Travelling by Ferry from Dover to Calais on the morning of Friday the 9th of March and returning on the evening ferry on Sunday the 11th.

Places on this trip will be limited to just 10, and normally they sell out fast!

So don’t miss out.  Secure your place on the trip with me as soon as you can.

The cost is yet to be finalised but will be in the region of £300 – £350.  This will include the return Ferry crossing on the modern P & O fleet and two nights shared hotel accommodation on a Bed & Breakfast basis. You will also get a pre-trip information pack, with maps and advice on riding abroad.  Plus when the final rider list is known we arrange a pre-trip meeting, discussion and question/answer night to clear up any queries you may have and to get to know the other riders in the group

This trip will take in some of the best biking roads and some spectacular scenery all under the guided supervision of our experienced tour leader.

Don’t forget your DISCOUNT.  If you have traveled with us before, or if you passed your test with us then you will get 10% off the final cost of the trip.

Come on….. you know you want to…..

 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……….

The Teddy Bear & Toy Run to the Children’s Casualty Unit at The Heath Hospital in Cardiff.

As a Traffic Cop I spent a lot of time at the casualty unit dealing with the injured victims from road crashes, many of them being children. After discussions with the hospital staff, together with colleagues we set up a fund to buy toys for the kids taken in to the emergency room.

It was felt that if a child becomes attached to a toy whilst being treated in the hospital, it aids their recovery if they are allowed to keep the toy to take it home. Obviously there is no funding for this in the NHS. So we were allowed to adopt Superted as our mascot to raise these funds and over the years many Teddies and toys found new homes with these poor kids.

Since retiring the fund is no more but I wanted to keep then Teddies arriving at then hospital, but need your help to do this.

Please come along and support this event, and bring a Teddy, or bring his friends as well.

Small, ‘hand sized’ Teds are best as they won’t hinder the the staff as they treat the children, but any size will be gratefully received at the unit.

Ikea are selling soft toys and Teddies from as little as 49p so you can fill your panniers for just a few pounds.

Meeting at Caerphilly Mountain Snack Bar, at the top of Caerphilly Mountain on the A469. Meeting 9.30-10am to be at the Heath Hospital for 10.30-11am.

Caerphilly Mountain Snack bar is the home of the Mountain Monster so why not try one before you leave! See the picture below!

If you can’t make it to the run yourself, please don’t let your Teds miss out. Let me know and I will arrange to collect them to take along for you.

Come on….. You know you want to……

Also, if you click on the Facebook link up on the right you can follow us on Facebook where daily up dates are posted. I have a page ‘Andy Smith’ but easier to find would be our page, ’1st Class Rider Training’. Click on the link and it takes you straight there.

Hope to see you Sunday.

MMMMMMM… Mountain Monster..mmmmmmm.

We have been extremely busy with ‘Learner’ training through the last few months, (and we are still heavily booked up now) but I have been asked a few times when the ride outs will start again. So here we go.

To make up for the missing ones I will be running 2 in November.

Sunday the 6th of November.  Tintern Abbey, Wye Valley and the Banks of the Severn.

Starting from our new meeting point. 9.30am at the Caerphilly Mountain Snack Bar, (which is a snack bar….on Caerphilly Mountain).  The snack bar has been revamped and now offers covered seating – and still has the same range of burgers, rolls and drinks etc. that we (I) have grown to love over the years. It is the home of the ‘Mountain Monster’ which is a massive breakfast roll – and not the woman who works there!

Sunday the 20th of November. Motorcycle Live 2011.  (The NEC Bike Show to you & me).

This is an old favourite taking a scenic route up to the M5 near Worcester and jumping on to the Motorway for the last run in to the NEC.  Starting at the ‘Mountain Monster’ for an early start at 8.30am. Tickets for the Show are £19 on the door or £16 if you buy them in advance from the ‘Motorcycle Live’ website.  If you don’t want to visit the ‘New’ bike show there will be an opportunity to visit the British Motorcycle Museum, which is just the other side of the NEC roundabout.  Either one is a great bike day out.

Sunday the 11th of December.  The Teddy Bear Christmas Run to the Children’s Casualty Unit at UHW.

We have done this before and we will do it again.  All I ask is that you bring along a New Teddy Bear or similar, (at least 1).  Please don’t bring along a massive bear as the idea is for the Bears to be given to the children who are unfortunate enough to find themselves in the Casualty Unit as Christmas approaches.  As an idea, IKEA sell small (pocket sized) soft toys for around 40p up wards. So for a couple of quid you could fill your panniers!

The reason is that it is believed that if a child becomes attached to the toy whilst they are being treated, it aids their recovery if the are allowed to take the toy home with them afterwards.  Obviously there is no funding for this in the NHS.  So please support this one and dig deep for your Teddies.  So remember it is better to buy a few small ones rather than one big one (which can become cumbersome in the confines of the Casualty Unit).

So I hope there is something here for you and you can join us on one or all of these.  As before these ride outs are free but all I ask is that you buy a ‘Full Stop’ badge in aid of the NSPCC.

Also, get your free copy of ‘Motorcycle Monthly’ plus discount vouchers for clothing at ‘Infinity Motorcycles’ and also ‘Bikegear’ at Bridgend.

If nothing else…. come and see the Mountain Monster!

Come on…… you know you want to.   We are back!

Follow us on Facebook.  Just search for ’1st Class Rider Training’ and see some things about some stuff and some pictures with things in….. 1st Class!

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….

Gorsafawddachaidraigodanheddogleddollonpenrhynareurdraethceredigion.

Sunday the 5th of June.  We are going to the Railway Station that is in the Guiness Book of Records as being the longest place name, (but this has may have lately been overtaken).  Meeting at the Golden Arches at Coryton Interchange, junction 32 of the M4. Meeting for a 9.30am departure.

We are going to Gorsafawddachaidraigodanheddogleddollonpenrhynareurdraethceredigion. We’ve been there before and it had the longest name, on the smallest building.  The Station was little more than a bus shelter!  It’s name is longer than the more well known, Llanfair..PG station name by just a couple of letters.

It is on the Fairbourne to Barmouth Railway on the North West Coast of Wales.  So if you want a ride out over some spectacular mountains and along some fabulous coastline then this is the one for you.

I might give a prize if anyone can provide a translation of the place name. (but then again..I might not).

So come and join us….but if this years’ ride outs are anything to go by….bring a coat!

France is Waiting.

There are still a couple of places left on the next trip to France, the weekend of the 24th of June.  To the Ancient Normandy City of Rouen, and the beaches of Normandy.  For full details take a look at the previous blog posts, or visit www.1stclassridertours.co.uk

If you are tempted by a jaunt across The Channel then this is the trip for you.  A small group, professionally lead and hotel bed & breakfast accommodation.

Fine Company, fine food, and some great roads to ride.

Come on……… you know you want to…..

Hark at me!  Facebook indeed.  It almost sounds like I know what I’m talking about but you can now follow 1st Class Rider Blog and other news on Facebook.  So come on be my friend.

So now to the Ride Out news.  Our next Ride Out will be Sunday the 22nd of May.  Meeting at the Golden Arches, (MacDonald’s) at Coryton Interchange at junction 32 of the M4 for a 9.45am departure.

The theme for this Ride Out will be Welsh Rivers and we will be riding over the mountains that issue forth the Wye, The Severn and that old Welsh favourite, The Mighty Taff!

See the picture above.  This is where the Wye and the Severn rise from the same mountain, only several hundred yards apart, but both set off in different directions.  These reservoirs are spectacular but remember they don’t pump the water up there for the tourists….it actually falls out of the sky, so bring a coat!   The Taff rises further South and heads for the sea at Cardiff, collecting old Shopping Trollies and car tyres as it meanders through the Valleys.  Too picturesque for words… Bloody Lovely Mun.

Okay, that’s enough Welsh for now.  How about a bit of French.  We all love a bit of French don’t we?

Next French Trip.

Our next trip to France is scheduled for Friday the 24th of June.  Three days, two nights hotel accommodation with bed & breakfast, maps, information pack and the services of an experienced tour leader all for just £350.  Full details of the trip can be found on our sister website www.1stclassridertours.co.uk

There are still spaces left and for those of you who have told me you want to come, please confirm it so I can get your name on the list and get your bike on the ferry.  Don’t miss out, but let me know today if you want to reserve a place.  The trips are limited to just 10 bikes.  This is an ideal way to get your first taste of riding on ‘the other side’ under the watchful eye of our experienced lead rider.

We will be visiting the ancient French City of Rouen and then travelling for a ride through scenic Normandy to the coast.  Where you can visit the Normandy beaches or simply sip a coffee at one of the seaside cafes.  Bloody Lovely Mun…. sorry I mean Tres Bien Monsiuer !

Fairy Cakes.

Now for some culture.  Fairy Cakes!  Take a look at www.teaandfairycakes.co.uk  This is a new website and you can see why my nickname is ‘Foody’ because Mrs Food is an ace baker and cake decorator.  This is her web site and she makes the most delicious Cup Cakes, Fairy Cakes, Fruit Cakes etc etc, including Wheat Free for those who prefer a wheat free diet.

Now I know that those of you who have visited my house may have tasted Mrs Foods’ creations…..well now you can buy your own (and I’ll come to your house and eat all your cakes!!)

This new web site is under construction and photos are being added daily but you will get the idea.  So any special occasion that needs a cup cake or two, or more give her a call.

Ride Outs, France and Fairy Cakes…….. come on …you know you want to…..

Meeting at The Golden Arches Restaurant -MacDonald’s at junction 32 of the M4, Coryton Interchange at 9am before departing to Hullvaton Airfield to gather for the Mass Ride through Royal Wotton Bassett.  This ride of respect is in support of the Afghan Heroes and is well worthy of our support.

We did it last year….we’ll do it this year……and probably do it next year….  So come along and show your support.  Pre-registration on the Afghan Heroes web site is essential to ensure entry to the Airfield where bikes will be organised in to groups of 1000 before being lead through Wootton Bassett and surrounding villages.  You can be guarantee’d a warm welcome by the villagers and locals who have shown immense respect to those members of our Armed Forces killed in action overseas, and repatriated with full honour bestowed on them by the residents of Wotton Bassett on their final journey home. A humbling experience indeed.

Also coming soon, so book your place to avoid disappointment.  Our Next Tour to France.

Rouen,  The Capital of Upper Normandy. France. June 24th –  26th 2011.

Our next trip across the Channel is scheduled for the weekend of the  24th – 26th of June 2011.

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!

This is a double Ride Out, this coming SATURDAY 4th December.  Meeting at Hein Gericke  at 9am for a 9.30am departure to take a Teddy to the Children’s Casualty Unit at the Heath Hospital.

We had an overwhelming response last year with hundreds of teddy’s and soft toys donated to the Casualty Unit, and for that I can’t thank you enough.

It is believed that if a child who is unfortunate enough to find themselves in Hospital over Christmas, if they become attached to a toy whilst in hospital it aids their recovery if they are allowed to take the toy home with them. There is no funding in the NHS for this so lets give a bit of comfort and Christmas Cheer to those kids who find themselves suffering this year.

So please donate a teddy or a soft toy.  If you can’t make it yourself you can drop the toy at Hein Gericke and I will make sure that the teddy gets a lift to the Hospital.  For just a couple of quid you can fill a bag with teddies at Ikea, or visit Phil Saunders Toy Warehouse at Upper Boat and pick up a bargain, so lets see if we can surpass what we did last year and fill the casualty unit with cuddles!

After dropping the toys at the Heath Hospital we will continue on to the Christmas Fair at Bethlehem (West Wales).  The first weekend of December sees the small village of Bethlehem host a Christmas Craft Fair and the Post Office will be open for you to deposit your FIRST CLASS stamped Christmas Cards and they will be given the special commemorative Hand Stamp, proclaiming ‘Christmas Greetings From Bethlehem’. Second Class Cards won’t get the Special Hand Stamp so don’t be a cheap skate!

The Fair is open form 10 – 4pm and will be opened by TV Personality Roy Noble.  They have craft stalls, mince pies, a turkey roast and you might even get to see Father Christmas himself visiting the village! (I hope I don’t get stuck behind him in the queue for the Mince Pies)!

It’s this Saturday.  9am at Hein Gericke.  Come on….you know you want to.

Hi Chums.  Due to the weather I’ve cancelled the motorcycle Ride out to the Bike Show at the NEC tomorrow.

I’ve been contacted by a couple of people who are going up to the show.  One in a Mini Bus and one in a people carrier so if you still want to go please give me a call and I will try and put you in contact with them.

I won’t be going as I’m hoping to  re-schedule training that was due to be done today, for tomorrow.

I’ll keep you up dated about the combined ride out of the Toy Run to the Children’s Casualty Unit at the Heath Hospital and the Christmas Card run to Bethlehem.

Join us then.  Come on….you know you want to…..