Advanced?! Me?! Hmm!

[Fireblade_Ro]

So today I sat my advanced riding test (IAMs) but first... my preparation! For those thinking of doing IAMs... don't do what I've done!!!

I've been training with TVAM-RAMs for about a year, I applied to do my test in May after passing my cross check then was hit by a drink driver.

I moved to Shropshire in the summer, and started a new job... didn't really have the time to do observed rides but did get another cross check done (and passed!) so I did my test. And failed. Horribly.

I did some additional observed rides, had some lovely feedback and some great constructive ways to improve my riding. Then I was made redundant, stressful few weeks job hunting instead of riding - and today was my second test. I started the day with my partners car being broken down, and having to drive him to work (1hr round trip!)... then while cleaning my motorbike I managed to break my rear left indicator. I went to work for the morning, ended up leaving late and flustered then went and had my indicator fixed by some AMAZING guys at Navajo & Mooney, Telford.

During my ride it was really windy, freezing cold and rained a few times. And my indicator broke again right at the start... I ended up doing the whole ride with arm signals!!!

Maybe my preparation hasn't exactly been advanced... but turns out my riding this afternoon was I passed

I'm looking at doing RoSPA next... any advice for doing this without being calamity Jane?! if anyone is based around Telford (midweek) or Reading (weekends) and fancies burning some fuel then let me know

[Kwacky]

Well done. Sounds like you deserved it.

[kiwikrasher]

So today I sat my advanced riding test (IAMs) but first... my preparation! For those thinking of doing IAMs... don't do what I've done!!!

I've been training with TVAM-RAMs for about a year, I applied to do my test in May after passing my cross check then was hit by a drink driver.

I moved to Shropshire in the summer, and started a new job... didn't really have the time to do observed rides but did get another cross check done (and passed!) so I did my test. And failed. Horribly.

I did some additional observed rides, had some lovely feedback and some great constructive ways to improve my riding. Then I was made redundant, stressful few weeks job hunting instead of riding - and today was my second test. I started the day with my partners car being broken down, and having to drive him to work (1hr round trip!)... then while cleaning my motorbike I managed to break my rear left indicator. I went to work for the morning, ended up leaving late and flustered then went and had my indicator fixed by some AMAZING guys at Navajo & Mooney, Telford.

During my ride it was really windy, freezing cold and rained a few times. And my indicator broke again right at the start... I ended up doing the whole ride with arm signals!!!

Maybe my preparation hasn't exactly been advanced... but turns out my riding this afternoon was I passed

I'm looking at doing RoSPA next... any advice for doing this without being calamity Jane?! if anyone is based around Telford (midweek) or Reading (weekends) and fancies burning some fuel then let me know

If you can deal with all that crap then pass Ro, you canbe fully confident in your ability. Well done, sounds like you've worked hard for it and it's paid off

[Cav]

Wow... well handled !!

If you managed to keep your cool through all of that and pass then fair play!

[D6Nutz]

Nice one ro.

I keep thinking about RoSPA, passed my iam a few years ago now. Can never commit to it though.

[C00kiemonster]

Wow. Well done

[Tricky]

blimey!!! well done.

[Perkles]

Well done ro

[Fireblade_Ro]

Thank you

My next adventure is Blood Bike training... starting Wednesday!!!

Once I'm settled with that and into the swing of the blood runs then I'll do RoSPA - probably next summer. Anything that will improve my riding, enjoyment of riding and life expectancy has to be good, right?!

[Blade]

Impressive Ro well done. To pass after all that hassle and stress shows your on top of your game. Congratulations all the hard work and effort paid off.

[Kwacky]

Have a chat with your insurance about being a blood bike. Some of them class it as courier so it'll cost a fortune.

[Fireblade_Ro]

Have a chat with your insurance about being a blood bike. Some of them class it as courier so it'll cost a fortune.

That's tomorrows job - I've been told that it comes under "charity/fund raising" and in which case doesn't hurt so hard on the premium... after all it is a charitable service and I make no money whatsoever from it. We'll see what they say! Otherwise SSBB will need to review their 30+ yrs of age rider insurance policy if they want me riding a fleet bike...

[StMarks]

Well done that girl.!

[duke63]

Well done, Ro!

Must confess i got put off doing IAAM by a mate who did it. He then went on a Euro tour with the group and said he saw some of the most irresponsible bike riding ever, by the group of IAAM instructors he was with.

[Rossgo]

I'm.Very late here Ro. Congratulations on the pass. You clearly had a very testing day before this lol!!

As regards to Reading and weekends...did you know that Reading Toy Run is on Sunday? I'm planning to go, just bring a teddy bear or someyhing to hand in and that will lead to a little kid smiling for the year

[Blade]

Great cause Rossgo and we'll done you for supporting helping under privileged kids have a nice Xmas. Christmas is all about the giving and it feels very rewarding to know your efforts have helped someone less fortunate.

Have a good day mate

[Fireblade_Ro]

I'll be there, dressed as a snowman with a muppet helmet cover I won't be doing the whole ride... A) I'll probably still feel shit post impacted wisdom tooth fun and B) I'm riding with my dad on his new scooter... and he's a bit novice

I am bringing toys and have provisionally arranged with someone to take them to the finish but as I've never actually met this person before I may not be able to find her - anyone else going along I could hand gifts to?

[Rossgo]

Thanks Blade yes definitely a good cause well worth a few hours of someone's day in my opinion

[Rossgo]

Ro. More than happy to take something off you to hand in on your bbehalve. I'm planning to use my tail bag should be big enough for a couple of soft toys. Going to see if I can bag a Father Christmas costume for the day

[Rossgo]

Sure though people would happily take gifts up on your behalve if we didn't see each other. There's usually a boat/bike that goes along with plenty of room for half the town haha!!