Adventure.gs

Time to take it easy

I started Advanced Riding Techniques in 1996 following thirty years in the police service, most of it as a police class one traffic police motorcyclist, instructor and royal escort and even surveillance motorcyclist etc. At that time many advanced rider training schemes were starting up in the market, but it’s sufficient to say that in 1997 RiDE magazine appraised eight such training companies and Advanced Riding Techniques was the only one to be “Highly recommended “by Damon I’Anson, deputy editor at that time.

Now, eleven years later, it is time for me to take it a little easier, step back a little, and maybe concentrate more on my organized/disorganized tours to the continent with adventure.gs but what to do? Advanced Riding Techniques is an established name in the advanced motorcycle training field, with an enviable reputation, with most of the customers over the years becoming firm friends who regularly travel abroad with me. I couldn’t just let the name disappear, someone I could trust to maintain the high standards attained and expected over the years would have to take over.

Step in Andy Marper from Sheffield’s MCT. I have ridden with Andy, at home and abroad, for many years, and a friendlier, more affable and competent rider you will not get. Andy’s riding skills are beyond reproach, so this year we have concentrated on his teaching skills. Being a police class one motorcycle instructor and examiner I can say that Andy’s expertise is now every bit as good as any police class one instructor, or traffic patrol officer.

Mick Wheeler

Police Class One Instructor/Examiner
Institute of Advanced Motorcyclist Examiner
Founder of Advanced Riding Techniques

Mick will continue to do some training alongside Andy, helping out when he gets busy or is not available, as and when required.

The training courses will steer you through the art of observations, planning, positioning, correct and safe use of speed through the hazards and corners etc. correct gear, the use of countersteer and limit points... a fascinating subject indeed! You'll be taken through the four S's of motorcycling....
how to be Safer, Swifter, Smoother and Smarter!

But for now just a few hints'n tips to be going on with. Originally written for the local IAM group magazine, met with smirks and approval, and then published in surrounding club mags.

Advanced riding isn’t about having green stickers all over your ‘bike, helmet, and pyjamas! It’s about common sense, observations, planning, assessment, positioning and getting on with some decisive riding. Why negotiate three hazards when you can turn them into one! Why negotiate that right hander and THEN overtake Doris and Albert in their Morris Minor 1000 when with planning, cross views, accurate assessment, you can drop into the right hander and past them all in one manoeuvre, maybe stop there for the next left hander. NO sweeping and swooping about! It’s not magic, it’s not rocket science, it’s common sense or gumption! We’ll show other road users that we’re advanced riders not by the badge, but by our smooth uninterrupted progress that doesn’t interfere with them. Those that ‘know’ will comment “Now there goes a good rider!” Those road users that have no idea whatsoever will have no idea of our passing!

Some of these views might not be those of the IAM, or indeed other IAM Examiners. Please feel free to question them. I started riding police motorcycles in 1966. (LE Velocette ‘Noddy bike’, Heartbeat style, around Barnsley !) When it broke down (frequent) I used my own BSA 650 Lightning! Seventeen years Road Traffic patrol, police instructor, examiner, royal escort / VIP and the training of police motorcyclists for these roles. Three years undercover as surveillance motorcyclist with the Regional Crime Squad. Last working day spent on motorcycle patrol, retired in 1995. IAM Examiner for fifteen years. Now having my own company ‘Advanced Riding Techniques’ of which RiDE magazine said in the July ‘97 issue, “Highly recommended.” (The only one of eight training schools / courses tested that was!) Numerous track days each year, and a Diploma and three awards from the Nürburgring High Performance Courses!

Since 1999 I have completed 82,000 miles on an 1150GS in three years, 60,000 miles on an 1150GS Adventure, then 12,000 miles on a 1200GS Adventure. If this wasn't enough my GS650-Dakar has over 50,000 miles under its belt.

Ride with Pride, rubber side down and between the hedges.

Read what just one guy had to say about it, from an adjoining group! Copy of a letter published in ‘West Yorkshire Advanced Motorcyclists’ Newsletter March 2001 (issue 145)

‘BY A BABBLING BROOK’

Brilliant... Absolutely bleeding brilliant

What was, do you ask???

Well, I refer, of course, to the article by Mick Wheeler, ex-Police this, that and the other (are there any things this chap hasn’t done on motorcycles?) and the Sheffield Area IAM Examiner to boot.

His article entitled “It’s Not Rocket Science”, published in the WYAMs News Letter, February 2001, was, and I offer no apologies for repeating myself, BRILLIANT... ABSOLUTELY BLEEDING BRILLIANT

From his comments/ remarks, this guy really has entered the 21st. century. In particular his item 18, (coming in too soon!) as far as I am concerned, resolves the “Paradox”, utterly and completely (if it ever really needed answering).

But, wait a minute. What have we here? An ex-Police Advanced (VERY) Officer daring to throw open to question, some of the mantra of Police tuition / techniques. If he is not careful, the whole wrath of the “nouveau riche” (recently acquired green badge holders) of WYAMs will descend upon him.

Further, I note, he is not altogether “politically correct”. Hey, I like this man, though, coming from me, this could be akin to having a horses head placed on his pillow.

Dave Brook

Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5