RoSPA or IAM (or both?)

[Nareef]

I'm looking at getting some advanced training and RoSPA and/or IAM seem to be the way to go.

What are people's views on these?

At the moment I'm thinking IAM then go for RoSPA later...

[barkingbiker]

........or you could try Bikesafe (google it to find website/booking). It gives you a weekend of riding with someone who rides for a living. I've done it twice and had an absolute blast - and learned a lot at the same time. It was £80 for 2 days and included lunch both days.

Highly recommended.

BB

[Steve T]

. . RoSPA and/or IAM . . .
What are people's views on these?...

Nareef,
Just my tuppence worth . . .

Either provider will give you loads of info on the essentials for safer use of the road on two wheels.

Which ever one you choose, you'll not regret it and you'll end up enjoying your two wheel experiences even more.

Regards the Bikesafe day, its not really a course, just a taster of advanced riding techniques and guidelines, with your own riding ability being scrutinised by a professional rider. It too is a good place to start regarding learning more about use of the road and tends to lead people towards either IAM or ROSPA training afterwards.

Go forth and get advanced that man

Steve T

[StumpyFingers]

I did a Bike safe course and the recommendation was to join my local IAM.
I will be looking into that when I go to the Bike show at the NEC incase they have a deal on.

[Mabels Old Man]

Both excellent. The main difference is that the IAM is a one off ROSPA has to be every three years (?). Not sure of the length of time

[Nareef]

........or you could try Bikesafe (google it to find website/booking). It gives you a weekend of riding with someone who rides for a living. I've done it twice and had an absolute blast - and learned a lot at the same time. It was £80 for 2 days and included lunch both days.

Highly recommended.

BB

Yeah that was an idea too, but at the Right it Right event I went to on Sunday said they were fully booked till the end of the year and no new dates published till November sometime.

I like the idea of RoSPA or IAM as they are an ongoing thing (and you never really stop learning) AND you can get discounts on some insurance...

[Traveller]

The IAM is a national charitable body. The rider development is based round a package called "Skills For Life" and is development of associates is carried out by local group members. The fees are split roughly three ways, National group, test fee/rider manual and £29 to your local group.

The package costs £139 to join as an associate as a one off payment. This includes your test fee and the guidance book.

The development takes the form of one to one guidance with an observer. The observers are usually members of a local group who have not only passed the test but have also recieved additional training. They are volunteers who do not get paid for this involvement. However it is sometimes customary for the associate to cover the Observers fuel bill.

You can go along to a local group, ask about the way the group works and form an oppinion.

The test consists of about 2 hours with a police rider. The whole thing is based on practical riding skills.

The IAM publish guidance in the form of a 110 page book called "How to be a better rider - Advanced Motorcycling - the essential guide".

The book just been re published and describes the guiding principals for motorcyclists. It is not a book of codes, but a book of good practice and key points to consider and costs £9.99 to buy. All in all a worthwhile option.

I am a member of the Derbyshire group, the group is more than an advanced rider training group, it is a social group as well. Regular weekend rideouts and weekday chipshop runs, winter talks on bike related subjects. (John Cooper was guest at our AGM this year and local lad Mick Extance (Our Dakar Hero) makes an apperance from time to time to keep us updated with his exploits.

Last winter we had a talk from an HID lamp supplier who fitted a pair of HIDs to a members bike as he gave the talk. The bike was wheeled outside to show the resulting improvement. He then went on to sell me and some others HIDs at discounted prices. We have had a similar thing with Bike to Bike comms etc.

We also use Mallory park for track days where you can practice the skills away from other traffic. I enjoy being a member of the local group.

We have a couple of annual charity events as well that are good fun.

I am sure the ROSPA route is equally as good, I understand their courses are run more by professional riding schools.

I joined the IAM for a review of my riding skills and habits, the observed runs certainly hellp polish my riding skills and highlited some habits that I have had since changing from right hand to left hand gearshifts!!! I do get a discount on my insurance that probably balances out the £27 a year national membership.

Hope that helps.

[Nareef]

Thanks for that Traveller, I was thinking of popping along to the Wey Valley IAM open evening next week. I'll let you know what I think

[Nareef]

Anyone heard off or tried Enhanced Rider Scheme? DSA - Enhanced Rider Scheme : Home

I've not heard about it until today...

[greenhat]

Hi Nareef,
the harder of the two is certainly RoSPA as it is generally a longer assessed ride and you will need to make no mistakes to achieve a gold standard pass and you will be required to re-take every 3 years, you really should arrange to meet your local advanced rider club, it's usually free and will set you on the right path.
You need to be very familiar with the highway code, policeriders guide to better motorcycling and know your road signs without these you will struggle!
There is a great course available called the enhanced rider scheme which is an introduction to advanced riding but not so daunting, you have the right attitude because you are seeking it for yourself and that's extremely important, good luck!