The best trips are often the ones that result from a snap decision. A fortnight or so ago, the training provisionally booked for the weekend was cancelled. It happened to coincide with the Bikers Classic at Spa, a mix of a 4 hour endurance race for pre-80s bikes, a classic 350 GP, a series of [...]
Archive for June, 2009
Bikers Classic, Spa
June 22, 2009Blipping the throttle on down-changes, gear shifting
June 22, 2009Another question that comes up regularly is “should I blip the throttle on downchanges?”
I went away an analysed what I did, after a previous discussion on this topic. It’s not that I don’t “blip” but I don’t do BIG blips.
It’s a bit complex because there are a bunch of loosely interlocking issues.
First, I don’t block [...]
Feedback on a course – from Carlo
June 15, 2009Every course I run, I try to remember to ask for feedback, when a trainee has had time to think about it. I do get some, not often very much more than “great time, thanks very much” it has to be said, but from time to time I do get some considered and constructive criticism, [...]
Spanner in the works
June 13, 2009Last year I was out on a course and after a few minutes it became obvious the trainee’s brake light had failed. At the next opportunity, I pulled up and told him, suggesting we pop into Halfords and get a replacement bulb. He looked a bit blank; “oh, the dealer normally sorts out that kind [...]
Get paid to ride!
June 13, 2009This is has been sent onto me by Malcolm Palmer:
I’ve been contacted by Sandra Woodjetts at the Transport Research Laboratory (Crowthorne, Bekshire, RG40 3GA). They need motorcyclists (and cyclists) for some track trials.
They’re on the weekends of 11th & 12th, and 18th & 19th July.
Food & drinks provided
£35 paid for attendance
£10 fuel allowance (for motorcyclists)
Interested?
Sandra [...]
From the Archives – BTEC Part 2
June 11, 2009One of the things I get asked from time to time is how I obtained my BTEC in advanced motorcycle instruction. This is the second part which covers the assessment of practical training carried out by Malcolm Palmer and Steve Dixey.
A couple of weeks before the second practical assessment part of the BTEC, Malc dropped [...]
From the Archives – BTEC Part 1
June 11, 2009One of the things I get asked from time to time is how I obtained my BTEC in advanced motorcycle instruction. Here’s the first of a two parter that recounts exactly what I did to qualify via the “accreditation of prior learning” module.
If you’re a regular visitor to the Survival Skills site, you’re probably wondering [...]
Getting the right training for struggling new riders
June 6, 2009Picture this…
You’re a late 30-something female… passed the test on a 125 in 1995.
You rode a 125, then a 250 for a couple of years, and were then involved as pillion in an accident with a U-turning driver in France, which resulted in a leg injury and a hospital stay.
A year on and you have [...]
Latest from Lucky 13
June 6, 2009Just a reminder, and a heads-up to those who haven’t seen them before!
The Lucky 13 series of cartoons continues to roll out on the Acem website.
Latest is on night time hazards.
They’re aimed (mostly) at new and returning riders, in a “Joe Bar-style” format if you haven’t seen one.
Words by Yours Truly, artwork by a design [...]
Dell drop Mini 9
June 4, 2009Almost as soon as I’ve bought one and written about its delights, Dell have announced they are to drop the Mini 9 from their range. The story was reported on the PCPro newsletter this morning. It might even be that the last Mini 9s have already been sold – the Dell site didn’t seem to [...]
