Liam's Journey

I was in Studley’s motorcycles, for my Dreaded MOT, and whilst in waiting I overheard two gentlemen discussing the novelty of loud exhausts, one of which they’d heard coming and going from Charlton Down- “Oh, so you’ve probably been hearing me then?” I chirped in a mix of pride and satire, the gentleman (apologies, I have lost your name!) then engaged with me in friendly conversation, and soon brought up a scholarship for young riders, being run to improve their skills on the road. This was clearly an opportunity to be followed up on, and I’m grateful that I did, because after a taster session, and my first observed ride, the value of the principles taught on this IAM course have already paid notable dividends.

I was put in contact with Martin, who was able to accommodate my schedule in arranging the taster session. I was stepping into uncharted territory, made doubly apparent when martin asked, “what are you hoping to gain from the course?”. I replied, “learning to ride more safely” (though I said this for his sake more than my own). Then an answer that more accurately reflected my attitude towards motorcycling: “and to become faster on track”.

I had never been on track. Going fast in straight lines, before braking heavily and wriggling through a corner trying to look like a Moto GP rider with an extended knee not even close to the ground, that was my idea of what public roads were for. Thankfully, Martin showed me the distinction I knew deep down to be true, being a skilled motorcyclist isn’t about making it home alive despite your best efforts, it’s about efficiency, and maximising your options to mitigate risk, so I don’t become a statistic that increases motorbike insurance for everyone. Instead have the system in place to control my bike in the emergence of a hazard and react accordingly to save lives. The system: IPSGA, Information, Position, Speed, Gear, Acceleration, WORKS! I can attest to the new perspective I have gained, and the assured feeling that comes with setting out on my bike to practice these principles, unlike previously trying to prove to myself that “I can weave through traffic faster today”, the need to master IPSGA has altered my course in a much more fulfilling direction.

My second session took place with Mark. After having met at one of the group's socials a couple weeks beforehand, I got to know Mark personally, and found that he was passionate about motorcycling, so much so that he had taken on volunteering as a Blood Biker. Speaking with Mark during this time, and the time into my first observed ride really put into perspective just how much I could gain to understand about the practice of advanced riding. When listening to Mark’s recollection of his own experiences compared with my sliver of Road time, this tied in perfectly with the emphasis placed by mark on the ‘Human Factor’. For me, this meant not just learning a system of actions when handling the bike, but becoming the right person entirely, arrogance was going to take me out sooner or later, and I’m sure I wouldn’t be the first. Listening to the first teachings I received, and actively practicing them has shown in the feedback I received at the end of my ride with Mark that day. There’s plenty of room to improve and I look forward to challenging my riding standard every time I get on my bike hereafter, if only more people starting out on a bike such as myself were presented this opportunity to be part of a group that does a huge credit to the reputation of motorcyclists, then perhaps those fatalities caused by arrogance would decline to zero.

p.s. The baffle is back in my exhaust.