IAM or other advanced skills?

Been riding for about 4 months now (well as much as is possible in this horrible summer) and have stared thinking about taking some more training. I was looking at IM initially, but have read mixed things about inconsitency etc. Then I also heard about RoSPA which many claimed was better.

I was wondering any of you had any advice on this?

Am I also right in thinking that these are like biking clubs/groups aswell, or am I confusing that?

Btw, I'll be doing this somewhere near Nottingham or Derby if possible.

Thanks.

PS. This was the Nottingham group I was going to contact re IAM.

from what ive seen of the IAM they go out of theyre way to be consistent, theres an odd attitude amongst some riders who think that theyve nothing to learn from the IAM, after all how could they , the IAM plod along at sub legal speeds after all...........

the skills that IAM, rospa and the like teach are skill that youll use at all speeds, after all no matter how much you like to blat around, realistically how often are you caning it???

if youve only been riding a few months im pretty sure that youll learn tons , even very experienced riders can learn new stuff...........

get in touch with your local IAM group, im sure youll find theyre approachable and keen to help you develop your budding skills............

[Luckypants]

+1

If there is one in your area, try a BikeSafe course first. These are a good introduction to more advanced road riding techniques. IAM / RoSPA wil follow on from this and are often run by the same observers.

Do it!

It took me ages to unlearn all my bad habits, best to do it before you pick any up.

Most of the IAM groups will give you a "free" observed assessment ride. They may or maynot give you any pointers there and then, although if you're consistantly doing something stupid you can expect to be informed.

This will also give you the chance to assess them and whether you fit in. If you can't get on with one group don't give up, try another.

The IAM is more a franchise operation of small clubs that elect to abide by the IAM rules and share its aims. The Observed Rides and getting people to pass the test is the main aim.

Once you have passed, you are invited to join the group as a full member. Membership usually involves social meets, charity raising etc. IAM members often get a significant discount on their insurance. Local groups may have arranged discounts with local bike and accessory dealers.

On a purely financial take, it would probably take a long while to balance the cost, but overall you will be a better, more confident rider.

As for never riding at the speed limit, ask Valleyboy he was pushed to stay with us, we didn't speed. Making good progress and speeding are not the same.

The perception of the IAM as Pipe and Slippers brigade is a myth perpetuated by those riders that think they're gods gift, but daren't risk failing a test.

Although there is a high proportion of Pan's etc. Someone has to carry the sandwiches

I'm not sure but I believe the RoSPA run on the same lines.

Good Luck

I joined an IAM group after much though (I'm 24) and yep my observer had a Harley and a BMW so he was the stereotypical IAM observer. He was one of the nicest people I have met who couldnt do enough to help me, he was very knowledgeable (?sp) and could leave me eating his dust whenever he felt like it. I've never seen a BMW being ridden so fast but made to look so easy....I'd say go for it. He had many stories of him and his mate (who was the club secretary) doing many hundred mile a day rides just for fun.

I did a honda mac course years ago and i learnt so much about observation and hazard awareness i still use the skills today, the guy was brilliant he was an ex motorcycle policeman and riding a pan euro but as andyB said they can leave you for dead and its freaky how easy they ride no hanging off nothing like that just sitting bolt upright lol.
He told us about this story when he was out on a lesson with this guy who kept leaning off as if doing a motogp so he showed him it realy wasnt nessasary by crushing past him bolt upright with easy lol, what a star.

[Stu]

I was under the impression that Rospa was expensive.
But it can't get much cheaper than free! - which is what it is. (£53 test fee & £20 annual membership on top of free tuition)

Am doing the IAM course at the minute, it's improving my riding everytime i go out with my observer, well worth it in my opinion

Try Shires Motorcycle Training http://www.shiresmt.com/

Did my DAS with them and I thought they were great. Very professional and helpful. I was really struggling on my DAS with my U-turn and they helped me until I got it. They have sites in Derby and Notts.

I think they do advanced teaching, although I am not sure levels.

EDIT: Just looked through site, and they do IAM and RoSPA, and Roadcraft (Derbyshire Bike Plus)

Like simonthepost, I too am currently doing my IAM and again, like simonthepost, I feel that everytime I go out with my observer (rides both a GSX 1400 and a Ducati - which is cool and counters the pipe and slippers argument) that I improve and learn something new/better.

My advice, get out there and do it. You don't have to do your test and you're free to learn in the timeframe that suits you best (allowing you to work around work commitments etc).

Also, as previously mentioned by mogs, you could always go along for a FoC observation and take it from there.

Whatever happens and whatever form of advanced riding you decide on, you will see huge benefits and if the skills you have learnt one day saves your life, it's a exercise that can't be given a price tag!