Advanced rider training in the UK
Posted: Sun Apr 25, 2010 12:37 pm
I passed my car test in the Isle of Man in 1967, taking lessons from my mother; and I've been riding bikes since 1969. As I'd never had a professional driving/riding lesson in forty years, I decided it was high time to check if I was doing it right. I didn't want to do an IAM course nor take exams; but I heard of a Warwickshire-based scheme whereby for a small sum (about £30), you get a day's riding tuition with an advanced rider. There would be no more than two students in total; and in my case, it was just me & the instructor.
I was told to contact Tony Lockhart 079 4644 1465 and we arranged to meet last week at Market Drayton. We met, had a coffee and a chat, and then it was on with the Hi-Viz jackets. I was lent a radio earpiece to put in my helmet. The radio was very clear but one-way only; I would reply with basic hand signals if necessary. Tony checked that knew about using opposite lock; and I confirmed that I used it all the time.
I set off in front, and after 20 miles we stopped in a layby for a chat; after which we took turns taking the lead. During the day we covered 170 miles, going via Ellesmere to Lake Vyrnwy for lunch, before finishing at Shrewsbury. Weather was kind and roads were dry. What a brilliant day out!
Tony said that I was a competent rider, but said that my worst point was overtaking; I rode to close to the vehicle in front before passing, and that I passed too close to the vehicle being overtaken. The better approach is to hold back much more, then pull out to see that all is clear, pause a moment for the guy in front to register what's going on, and then zoom past him, giving him plenty of room. Tony advised: be more aware that cars get alarmed by bikes, so avoid doing anything that influences their behaviour or scares them.
Other tips: (i) In town, follow speed limits meticulously, even if this means going slower than cars. And in town, leave a big gap between you and the car in front, so he doesn't get jittery; after all, you're gonna take him pretty soon once you are out of town!
(ii) Cornering: Tony said than in bends I started off taking the right line, but was going for the apex too soon. On a left hander he would be on the white line throughout, and on a right hander he was almost at the kerb. I said I didn't like to go too close to the kerb, as if you started to slide on gravel you had nowhere to go; but he said: always ride in order to get the maximum view ahead, as this lets you know what the bend is doing and what the traffic situation is. He said I was taking "the racing line", but that was suitable for the track, not for public roads. He admitted that even he found it odd at first to adopt such extreme positions; but I must say I feel I can rider faster and safer using that approach.
(iii) In town, don't stay in the middle of your lane, stay to the right of centre, to keep away from pedestrians who are less predictable than cars...
(iv) ... but (in town or on the open road), as traffic approaches, get well back into your lane to avoid any chance of a head-on collision.
(v) Tony said I indicated to much. Even when overtaking, he said avoid using the indicator unless it's essential. The reason: You're on a bike, and cars are expecting you to pass anyway. Also, the more you use indicators, the more likely you are to forget to turn them off again.
(vi) Although his bike had driving lights that came on automatically, Tony added he didn't use headlights on in the daytime. He said that when you accelerate, the front of the bike rises, giving the impression of going from dip to full-beam, which can alarm motorists.
So, a very worthwhile experience and I feel I learned to be a better rider. Tony was on a Honda Hornet 600, so the TRX and his bike were well-matched; and out of town we did some "brisk" riding! Tony was a great guy; so if you are in the Midlands and if you think you need to knock some rust off your riding, give him a ring: 079 4644 1465
I was told to contact Tony Lockhart 079 4644 1465 and we arranged to meet last week at Market Drayton. We met, had a coffee and a chat, and then it was on with the Hi-Viz jackets. I was lent a radio earpiece to put in my helmet. The radio was very clear but one-way only; I would reply with basic hand signals if necessary. Tony checked that knew about using opposite lock; and I confirmed that I used it all the time.
I set off in front, and after 20 miles we stopped in a layby for a chat; after which we took turns taking the lead. During the day we covered 170 miles, going via Ellesmere to Lake Vyrnwy for lunch, before finishing at Shrewsbury. Weather was kind and roads were dry. What a brilliant day out!
Tony said that I was a competent rider, but said that my worst point was overtaking; I rode to close to the vehicle in front before passing, and that I passed too close to the vehicle being overtaken. The better approach is to hold back much more, then pull out to see that all is clear, pause a moment for the guy in front to register what's going on, and then zoom past him, giving him plenty of room. Tony advised: be more aware that cars get alarmed by bikes, so avoid doing anything that influences their behaviour or scares them.
Other tips: (i) In town, follow speed limits meticulously, even if this means going slower than cars. And in town, leave a big gap between you and the car in front, so he doesn't get jittery; after all, you're gonna take him pretty soon once you are out of town!
(ii) Cornering: Tony said than in bends I started off taking the right line, but was going for the apex too soon. On a left hander he would be on the white line throughout, and on a right hander he was almost at the kerb. I said I didn't like to go too close to the kerb, as if you started to slide on gravel you had nowhere to go; but he said: always ride in order to get the maximum view ahead, as this lets you know what the bend is doing and what the traffic situation is. He said I was taking "the racing line", but that was suitable for the track, not for public roads. He admitted that even he found it odd at first to adopt such extreme positions; but I must say I feel I can rider faster and safer using that approach.
(iii) In town, don't stay in the middle of your lane, stay to the right of centre, to keep away from pedestrians who are less predictable than cars...
(iv) ... but (in town or on the open road), as traffic approaches, get well back into your lane to avoid any chance of a head-on collision.
(v) Tony said I indicated to much. Even when overtaking, he said avoid using the indicator unless it's essential. The reason: You're on a bike, and cars are expecting you to pass anyway. Also, the more you use indicators, the more likely you are to forget to turn them off again.
(vi) Although his bike had driving lights that came on automatically, Tony added he didn't use headlights on in the daytime. He said that when you accelerate, the front of the bike rises, giving the impression of going from dip to full-beam, which can alarm motorists.
So, a very worthwhile experience and I feel I learned to be a better rider. Tony was on a Honda Hornet 600, so the TRX and his bike were well-matched; and out of town we did some "brisk" riding! Tony was a great guy; so if you are in the Midlands and if you think you need to knock some rust off your riding, give him a ring: 079 4644 1465