RoSPA or I.A.M

[O.C.]

I've often considered some form of advanced training through a recognised establishment, as I believe that it really does improve riding and subsequent driving skills, and I would justify that statement by confirming that since I took and passed my HGV a few years ago my driving has most definitely improved enormously, it really has to, as controlling a multi wheel heavy vehicle carries great responsibility.

Now you might say that there is no comparison between and 'advanced' riding course and passing ones HGV, but let me tell you that the principles applied are much the same ~ planning, consideration, discipline, and a safety related attitude towards others at all times.

BTW I've ridden out with Winston and he's plenty quick enough on the road and demonstrates his riding skills in a way that encourages confidence

And there's no need to buy me a pint Chris !

I'll be looking into a course in the coming months.......just as soon as it bloody well warms up 

[Winston Smith]

I feel embarassed now Roger!

I'll settle for a cuppa!

[O.C.]

I feel embarassed now Roger!

I'll settle for a cuppa!

;D ;D

[cpettifer]

I must get around to do some of this advanced training stuff. I keep talking about it, but never get around to it. Hmm, this weekend just opened up, I wonder if I can search out my local group and find out if they are meeting!

Someone once described the difference between them (and this may have just been his local groups) to me. He said that IAM were geared slightly more towards making good progress, whereas RoSPA more toward defensive riding. I don't think he meant massively leaning each way, but more of a subtle difference in approach. As such, my preference is to find a local RoSPA group, but annoyingly the IAM group is closer to me!

I also fancy some off roading. I've heard many people talk about it being a great way to improve your bike handling skills, which I know could do with improvement. Various options open from the manufacturers, but the BMW stuff in South Wales sounds particularly attractive for a number of reasons.

Plus... would love to do a track day, but have visions of falling off and being run over by someone equally unskilled, or being the one doing the running over. :o Hmm.

[mark]

Hi Guys,

I know we have a few advanced riders amongst the GTR group so my question is as follows:

I have been riding now for a long time and done many thousand miles but ive never done any advanced courses so which or the two, RoSPA or IAM would be the best to go with? Is one better than the other? Does one get better discount on insurance quotes? and which one will teach me the best way to improve my riding skills

Thank you, your comments will be very much appreciated

Thanks Mark

Well thank you all for your comments, after talking to the nice man at my local RoSPA group ive decided to go with them so my training starts 21st February. Thanks again for your replies

[Lonewolf]

mark, thats good news. I was apprehensive about doing it but very pleased now that I took the plunge. You'll be surprised at how much you will pick up and how much your skills can be improved on.

[Kwikasfuki]

I must get around to do some of this advanced training stuff. I keep talking about it, but never get around to it. Hmm, this weekend just opened up, I wonder if I can search out my local group and find out if they are meeting!

Same as me. I've been procrastinating on this for ages. Even LW has beat me to it  :'(

Plus... would love to do a track day, but have visions of falling off and being run over by someone equally unskilled, or being the one doing the running over. :o Hmm.

No, beginners group tends to be fairly easy going and as long as you ride to your limits you should be fine. I love track days.

[cpettifer]

I sent an e-mail to my local(ish) RoSPA group at lunch time.  :D

[O.C.]

well its all happening now innit  ;)

I better get my lardy butt in gear and do something about it

Question is which one to go for...well I spose that'll be the nearest or maybe the one with the most badges   ;D 

[ChrisB]

Me too. Procrastination is the thief of time, but I'll sort that one out tomorrow. Let us know how you get on Mark

[Rusty]

Again, this topic has come up before and Winston has it .... ANY training is good ... but it all comes down to how you get on with your instructor / assessor ... too many life savers and it's a fail, but Joe Bloggs up the road might insist on them all the time .... advice for what it's worth ? Do as much as you can afford in both time and money, and take with you all the good bits that you like and bin the bits you don't like ... I like to think my driving / riding is an amalgamation of 2 or 3 blokes I have worked with or was tutored by in my early years and have moulded all that into "Nigel Cooper.com" and I now pass that on to others when I train / instruct. They seem to like it and in turn do well at Driving School when they go on their courses.  :)

[Winston Smith]

Spot on Rusty. 

What the training does is gives you a toolbox.  Choose the right ones for the particular bit of the job!

[cpettifer]

I've got my application form to join the Gloucester RoSPA group as an associate member... just need to fill it in now and post off a cheque for £15. Then I get assigned a trainer, who I arrange training with. I pay £10 to cover his costs whenever we go out.

Looking forward to it already.

I guess this means I've got to fill the form out!

[Rusty]

Good for you old fruit ... send the money off and enjoy ... you will always learn "stuff" ... wether it's about the bike, or your own perceptions, or your comfort zone or anything else to do with riding ... it's a continuous learning curve and there is no one out there who knows it all .. sadly there are those who think they do but they usually end up in the basement ...  that's where the mortuaries are .... :(

[Lonewolf]

In all honesty its a win, win situation. The trainer I have appointed would you believe it, is the brother of my old traffic Sgt, sheer coincidence. You have to hit it off and be on the same wave length which we are, I enjoy the training sessions and dont see them as a chore or an un-necessary evil as some might. There's no pressure, yeah, I've made mistakes while we've been out but you discuss it and have another go. Would recommend it to anyone who was considering it.   ;D