IAM Advanced Rider Training - Observed Ride #11

My IAM exam is in the next few days, and I'm out with Mark for a final observe to brush-up my technique. We head via the usual circuitous route into the Cotswolds on a beautiful autumn morning.

[@martindavey8742]

Enjoyed this series, a great insight into advanced training.

[@Back2TheBike]

Thanks Martin. Glad it helped.

[@larryvenezia1542]

Great video. Lots of different road and obstacle scenarios. This will be a great "armchair" video to watch all winter to keep my senses tuned into motorcycle riding. Good luck on youir test. Keep the videos coming. All the best, Larry

[@Back2TheBike]

Glad to oblige Larry. Thanks!

[@xt225]

36-48. Rough road, rough on you towards the end of your road. Great ride Neil. That's a pass/first. I found it helped by pretending that I was the Observer showing my Associate what to do. Generally the further ahead you scan the easier the ride is. Good luck for the test Neil.

[@billmarr6569]

Iv'e watched just about all of your videos and this is the first time I've made a comment. Your confidence in your riding skills have improved greatly and as stated below, only you can decide when to overtake in confidence. I too am a Back to the Bike for the last six years at an age of 67 now driving a FJR1300. I was lucky to have guidance from a motorcyclist Paramedic and still learning trying to be smooth and steady. Your right saying to enjoy motorcycling as it's a privilege in life judging by the admiring glances you get from all ages. hopefully soon you'll pass your IAM test. Good Luck...

[@Back2TheBike]

Hi Bill, welcome to B2TB. It's a challenge to get back on again, but a great hobby and lots of fun. Hope it's going well for you!

[@kevinmobile]

Excellent video where I felt you not only said how important it was to enjoy the ride but DID so! Your journey 'back to the bike' has mirrored mine though you're ahead of me by 12 months and it's my turn as my fellow bikers repeatedly tell me to 'crack on' and get out there. To misquote Douglas Adams, 'so long and thanks for all the vids'. Let us all know how you got on.

[@Back2TheBike]

Kevin Viney Cheers Kevin. Dale made a good point to me though. Early on when people were saying 'just relax and enjoy it', I simply wasn't good enough then to do so, rather like ones first few driving lessons in a car. Even now after 11 months I have to choose to 'enjoy' it, and I'm nowhere near the standard of competence I aspire to.

[@Glasshousebc]

I’m not going to wish you luck... luck is for the ill-prepared... have a blast, enjoy the ride and here’s to the continued journey. My bike is now away for the winter season over here, so I shall be revisiting these videos over the winter period. Stay safe, and Keep The Rubber Side Down Steve

[@Back2TheBike]

Thanks Steve. Like you I don't believe in luck. No snow chains there?!

[@xt225]

21-26. Brilliant overtakes. Completely redeemed the early cautiousness. Completely agree with you on the overtake at the junction.

[@mikeroberts]

That looked good Neil. Certainly at a test pass level. My feedback from the video is about overtakes. Always a difficult subject face to face, let alone from watching a video. Only YOU can decide if the overtake is on, whatever I or any other Observer says! If in doubt, don't. Having said all that :) the reason you miss some of the overtakes is because you are not planning for them to happen. Instead you are waiting for them to drop into your lap. For example, the solid white line system will end. If you see that approaching, move up a little nearer the target vehicle. Then as the solid line ends, if the overtake is on you can go through the 3 stage part. If it's not, then drop back. By waiting too long you then end up saying things like you did on the video: that there isn't enough time to overtake before the next solid line or the oncoming vehicle. NB. You don't always have to do a 3 stager. Your observer on the day didn't have an issue where you overtook through a junction using the safe refuge lane. I'll just throw in "What if that car decided to turn right?". Finally, you mentioned about accelerating hard enough to make the forks rise. Go have a read about the 'funny' front suspension on your bike ;) Finally again, I had to smile when you mentioned finding the bike better in 5th than 6th. Certainly don't make any changes to your riding now, but once you've passed the test, go out and experiment riding one gear lower everywhere. I know Dale has encouraged you to use the torque of you big flat twin, but being in a responsive gear with a few more revs can make the world of difference to how you can control the bike on the throttle. Hope all goes well on test day.

[@Back2TheBike]

Mike Roberts thanks for your input Mike, always appreciated. Dale slapped my wrist over that overtake! As always, I stand corrected. I am experimenting with gears actually, trying to feel the balance between responsiveness and smoothness.

[@darrenelbrow5144]

Don’t mess around with the gears again. You’ll be riding everywhere in 3rd again

[@Intbel]

I trust there was a big fat grin on your face as you typed that?

[@Back2TheBike]

@@darrenelbrow5144 I really miss 3rd gear ;-) No worries, I think at the moment I just need that little bit of feedback to gauge my speed without looking down which 6th doesn't give on 50mph roads. I find it creeps up and doesn't pull as well through the corners.

[@petery3523]

Well done Neil, thanks for sharing your journey. Have to agree, enjoyment is everything, cheers.

[@Back2TheBike]

Nice to share that journey with you too Peter.

[@johnpresland1537]

That looked like a test pass to me Neil - well done. You mentioned the challenge of the poor road surface coupled with the visibility issues with the bright sun - at points like that hang on it there and keep that concentration going - and then pick it up again as soon as the ride begins to open up again; that keeps the flow of the ride going.

[@Back2TheBike]

Thanks John. It was a terrible surface, quite dangerous actually. The comms plus concentration really put my mental processor under load!

[@TheDervMan]

Great stuff. Enjoyed hearing the debrief thoughts afterwards.

[@Back2TheBike]

Yes, the feedback's always interesting!

[@Arachnoid_of_the_underverse]

Looking good Neil with lots of well thought out riding , now just relax and treat the test as just another day in the saddle :D

[@Back2TheBike]

Andi Archer cheers Andi, it's the 'just relax' bit that's not so easy ;-)

[@Arachnoid_of_the_underverse]

I know the brain is still feeling like its overworked every ride but you are looking more relaxed as your videos show every episode, so dont knock yourself.

[@edwardleniston1076]

A good ride, which I have no doubt you will replicate on the the day.

[@Back2TheBike]

Edward Leniston hope so Edward, but I take nothing for granted. One stupid mistake and that's it. Feels like walking on the edge of a high cliff. Progress v safety.

[@xt225]

Watching it in chunks. 12 minutes and looking good. Your glasses. My helmet strap!

[@Back2TheBike]

I always forget one thing. Camera, glasses, keys in top box ...

[@xt225]

@@Back2TheBike Me too. It's our age Dear. 😢

[@patmcmaster1010]

@@Back2TheBike Could be worse, like getting on the bike, starting it, go to pull away then realise you've left the steering lock on....

[@Back2TheBike]

@@patmcmaster1010 that's ok if you want to go around the block ...

[@KGowans]

I like that I can see you speed, very useful. I presume you passed your test?

[@Back2TheBike]

Yes, managed to blag a 1st too which was nice. Although I reckon having passed it took me 12 months or so to consolidate the training to a natural standard!

[@HepcatHarley]

Good ride Neil, a definite pass there and if test day was today...Congratulations are in order I'm sure :)

[@Back2TheBike]

Very kind HH, but I think we need to remember the one about the fat lady singing? Many a slip twixt cup and lip and all that. Feels like reality TV :-0

[@HepcatHarley]

I prefer a Twix between cup and lip...cue the music ;)

[@dougchapman248]

Very informative video, as are all of them, but I personally think the back view window in top left hand corner distracting and doesn’t need to be there. Good luck for when the test date comes. Cheers Doug

[@Back2TheBike]

Thanks for the feedback Doug. I don't include the window every time, but felt it was important to show my head movements when under observation, particularly to highlight livesavers (or when I forget!)

[@ThePalmatron]

Good luck with your test B2tB!!

[@xt225]

Good luck Neil. I'm sure you'll be fine.

[@Back2TheBike]

Remember the man who jumped out of the Empire State Building, as he passed the 22nd floor ... so far so good ...

[@xt225]

@@Back2TheBike If they don’t want you to position in 30's and 40's DON'T. The last thing they want to hear is 'but Dale says'.

[@gordon4221]

Yep - very solid pass for me but not quite a clean sheet but very close in my view. You have the potential to get a first no doubt. I would agree two sections on the video you were a little hesitant : 1.The overtake you mentioned and I thought behind the tractor . White van man made the overtake so with the extra capability of a bike you could have gone. It is the old 'making progress' debate again and different folks all see this slightly differently. After that there was no stopping you and some good stuff. 2.The end section through the narrow streets and lanes. Maybe you just run out of a bit of mental energy, certainly one of the final junctions was untidy and I thought you nearly stalled the bike. A bit of more planning and back brake balanced with drive would have helped. However the light was difficult and also how much progress do you need to be making in these very narrow lanes and streets I am not sure. Personally, I think actually stopping at some of these narrow junctions with very restricted view is ok but maybe the experts see this differently also . Anyway, do that on the test and you are home and dry. Be legal, smooth, safe and when appropriate make progress - simples ! Oh and continue to feel the joy which is so much more evident in your riding. All the very best for the test. I am going to miss these associate observed ride videos !

[@Back2TheBike]

Gordon Fletcher Hi Gordon, yes the brain was about 80% fried towards the end. The commentary and concentration combined take their toll, and I need to build mental stamina for this. Lots of hard work and learning ahead.

[@Bazza47]

Good luck on the test Neil, Try and settle in as soon as you can and if you do make any mistakes don't dwell on them as you can't do anything about them retrospectively other than learn and use them to improve what you do after. If it is like mine the examiner will ask you loads of questions about the ride- he's trying to understand what you were thinking so use those as an opportunity to impress him and don't be afraid to explain why you did something if it demonstrates what your thought process was especially in the grey "it depends" areas. You've put in the hard work now it's time to reap the rewards

[@Back2TheBike]

adrianbarrie13 thanks for your good wishes and advice Adrian. Exam was taken today, result coming up in the next film ... :-0

[@drewchadwick9318]

Nice riding. Good to see how far you've come. I will add one comment - "I enter this junction slightly too fast" 28 minutes: I don't think it was too fast, rather I think you turned in too early, causing the cut on the left hander with the almost run wide. Also, you were in too high a gear judging by the labouring engine. Good luck with the exam. Cheers, Drew

[@Back2TheBike]

Hi Drew and welcome to B2TB. I'll have to see what my mentor says about it, although I think I can guess!

[@seaflyfisher]

@@Back2TheBike - you guessed right ;D

[@Intbel]

*Ready for test.* That 30mph hidden in the hedge took you by surprise. Why? Did you not observe the street lights ahaead? (Nit-picking rhetorical question, that.) That you missed observer's signal emphasises my reason for prefering that method of giving directions rather than use of radio - it forces one into the habbit of mirror checking on the approach to *every* hazard which is a habit which may one day save one from a seriously dislating experience. Gotta test date yet? *EDIT* Re narrow country lanes and how much road to use? My answer: "All of it!" If the road is that narrow that there is not space enough for two cars to pass each other then approach blind left-handers from the right-hand side of the road. Not just to the right of the crown, well over to the right, using all the road available to give maximum view ahead. Whether or not that is I.A.M. approved I dunno. Probably one of the variables. Indeed, many *musts" and "shoulds" are variable depending on conditions at the time. Reminds me of a young lad I was taking out back in the BMF RTS days. He rode over easily avoidable potholes. I queried this and he said he'd been told to ride 2' 6" from the kerb. Which he did,. All.The. Time. ...

[@Back2TheBike]

Re the 30, yep my fault. The 1st missed signal Mark acknowledged he signalled late, the 2nd was down to me. On positioning on single track left handers, the advice from my group (and I think from the examiner feedback) is you must be able to stop in half the distance you can see to be clear, and you position hard over to the left.

[@mikeroberts]

Narrow lane positioning is one of those places where you need to sacrifice position for safety. Sure holding a wide, right of lane, position for a left hander will enable you to see further and be seen earlier, BUT if the car coming towards you is travelling too quick, it is going to hurt! The way I deal with this is the further away from the limit point I am, the more extreme I will position. However as I get closer to the tight left bend I gradually move towards the nearside. You have to compensate by loosing some speed, but it gives you a chance of sqeezing past anything coming towards you. (NB: This is one of the aspects of Roadcraft that doesn't convert from car to bike. The two cars in Intbel's example are going to collide where ever positioned if one is going too fast, so the stronger that position to be seen and see, makes sense.)

[@Back2TheBike]

@@mikeroberts thanks for clearing that up Mike.

[@Intbel]

@@Back2TheBike Position hard to the left for left-handers? Really?

[@Intbel]

@@mikeroberts I mentioned two narrow for two cars tp pass each other to define road (lane?) width 'cos a roadway that narrow is not likely to have speeding cars. Thinking of those lovely rural roads with grass verge in the middle of the road.I recognise there are those who, pehaps, know the road well and know usual traffic patterns and will be travelling faster than safe. No matter, I want to see and be seen as early as possible. One such example (driving a car, Austin Mini at the time) when I was faced with an oncoming quad bike. I pulled tight to the left and stopped - he locked up and when into the hedge alongside me. I'm fairly cerain that had I been on a bike, I'd not have stopped though his situation would have been the the same. After all, if he didn't see a car he'd certainly not see a bike!

[@garysetch]

Good luck Neil, you’ll do fine - Gary S

[@Back2TheBike]

Thanks Gary for that and all your top-notch advice.

[@johnnychoules1878]

Not being horrible but but dince you started this it seems the fun of being on a bike has gone as all you do is look out for danger instead of enjoying your ride is it really worth the money?????

[@oxfordbikerboys]

When you were turning right you forgot to do the life saver check and the checking side on existing the roundabout is towards the empty lane instead of your left hand side, other than that you were doing great.

[@Back2TheBike]

Here in the UK we dont generally use lifesaver for right turns, more for changing position in the lane (say passing a parked vehicle), moving away from standstill, or generally in built up areas when approaching/passing hazards, junctions etc. The reason we do the LS on the RAB is to look for traffic cutting in late across our path from our left. This is standard practice adopted by the UK police riders.

[@oxfordbikerboys]

​@@Back2TheBike ​I am afraid this is not true, I am in the UK too. Because the right hand side is overtaking lane, so you right side lifesaver check is to ensure nobody cut you off while you are doing a right turn. Especially when your turn is across another lane in your case. Here is a link from the professional riding school to explain further. www.lightningpass.com/observation I am not sure about the police training, it might involve some car chasing technic. However, IAM is an advanced safe riding training, it's all about safe riding. When exit a roundabout, you suppose to check the empty lane direction and locate yourself in a safe position. I attached a video from one of the instructors from the RJH training school up the north of England for your reference. kzbin.info/www/bejne/nn-bZYxrZ86pjKM

[@gordon4221]

Oh and I forgot to ask is that pub at the end the local IAM HQ where all the days sorties depart.

[@Back2TheBike]

No, Northants IAM have 4 destinations which they rotate every week, but multiple ways of getting there. We start in Northampton.

[@johnnychoules1878]

I think you should have one instructor instead of 50 as all give different options and all for 1 second more speed and I think you could of learnt corner position from a book ??? But am still interested in doing it but would like to see them ride on roads they don't know as we can all ride well on roads we know???

[@Back2TheBike]

Hi John. The system works on unknown roads too just as well. I enjoy myself far more knowing i can ride safely and quickly if i have too. Get yourself down to your local IAM for a free evaluation.

[@C...G...]

good luck neil, you'll be fine. just a quick question, do the IAM have a night time test/observed ride? :-)

[@Back2TheBike]

No, it's during daylight hours I'm glad to say. Not sure if IAM do any night-time stuff. Mike Roberts will tell us ...

[@C...G...]

Back2TheBike :-)

[@mikeroberts]

No official stuff for night time riding. I have had the occasional request to take someone out. To be honest riding is not that much different but of course the speeds are usually lower (road type depending). Observation is not as good, but there are tips and tricks to employ, just as there is for day riding. But overall, mostly toned down from riding in the day. Neil can also wear a reflective jacket when it will be doing some good. :)

[@Back2TheBike]

Mike Roberts I can always advise where to buy one Mike if you feel the need ....

[@mikeroberts]

@@Back2TheBike No thanks. I wear one of these at night over my motorcycle jacket. www.spiroactivewear.com/product.php?prod=S260X

[@tomtilley3162]

hope the test goes or went well boss high 5 from skegness

[@Back2TheBike]

Cheers Tom!

[@cliveevans5755]

Likewise I won't say good luck because you don't need it just to say all the best for your test 👍🏻

[@Back2TheBike]

clive evans thanks Clive. As you say, I don't believe in it!

[@kevinhicks3091]

Hi Neil, all the best...……….and well!?

[@Back2TheBike]

Hi Kevin. Postponed until the weekend ...

[@xt225]

13-21 minutes. Looks too cautious for IMA advanced on your overtakes. Also looking for them means moving closer to the car in front. Sorry if you did, it's not always easy to pick up on film. Hopefully you won't get any on your test.

[@xt225]

26-36. Difficult, technical section that Neil which you handled very well. How old were you in WW1?

[@seaflyfisher]

43 Phil ;D

[@xt225]

@@seaflyfisher Is that all? Hope you didn't mind my earlier comment Dale about Neil positioning in 30's and 40's for his test. But that might be the difference between a pass and a first.

[@cyberjack]

Hugging white line for no reason mate at some points when you all ready had view

[@Back2TheBike]

If the exit point on the left-hander hasn't appeared and there's no opposing traffic I like to get all the view I can, so I'll stick just inside the white line every time. I only give up position for safety or if I can see the whole road surface between me and the exit. The more I can see, the more information I have, the better I can plan and the safer I ride.

[@cyberjack]

@@Back2TheBike fair enough buddy .. sorry btw ..I wasn't meaning to sound like a troll ..thank you for explaining

[@Back2TheBike]

@@cyberjack no problem. Here to help if I can 😎

[@beano6452]

Why do IAM riders all seem to have BMW’s? Is it about pretending to be the Police!? Not cheap machines.

[@Back2TheBike]

Interesting question. Of the 15-20 bikes present at my IAM Group on a Sunday morning I'd say about a third are BMWs of various vintages. The rest a broad mix of other makes.