Bike Safe.

[DJ123]

Today i did my Bike Safe course with the MET, South team based from The Warren at Croydon.
Impressions of it are very good, well thought out course and good teachers/bikers/coppers. I learnt quite a bit on the course, and also remembered some things i hadn't been doing or forgot to do whilst riding. I also realised how much i do know, how much experience i do have and i need to stop doubting my ability and the bikes.
It was a good day out and i thoroughly enjoyed it. Having the copper riding behind you was no where near as daunting and nerve racking as i expected. Time to go out riding and putting some of the new techniques into practice.
I would recommend the course to people as a good way to get your riding assesed, and to learn new techniques. It is a good stepping stone to then go on to advanced training, if you want to take that route.

I did a similar course but found that I made many more mistakes than usual when being observed, so much so that it zapped the confidence I had

I did however learn better road positioning while on the day course.

I also learned that advanced riding was not for me... I feel that I am confident enough for what I need to be.

[DJ123]

Originally Posted by Stuuk1

I also learned that advanced riding was not for me... I feel that I am confident enough for what I need to be.

See, this is where i currently am. I don't feel that my riding needs more improvement. I feel confident in how i ride, i rarely have near miss situations and consider myself to be a careful rider anyway. I am considering an observed ride with ROSPA/IAM to see what they say and compare it to my current assesment sheet. Nothing dangerous/major was flagged up and the copper was very happy with the way i rode.

I did one of these ........ it Ironed out a few anxieteies I had developed over 22 years of riding . I always had that "what is around the next corner" sensation . This course taught me to look way ahead for any inkling of what may be around the corner and to be ready for it rather than going in and hoping for the best . I found I became a more relaxed rider , BUT , in the same breath , a more observant rider as well . I found that I wasn`t fatigued on longer journeys and rideouts . The course was free up here in North Wales , if I was asked to pay the £90 that it was ...... I would have been happy to do so . I did the course with Paul Cheshire and Danny Kettle . Paul is the guy that practically put the Bikesafe Course together . Danny is a rider for North Wales Fire Services and those guys did more for my riding in 2 days and improved the quality of my riding . I still bump into them from time to time and they always mention that somebody said they spoke to "Badger" and I recommended the course ..... for free , in North Wales , with a good team ? .... you`d have to be an idiot to turn it down

It was almost like being given more time to assess situations , taking out some variables and leaving you with the knowledge that there are still some variables out there and it`s up to you what you do with that knowledge . Personally I find if the little voice raises a question ... it`s already too late so don`t do it . There will be another opportunity a few seconds later . Chill , enjoy the ride and come home with a grin and knowing you had a damn good day out .

I may have missed some things out and I am not saying this course will turn you into a riding God ....... thinking you are a riding God will probably bring you closer to (insert deity here) than you would wish for

[mep]

I did one in 2007, really enjoyed it and learnt a lot. I've booked another in September with our son who has a Fazer 600 and will be rid of his 2 year restriction by then. Another great day out on the bike (weather permitting!)

Originally Posted by mep

I did one in 2007, really enjoyed it and learnt a lot. I've booked another in September with our son who has a Fazer 600 and will be rid of his 2 year restriction by then. Another great day out on the bike (weather permitting!)

Best biking present (along with a scottoiler) for under £100

[mep]

Originally Posted by xXBADGERXx

Best biking present (along with a scottoiler) for under £100

Yeah, you can buy gift vouchers online for someone. Currently £35 a workshop session.

[Nobbylad]

Yup - another ringing endorsement from me. I did the Merseyside Police version, based on the Wirral. We went on rideouts to the Ponderosa - even got pulled into a Heddlu roadblock and made to wait - which the bobbies we were with weren't too enamoured with.

Well worth the £80, I did mine when I got back in the saddle after 'a number' of years away from biking.

I'm doing bike safe in Croydon too; next saturday. really looking forward to it

[DJ123]

Agy, you'll have good fun let us know how you get on