrdom.

Don’t forget, if you have traveled with us before, or passed your bike test with us this year then you get a 10% discount off the cost.  You can’t not come can you?

Please call or text me on 07545567273 to reserve your place.  I will need your bike registration number in order to finalise the ferry booking.

Advanced Course. Commencing 1st & 2nd of October 2011.

The next Four Day Advanced Course is due to commence on Saturday & Sunday the 1st and 2nd of October. This is a four day course spread over a number of weeks to suit your other commitments. The first two days are theory based, and the teaching is based on the Police System of Motorcycle Control – Roadcraft.

The course gives the opportunity to take the RoSPA Advanced Motorcycle Test at the end.  The cost of the course is £550 and for those wishing to take the RoSPA test an additional fee(currently £54) is payable which also covers your membership to RoSPA.

To reserve your place on the course please call or text me on 07545567273.

Cornering Course. Thursday 11th of August.  or Friday 19th of August.

The first of our one day, single topic training days will be based on Cornering. Getting a bike around a bend has nothing to do with the amount of bottle you’ve got.  It is purely and simply down to understanding what the bike is doing underneath you when we put it into a bend.  Starting in the class room to discuss the theory of cornering. We will show you how to read a bend and to identify and analyse the limit point.  If you have ever found you experience a drifting or wallowing effect in the middle of a bend we will show you how to combat and prevent this.  We can explain the effects of the cornering forces.  Then out on the road to view specific bends and put the theory into practice.  Once perfected, we will visit The A44 Forest Bends to visit a notorious bend that was given the nick name by one of my students, ‘Grim Reaper Bend’. The scene of many motorcycle crashes, and you will get the chance to ride it under our expert supervision.

This is a full one day course so you can attend on either of the above dates.  The cost is just £110 – that’s less than the cost of a cbt.  With left hand bends being one of the biggest killers of bikers in the UK this course is a must. To reserve your place give me a call.

Facebook.

And finally, you can follow us on Facebook.  Simply search ‘Andy Smith’ or ’1st Class Rider Training’.  If you are not a Facebooker don’t worry as this is the main news place to keep up dated.

So I hope there is something of interest for you here.

All you have to do now is come along and join us………come on you know you want to….

Here is a quick up date about the next ride out, the next advanced course, the next Euro trip and the next bike for sale and a few more bits and pieces which may interest you. (Or may not…but here they are anyway).

In this Blog.

Euro Trips

Bike For Sale

BMW New Bike Launch

Advanced Bike Course

Ride Out This Weekend and Wooton Basset.

Amsterdam and then next Rouen.

We all survived the trip to Amsterdam and I am sure that there are a few stories to be told by all those who went.  What an experience it was. Apparently the ‘Red Light District Window Girls’ would tap the window as you passed to entice you in to check out their wares.  The only one to tap the window for me was the waitress in the Pancake Shop!  She knew when she had an easy sale in her sights.

Rouen; So if you missed the Amsterdam trip then get ready for the next one.  We are off to the Medieval Town of Rouen in Northern France. Towards the end of June (date to be finalised) we will be taking a leisurely jaunt through the French Countryside to the historic town where Joan of Arc was burnt at the stake.  Our chosen hotel over looks the River Seine and gives us easy access to the Normandy Beaches area.  For those interested in Military History, we will visit the Cafe at Pegasus Bridge which was the first place to be liberated in the D Day offensive.  For those who are not interested in Military History we will be visiting a cafe, by a bridge, by a river, in France!  And an Ice Cream on the beach. Bloody Lovely!

It’s well worth the trip.

Bike For Sale.

My Old BMW is up for sale again.  Tony, the gent who bought it is going to live in France and won’t be taking it with him.  So he has asked me to do the honours and see if I can sell it for him.  He is asking £1650 for it.  S Reg BMW R1100RT.  See the picture on the left and more pictures will be posted  on the News Page on my main website. If you are interested I can pass you his contact details and he will be happy to show you around it.  It’s a lovely bike.  The ultimate tourer and it’s the engine that BMW never had any problems with.  81,000 miles.  He hasn’t ridden it much since he bought it with the snow and all before Christmas but now his move to France has caught him up and it won’t be going with him.  (I was hoping to go an visit it from time to time!). Give me a call if you are interested.  07545567273.

BMW New Bike Launch.

Saturday the 19th of  March see the launch of BMW’s new season range.  Riders of Cardiff and BMW dealerships across the country such as Ocean BMW in Plymouth are holding a launch event (I was going to go until I realised it said ‘launch’ and not ‘lunch’).  So go along and have a look at the new K1600  Six Cylinder Super Tourer, the updated R1200 R Roadster and for a bit of a dirty weekend the 650GS Enduro.  Riders of Cardiff are at Hadfield Road just along from Cardiff City Stadium.

Four Day Advanced Motorcycle Course.

At last, the long awaited 1st Class Rider, Four Day Advanced Motorcycle Course is taking place next Month.  Saturday the 9th of April sees the start of the course.  It is four days with the practical sessions spread over a period of weeks to suit you.  The course is all based on the Police System of Motorcycle Control – Roadcraft, and each candidate will be given the opportunity to take the RoSPA Advanced Motorcycle test at the end.  In all our previous courses 1st Class Rider Training has a 100% pass rate in the RoSPA test, with many riders achieving the highest GOLD Award.

The course is set to do the classroom based theory as a group and then split into pairs  (2:1 with the Instructor)  for the Practical Road Ride Sessions.  This course is amazing value at only £500 (that’s only £125 per day – you could pay that for a cbt) an additional charge will be made for the RoSPA test fee and membership for those wishing to take the test at the end.

The course will be based in Cardiff (the venue is just being finalised as they’ve had builders in and I want to make sure that they have finished – painting and decorating is not part of this course).

I already have some names on my list for this course but there are still vacancies.  This course is suited for experienced riders and recently qualified riders alike and it will show you how to get the best out of your bike, before it gets the better of you. Using some of the best and most challenging  biking roads that Wales has to offer you may cover 150 -200 miles during the road riding days.  Previous students who have done the course have found it particularly useful in topics such as cornering and overtaking, some of the areas where many bikers come to grief.

This is an opportunity not to be missed.  And here is a challenge for any rider who thinks they may not need any training (I know you’re out there) – Come and do the course and if you don’t learn anything… I’ll give you your money back.  Give me a call on 07545567273 to book your place.

Ride Outs !

I know there has been a bit of a break (literally – my wife broke her wrist – which has curtailed my riding a bit recently) but now the Ride Outs are up and running again.

Sunday the 20th.

Dave Payne – a regular on our rides is offering a short notice impromptu ride out this Sunday.  The forcast is good and this Sunday Dave will be at the Golden Arches Restaurant (MacDonald’s !) at Coryton Interchange, junction 32 of the M4 at 9.30am for a 10 am departure.  He is heading North for some mountains so if anyone wants to join him please turn up and grab a quick coffee with him and enjoy the ride.

Royal Wooton Bassett

The next Monthly Ride Out will be Sunday the 3rd of April (Mother’s Day). This is for the Afghan Heroes Ride to Royal Wooton Bassett.  You must pre-regsiter your attendance at the Afghan Heroes Web Site.  Last year was an enormous event and you will get to ride in convoy through the town that is now synonymous with the repatriation of fallen military heroes from conflicts around the World.

This is one not to be missed.  This will have to be an earlier start so the start point won’t be Hein Gericke (as is normal) but the meeting point will be MacDonald’s Restaurant at Coryton for this one too.  This will be a 9am meet for a 9.30 departure.

Last year over 10,000 bike turned up……It was the longest queue I have ever seen at a Burger Van! But well worth it.

Come and show your support for our Armed Forces.  No politics here.  Whether you think they should be fighting or not is not important, just remember that they are.

So come and show support for extraordinary young men and women doing an extraordinary job.

I hope there is something there of interest for you.  Other items and snippets can be found on the News Pages of my main website.

So come and join us…..Come on…You know you want to……

In this Blog;  Monthly Ride Out,  Bike Maintenance Course,  Amsterdam Trip,  Advanced Riding Course, Afghan Heroes Ride to Wootton Bassett.

Monthly Ride Out.

Firstly, I won’t be able to do a ride out this month.  My Wife had a fall before Christmas and broke her wrist, (Not Snow or Drink related).  As we have a two year old toddler I can’t leave either of them on their own, and I can’t fit them both on the back of the bike for the day, so I won’t be doing a ride out this month.

If anyone was planning having a ride and wouldn’t mind taking along a gang then please let me know through this blog and I’ll spread the word.

Bike Maintenance Course.

We have had a few requests for a basic maintenance course so we are going to run one.  This will  be an evening event, based at a local Garage Workshop. Local to me, but not necessarily to you!

The date is to be fixed but at the moment I am looking for approximate numbers, to see who may be interested.  This will be a three hour session with the opportunity for practical hands on experience, with a quiz, and refreshments.  It will cover basic vehicle safety checks, chain adjustment, brakes and puncture repair techniques etc.  The cost will be £50 and spaces will be limited so get your name on the list.

(Robin, this is why I didn’t answer your tyre question as I was hoping to run this before Christmas, so I hope your wheel hasn’t fallen off!).

Amsterdam March 11th, 12th, 13th.  Pre-Trip Meeting.

Pre-Trip Meeting.  Saturday the 19th February. 11am at The Travellers Rest, Caerphilly Mountain.

This will be a meeting for those who have booked to go on the trip, and also for those who may have expressed an interest but not yet made a firm booking.  At the meeting I will issue maps and ferry booking details and answer any questions you may have.

So if you are still undecided come along, meet the group and get your name on the list. We still have a few places left so don’t miss out.  Give a call to ensure you get a space on the trip.  Just a few spaces left.  (For those of you who may have enquired about the trip…if you haven’t given me your bike registration details then you are not booked on the list so please don’t miss out).

For details of the trip see the previous blog posts.

Advanced Riding Course.  9th April.

This is it!.  This is the (long awaited) four day Advanced Riding Course.  Commencing Saturday April 9th.

Just £500.  That’s only £125 per day – You can pay £125 for a CBT so this is amazing value.

Four days spread over a number of weeks to suit each individual.  This course is based on the ‘Police System of Motorcycle Control – Roadcraft’ and gives the candidate the opportunity to take the RoSPA Advanced Motorcycle Test at the end of the course, (although you don’t have to).  This may suit those who have expressed an interest in becoming a RoSPA Observer within the Advanced Motorcycle Group.  In order to become an observer you must first achieve the RoSPA Gold Standard.  This is certainly achievable on this course, though this is dependant on your performance on the final test ride. But this course has something to offer everyone.

It will show you how to get the best out of your bike……before it gets the better of you.

The course consists of classroom based theory followed by a period of self practice, and then instructor lead (2:1) on road practical training rides.  Each phase after the classroom can be spread to suit your needs.  On each practical on road session you will cover approximately 150 – 200 miles using some of the most interesting and challenging roads Wales has to offer and you will even the get the chance to visit ‘Grim Reaper Bend’… not to be missed!

The course will cover, cornering and cornering forces, how to analyse the limit point of a bend, how to read the road, observation links, overtaking and much more.  I know some of you have been waiting for some time for a space on the course so don’t miss out.  Get your name on the list.  Spaces are limited and are likely to be snapped up.

Afghan Heroes Wootton Bassett Ride. 3rd April.

If you didn’t do the last one, do this one.  If you did do the last one..do this one as well.

The date has been set for Sunday the 3rd of April and you must pre-register your attendance on the Afghan Heroes Web Site.  You must pick a time slot for your arrival.  I’m going to arrange a ride out to the event and last time I looked the last hourly slot of the morning is probably the best time to suit.

This was an immense event last year, and very emotive riding through the town, being applauded by the families of fallen heroes.  Them showing their appreciation for us!  This ride is a way that you can show your respect and appreciation for them.  There is no politics in this.  Whether you agree with the fight that they are involved in or not is not the issue.  The issue is to show respect for those who have fallen or been injured in battle and give support to their proud families who will make you feel very humble indeed as you ride past.

This is a must do event.  What better excuse to get your bike out!

So I hope there is something there of interest to you…if not let me know and I’ll see what I can come up with!

So get your name on a list,  get your name on all the lists.

Come on…..you know you want to!

1st Class Rider Training-Cardiff have donated two prizes for the auction which are currently waiting for bids on the Real Radio (Wales) web site.

One prize is for a CBT (Compulsory Basic Training – worth £125).  The prize includes the use of a Yamaha YBR 125cc bike, and the loan of a helmet, jacket, gloves and waterproofs for the duration of the training.

The other prize on offer is a full day of Advanced Training with a Police Class 1 Motorcyclist, (worth £180).  This would normally be carried out with you using your own bike but we can provide the use of a Honda CBF 600cc if preferred.

Both great prizes worth placing a bid for such a worthy cause.  Visit www.realradiowales.co.uk for details.

There are just a few days left to run on this, so place your bids, grab a bargain day out,  and support this worthy cause.

Next Ride Out – Thruxton Circuit.

Just a reminder that the April Ride Out is this Sunday.  An earlier start with an 8am departure from MacDonald’s at junction 32 of the M4, Coryton Interchange.

We will be using the ’2nd Man Drop Off System’ that has served us so well in the past (except last month when I ran out of ‘drop offs !!) So by way of a reminder as to how it works I have put an explanation at the foot of this Blog Post….. but just in case… here is a brief outline of the proposed route for Sunday.

Turn left out of MacDonald’s car park!!!  Okay, okay… we can get that bit right.

M4 Eastbound to junction 18 – Signposted Bath.

A46 towards Bath and then the A4

A4 to Box

A365 towards Melksham

A365 – A361 towards Devizes

A342 towards Andover

A338 towards North Tidworth

A303 towards Andover

To Thruxton off the Dual Carriageway. Into Car Park…join queue at the Burger Van.

Website News Blog

For some time I have been running a News & Views Blog page on my main website.  There are over 60 posts there already covering a whole range of bike related topics.  As this Ride Out Blog generates an automatic email to your inbox, I didn’t want to inundate you every time there was something to write about so I’ve been up dating the website news blog instead.

So if you visit the website and click on the ‘News’ link in the list on the left you might just find something of interest.

I’ll be posting an index listing on there so you can browse at your leisure.

Hein Gericke Sale Now On.

A big thank you to Stefan and James at the Cardiff Hein Gericke store for the tea and Bacon Toasties they did for us at the start of the Wootton Bassett Ride Out last month.  Cheers Chums, enjoy your lie in this Sunday as we won’t disturb you for the early start for Thruxton.

But you should still go and visit them during their normal opening hours as they are having a Sale.  Running from the 16th of April until the 3rd of May they will give you a massive 20% off, (and you might also get a cup of tea whilst you are there). So grab yourself a bargain. First Class kit, worn by 1st Class Riders.

The Drop Off System.

Here goes….  At the start of the ride we will nominate a lead rider (usually me) and we will nominate and identify a tail end rider (usually someone else!).

The way the ride operates is that the positions of the lead and tail end bike never change, so you shouldn’t overtake the lead and you shouldn’t need to drop behind the tail ender.

If the route we are travelling takes us straight ahead we simply follow the road ahead, without turning off.  If we need to turn left or right I wil indicate to the rider behind me to pull in somewhere safe, but also visible to the rest of the following group.  This ‘drop off’ rider will point the way for the rest of the group, to turn either left or right accordingly.

It is important that the ‘drop off’ rider remains in position until the tail end bike arrives and the tail ender will allow the drop off to pull out in front of him and re-join the group.  If we are passing through a town with several sets of traffic lights or on longer, faster stretches of road it may be some time before the tail ender arrives if the group gets spread out, but it is important that you wait, as if you leave your junction before the tail ender comes along then the group will break up as the followers will continue straight ahead past the junction where they should have turned.  (This is what happened last month – someone left their junction too early and the remaining riders didn’t have any direction to follow.)

When it works, it works well, as you don’t need to keep the bike in front in view, or put yourself under pressure to play ‘catch up’ as you know that there will be someone waiting ahead to show you the way.

This system allows for easy travel even in areas which are new to us, as you simply follow the route taken by the leader and should all end up at the tea stop or eventual destination together.

Easy…go straight on unless someone tells you otherwise.  If you are the one showing the turn off point, wait until tail ender indicates for you to move on.

We’ll try it again this Sunday!

So come on and join us……come on, you know you want to.

The Somme.

The first weekend in September.  There are just 2 spaces left for this trip.  Hurry if you want one of them.

July Ride Out.

Sunday the 19th of July. (Yes…it’s a Sunday)  Meeting at MacDonald’s at Coryton Interchange, junction 32 M4.  Don’t pretend you don’t know where it is!  Meeting for a 9.30am departure, to;

Aberdare Park Motorcycle Races. This is a weekend event and if you haven’t been…go! Racing starts at 12 noon on Sunday (to allow people to go to Church….or to have a scenic ride around before visiting the Hot Pot Cafe for a pre race breakfast).  If you join me you might be lucky enough to have a £1 off your entry fee. The first lucky few, before I run out pf vouchers. They race around the Park at ridiculous speeds and you get to stand so close to the action you can smell the sweat as they go past! (Or am I just standing too close to the Burger Van).  This is a must see event.  So join us.

Slow Manouevering & Emergency Braking Day.

I am running another one of these popular courses. For just £60 you can learn to….well um…Ride Slow and Brake Fast!  The date of this is Sunday the 12th of July.  So, if you want to gain an insight into the sort of training that I had to undergo before being let loose on a patrol bike book yourself a place.

I don’t run many of these through the year but those who have been before said they were of great value…and What?? I’m only charging 60 quid.  Now that is great value. Come and have a go at some of the manoeuvres included in the new motorcycle test.  Would you pass???

I will be limiting this to 10 riders so be quick!  Let me know if you want a place.

Four Day Advanced Motorcycle Course.  Leading to the RoSPA Advanced Test.

This is it.  The long awaited (by some) Four Day Advanced Motorcycle Course.  This is a four day course spread over a number of weeks.  It contains a classroom based, theory element, followed by periods of self practice before on road instruction, with an option to undergo the RoSPA test at the end of the course.  All the training is based on the Police System of Motorcycle Control and is run by RoSPA Examiners & Diploma Holders.

I don’t run many of these through the year so don’t miss your chance for this one.  The cost of the four day course is only £500.  That is only £125 per day.  What?  We charge £125 for a CBT!!

You’d better book your place before I realise my mistake and charge the proper price for this.

The course start date has been set as Saturday the 15th of August, with day 2 the following Saturday the 22nd of August.  Later course dates will be arranged to suit the course participants and will be mutually agreed.

Children’s Hospice Appeal.

David Gough, who joins us for the Ride Outs, from Bristol has asked for my help in publicising his intentions to run a Half Marathon in aid of a local Children’s Hospice.

For a full article on this, written by David please visit my main website and click on the ‘Blog & News’ link in the sidebar on the left of the main page.

If anyone wishes to support him he would greatly appreciate it.  He is doing this after recovering from a motorcycle crash and the article from David tells of his ordeal, so will realise how much of an achievement this would be.

That’s it for now!

So I hope there is something there of interest for you.  A lot happening so plenty of excuses to get out on your bike.

Come on….you know you want to!

It was well attended with about 18 bikes leaving the Riders Staff Behind to set off into the glorious Sunshine along the Wye Valley.

The Ducati section of the showroom on the first floor is all but finished, but my only criticism is that you have to walk around the bikes to get to the cafe!  Come on Kevin, leave us hungry folk a clear path to the food.

Kevin has invited ’1st Class Rider Training’ to set up a notice board at the shop to keep ‘non internet’ customers informed of events, training, ride outs etc, so watch out for that. In the future it is hoped we will use it for a base or starting point for our Advanced (and Back to Biking )Bike Courses

Thanks also to the Ride Out gang for your generosity again.  You made donations towards the NSPCC totalling £50.  This follows on from the donations of £45 from last months ride out.  This money has been passed on and will be put to good use by the NSPCC, who need urgent funding to keep the ‘Childline’ service running.

Thanks again.

FRANCE is Calling.

Last week the French Authorities let us in and more importantly let us back out again (just- with split second timing at the Ferry Port).  The War Graves Tour was a very moving experience (and a fast moving experience too at times).  Some fantastic roads, excellent company and some amazing sites to visit.

I’ve added some photos and they can be viewed by clicking on the ‘photo stream’ at the top right of this blog page.

The next trip across the Chanel is in early June to Normandy for the 65th Anniversary of the D Day landings.  There are still a few spaces left so just check out the blog a few pages ago for details.  Please let me know as soon as possible if you wish to be added to the list.  There is a lot going on over there on that weekend.  so join us for a bit of riding, a bit of looking , a bit of eating and a bit more riding.

Accommodation is getting hard to find so if you want to join us please book a room with me soon.

Also watch out for another trip ‘abroad’ for August.

Dates for the next Advanced Course and the Slow Maneuvering & Emergency Braking Day will be published soon.

AIR ‘BAG’ JACKETS.

Since I published the blog post on the subject a few weeks ago.  I must admit it was a bit tongue in cheek I guess but I’ve since received a comment (posted under the Air Jacket blog page) which is well worth reading. I don’t know who posted it as it was only signed with an email address but I must say well done to you, and thanks for letting us know.

WHAT ELSE

Dates for the next Advanced Course and the Slow Maneuvering & Emergency Braking Day will be published soon.

NEW BIKE TEST.

It’s in!  Effective from Monday the 27th of April.  It seems not DSA U Turn this time.  What a mess it is too.

NEW TRAINING SITE FOR 1st CLASS.

Currently we use the Cardiff County Council Road Safety Centre at North Road.  (Most people know it as they did Cycle Proficiency there as a kid…or they use to sneak into The Plaza Cinema, which was next door – but long since gone)

But the Road Safety Centre is moving, and we are going with them.  Shortly a new Road Safety Centre will be opened at Maindy Stadium. The building is under construction and the Training Area and Mock Road System has been laid inside the Cycle Track.  The date is to be confirmed but is expected to be early June. Exciting Times.

Also we are still in talks with Martin at RealWorld Motorcycles at Aberdare with a view to starting CBT, Direct Access and Advanced Training from his Showroom in the Aberdare Valley.

Also some staff changes.  I have taken on a few new instructors recently and welcome on board to Steve and Jeff (both serving traffic cops) and to Simon who has over 18years of Direct Access Training and was running his own training school when the CBT/DAS schemes were introduced.

Sadly we has lost one of our long term instructors who has decided to move on and I wish him all the best.  I give a great big ‘thank you’ to him and his wife for the tireless support that they have given.

So with changes to the test, changes to the test booking system, changes to our home location and staff changes 1st Class Rider is ready to face these challenges and whatever else the Double Standards Agency has to throw at us.

Big Changes, Lots Going On.  Join us.

‘Better to have a Bad Day on the Bike….than a Good Day at The Office’.

Come on, you know you want to.

Cheers for now.

Long awaited the New BMW dealership has opened in Cardiff. RIDERS has opened on Sloper Road, Cardiff and they have a Cafe! So no more ‘Golden Arches’ which has been our temporary home since Rydale BMW closed it’s doors to hungry bikers.

So we have been invited to meet up for our monthly rideouts amongst the glitz of the new bikes rather than the bits of the old bites.

Meeting for a 9.30 ish departure and aiming for the Wye Valley, Tintern Abbey, Monmouth and the Forest of Dean.

Spring is here, Riders is here. So why not say, ‘I was there too’.

Come on you know you want to.

At the moment Riders will not be open on a Sunday so please let me know what you think of a Saturday Ride Out. (They always used to be until I was asked to change to a Sunday….and then the person who asked never came along!!)

**Also coming soon, Details of our next Slow Maneuvering & Emergency Braking Day and our Next Advanced Course. So keep a look out for future posts with dates for these.

** The April French War Graves Trip is full  and we go next week, but there are still some places left for the June D Day Anniversary trip. (see previous Blog Posts for details).

See you at Riders.

(With another recruitment in the pipeline the number of RoSPA Examiners will rise to 3.)

I am often asked what is involved and what makes the difference between a Gold, Silver or a Bronze grade.

We run Advanced Courses which allow the participants to undergo the RoSPA test at the end of the course, and their test fee also includes the membership to RoSPA.

But What is the RoSPA Grading.  My earlier post gives information on the different Police Grades (Class 1 being the highest available) but not everyone needs to join ‘the job’ and wear a funny hat before they can have their riding achievements recognised.

RoSPA (The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents) has it’s origins in the early fifties and was set up to halt the rise in Road Casualties.  It has grown since those early days and now gives advice, guidance and training to prevent accidents of all kinds.  Household, Workplace and of course the Road.

The motorcycle test has 3 grades.  (Three ‘Pass’ Grades that is- The Test Can also be ‘Failed’)

Gold

Silver

and Bronze.

So what does each one mean.  I will look at how the test is run and what is expected of the candidate in a later post but will concentrate here on the Grades and how they are achieved.

What follows is taken from the RoSPA ‘Guidance for Candidates & Training Officers’.

BRONZE

This Grade will be awarded to riders whose performance is significantly above the standard required to pass the ‘L’ Riding Test.

These Riders will also show a knowledge of Motorcycle Roadcraft ……….. The Ride should be entirely safe, observing traffic signs, responding correctly to hazards and should display advanced riding techniques.

SILVER

This Grade will be awarded to riders who are well above the average.  These riders will produce consistently safe and systematic rides but perhaps without the final polish, flair and smoothness of the Gold Riders.  They will demonstrate a thorough knowledge of the ‘System of Motorcycle Control’. Candidates must be able to ride up to the permitted speed limit where it is safe to do so but vary speed according to circumstances and conditions. It must be emphasised that SILVER is an extremely high grade and is a commendable achievement.

GOLD

This Grade is recognised as the highest riding award available to the Public.

It will be awarded only to the polished systematic rider, who displays a complete understanding and appropriate application of the principles outlined in Motorcycle Roadcraft’. The candidate will display a confidence and ability throughout the whole test which leads the examiner to consider that, if afforded the opportunity, the candidate could achieve a Police Grade without further tuition.  The candidate’s performance must be consistent throughout the whole of the test and so any lapses may result in a lower grade.

Awards of this grade will therefore be reserved for the very best riders.

********************

Of Course there are other tests and schemes in the market but you can see that nothing else comes close to helping you raise your riding ability to the highest level like the RoSPA Scheme.  I agree that any form of further training has value but the RoSPA scheme is way ahead of the game.

The DSA are striving to implement a Register of Post Test Trainers, open to anyone who ‘thinks they can ride a bit’ so you may find yourself being taught by a Butcher, a Baker or a Candlestick Maker.  Now nothing against any of these fine professions but they may not be ‘professional riders’ with the depth of experience and training background to warrant you spending your hard earned.

One thing for sure;  ‘Thinking you’re good is one thing….but knowing your good is even better.