Get more from your bike!! and become a better rider as well
Two weeks before Christmas, sunday 9am, damp, misty with temperatures hovering around zero; perfect motorcycling conditions! We arrived at a hall in the heart of the East Sussex countryside thanking a higher being for whoever invented heated grips. Hot tea and fresh bacon rolls soon perked us up.
We wanted to see for ourselves what the East Sussex Advanced Motorcyclists did and why they did it. The idea of advanced training puts off many riders who have either been riding many years or have recently completed their DAS courses.
Motorcycles these days are machines far more capable than all but the very best professional riders. However, with some good instruction, practice and an open mind, a lot more of your’s and your bikes potential can be unleashed...and it doesn’t have to be boring in the process.
There are plenty of motorcycling clubs in existence, but the ESAM differs in that it combines all the normal social aspects of ride-outs, meets, tours and events with the aim of improving your riding standards and safety, thus your enjoyment of biking.
How does it work?
Turn up on an assessment day, held on the second Sunday of the month. One of the observers will take you out for a spin and give you an overview of your ride. If you would like to take it further, you can arrange for regular observed rides when it is convenient, with the aim of passing the IAM test. If it’s not for you...no problem.
Is it training like DAS then?
No, the rides are observed and then advice is given. You are not in radio contact, the idea is that you go off and practice in between sessions. You will also be expected to be up to scratch on your Highway Code (not a bad idea for us all!).
Ok, so this will cost a fortune, right?
Actually it doesn’t and it’s extremely good value. The cost for the observed rides, the test, a year’s membership of the IAM and ESAM plus an IAM handbook is £109. The only other cost is a negotiable contribution towards the observer’s fuel. Bear in mind the observers do all this for nothing and in their own free time, they are keen to pass on their own skills and experience.
How long does it take to reach test standard?
Depending on your standard and availability the process can take weeks or months, remember ESAM’s aim is to get you beyond test standard and not just push you through tests as quickly as they can. Turning up twice a year or staying in bed if it’s raining is not advisable!
Is it all old men with beards and old BMW’s riding around at 25mph?
The club attracts all manner of riders who are keen to be involved. Some have many years’ experience and others are recent recruits to the biking world. There are women observers in the club, all have the same motivation and training. Riding safely doesn’t have to mean riding slowly. Ever seen a slow police rider??
What does the test involve?
Around an hour and a half assessed ride by a current or previous Class A Police Rider. You won’t be advised to take the test until you are completely capable of reaching the level required. The examiner will want you to pass knowing that you are already up to the required standard. As it’s not an intensive course like DAS, you will be riding at the improved standard all the time anyway.
What then?
You will be involved with other bikers who are all up to riding at a high standard. This can be very re-assuring when out in groups and on tours. You can then choose to become an observer and keep those skills up to the required levels. The club runs many social events and has a well written and entertaining monthly magazine.
What’s the point of it all?
You’ve spent the kids’ inheritance on a brilliantly engineered, highly capable piece of equipment and taken out a second mortgage to buy all the top gear so you look and feel the part. Then you’ve scrimped on training yourself to enjoy it all to the maximum level plus stand a better chance of arriving home intact. No matter to what level you ride, there is always room for improvement which is why advanced trainers and observers are continually assessed so they know they are up to the mark.
Following the advanced motorcyclists’ route combines all the various social aspects of motorcycling with the aim of improving your skills and safety levels. I have yet to meet anyone who hasn’t enjoyed and benefited from advanced training.
The East Sussex Advanced Motorcyclists group have been growing steadily for the last twelve years. Judging by the impressive turnout on a cold and unwelcoming December sunday, this very friendly and sociable club will continue to expand.
Assessments are on the second Sunday of the month from 9am-1pm at Reid Hall, Boreham Street, Near Herstmonceux
Check out
www.es-am.org.uk for details
or call Andy Martin on 01323 442543
I want to go faster, I want to go faster..
