IAM Testing

Originally Posted by northwind

My experience isn't so good yet... I joined last year, it took them 2 months to get the info and manual out to me, and since then pretty much nothing. I'm on the waiting list to start the observed rides etc, but it's going to cost me a year's membership before I even get that far.

Blimey, that's a bummer. I joined my local group - LAM - last November. No waiting, just turn up and go. They have two 'pot luck' observed ride sessions a month - you just turn up to the meeting and get allocated an observer for your run. Alternatively, you can make your own arrangements with one of the group's observers.

I joined the East London one a few years back. Went on one observed ride where I observed one instructor almost kill himself with a stupid overtaking manouever in the pouring rain. My instructor pointed out a few things about my road positioning which, had I agreed with him, would have had me riding in the gutter. So, no I dont think its worth it.
Adam.

Originally Posted by northwind

My experience isn't so good yet... I joined last year, it took them 2 months to get the info and manual out to me, and since then pretty much nothing. I'm on the waiting list to start the observed rides etc, but it's going to cost me a year's membership before I even get that far. Not too impressed, if I'd had any idea it'd be like that I'd have looked into a RoSPA certification.

Still, fair play to them, it'snot that they're not trying- just that they're seriously oversubscribed... And there were a couple of events that I've missed (some when I was still off the bike, a couple that I just couldn't make)

Mine were a bit like that - joined around September and had one initial training day and one observed ride last year. Going on my second observed ride this Saturday. There's a lot of reliance on members becoming observers and for every one who doesn't go down that route, the waiting list gets longer for the newcomers.

Give them a call and chase them - they advised me to do that in order to get pushed to the top of the queue - if you're calling and asking then they'll give you priority - especially this time of year as many people won't ride in cold/wet weather. I don't do any of the group stuff (not so far anyway) just the observed rides twice a month then my own practising in between.