Why 'Advanced'?

Last Updated on Friday, 19 February 2010 17:01

Many people picture advanced riding clubs as being full of humourless, Pan European/BMW-riding fuddy-duddies wearing hi viz vests. We do have a few Pans and BMWs in the group and we welcome all types of motorcyclist, but we're certainly not interested in taking the fun out of motorcycling. In fact, increasing your skills not only increases your safety and life expectancy, but is a whole lot of fun!

If you're a biker you'll know the sad statistics that we're constantly being reminded of, but you may not know that if you reach the 'advanced' test level, you're up to 66% less likely to be involved in a road collision. That's got to be worth pursuing hasn't it?

Our courses are based on Motorcycle Roadcraft, the professional training manual used by Police motorcyclists throughout the United Kingdom. The IAM book How to be a Better Rider is our principal reference book for the test and associate members (you, when you sign up) receive a free copy as part of the course. You'll need to study both books, as you'll require a sound knowledge to apply their principles to your biking. We start each course with two classroom theory sessions, held within the Greater Bristol area on Wednesday evenings a week apart. Following the theory sessions, you'll be allocated an Observer to coach you through the course using a number of practical rides on local roads.

We run 3 courses a year. 2010 courses start on:

• 22nd March
• 7th June
• 16th August
  

The package is called Skill for Life and costs £139 which includes:

• IAM book How to be a Better Rider
• Your Test fee
• 12 months Group associate membership which changes to...
• 12 months IAM National membership on passing your test
• Free membership of BAM to the end of the membership year
• Onroad coaching via observed rides (the average is 6-8) with your own allocated observer.

The Bristol Group is run entirely by volunteers with support from paid staff at IAM House in London. The two organisations are separate charities, but work together with a common goal.

You will need the latest copy of the Highway code and we'd also advise that you to purchase Motorcycle Roadcraft. The observed rides are free, although the associate (you) is expected to contribute towards the observer's petrol and running costs. The contribution is £10 per run (up to a maximum total of £100) and the average number of observed rides required to reach test standard is approximately 6 to 7. All in all, that's pretty good value when you consider that you'll normally get a couple of hours of practical coaching per ride.

To receive an application form, please email the This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it with details of your name and address including your postcode, and details of which course month you are interested in. When we receive your completed form and payment you'll be allocated to a course, spaces permitting. Course places are allocated on a "first come, first served basis" and we're often over subscribed, so get your booking in sooner rather than later.

If you have already signed up for an SFL course via the National IAM website you will still need to contact our Membership Secretary as above and send the white and green copies of your application to him. The "first come, first served basis" still applies.

If in doubt, come along and check out one of our monthly, evening meetings. Details are on the right hand side of this page.

Ride safe,

Oz Warren
Chairman