Riding Bikes is a Skill...No Practice, No Skill!
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See also: What is Advanced Motorcycling?

 
Somerset Road Safety Partnership figures:
1st Jan 2007 to 31st Oct 2007 KSI - 63 ( fatal 7 )
1st Jan 2008 to 31st Oct 2008 KSI - 62 ( fatal 11 )

By David Elger IAM / RoSPA 


As sure as Sunday follows Saturday I was going to become a statistic, it was just a matter of time, the clock WAS ticking. One quiet period of pondering and reflection made me realise the statistic I would become was not one of greatness or admiration but one so many good and decent people become...a percentage of the KSI stats., (killed or seriously injured). 

En-route to the IME at the NEC in Birmingham speeds were reached and sustained well into three figures even through southern sections of the northbound carriageway of the M42, a few slips of concentration made my stomach flutter with nervousness...too many close shaves made me finally realise that my days on two wheels were numbered, whether by choice or mistake.

The leaflet and information I had received from the unknown and forgotten face on the Institutes stand at the NEC was foremost in my thoughts as I rode home. 
Some two months later I was shaking hands with some ‘ole codger’ who rode a bike which looked older than me, I felt like walking away but was determined to turn a corner and alter my future.

Being somewhat of a perfectionist most things I took on I would aspire at, else I wouldn’t bother, what could this ‘ole codger’ teach me - nothing other than how to get old quick I thought, flat cap, pipe and slipper brigade, oh yes, and a beemer!

I almost resented this individual as he proceeded to inflict his well rehearsed speech onto me. Ignorant to his cause but determined to reap some benefit for my own well being. I’m not a stupid person I’d even go so far as to say I have an above average level of common sense. This guy was making some sense, I felt the urge to know more, the desire to learn and gain reward, but ultimately retain my self preservation. Then came the 15 lb sledge hammer square between the eyes...what’s known in the job as the ‘demonstration ride’.

I followed this ‘ole codger’ through various fairly challenging ‘B’ roads within our district. It was soon very apparent that in order to stay close I was cutting corners, not quite taking risks but certainly riding on my toes. How was this? Because of my level of common sense it soon hit home that there was more to this ‘Advanced’, ‘Safety First’, approach. I was on my toes and the ‘ole codger’ now ‘demigod ‘ was gracefully riding with pace, smoothness and puissance almost effortlessly.

My attention had been fully grasped, my aspirations had changed within minutes. I went on to be recommended for full membership of the Institute and throughout this path of transition I was fortunate to come across other esteemed riders who, in my opinion, were better, smoother and yes, faster than the last. Some strange personalities amongst them it has to be said, even to the point of ignorance but this didn’t matter one iota, if I could reap a small percentage of their ability then it would be worth enduring their personalities.

Another phase of this learning curve came along, the ‘Respect’ phase. Because I was working very hard to increase my ability to ride a bike somewhere near these ‘demigods’ level, I was in fact gaining an ability to equal, and as time went by, further my ability compared to theirs.

I had been noticed or rather my riding ability had been noticed, then these ‘demigods’ sort of switched roles with me. Compliments started to be passed my way, these riders wanted now to go for a ride with me! ‘With me’! Why? Why, because they now wanted to pick up something from my ability in order for them to increase theirs, and yes, we did / do have some very good rideouts. Constantly learning and criticising every manoeuvre in order to fine tune ones riding.

Once becoming a full member you step onto the bottom rung of an endless ladder, too many riders think this is the top rung, there is no top rung. How many members can honestly say that other riders are itching to get out for a ride with them and not for social reasons. How many members have taken it upon themselves to further their skill by Special Assesment, RoSPA, One to One time with Examiners and other Observers or the ‘top dogs’.

I read many times in this publication ‘What makes the perfect rider, practice makes perfect, well almost’. So ask yourself since attaining full membership how much proper constructive practice have you had...be honest!

I will end this article with this simple thought and it applies to a great deal of us. Whether you agree or not.......
don’t poo poo it!

You're not as good as you think you are!
Do something about it!!

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