Advanced Motorcycle Training - Advancedbiker Youtube

Feedback from Observation on Instructional ability Blue Light Emergency Training - Youtube

2012-01-03T07:47:00.000-08:00

Some feedback from Youtube by viewers who have commented on my instructional approach to the training.....THANK YOU.... Here is what some have said:

I personaly think you are one hell of an informative instructor and your area knowledge is second to none, knowing about the blind junction etc etc,,,well done ym friend keep the videos coming,,,they are of decent length and also high quality
mortgagewizard40 5 days ago
@mortgagewizard40 - Many thanks for the feedback
advancedbiker 5 days ago
The guy in the passenger seat is a natural teacher.
I would love to have him train me to drive like that.
When doing my HGV course,the instructor was a nasty,foul mouthed Welshman,I never felt at ease with him.Possibly the reason I failed my first two attempts,I switched instructor,who was a nice,calm bloke like the fellow here,and I passed.
Just goes to show that a calm,authoritative figure can, like the guy here, instill so much confidence in a trainee.
Thanks for posting.
robert140602 5 days ago
@robert140602 - Thanks for the feedback, I always try and develop a good working relationship, the clients tend to learn more and you get to know your clients better.
advancedbiker 5 days ago
What a Pleasure to watch & a great teacher, You are so calm Sir, its great we have People like you teaching top skills like this & keeping our British roads Safe I take my Hat off to You :o) & Top driving to the Driver too ;o)
R2tag 5 days ago

I love this instructor !! If only they were all this polite. I remember mine, he was a bit of an ogre.., aragant, ignorant and a bit scary, didnt put me at ease at all and i never understood why.. after all, the difference between polite and police is just one letter !! Great video..
MrMoby716 6 days ago

@MrMoby716 - Thanks for the feedback. I always try and put my students at ease. Learning has to be fun and you must always leave the student wanting more. When ever I am out it is a learning environment for me as well. You never stop learning.
advancedbiker 6 days ago

Nice video but why is the driver not doing a full commentary as in most police advance driver training?
D1MCV 2 weeks ago

@D1MCV - Thanks for the feedback.... This was a Blue Light Training course for Community First Responders - Not Police advanced.
advancedbiker 2 weeks ago

@advancedbiker Thanks.That explains a lot. I remember my police advanced driving course and the instructor was NEVER that polite lol
D1MCV 2 weeks ago

@D1MCV - Thanks, I try to have a 'chilled' atmosphere in the car. Whenever I go out training, I always enjoy it, as I still get a buzz from it, but if I can pick up anything alongthe way, I will use it. You find never stop learning.
advancedbiker 2 weeks ago

@advancedbiker You're right, you NEVER stop learning. I'm from Scotland and I don't think we have blue light drivers other than emergency services, however, should this driver continue to drive like this I'd happily sit beside him/her. Good job.
D1MCV 2 weeks ago

@D1MCV - Thanks I will let then know...
advancedbiker 2 weeks ago

Advice and help given to Youtube follower by Advancedbiker

2012-01-03T07:35:00.000-08:00

I try and answer all comments etc and especially e-mails I get from Youtube and this one in particular is one in question. It all started at the end of September 2011 and it came from a Police Officer from Ireland.

'Hi Nigel,

How are you? I would love some info and advice from you, please:

I am a policeman in the Republic of Ireland and I was doing their standard motorcycle course for the past month in their training centre.(The standard motorcycle course is 4 weeks long.) From what I gather, their standards are very high for passing it...advanced motorcycle level.

The course went well at the start...On Week 1 I was able to move the bike in 1st and 2nd, perform the slow manoeuvres test, turn left & right,etc...all inside the training centre. Once I got outside the training centre on Week 2 and onto the roads my instructor kept shouting at me from the very start over the helmet radio if I made ANY mistake. I found it hard to concentrate with all his shouting at me while on the motorcycle, a '07 Honda Deauville 700cc.I received no assistance from him at all. I never received ANY good comments from him either.

So basically I learned how to ride a motorbike from watching your videos on Youtube. (I have no previous bike experience at all.) It amazes me to see how patient you are with your students...unlike my police instructor. You also praise them when they do something good....I like that. :-) You are an excellent instructor, Nigel!

Yesterday I had my test (or "Final Drive" as they call it) for the police motorcycle course and I failed it. The test was mainly on minor roads doing speeds of 120-140km/hr. From start to finish my nerves got the better of me. At the start I crossed a continous white line after a bend and this put me off for the whole test...everything was like a snowball after that. Forgot to use the front brake and only used the back brake. Slowed down too soon approaching a town at one stage. Poor positioning on the roads....not on the "5" (as u call it) for the left hand bends -> I was mostly on "4"s. Not on the "1" for the right hand bends I was mostly on the "2". The police tester couldn't understand why I bobbed my head left or right when I was checking the mirrors...(this was something I learned off Youtube from the UK Police motorcyclists, which I thought was a good idea to show I was checking the mirrors). For most of the test I was either in 2nd or 3rd even though the speed limits varied between 80 - 100km/hr. I was devastated when he failed me, but basically I taught myself using your Youtube videos, Nigel....

I have been offered another go at the test on the next training course, Nigel. It is something that I really want to do...to be able to rode a motorcycle to a good standard. With you being an ex-police motorcycle instructor your help would be very much appreciated, pleaaaase.

Thanks,

Name supplied.

Next email:

........Another thing is, my BIGGEST problem is my confidence on bends,Nigel. It started on the first day I was on the road with the bike and I went around a tight s-shaped bend where I panicked when I saw an oncoming tanker...I was on the white centre line (position 5) and pulled on the front brake, I could see myself going underneath the tanker, but I released the front brake on time and the bike straightened out, narrowly avoiding the tanker. Another day I was going around another tight bend and the bike skidded on muck on the road and I went into the ditch. Since these incidents I always approach bends with caution and I am not going fast enough from the police instructor's point of view...even though I am reading the limit points properly. The possibility of skidding or colliding always is in the back of my mind. This affects me on the bends.
Thanks for listening to me and for your valuable assistance, Nigel. :-) Hope you have a good weekend too. :-)

Thanks,

Well I couldn't refuse an e-mail like that, but had to be diplomatic in my reply, so we then entered into some e-mails, with my reply being:

4.10.2011 my reply:

I have not forgot the other stuff you mention in you messages. Will get back to you.

Couple of tasks for you int the meantime.

Bend Assessment - Braking

You should at all costs avoid using the front brake excessively as it will pick the motorcycle up. As you found out.

You CAN apply the back break very effectively - Give it a go,just a light amount of pressure when you are going around a bend you are familiar with...... You don't have to be going fast, just see what happens.
Another task is, Have you heard of Counter Steering ?

Get back to me

Regards

Nigel

Reply:(

Hi Nigel,

Sorry for the delay in replying to you! I have been very busy at work because of the month I was off in September doing the motorbike course. When I came back to my station the amount of paperwork waiting for me was unbelievable....as you know yourself, being an ex-policeman.

Since I was last talking to you, I have been given a second chance at passing the Garda motorcycle course. I have been in the Garda Training College since last Thursday practicing every day for my last attempt at passing it on Thursday the 3rd of November 2011. The police instructor has told me that he has noticed a big improvement on my riding since i was last down there. The improvement comes from me watching your videos on Youtube constantly and putting them into practice on the road, using my own bike. :-)

Yeah, I've stopped using the front brake on the bends, Nigel. I've used the back-brake as you said...Yeah, I found it very effective, thanks!! But on the police motorcycle course, the instructor forbids me to use the back brake on the bends...telling me that i shouldn't have to use it if I am approaching the bend at the right position, speed and gear in the first place. So I can't use the back-brake on the course at all, Nigel. :-(

Yeah, I've heard of counter-steering, Nigel...but does it really exist? When I am riding the bike into and around the bends I lean the bike appropriately to negotiate of the bends. I might be using counter-steer without me knowing it...???...I don't know if I am, because I'm just concentrating so hard in negotiating the bend. If I was to put counter-steering into practice and focus on doing it....I would be afraid in case the bike would go onto the opposite side of the road on the bend, while I am counter-steering. Is it safe and does it exist??

Hopefully, when this motorbike course is finished and I've passed it, Nigel, I would love to meet you in person and extend my appreciation for helping me pass the course...if that is ok with you? I would also love to do one of your weekend courses this Summer. Over in Britain you have better roads and better weather conditions than we do in Ireland ....it would be great to ride on decent roads for a change with a great instructor like yourself.

Talk to you soon. Take care of yourself.

30.10.2011

Hi Nigel,

Hope all is well with you. I understand what you mean now regarding the back brake and the counter-steering.

Thanks for your advice and most valuable information. I will keep you informed on how I get on Thursday after my bike test. Fingers crossed and hoping all goes well.

Talk to you then, Nigel

Well it was all fingers crossed to see what happened...........

One more e-mail from me on 30.10.2011...

You can only do your best on Thursday. You can do it. Keep me posted.

BENDS - I think I need to clear something up here re the back brake. The use of the back brake in cornering is for when you may have entered a little too quickly. Your instructor is right in what he is saying as ....Get everything right before the bend all you need to do is make minor adjustments through the throttle. Remember do not RUSH --Plan hen bend as you approached with the objective of planning for the exit,

COUNTERSTEERING -- If you do not counter-steer, you would never get round the bend. You first experienced counter-steering when riding your pedal cycle. Do not worry about it as your test is too close to experiment with your riding style.

Have a good test on Thursday,

Regards

Nigel

The e-mail I have been waiting for........5.11.2011

Hi Nigel,

I did our police bike test on Thursday. I put into practice all you showed and told me, along with what I could learn from the instructor. I passed it, Nigel!!!...YAYYY!!! I was so delighted and over the moon to pass it. :-))))

The instructor I had for the test is known to be a perfectionist. So when I heard he was testing me I said to myself, "Oh no!". Anyway, I went out on the bike to do the test, with the instructor behind me observing me. It was lashing rain! So the roads were wet. I kept the bike into the nearside for the right-hand bends & I kept it out left-of-centre line for the left-hand bends. Speed was good going into all bends. I got in 6 good overtakes during the 40 minute test. And then we went back to base.

When I got back, the instructor gave me the thumbs up, but didn't speak to me...coz he had to test another student straight after me. So I didn't know if I passed or not.

The instructor came back after testing the other student and he briefed me on my test. He said to me, "You couldn't have done a better drive than that. It was excellent!!...with great positioning, great speed and excellent gear changing. You got 6 excellent overtakes in also." So I was taken back by all this, because I was expecting a bad report, but I was getting praise. Then he said to me, " You are actually a better biker than you think." I couldn't believe all this when he said it to me. My head was getting bigger and bigger with all the remarks...ha! ha! :-) So he told me that I passed it. I was so over the moon and delighted to have passed it. Now I am a fully qualified police motorbike rider...YAYYY!!! :-)

Thanks a million for all your help and videos, Nigel. Without them and your advice I would not have passed the test / course. If you want to use my comments to show to your other students, by all means do. You are an excellent instructor! I hope to meet you in person next Summer and do one of your courses over in Britain.

Thanks Nigel!!! :-)

A great result.

Merry Christmas from Advancedbiker

2011-12-21T04:31:00.000-08:00

MERRY CHRISTMAS

AND

HAPPY NEW YEAR

IN 2012

Thank you you for all your support,makes it all worthwhile.

Advanced Bend Assessment with pictures and video from Advancedbiker

2011-11-15T13:06:00.000-08:00

One of the issues I have when out advanced training and advanced testing with motorcycles is bend assessment. All credit to the riders, they know the principles of 'ROADCRAFT' and yes they position for the bends - BUT - What do you do when you have got your view?

Lets have a look at a series of stills taken form a video of the A519 from Woodseaves in Staffordshire towards Newport in Shropshire.

REMEMBERING:

Cornering is a hazardous manoeuvre, but is a necessary one because of our road systems. Too many riders the art of cornering is one area where they have the greatest problem. The principles of

cornering need to be explained first. You must always remember that each rider has his or her own limit and this must never be exceeded. You know the temptation, ‘If my mate can get round the bend, I can’.
Always remember:

GO IN SLOW,

MAINTAIN A CONSTANT SPEED AROUND THE BEND BALANCING THE MOTORCYCLE WITH A SMALL AMOUNT OF THROTTLE, AND

ACCELERATE OUT. ( IS IT IS SAFE TO DO SO )

Once you have mastered this the FEEL GOOD FACTOR IS GREAT !

I will try and explain the principles of cornering in plain English, so here goes..............
CORNERING FORCES
A motorcycle is most stable when it is travelling upright, in a straight line at a constant speed. To alter its direction i.e. in this case in order to go around a bend a directional force is applied. In otherwords you turn the handlebars. When you do this the grip on the front wheel increases and the speed of the motorcycle reduces slightly. To get around the bend you lean either left or right to maintain the stability of the motorcycle.
Remember that if you brake or accelerate when in a bend you lesson the grip on the tyres. If the grip on the tyres is lessened then the motorcycle will want to go straight. In otherwords on a left-hand bend it tends to drift towards the offside on the road and into the face of oncoming traffic. On right hand bends towards the kerb or hedge. I am sure we have all experienced this during our riding and have never known why this happens.
In order to maintain control, stability and clean underwear after CORNERING the following factors and measures can be applied.

APPROACHING A BEND

You must consider the following when you approach any bend :-
A) Speed of motorcycle on approach
B) Gear of motorcycle
C) Traffic on road, ahead as well as behind
D) View into and out of bend
E) Application of the ‘System’
F) Can the limit point be seen?

STABILITY IN THE BEND
On entering the bend you must be able to maintain the stability of the motorcycle, that is maintaining
control. To do this you must assess the curvature of the bend and maintain a constant speed. The engine
should be just pulling to compensate for the slight reduction in speed caused by the bending force. Look for
the limit point and as it goes away from you apply more power, if it is save to do so. You must always be able
to stop in the distance you see to be clear.
The secret of safe bending is:

Technique,

Observation,

System,

Control and

Good assessment of a safe bending speed, which is within your own limits.


NO ISSUES with this one, the rider is out towards the centre of the road - Position 5 - no oncoming vehicles, NO DANGERS. Goods view over the hedgerows as the road appears to go right after the bend he is about to commit to. So with forward planning why not PLAN for the right as you enter the left.

In position for th right hand bend - No nearside DANGERS

The right hand bend leads onto a short striaght and then what appears to be a left. Have a look at the tree line in the distance.

Yes road goes left

Moving on - Still good postioning, good speed, IN CONTROL and now looking for information .... Road looks like it is going right in the distance - Tree Line

Yes it does

Could be going left after if the tree line to the right is correct

Yes it does

Rider staying on line too long. He had his view. Look where my motorcycle is in relation to his

Lets us have alook at the video.....

Towards the end we look at uising a numbering system to get the rider to plan his ride better

Feedback from Facebook user who watches my vids on Youtube

2011-11-14T12:58:00.001-08:00

hello mate i been following your vids on you tube for ages now ,,ive only had my full licence for two years and ive found your vids to be really helpfull,,its really helped me with my road positioning, throttle control,observation,in fact all aspects of my riding,,just thought i would say thanks and keep up the good work

Dave Weaver November 2011

Looking at overtaking with advancedbiker with pictures and Youtube

2011-11-14T12:00:00.000-08:00

During a recent rider assessment course we had a discussion about overtaking.The main ingredient after SAFETY being forward observation and planning, remembering the rules for overtaking:

Judgements must be made in which experience plays a great part and must include an assessment of the speed of vehicles concerned and distances involved, such as :

1. Speed of vehicles to be overtaken.

2. Speed and performance of own machine.

3. Speed of approaching vehicle(s) in view.

4. Possible high speed of vehicles as yet unseen

5. Distance available to overtake and regain near-side relative to 1 to 4 above

Planning for overtakes

1. Never cause the overtaken or approaching vehicle to alter course or speed.

2. Avoid making a third line of vehicles abreast, either travelling in the same or opposite direction.

3. Always be able to move back into the near-side in plenty of time.

Do you ever consider going over to the other side of the road IF SAFE to have a look. NOT commenicng the overtake. Your view greatly improves and if the overtake is on PLAN for the gap you want to go for. AND the motorcycle is upright when you increase the power to commence the overtake

Overtake is on, just the one

Another example of getting your view first, but in this case we are just leaving a roundbout and have the speed advantage of the heavy goods vehicle. So why not use the power.

When following a vehicle the view is not always to the right. On a left hand bend there is often a view whoch develops alongthe left - nearside, between the hedge row and the side of the vehicle.

Overtake - eventually made.

Let us now have a look the video:

Adding Remus Power Cone to Remus Headers BMW R1200GS

2011-11-12T12:17:00.000-08:00

Way back in March 2011 I replaced the original headers on my 2008 BMW R1200GS, well I can that bit extra and bought a second hand exhaust - A Remus Powercone.

Remus much smaller alighter than the original

Fitted - Easy job

Does look a different motorcycle and it sounds very nice, even with the baffle fitted

Original

IAM New Zealand training process - feedback from Geoff

2011-10-29T01:47:00.000-07:00

Hi Nigel,
You recently asked me to keep you up to date with IAM NZ training progress.

I sat my check ride on Thursday (the pre-full membership test)under the eagle eyes of the Chief Examiner and passed!

Write-up is here:Write up from Geoff .

As always, thanks so much for the long-distance support in the shape of your videos which are incredibly good value.

Talk at Staffordshire Advanced Riders - Rospa Group

2011-10-28T06:03:00.000-07:00

Feedback from a talk I did yesterday at the Staffordshire Advanced Riders'

Hi Folks
First of all may I thank Nigel for giving up his time, coming along and giving us talk and presentation which was informative and entertaining. I`d also like to thanks him for the goodie bags and for the donation he made to Walton Hall School which you will not have known about.

It was a great evening with all the usual banter and slurs being thrown around but nothing being meant by it unless it was directed at Mole, Phil, Me, Edward... and it was an even bigger shame that Dave Hall couldn't make it because of emergency in pub kitchen leaving water flowing everywhere. The real reason why he was missed is because he had the biscuits!

Thanks one and all for supporting the club and wanting to learn more, we never finish doing that.
See you at the next ride out which Phil Hems has volunteered to lead.

Regards

Jon Cook.

Youtube Feedback - Positioning by Numbers, Encouraging rider to move in carriageway IF SAFE

2011-10-23T12:31:00.000-07:00

Some feedback from a recent video clip on Youtube: Well done Sue,,

Hi, Great vid, i can see the logic of haveing 5 tracks rather than 3 which is what I have been using, will now try the 5 tracks. Its will smoothe out the conering and should be less braking. Brilliant!
3213089 3 weeks ago
@3213089 Thanks for the feedback, let me know how you get on with the 5 'system'
advancedbiker 3 weeks ago
@advancedbiker had a go on the way back from work last night while on nights, mad a real difference even in the dark, I was able to set myself up better for the corner, so there was less braking and I had a smoother roll into the corner and better positioning on the exit. now all I have to do work on this so it becomes habit. Thanks
3213089 3 weeks ago
@3213089 Well done = Keep me posted...Are you happy with gear selection and balance of the throttle?
advancedbiker 3 weeks ago
@advancedbiker Yeah, been using this for a bit now, just makes the ride, gear change and throttle control so much smoother and relaxing. With the correct road position gives me the safest line in and out of the corner also the best view for any on coming problems! Brilliant.
3213089 10 minutes ago

Graded Ride out with local RoSPA group - Staffordshire Advanced Riders

2011-10-18T08:43:00.000-07:00

Graded Ride out with local RoSPA group - Staffordshire Advanced Riders -

Here is the ride report from Mole:

'Hi All, it has fallen to me to report on the GRD from last Sunday (16th) so here with a short note to report on the ride.

One word adequately describes the day EXCELLENT! top notch roads, top notch scenery (when going slow enough to see it all!) and a top notch group.

Well done Chairman John on leading us through some of the best riding roads in Wales and nice to see such a good turn out for the last GRD of the season.

Nine riders rode out from Eccy fire station on what looked like it might be a wet one but apart from some light precipitation in the odd spot it remained dry.

The nine included a surprise but welcome appearance of Nigel Bowers our friendly local ROSPA examiner who came along for the ride. Good to see you Nigel and I hope you enjoyed it as much as we did.

We headed out and after a brief period on the boring stuff to get us round the other side of Telford the fun started and didn’t stop till we got home some 240 miles later.

Our route took us via Much Wenlock, Craven Arms, Clun, Newtown , Machynlleth (for lunch), Llangollen, whitchurch and then home.

As you can imagine with JC leading the route did not stick to the A roads and many "off the beaten track" B roads where taken to maximize the enjoyment.

A brilliant day was had by all. To top it all we even learnt a thing or two like the benefits of "radio assisted overtaking" now that does add a whole new dimension!!!!

Thanks again to one and all and I for one can not wait till the next one, get those radios charged JC!

To end just a reminder - we have our second club talk by Nigel at the fire station coming up on Thursday 27th of October, meet at 19.00hr kick off at 19.30 sharp.

Cheers all.

Mole

I am in Motorcycle News 19.10.2011

2011-10-18T00:47:00.000-07:00

You can see me in Motorcycle News, out Wednesday 19th October 2011 following a one day assessment course I did with Alison Silcox in the Peak District.

Thanks Alison, Great article:
Motorcycle News Article

And caught her on camera as well

Feedback from Youtube viewer - Limit Point of Observation

2011-09-30T11:25:00.000-07:00

Excellent video, Nigel!! :-) I am doing a motorcycle course for the emergency services at present. The instructor kept going on about "limit points" on bends and I hadn't a clue what he was talking about...So it confused me and nearly caused me to collide with a tanker on a bend. It was only after watching your vid on limit points did I realise what he was talking about. Thanks for that Nigel! All your vids are a great help to me at the moment. Great instruction and excellent explanations too.

TheCOLLIE38

Using numbers to help with Advanced Positioning

2011-09-30T08:48:00.000-07:00

Hi, Great vid, i can see the logic of haveing 5 tracks rather than 3 which is what I have been using, will now try the 5 tracks. Its will smoothe out the conering and should be less braking. Brilliant!

3213089 6 hours ago

Ride out from rider who went to Wales with Advancedbiker 28.9.2011

2011-09-28T12:43:00.000-07:00

Hi Nigel,
I've just woken up. Thank you so much for a truely fantastic day
out in Wales (200 miles?) the weather was with us and I learned a lot from your
superb tuition. You clearly have the teaching skills to bring people on to a
higher standard of riding, whilst also offering constructive advice and
personal demonstration of very best practice.

You demand high standards whilst having the ability to work from the level the
rider is already at. As I said in our conversation, you quickly become a
critical friend and this, in my opinion, provides the basis for getting the
best from each individual person. Encouragement goes a long way in inspiring
confidence.

I shall always remember the ride out and the RosPa test we did last week as I
now feel a much safer and acomplished rider.

Anyone considering improving their biking skills would really benefit from
your vast experience.

Feedback from Youtube viewer

2011-09-27T11:35:00.000-07:00

Hi Nigel. Brilliant video! I lacked confidence too on the bends. That was until i watched ur video. Now i can take bends easily coz of it. Excellent instruction and a joy to watch all ur videos. Thanks for coming up with the idea. One thing i notice is that you never lose your cool with ur students...well done! And u praise them when they do something right. Are u a police instructor by any chance? Brilliant videos, Nigel!!! :-)
Collie.

Advancedbiker Youtube clips now on Televison - Virgin Media Tivo

2011-09-09T07:08:00.000-07:00

I have just updated my Virgin Media top set box and now have a Tivo Box installed. I can watch amongst other things Youtube Clips. Great viewing some of the footage on a big screen. Not bad quaility either. Do you have them same or similar set up ?

Road Positioning Advanced way and DSA way

2011-09-05T13:40:00.000-07:00

There are standards and requirements. There is a big difference between the DSA, Driving Standards Agency and the way you ride your motorcycle -

Youtube Clip

Feedback from recent RoSPA Advanced Motorcycle Test

2011-08-11T14:36:00.000-07:00

Hi Nigel

I would just like to say how impressed i am. From my first contact with you to arrange a test date although nervous about the test,
you had me feeling more at ease about it. I then looked at your web site which i found brilliant & very informative, a great insight
to being a safer rider & a better understanding of the five stages of THE SYSTEM.
Your comments during the test & afterwards at the debrief were well founded & put in such a way they came across as a positve not a negative. I would therefore have no hesitation in passing on your details to anyone who needed or wanted to improve there riding skills.
Since having spent 2 days with bikesafe assesment, moving on to advance rider training, i now enjoy motorcycling more than i thought
i ever would & look forward to much more.

Many Thanks
Eric McConnell

Advancded Motorcycle Training.Com on Hubpages

2011-08-06T01:25:00.000-07:00

Check out htis link,lot of information on the page I put on a few years ago

Advanced Motorcycle Training.Com On Hubpages

I am in Motorcycle News - Wednesday 27th July 2011

2011-07-27T09:17:00.000-07:00

I have been mentioned in Motorycle News, Wednesday 27th July 2011, page 41 in the Bike shop Long Term Fleet section. Alison Silcox who rides a Ducati Monster 695 mentioned booking a day with me to 'revist some of the techniques from previous training and to refresh her confidence. We did book a day, Friday 22nd July 2011 in the Peak District. Just in the process of producing the DVD.

Thanks Alison

Feedback from Triumph Rocket 3 rider 23.7.2011

2011-07-23T11:42:00.001-07:00

Awesome day today, Nigel! Many thanks!! Definitely reckon I'll be a bit safer, and a bit quicker! Really buzzing!! Just given the Rocket a bit of a clean to get rid of the dead stuff all over it! And the weather was even spot on...couldn't have asked for more! Look forward to seeing (and hearing!!!!) the DVD.

Speeding - The limits

2011-07-21T00:46:00.000-07:00

All UK forces abide by national guidelines regarding the speed thresholds for enforcement.

These figures are published by Hertfordshire Police, but certainly South Wales and other local forces comply with the same, even if they don't openly circulate the fact.

The threshold for all enforcement is 10% + 2mph. Then up to 10% + 9mph gets you a National Speed Awareness Course. Up to 10% + 21mph means a Fixed Penalty Notice (or RIDE where available). 10% + 22mph and over earns you a trip to the magistrates (Report For Summons).

30mph limit >> 35 - 42 = NSAC, 43 - 54 = FPN, 55+ = RFS
40mph limit >> 46 - 53 = NSAC, 54 - 64 = FPN, 65+ = RFS
50mph limit >> 57 - 64 = NSAC, 65 - 74 = FPN, 75+ = RFS
60mph limit >> 68 - 75 = NSAC, 76 - 84 = FPN, 85+ = RFS
70mph limit >> 79 - 86 = NSAC, 87 - 94 = FPN, 95+ = RFS

Just Helmets and Advanced Motorcycle Training . Com

2011-07-15T09:08:00.000-07:00

Fancy a new helmet and want to get a discount......

You can if you visit:

Just helmets - THE UK's Motorcycle Helmet Specialists

Quote AMT when you check out to get your discount on your new helmet:

Feedback from video clips on Youtube

2011-06-29T07:58:00.001-07:00

Your Channel

To:advancedbiker

Hi,
I'm a 42 year old rider from Cambs, I passed my full test two months ago. I manage to get out a couple of times a week to get some miles on the clock and try to build on what I have learned during my direct access course. I'm currently working through the Motorcycle Roadcraft manual and the videos that you have kindly taken the trouble to upload are a really useful visual resource to help with all the text i'm working through.

I just wanted to write a short note to say a big thank you.

Kind Regards

Rob

Advancedbiker is observed and he passes - Gold Rospa standard

2011-06-25T00:29:00.000-07:00

I had a very strange experience yesterday when I was out advanced motorcycle training. I was with a mate who was preparing for his Senior Tutor test for RoSPA and we were assessing his riding and assessment skills. As part of that assessment I would do some demo rides, throwing in various bad habits to see if he got them and after brought them up in the debrief. Well I tried to do a faultless GOLD ride for him, talk about a bit of pressure. I never usually ride in front as I am always following someone and after one hour we stopped and he gave me a GOLD pass, HOWEVER...... He did raise some issues with my riding which I do and on reflection wonder why I do them now:

Doing a shoulder check to my left after an overtake ! ALWAYS DONE IT - But do I need to do it now if I now whats behind me, I know where the vehicle is I have just overtaken. Spatial awareness.

The point is, YOU NEVER STOP LEARNING

Thank you to all my Youtube Viewers from Advancedbiker

2011-06-21T00:56:00.000-07:00

Many thanks to all the people who look at my Youtube clips, just passed 4 million views,

Videos Uploaded: 336
Video Views: 4,004,201
Favourites: 187

Channel Type:
Channel Views: 122,610
Subscribers: 2,527

THANK YOU - NIGEL

Advanced Motorycle Training Workshop Normandy - Part 2 - The training begins

2011-05-07T12:37:00.000-07:00

Well after a restless night, I had a man cough and was coughing for the world, it was up for 8am and get ready for famous, or infamous NormandyBeech breakfast. Starting with your normal cereals and tea, coffee, juice it is time for the full english.......
Breakfast done and time set for departure - 0930 hrs, with all the riders ready for the off. Who had I got with me, well Dave, my other instructor, who is a RoSPA Gold and senior observer at a local group, two riders who had just passed the IAM test, and two other riders who is RoSPA Gold and IAM. That just leaves one rider who was in he process of training for his RoSPA test. Well had bike to bike radio comms, using Autocom and Icom and Kenwood radios. I was on one channel and Dave on another. With the number of riders Dave was going to take 3 leaving me with 2, however there is a twist to this training day....
A couple of weeks earlier I had been contacted by Ron Young, who's mate Roy was an avid Youtube watcher and had seen my video clips. They both lived in Normandy. Things developed and I arranged to take Ron and Roy out when we got to Normandy, but Roy was unable to make it. This left Ron, so first port of call was his bed and breakfast La Tringale, Le Hameau de Baynes, Ste Marguerte d'Elle, 14330 : La Tringale, Your hosts Ron and Bunty

We arrived at Ron and Bunty's place and was met with biscuits and tea. Talk about a small world, we met a party of motorcyclists who were just leaving and they were from Staffordshire. In fact I had given a talk to them at the local IAM group and Dave was in the process of preparing three of them for the RoSPA test.
Well back to business, met Ron for the first time who was on a Honda 700 Deauville and he was given a radio set for his day out with us. As I said earlier, this weekend was a workshop and one of the riders wanted to do commentary whilst out with a relative newcomer - Ron. So Ron was given Brian as his instructor, and I supervised the whole exercise.
We set off to explore the Normandy countryside, heading for Villedieu-les-Poeles for dinner.

Ron later emailed me when I got back home: -'Many thanks for the great day out on Friday. It was good to meet you and all the guys and I enjoyed the run, instruction and helpful tips and advice. I was pleased the weather was good but didn’t expect it to be that good!'

Second email read:

‘Having had a day-out with Nigel and his Normandy-Touring group, during the Easter weekend, I have to say it’s a very good, informative and helpful experience. There is a wealth of experience shared by Nigel and other the qualified advanced riders and they impart knowledge and advice to suit your individual needs. There is always something new to learn about biking and I learned much to enable me to be more aware and more fluent in riding techniques and thus stay safer whilst enjoying my hobby. Many thanks to you all for a great day and for organizing the extremely good weather too!!!’ Ron Young'

After dinner we headed for the D911, before going to Vire for a tea stop. A great day was had by all.

Our Advanced Motorcycle Training Workshop to Normandy April 2011 Part 1

2011-05-04T12:46:00.000-07:00

Well all that planning way back in October 2010, booking the accommodation and ferry seems so far away now. We have just returned from a very successful long weekend in Normandy France, having done the Advanced Training Weekend. Here we are in April 2010....

We left the United Kingdom on time on the Brittany Ferries, 'Normandy Express' high speed ferry on Thursday 21st April, departing Portsmouth for the 3 hour crossing to Cherbourg.

We were a group of 7 motorcyclists, which included myself as one instructor and my mate Dave as the other instructor. Enroute to Portsmouth we picked up a rider from the West Midlands, Hereford and Tewkesbury. The other two riders from Weymouth had caught an earlier ferry are we were meeting up with them at our bed and breakfast, later that evening.
We arrived in Cherbourg after an uneventful, smooth crossing at 1900 hours local time, so we were looking at getting to the bed and breakfast by 20.30hrs. An easy ride, mostly dual carriageway, heading east to Arronmaches Les Bains and our hosts at Normandy Beech - Normandy Beech - Adrian, Karen and Adrienne

All the motorcycles parked in the secure yard for the night, time for a light snack and planning for the next day. It was like a reunion as 3 of the riders had been on the Workshop in April 2010, but had come back, willing and wanting to learn more.
Part 2 to follow:

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2011-04-15T07:37:00.000-07:00

Advanced Motorcycle Training .Com is proud to be associated with Fuchs Silkolene - Superior Motorcycle Oils. Why not join the Fuchs Silkolene Club, it is FREE and get a special rate for a training course.

The motorcycle fleet

2011-04-01T14:41:00.000-07:00

I have been asked for some pics of the motorcycle fleet, especially the Honda St70 Dax. Well here she is, 1979 model with 1600 miles on the clock, yes 1600 miles:

The Fleet

Renewing your motorcycle insurance - It pays to shop around.

2011-03-31T10:01:00.001-07:00

Well it was a good job I was sitting down today when the insurance renewal came through for the motorcycle fleet, well the BMW R1200GS i use and the BmwR90S and Honda ST70 Dax in the garage as classics.

The renewal quote was £419.37 an increase of 48.5% on last year - This was claimed by Carole Nash as the most competitive quote. I don't think so.

Wel onto the internet and the compare sites and I came across CIA: http://www.cia-motorcycle-insurance.co.uk/classic-motorbike-insurance.aspx and whilst I was filing the quote on line, they phoned me and I spoke to Ed. I never like these type of calls, but he was not 'pushy' so we went through the figures etc. Well by splitting the bikes on the insurance policy, although I was paying a bit more excess on the R1200GS it came in at £201.12 with protected no claims. The classic motorcycles came back as £115.00, agreed value with £50.00 excess. So that was a saving of £103.00.

That you Ed from CIA Motorcycle Insurance

Feedback from rider who viewed Youtube Clip

2011-03-31T00:08:00.000-07:00

paula4u has made a comment on Rider lack confidence on the bends:

Your video's are very informative, I try to go at my own pace, Its 18months ago I passed and hope to do advanced training this year.. I used to lack confidence on bends but now I go at the speed I feel my bike is safe. My life , My bike, My safety. I envy the go faster guys, but I only have one life.

Fitting a Remus Header - Exhaust down pipes to a BMW R1200GS

2011-03-17T11:59:00.000-07:00

A couple of months ago, a friend of mine sent me some photographs of an exhaust system he had bought and fitted to his BMW R1200GS. He had replaced the OEM and done away with the 'Cat'. Well he got me thinking and you guessed it searching on the interner - E Bay started. I only wanted to replace the headers (Down pipes) and was very tempted towards a product made by Remus. New were around £370.00, so when this one appeared on the UKGSER forum for £156.00 a deal was done.

All I need was to order some head gaskets and they arrived within 24 hrs from Motorworks and then it was on the some more forums to see how I could remove the Lambda sensors. Some said twist the wires and others said they were screwed on......

The Remus headers arrived and my friend wanted some photographs of it fitted, having been communicatining together on Facebook. Well I decided to do a blog instead, so here goes:

I am very lucky as I fitted a hydraulic hand operated work bench in my garage and when not in use it is sunk into the floor.

First things first, check all the bits are all there, brackets etc.... and then make sure exhaust is cold.

Time for the tools, well not that many really:
Small screwdriver to release the Lambda sensors
The Torx style socket set for the silencer and removal of the bash plate
22mm spanner for the Lambda sensors
10 mm spanner for the bracket on the left hand pipe to secure to header
Sockets - 12mm, 13mm and 14mm
Allen key for bracket under engine - not shown

Right ready to start and first remove the exhaust silencer :

Can be a be fiddly but with a bit of twisting and pulling, it does come off. Remember to keep the BMW bracket.

The BMW is equipped with two Lambda sensors and the connections are a bit fiddly. However they clip together in the small plastic holder which you slide towards the rear of the BMW .... With the small screwdriver ease the plastic connector and the whole thing comes apart.
Next take 22mm spanner and remover sensor. Repeat on other side.
Picture shows one plug disconnected.

Having removed the sensors loosen the bracket under the rear of the engine, so the exhaust will pull forward but not drop when you release the exhaust:

With the exhaust pulled forward and you have the weight, the bracket under the engine can be removed and exhaust taken off. Here is a comparison of the two:

Remus header in the foreground.

Next step is to offer the Remus Header up to the engine, having removed the left hand pipe, which is held in place with a bracket. Fit new exhaust gaskets.

With the right hand pipe loose fitted and the weight of the exhaust been taken up with the bracket hanger under the engine, offer up the left hand pipe.

With the left hand pipe in place, loose fit the exhaust. With everything lined up tighten up everything. Then refit the Lambda sensors. The left hand one was easy to fit, but with the Remus header I have, the sensors are further forward so on the right side a few problems. Found the answer - the oblong plastic connector is only a spacer, and the sensor plugs push in from both ends. So for the right side, fit the connector first under the cylinder head and the push in the sensor plugs after. On newer Remus headers the position for the sensors are in the OEM position.

Fitted and time to start the engine up and check for leaks......None found......Will see how it performs the road:

Links

www.motorworks.co.uk

www.ukgser.com

The power of the internet - Rider from Normandy joins training weekend

2011-03-13T01:48:00.000-08:00

Through the power of the internet, I had an enq about about advanced motorycle training in Normandy, via the web site. It just so happens we are over in Normandy in April, so I have asked him he he wants to join us. Well he said YES and this his his place....
La Tringale

Looks like our first tea stop .......

The definition of Advanced Motorcycle Training

2011-03-11T12:16:00.000-08:00

Advanced Training

"Advanced Driving is the ability to control the position and speed of the vehicle safely, systematically and smoothly, using road and traffic conditions to make reasonable progress unobtrusively, with skill and responsibility. This skill requires a positive but courteous attitude and a high standard of driving competence based on concentration, effective all round observation, anticipation and planning. This must be co-ordinated with good handling skills. The vehicle will always be in the right place on the road at the right time, travelling at the right speed with the correct gear engaged and can always be stopped safely in the distance that can be seen to be clear."

Just done a talk to a local RoSPA Advanced Motorcycle Group

2011-03-11T11:01:00.000-08:00

I was invited to do a talk on the role of the RoSPA advanced motorcycle examiner at a local RoSPA motorycle group. I was very warmly welcomed by all the members and really enjoyed the experience.

Thank You - Stafffordshire Advanced Riders

The Effects of Motor Vehicle Fleet Daytime Running Lights (DRLs) on Motorcycle Conspicuity

2011-03-06T13:35:00.000-08:00

The Effects of Motor Vehicle Fleet Daytime Running Lights (DRLs) on Motorcycle Conspicuity

The link

All things Rogey!: Advanced Riding..Part 1

2011-03-04T09:33:00.000-08:00

All things Rogey!: Advanced Riding..Part 1

Motorcycle Blogs from New Zealand

2011-03-04T09:27:00.000-08:00

A couple of Blogs to have a look at:

All Things Rogey

and

Confessions of an Ageing Motorcyclist

and this latest site

Motorcyclewonderland

Advancedbiker meets Michelle Leonard

2011-03-03T15:36:00.000-08:00

I have been very fortunate in my life, wearing the many hats and this time as a school governeor on a school visit to Germany. I had the pleasure of meeting the sister of one of the teachers. She turned out to be Michelle Leonard, a Pop Star......who had just released a new album 'Fragile'. Over a couple of drinks in the bar one night in Koln she agreed to let me use some music on my video clips... So here is the clip:

How was Advancedbiker trained for Advanced Motorcycle Instruction ?

2011-03-01T15:55:00.000-08:00

Well I started riding when I was about 12 years of age on a farm, on an old Francis Barnet motorcycle and had to wait 4 years before I could ride on the road. Then it was time to purchase my first road machine, a Honda SS50 Moped, I had for a year before training upto a Suzuki TS100 Trail Motorcycle in 1975. I passed my motorcycle test when I was 17 yearsof age in 1975. Then it was onto a Yamaha RD400, before my trusty Honda CX500. In the meantime, in March 1977 I joined the Police Service, with an ambition to become a Traffic Officer. So in 1978 I went onto my first Police motorcycle course, 3 weeks riding a CZ 250.....I passed the course and in 1979 joined Traffic with my car qualifications as an advanced car driver. I pursued my passion for motorcycles and did an intermediate cousre, 3 weeks again, this time on Bmw R80's, but sticking to speed limits. Passed that course, so went onto the Advanced course, another 3 weeks on the BMW's, this time no speed limits to adhere to outside the towns. This was in the 1980's before speed cameras and Health and Safety.. Well passed that course as a Grade One Police Advanced Motorcyclist and went on patrol as a Polcie Traffic Motorcyclist. An opportunity arose and I was fortunate to to do a 6 week Advanced Motorycle Instructors course, which I passed.
That is me - 15 weeks of Police training over a period of 10 years, supplemented with 17 weeks of car courses, the last one being an Advanced Car Instructors Course.
Almost forgot, the voluntary motorcycle training I started in 1978 which eventually turned into a business venture in 2002.

Who is Nigel Bowers - Advanced Motorcycle Instructor Part 1

2011-03-01T15:39:00.000-08:00

Nigel Bowers
Motorcycle Instructor

• Police Grade 1 Advanced Motorcycle Instructor
• Police Grade 1 Advanced Car Instructor
• VIP escort trained
• NVQ 3 Training and Development certificated in Advanced Motorcycle Training
• BTEC in Motorcycle Training and Instruction (Advanced)
• ROSPA examiner for both cars and motorcycles
• I.A.M. Senior car and motorcycle observer
• DSA accredited Post Test Motorcycle Trainer. Enhanced Rider Scheme ( ERS ) (RPMT - Trainer 800026) - Check tested June 2008 - Passed
In 1980 Nigel joined the Traffic Division of Staffordshire Police as an advanced car driver, but opportunities presented themselves and he was soon able to attain further driving and instructor qualifications. In 1984 he obtained the highest pass (Theory and practical) for my Advanced Motorcycle Course and was awarded the Tunnicliffe trophy. In 1987 he spent 12 weeks at the number 4 Regional Driving School where in October of that year completed an intensive 6 weeks Advanced Motorcycle course and qualified as a Police Grade 1 Advanced Motorcycle Instructor. Earlier in the year in March he qualified as a Police Grade 1 Advanced Car Instructor. Once qualified he spent time at the regional Driving School at Stafford applying his new skills.
During his time on traffic Nigel was lucky enough to be trained as a motorcycle escort rider for the 'Tour of Britain, cycle race and also VIP escort work. This included arranging and escorting Royalty when they visited Staffordshire.
He left traffic in 1990 after being promoted to Sergeant, and decided to join a local motorcycle training group where he reorganised the Advanced section, using his skills as an Advanced Police Motorcycle Instructor.

Since 1990 he has been directly responsible for training in excess of 400 riders, and the training provided was recognised by a number of insurance companies. In 2000 he provided a comprehensive presentation for the Prince Michael Road Safety Awards. He got to the final stages, but didn't win..
Nigel's involvement in motorcycling has given him an interest outside of the Police service and it has enabled him to develop his skills throughout the years. He sits on a number or committees and is involved in promoting Motorcycle Road Safety in Staffordshire, taking an active role in Bike Safe 2000+, the IAM, ROSPA, Bikesense Staffordshire and SMUG. (Stoke on Trent Motorcycle User Group – Council steered).
Despite the fact that he is highly skilled in a number of areas Nigel has no recognised qualifications, so in 2001/2002 he was successful in obtaining a NVQ 3 Training and Development certificated in Advanced Motorcycle Training, as well as a BTEC in Motorcycle Training and Instruction (Advanced) through Edexcel covering the following skill areas, Advanced Riding, Advanced Coaching, Advanced Assessing and Advanced Training. In 2004 he became a member of RoADA and a ROSPA examiner for both cars and motorcycles. In 2005 renewed his membership with the I.A.M. and is now registered as a car and motorcycle observer. He am also a National Registered RoSPA approved professional motorcycle instructor.
Nigel retired from the Police Force in March 2007 having done his 30 year contract.
The Driving Standards Agency (DSA) has developed a voluntary scheme whereby motorcycle instructors who deliver post-test training can apply for DSA accreditation. In January 2008 he was successful with his application and is now a DSA accredited Post Test Motorcycle Trainer. (RPMT).No longer a a trainer, too much money to re reggoster for the amount of riders enquiring......

Feedback from Youtube viewer - thesuit7

2011-02-27T06:12:00.000-08:00

advanced biker, i just want to say that i love every single one of your videos they are so educational and fun! Thank you!

We are off to Normandy again for Advanced Motorcycle Training April 2011

2011-02-25T15:31:00.000-08:00

In 2011 we will be making a welcome return to Arronmanches and see Adrian and Karen at .....
Normandy Beach B&B Normandy Beach Accommadation Arronmanches, Normandy
Arromanches, Normandy.Just 150 yards from the sands of Gold Beach. Famous for its war time mulberry harbour. Karen, Adrian and daughter Adrienne run this unique bed and breakfast in what was the last working farm in this famous little village.
He is how we get to Adrian's

We will be a small group of two instructors and 5 clients and using Adrian's as a base explore the roads in Normandy, looking at the D999 for one...

Interested in going on another Advanced Workshop ?

What we did in Northern Farnce June 2010

2011-02-25T15:13:00.000-08:00

Trip to Northern France - 2010

I am off to Northern France from Friday 11th June 2010 to Monday 14th June 2010 with a group of friends to have a look at the World One Battlefield sites, mainly around the Somme, Arras, Vimy ridge and Ypers.

What we did.....

The trip to France in June 2010
Despite a traumatic start for me the group leader – Eurotunnel running 3 hours late due to technical problems, we got to the bed and breakfast just one hour later than planned. Evening meal had already been booked.

Lesballastieres our accommodation

Day 1 – First day in France and I decided to take the group onto the edges of the Somme, just to let then sample what was available to see. I had been in touch via the UKGSER forum with a fellow rider from Spain and he suggested the following. Well he came up with the right format. We headed to Thiepval to see the memorial and also the newly opened museum. A great place to start if you know little or nothing about the world war one. I took Sue, our host’s advice, ignored my sat nav plans and went to look for a road called the D8. What a find, bend after bend, with great cross views.........

We spent a couple of hours at Theipval before heading north for lunch at Avril Williams tea rooms 10, Rue Delattre, Auchonvillers, 80560, Somme. We had a leisurely lunch and toured the place and Avril suggested some other places to visit. Well time was getting on and we were so chilled, time was running out to see many more sites. I had wanted to see the Lochnagar crater at La Boiselle, but on route stopped at the Newfoundland Memorial Park. This park, located near Beaumont Hamel, is one of only a few sites on the Western Front where the ground remains largely untouched from when the First World War ended. The main entrance to the Newfoundland Memorial Park can be found on the D73 road between Hamel and Auchonvillers.
The distances between all these sites are not great so I was able to show the group the Park, before heading to the crater.
Site seeing done, I had to plan a ride back to the bed and breakfast, via an Aldi as we were having a cheese and wine night.
The route back, after filling up with fuel at Albert was along the D938 to Doullens, where we stopped for refreshments. Then like before, time was against us so a run up the D916 to St-Pol- sur-Ternoise, saw us getting fuel and all the food for our cheese and wine. Then back to the bed and breakfast in Gauchin – Verloingt. A great night, after a great day.

Day 2 – A look at the Western Front and run into Belgium saw us heading towards Vimy Ridge, the Canadian memorial. Another good site to visit as you can have guided tours of the ground and under ground tunnel. Time again was against us so we made our next stop the Hooge Crater, just outside Ypres.
We made our way into Ypres for the last post at 8pm, then a run back to the b and b, for a light snack of the remaining cheese supplemented by some chips we managed to get enroute. Another great day, only isuse was we weer due to go home the next day. Ah well I had planned a run back via a world war two museum, before heading to Calais for the Eurotunnel.

Hubspot Blogger report for Advancedbiker from Youtube

2011-02-25T09:44:00.000-08:00

He is the latest score from Hubspot Hubspot Review

New address for Blog - Now www.advancedbikerblog.com

2011-02-24T11:19:00.001-08:00

On the advice from Hubspot, given the blog a domain name.....

Advanced Motorcycle Training.Com and VRIDETV Canada

2011-02-18T11:15:00.000-08:00

Hello Nigel,

We have started a new feature called "Link of the Day" where we showcase one of the participants in our link exchange program. Today's featured link is Advanced Motorcycle Training. Here's the link: http://www.vridetv.com/links.html

Postings were also made on Vridetv's Facebook page http://www.facebook.com/vridetv and on Twitter http://twitter.com/VRIDETV

Have a great day,
Best regards,
Jeff.

Well worth a look for video camera stuff - Drivedata

2011-02-11T07:28:00.001-08:00

Hi Nigel,

Found a company called Drivedata.com who supplied the 2meter cable i was looking for. I bought the bullet camera off Ebay thinking all the camera connections would be a standard fit for bullet cameras.
It took quite a bit of searching on the internet to find this company, so if anybody needs any connections of this type in future, this company does them.

Thank you for your help and replying to my email.

Regards,

Richard

Drivedata

Advancedbiker - James Bateman Junior High School

2011-01-29T14:51:00.000-08:00

Advanced Motorcycle Training.Com supports James Bateman Junior High School by supplying reading books for the school library to encourage boys to read more, Since 2009 we have supplied over 50 books.

New pages on Facebook....

2011-01-21T00:29:00.000-08:00

I have put some new pages onto Facebook to keep you more informed about the training and the video production. If you like what you see then click Like where is say.

Many thanks for your support:

Facebook Link

Advanced Motorcycle Training - An American view

2011-01-02T16:11:00.000-08:00

What Life’s All About

Advance Motorcycle Training in Britain with Nigel Bowers (www.advancedmotorcycletraining.com)

David C. Henke

An American in Stoke-on-Trent, I’m an enthusiastic wanna-be motorcyclist. My prior motorcycling experience is at best spotty. I took a basic course last year at the local community college just outside Chapel Hill, North Carolina. 35 years before that I was dodging chickens, goats, sand and gravel while motorcycling on African roadways during three years as a Peace Corps volunteer.
This course promises one-on-one instruction with Nigel Bowers, a local policeman and law enforcement motorcycle ridding instructor who can help me realize my ambition. It’s an all- expenses-paid, surprise, 58th birthday gift from my wife Liz to learn, in a proper British-style tutorial, proper cornering technique on the open road. Instruction will be by almost constant one-way voice communication, his words in my ear, helmet to helmet, coach to wanna-be.
There’s a wonderful Island welcome the night before getting on the road. Nigel’s arranged a barbeque with his family, George a local rider, long time friend of Nigel’s and protagonist in one of Nigel’s instructional videos and George’s wife. Tomorrow while I ride a rented Suzuki SV 650 S from Sean at Greenlight Performance Bike Hire in Burton on Trent (www.greenlightbikes.co.uk), Liz will shop the famous regional potters, Wedgwood, etc. with “the girls”, a family unit comprising two octogenarians, grandma, my lovely mother-in-law, and her sister Rene. Life’s wonderful.
The next morning, still slightly jet lagged, I’m on the left side of the road, most of the time anyway, dodging parked trucks [sorry “lorries”] and cars. The British love of ancient dwellings strongly influences their philosophy of urban planning. Accommodating their passion for ancient architecture, however, dictates that vehicles must be parked along the narrow and only thoroughfare in villages in willy-nilly fashion half in the road and half on the sidewalk. This is not Las Vegas that metamorphoses every few years.
The next surprise is road signs. Road signs can be a bit difficult to spot because they’re on short legs off to the roadside sometimes amongst foliage, even on the “M” routes. Roads there are labeled “M”, “A” and “B” (Mutually Assured Britain). U. S.-style interstates are “Ms”. The “M” roads are traffic-packed with cars and countless vans except in places were taxis, buses and motorcycles flow relatively unimpeded in reserved lanes.
No tolls for motorcycles either. As in the States, there don’t appear to be enough “M-type” routes because much of the heavy-goods traffic still moves on the “A” and “B” routes through villages. These villages are quaint, but during certain hours there’s stand-still congestion. To deal with congestion, however, it’s legal, on-coming traffic permitting, to ride a motorcycle in the right-hand lane on two lane roads. This is Britain, remember? They drive on the left. Terrifyingly brilliant! Of course, this is of little use in standstill traffic but “filtering” is and it’s legal and employed routinely by motorcyclists. “A” and “B” routes are mostly two lane with short stretches of four and three lanes. Remember three lane roads? Yah me too, good-riddance. The narrower and twistier routes with ever-taller hedgerows are more likely to be labeled “B”. As the view of oncoming traffic deteriorates the mix of traffic can grow more complex.
These routes facilitate the shifting of small herds of ambulating cows and sheep. They also contain very slow moving vehicles like the department of transportation mowers that struggle to contain the ever waxing hedgerow, the local Baronet’s “honey wagon” and other agricultural conveyances. Thankfully there are occasional signs on these routes that help predict what lies around the next tight bend. Clumps of freshly cut grass, hay or manure are to be searched for and treasured because, when spotted, are highly predictive of your immediate future. If there are no tracks through the manure or when steaming, Nigel advises extreme caution. His refrain
“loose your view, loose your speed” is heard approaching every tight curve. It’s great advice. As the course progressed I heard it even when Nigel’s microphone was off. If you loss your view and see a chevron its best to slow to a crawl until the blind curve reveals itself. If there’s more than one chevron, expect the curve to tighten dramatically before unwinding. These curves are great fun when you learn to ride them, but riders come to grief if they’re not alert to the warning. If you see chevrons expect an experience like ridding the “Dragon’s Tale” in the mountains of North Carolina.
The more conventional signage, as alluded to, is mostly to the side of the road, as opposed to directly over the roadway as on “interstates” here. But beware vital instruction to riders is also written directly on the British road surface. So if you see writing directly on the road, best try to read it. Information intended for riders is also presented as painted patches, without numbers or letters, across the road or displayed as white triangles, not sure what that’s about. Fortunately much road signage, including what’s on the road surface, is written in Arabic numbers and English familiar to North Americans. Except in Wales, of course, were Welsh appears. Interesting, however, I never met anyone who actually spoke the language. Never the less, on many Welsh road surfaces, usually when approaching a village, it’s common to find the word “ARAF” in white letters.
Seeing this, of course, provides an exception to the advice I gave earlier, because it didn’t help much to look down and read “ARAF”.
Also, road signs compared to ours can be “chatty” with lots of words. Therefore, lettering is relative small, especially in Wales with the obligatory two languages appearing together on signs. No problems though.
Remember all those vans and the roadside signs on short legs? Unless you anticipate by positioning to see around the vans you’ll never notice many of the signs you pass on the four or more lane roads. The Welsh exception is “ARAF” which is very curt and always written in large letters, like they mean it.
Another challenge to the foreign motorcyclist in Britain is communication by British-recognized
symbols. There’s a small round sign usually atop a post with a white background that contains a black circle with a line through it. I didn’t figure that one out until the end of the first day. It means go for it, no restriction except the national limit of somewhere between 70 &100 mph judging from the flow of traffic. It’s not a suggested upper speed limit either. You’re expected to get to speed quickly and maintain it until signs indicate something else. Locals want to get from here to there, so you need to get a move on too. As you approach the next village, look down and you’ll see a white number 30 contained in a white circle, you get the idea. If you look down and see “ARAF” you know you’re in Wales.
Far and away my favorite cryptic British road sign is a strikingly simple, very large rectangular plaque with a woad blue background that sets off white solid and dashed lines. Woad is a mustered-related plant and source of blue dye used by ancient Britons to paint themselves Liz explains. She grew up in Wales and should know. These signs are beautiful and enchanting roadside art boldly displayed and impossible to overlook. They are by their boldness different from most British signs, except for “ARAF” of course. They call to my mind Matisse’s dancing blue figures. I only saw these signs on “M” roads around London and never while with Nigel so
still don’t know what they mean.
All this to say that there’s a lot to mastering the curve on a motorcycle in Britain. Fact is there’s a lot, in general, to motoring on two wheels only. The fundamentals are not intuitive, at least not for me and I’ve peddled a bike to work daily for 30 years. To improve my situation Nigel and I had three days and 400 miles.
We worked hard. There were 12 to 15 critiques, many over hot tea, as opposed to iced and accompanied by video of my most recent assault on Britain. I love hot tea with milk and have since my Peace Corps days when I was first introduced to it in what used to be “British Africa”. The result of all those reviews and tea, is that I now approach curves much more slowly, power on much earlier and with greater confidence, power through the curve more smoothly with the intension of maintaining position near the outside of the curve when safe and crane my neck to keep my nose pointed at the most distant and ever changing “vanishing point” on the road
ahead. I also practice searching the horizon for hazards and clues to the shape of the invisible path ahead.
My ambition is to develop a controlled riding style powered by seamless effort. The hedgerow line, initially regarded by me as an obstacle to seeing my way, became an aid to help predict the direction my immediate but invisible destination. No hedgerows in North Carolina so I employ the lines formed by distant power line poles and rows of tree tops that I suspect line the about-to-be-revealed road. The top of a truck floating across the horizon also helps predicts an upcoming bend or intersection and potential hazard.
Cornering on a motorcycle in the videos and articles is all about “slow in and powering through and out”.
That’s good advice. But, while it’s helpful to prepare intellectually, it was, for me, a far more useful exercise to do it and experience the sensation. That’s where Nigel’s coaching was most useful. His moment-to-moment encouragement provided me the courage to try what I thought was required to get it right. Getting through a curve without midcourse corrections the first time at speed was a revelation and it happened early the first day. His decades of riding and teaching experience came through loud and clear. Now when I get it right, my right wrist and visceral senses reflexively collaborate to build the planted feeling I want while powering through and out of a curve; somehow this allows my mind’s eye, at the same moment, to anticipate and plan my
approach to the next bend only seconds away. Such epiphanies are what life’s all about. Nigel’s course transformed my riding experience. I was amazed at what happened in three days. My next goal is to ride this this way consistently.
There’s more I could mention about my experiences during the course like my first experience riding directly toward the center of a roundabout that served as a hub for four other major roads, a type of “black hole” for vehicles. I thought I’d found the center of the universe. It was, I thought, the only possible explanation. Turns out there are lots of roundabouts, so there’s likely something else going on. Wasn’t Rome either, what a terrible disappointment.
The roundabout can be intimidating but it actually works surprisingly well to productively disperse all that converging and potentially destructive energy. After a little practice it’s no big deal.
Then there’s the dreaded right turn after stopping at a busy “T” junction. On two occasions I
reflexively turned hard right into oncoming traffic instead of crossing over onto the left hand lane. I recovered seamlessly by explaining to Nigel that in America we call it playing “chicken” and do it all the time.
It’s the American equivalent of the British passion for parking to obstruct traffic on narrow streets in villages, I explained further. I think he bought it because by the end of the course he rated me a “silver” rider, up
from “bronze”. Perhaps I’ll strike “gold” next time. Some of my success is due to the Suzuki; it’s very comfortable and great fun to ride on the “twisties”. It’s not as good as my 2001 Honda VFR, but proved a suspiring delight to ride; it’s also probably a better choice as a “learner’s” bike.
The other dimensions to this adventure as yet not mentioned include the wonderful accommodation provided by Lyn and Andy at their B&B at Chapel Croft, Biddulph Park (www.chapelcroft.com) outside Stoke-on-Trent; purchasing motorcycle gear from Dennis Holmes, a motorcycle racer, motorcycle maven, entrepreneur and owner of D.H. Autos in Newcastle (www.dhautos.co.uk); breath-taking scenic roads and biker hangouts that only local riders know, Nigel’s friends and family and grandma’s letter from Wales. She and Aunty
Rene are, of course, like Liz Welsh. Recently while picking woad on the moors, they were informed by Welsh leadership that “ARAF” means “SLOW”. Further, because the woad harvest was plentiful the decision was made that “ARAF” will soon appear in woad blue on the road set off by a white background. Such woaded signage will, of course echo the theme first noticed in the large plaques around London but this time the blue figures will appear on a white background. Matisse’s employed the same device, interchanging the color of his figures and
background employing only blue and white. It promises to be the most beautiful road sign in Britain. All in all it was a great birthday present. I learned much about motorcycling, one Welsh word and discovered an intriguing link between Britain and French impressionism.
While Nigel rated me “silver”, I grade him “gold”. Thanks to all.

Tyre Tips

2011-01-02T16:08:00.001-08:00

TYRE TIPS.

This is a short article designed to give some basic tips on motorcycle tyre maintenance and safety.

The tyres on your motorcycle are an engineered component, for example did you know each tyre is assembled from up to 30 component parts? each part is designed to perform a specific task, and different rubber compounds are used in each part of the tyre 20 to 30 different rubber compounds can be used in a tyre. These rubber compounds are reinforced with materials such as steel, nylon,rayon,polyester,and kevlar. So whilst tyres appear round, black and boring they are in fact the most important components on your machine.

SIZES AND TYPES.

As a general rule most motorcycle tyre manufacturers recommend that you stick with the original sizes of tyre as specified by your machines manufacturer, this is because a great deal of testing takes place before any motorcycle manufacturer decides on tyre sizes for a particular model. Whilst it is often possible to fit alternative sizes, this should only be done after consulting the motorcycle manufacturer.

INFLATION PRESSURE.

Without doubt the most important factor with regards to tyre safety and life is inflation pressure, it is the air inside the tyre that carries the load so always use the inflation pressures as quoted by the motorcycle manufacturer. Check the inflation pressures when the tyres are cold, this is because tyres warm up in use and inflation pressures which are correct when the tyre is cold can increase by 10% when the tyre is hot. So setting the tyre at the correct cold inflation pressure when the tyre is hot will result in an under inflated tyre.

VALVE CAPS.

Always make sure you have valve caps fitted, whilst they may seem small insignificant items, valve caps perform a vital function, they prevent road dirt entering the valve stem and damaging the valve core. A damaged valve core will allow the tyres inflation pressure to leak out.

By far the best type of valve cap to fit is a high pressure one, these are usually of metal construction and have an internal rubber seal. The advantage of a high pressure valve cap is that it will retain inflation pressure, even if the valve core is damaged. This extra margin of safety is well worth having

INSPECTION.

You should inspect your tyres regularly for adequate tread depth and obvious signs of damage, such as cuts and bulges.

MINIMUM TREAD DEPTH.

The minimum legal tyre tread depth for Motorcycles over 49cc is 1 mm, however this should be treated as a bare minimum and many motorcyclists replace their tyres at 2 mm.

Some motorcycle manufacturers recommend that tyres are replaced long before reaching the minimum legal tread depth, for example Kawasaki say that tyres on their GPX600R and GPX750R should be replaced at 1 mm front and 2 mm rear for operation at speeds up to 80 MPH (130KPH) and 1 mm Front and 3 mm Rear for speeds above 80 MPH (130 KPH).

All tyres have a number of tread wear indicators placed in the tread around the circumference of the tyre. The indicators are set at 1.6mm and serve as a guide to the degree of wear in the tread, the idea is whilst you are inspecting the tyre you look to see if the tyre is worn to this level, if so you know that tyre is ready for replacement

You can find the tread wear indicators on your tyres by looking for the letters "TWI" in the shoulder area of your machines tyres, on closer inspection you will see that there is a slightly raised area in the base of the tread groove at this point.

Tread wear indicators serve as a quick and simple aid to checking tyre tread depth if you don't have a tyre tread depth gauge available.

REPAIRS.

Tyres can sometimes be repaired, but care has to be taken, firstly the standard for tyre repair in the U.K is British Standard BS AU 159F. This standard lays down in great detail the way tyres should be repaired, the amount and type of damage that can be repaired. As you can imagine the standard is very detailed and as the purpose of this article is to give you some tips on tyre care, so I will sum up the main points you need to be aware of.

1. Some high speed rated tyres cannot be repaired at all. This generally applies to tyres with a speed rating higher than H (130 MPH). This is because tests have is because tests have shown that repair materials will not work in these highly stressed tyres.

2. All penetrations should be plugged to prevent the ingress of moisture into the tyre structure.

3. Tyres should not be repaired with sealants. On this latter point it is my personal opinion that sealants of both the prior and post puncture type are nothing short of dangerous, and you are much safer pushing your bike home than using them.

RUNNING TYRES IN.

Bridgestone and other tyre manufacturers recommend that you "Run in" new tyres for approx. 100 miles before they are used to their maximum.

CLEANING YOUR MACHINE, OILS AND GREASES.

This may seem a subject that has nothing to do with tyres at first but it is vital that you prevent your tyres coming into contact with any petrochemical such as Oil, Diesel , Gunk or other propriety degreaser for any length of time. This is because oils are used in the manufacture of tyres, infact synthetic rubber is produced from oil and oil based products will attack the rubber compounds used in tyres.

Rubber which is exposed to oil based substances for any prolonged time will change from a hard to a softer "spongy" texture, the result can be a lack of grip or failure of the tyre structure. So if like me you use a degreaser to clean parts of your machine, take care to prevent any coming into contact with your tyres, and if by accident any should find its way onto the tyres wash or wipe it off immediately. For the same reason take care at filling stations around Diesel pumps, there always seems to be a degree of spillage onto the forecourt try to avoid riding over these areas.

There you have it I hope this guide has been interesting and informative, I have tried to cover the main points in tyre care. If you need any further help you can always contact any of the leading tyre companies, they all operate technical help line which provide advice on tyre availability, selection, and application.

Edward (Ted) Foreman.

Riding pillion on a Suzuki Hayabusa

2011-01-02T16:05:00.000-08:00

Welcome to the web site of speed. So you want to find out what it is like to ride pillion on a Hayabusa.

You want to experience speed, but you don't want to be the one up front. Well which bike would you choose. I chose the Hayabusa being a bit of a speed freak. The first thing that I did was to find an experienced rider or should I say 'pilot' as these bike do seem to touch the road, they seem to 'fly'.

My 'pilot' for the day was Nigel. Nigel is not just any rider, he is police trained (ex bike cop), he is also an Advanced Riding Instructor.

Nigel arranged to loan the Hayabusa on the following Thursday from D & K the motorcycle specialists for Stoke-on-Trent, what more could I ask for ?. Thursday came and I thought ''what have I done ?''. I had arranged to meet Nigel at D & K at 10 am, I didn't sleep very much the night before, couldn't keep it off my mind what it would be like to fly without wings. Parking up my bike, I turned around to see Nigel with a beaming smile on his face and by his side a black & red Hayabusa. I knew then that I had made the right choice. Nigel asked '' well are you ready to ride ?'', the sky was overcast and there was a threat of rain. We stopped to pick up some petrol and then headed off onto the open road.

Nigel tried me out at first on some shallow bends and then when he'd got used to the way that I rode pillion, he went for it on some of the more sharper bends. We took some tight bends which would have been bad enough on a track, but with cars coming at you sometimes over the centre line could be horrendous, nevertheless Nigel took it all in his stride. Well he should, I have not mentioned so far that Nigel is an advanced riding instructor. I could not see the speedometer, but I don't think we broke the speed limit, it just felt on the back as though we were going twice as fast.

He made a pit-stop and discussed the ride so far. I made a remark that it was the first time that I thought that I should have been wearing knee sliders. Nigel just laughed and said that we still had the return journey to make. By the time we started off on the return journey, the roads had become wet and greasy however the bike took all that we could through at it. It just purred like a big cat and seemed to be saying ''what would you like me to do next ?''.

When we returned to D & K, Nigel still had not ceased to surprise me, he rode the Hayabusa through the garage between rows of parked bikes with the isles no wider than the Hayabusa and I just closed my eyes, for the first time that day. After parking the bike Nigel asked ''Well did you like that'' , what could I say, I replied ''Yes and when can we do it again''. Which bike next ! Thanks Nigel.

IVY BOWMAN

Feedback from Youtube viewers

2010-12-25T02:58:00.000-08:00

Fantastic work this year Nigel. Your videos are a real privilege to have here on Youtube. From your bike videos to your blue light runs you have something for everyone! Keep up the fantastic work for the coming year and I wish you and the family all the best. Regards, Danny.

Video views in 24 hours Advancedbiker - Youtube and Tubewatcher

2010-12-24T09:31:00.000-08:00

Video views: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eGevn2zBlnE

Youtube 188, Tubewatcher 256

Advanced Motorcycle Training better than experience ?

2010-12-04T11:26:00.000-08:00

A new study using a motorcycle simulator has found advanced safety training may be better than the school of life when it comes to handling emergency situations on the road.

Using a Triumph Daytona 675 motorcycle mounted on a custom rig designed and built at the University Nottingham’s Centre for Motorcycle Ergonomics & Rider Human Factors in England, three groups of riders were studied.

The aim of the research was to investigate the attitudes, behaviors and skills of different types of riders according to their level of experience and training with simulation software projecting different riding scenarios onto a large screen in front of the rider.

The groups; novice, experienced and those who had taken advanced motorcycle training. The three groups of riders were put through identical scenarios on the simulator as well as other tasks in the laboratory to test aspects of their hazard perception and behavior.

“This is one of the most in-depth studies of its kind ever conducted,” Dr. Alex Stedmon from the Human Factors Research Group, said, “It’s been a fantastic opportunity for us in the Faculty of Engineering to work alongside colleagues in the School of Psychology focusing on high impact research with a relevance to all motorcyclists.”

The findings showed that experience on its own does not necessarily make riders safer on the road and in some cases the experienced riders behaved more like the novice riders.

Those riders who had taken advanced motorcycle safety training however used better road positioning to anticipate and respond to hazards, kept to urban speed limits, and actually made better progress through bends than the other groups of novice and experienced bikers.

“Whilst experience seems to help develop rider skills to an extent, advanced training appears to develop deeper levels of awareness, perception and responsibility,” Dr. Alex Stedmon noted, “It also appears to make riders better urban riders and quicker, smoother and safer riders in rural settings.”

The full findings of the study are expected to be released later in December.

“This is real cutting edge research and the hazard perception results, in particular, have shown that advanced riders were quicker to identify hazards and had a greater awareness on their responsibility to themselves and other road users,” Dr. David Crundall from the School of Psychology added.

Paper on speed limits and road safety in Europe

2010-11-15T10:56:00.000-08:00

Speed Monitor 8

The eight edition of the Speed Monitor has brings you speed management news from across the EU and its Member States.

In terms of EU policy, speed management has received limited coverage in the new Road Safety Policy Orientations 2011-2020 despite the publication of a Eurobarometer opinion-poll survey confirming that European citizens are greatly concerned about excessive speed. Also, a recent vote from the EU Parliament Environment Committee against the introduction of speed limiters on vans is also a missed opportunity for road safety.

CLICK HERE

Feedback from Blue Light Training Course

2010-11-03T10:20:00.000-07:00

From PacMany7

Driving and instructing can not get better then this in my opinion. it is sooooo hard to overtake traffic on a countrey ,sing lane, 60mph carrageway, but this guy made it look easy. Some of the car drivers did a great job too of getting out the way in good time. I wish all the drivers I have to encounter in London were as good as thease 2 guys. Its a polite british custom to thank drivers who help you as seen my the passenger, because they will appreciate your thank you so next time :)

Here is the clip link: HERE

Feedback from rider following Advanced Motorcycle Course

2010-10-25T12:48:00.000-07:00

Hi Nigel , great day today really enjoyed it , confidence level good , gems for me , don`t rush ! freindly left / right , power on , wait , wait , found myself talking to myself all the way home , wheres the corner go ? mobile hazards , seemed to get home quicker than ever , great day i`ve taken a lot out of it , many thanks again .

Regards

MVC

Advanced One day Course 30.8.2010 Around Melton Mowbray, Bourne and Rutland Water

Advanced Biker and Youtube DVD Sale to Australia

2010-10-17T06:33:00.000-07:00

You never know where my DVD Ride to Survive 2007 ends up.... Well it seems quite a few of my Youtube viewers buy them. One such buyer is David Adamson. However having seen what he does, Can I change jobs............

He is a helicopter pilot in Western Australia and posts some of his video footage on Youtube.

His web site is : David Adamson Specialist Helicopters

Check out his Youtube clips at : iKpoter

Hi & Thank You from a You Tube user of Advancedbiker

2010-10-15T06:14:00.000-07:00

Hi & Thankyou

Hi Nigel,
I just thought I would take the time to say thankyou for all your Advanced motorcycling youtube videos. I am 36 years old and passed my motorcycle test 4 years ago now. I have watched every one of your youtube video's and taken everything you've said on board. I have just a few weeks ago join IAM and they were amazed that I was so good just from watching your footage.

I am due to do my mock test on Saturday and hopefully my test in a few weeks. I am then going to hopefully take further training to become an observer. Who knows, one day I may even meet up with you.and thankyou in person.

What you do, really does make a difference and probably save lifes. Keep up the good work.

Dave.

Advanced Biker off Youtube makes the Newspapers....

2010-10-11T12:12:00.000-07:00

LIKE a long, long road, the motorcycle rider training industry's recession shows little sign of ending – or even easing up a little.

Link to Article

Thank you all my Youtube viewers

2010-09-29T13:05:00.000-07:00

Thanks to all my Youtube viewers, just hit 3,000,866 views, 1,975 subscribers for my 301 video clips

THANK YOU FOR ALL YOUR SUPPORT

My Youtube Account

LinkedIn Recommendation from Alastair Walker

2010-09-16T07:38:00.000-07:00

LinkedIn Recommendations

Alastair Walker has endorsed your work as Advanced Skills Instructor at Advanced Motorcycle Training.Com.

Dear NIGEL,
I've written this recommendation of your work to share with other LinkedIn users.

Details of the Recommendation: "In 20 years writing about motorcycles I have completed various advanced riding courses.

Nigel's was the best because he made me think and plan in advance, really `read' the traffic ahead of me and understand how to relax a bit more, actually enjoy the ride, not just compete with other road users for space.

Good communicator and it takes a diplomat to teach experienced bikers how to rethink what they're doing out there. Top job."

DVD's produced, time for a rest.....

2010-09-08T09:15:00.000-07:00

Just spent three days advanced training in Hereford and Wales, Melton Mowbray and the Cotswolds with a number of clients. All captured with the on board video system. Just finished the DVD's and posted them.....

The power of Youtube

2010-09-04T14:37:00.000-07:00

Youtube is a very powerful medium.

Posted a clip today and within 10 minutes, had comments from followers in USA and France

Staffordshire Police Crack down on Motorcyclists - Bank Holiday weekend

2010-08-29T01:17:00.000-07:00

Staffordshire Police, alongside Staffordshire County Council will be running a campaign this bank holiday weekend, aimed at clamping down on reckless motorcycle users across the County.

During the 2nd Operation Octane in 2010, Police will be out in force in both marked and unmarked Police cars, alongside the Safety Camera vehicles aimed at catching those motorcyclist who pose a risk to themselves and other road users. Police will also be calling in their eye in the sky, to monitor the behaviour of Motorcyclists across the region.

HOWEVER I found this very interesting.......
The Rider In Black at August 26th, 2010 Replies.....

I presume that the Staffordshire Police,are using Section 163 of the Road Traffic Act under which the police can stop a mechanically propelled vehicle being driven on the road.

Interesting that a following a review of Section 163 a Royal Commission said that the “Infringement of a person’s liberty to go about his business should be allowed only on suspicion of his involvement in an offence.”

So perhaps Staffordshire Police would care to explain exactly what offence is committed by a biker riding at the relevant speed limit on a legal machine, being in Staffordshire perhaps!!

Warning to fellow Motorcycle Trainers - Possible SCAM

2010-08-26T02:09:00.000-07:00

JUST GOT THIS E-MAIL, NO E-MAIL ADDRESS DETAILS OR SUBJECT LINE.......
I have ignored it, be warned.

My name is John Brook From Uk.I want make a booking for my friends who
want to come bike riding in your country.

Number of guest 15.

Date of arrival 20th Nov 2010

Time round trip ride per day

Number of days 2 weeks
Number of bike 8

Payment credit card

Do get back to me if the dates are free and the total cost for the
programme i wait for your reply Best regards John Brooks address

109-113 Queen's Gate, South Kensington, London,UK, SW7 5LR..

phone number +447031912723

Filtering by motorcycle - Youtube - feedback

2010-08-17T10:53:00.000-07:00

Filtering Motorcycle Youtube

Hello Nigel, hope you are well.

I had to email you after my experience yesterday evening.

I finished early yesterday and as it was so nice I decided to deliver a couple of invoices on my bike.
Traffic was quite busy on the way out but an hour later coming back it was stacked.
I was approaching a roundabout and could see the traffic so I moved into the outside lane slowly and then filtered around to the road I wanted.
Looking ahead the traffic was moving very slowly and then your most recent video started to play in my head.

So, keeping my distance, careful of traffic islands, oncoming traffic etc. I then talked myself through about 2 miles of filtering and it was brilliant.
Commentary helps me focus and this time I was confident I could do it. I did have 1 on coming car that sounded his horn but as I was a good distance away I didn't see the problem and nobody else had a problem with what I was doing.
I didn't actually stop until the next traffic lights and I was so pleased with myself to do it which is thanks to your video.

What made me laugh was a small motorbike behind me because at first he looked uncertain, but with a GS cutting through he had more than enough room and he acknowledged me at the lights when we stopped.

That was an excellent experience and if it wasn't for seeing your video I certainly wouldn't have filtered like that yesterday. I would have moved on a bit, then stop if I wasn't sure about a gap or other traffic. Yesterday I was in control and as I was moving about 10 -15 mph I could stop easily if required but I felt comfortable and controlled.

Appologies for such a long email but that was such a great experience for me as I'd never done it that extent before and I'm still excited now.
If you ever wanted proof as to whether your videos have any impression on people then this is it!!

Keep up the good work in helping us novices to feel more confident and safer.

All the best
JJ

Advancedbiker and Bikerz Racing - New Web Site

2010-08-12T03:59:00.000-07:00

Just saying a big thanks to Jim Mayer and all his staff for an excellent service. New tyres ordered, fitted - No complaints

Why not see what he can do for you and visit him at: BIKERZ Racing
Unit 2, Oldham Street, Joiners Square Ind. Estate, Hanley,Stoke on Trent, ST1 3EY,
Telephone: 01782 272036

Bikerz is North Staffordshires' Premier Tyre & Performance Centre. Offering a full Ride in - Ride out Tyre fitting service along with Servicing & Repairs to ALL makes & models, from a scooter to a full on championship winning Superbike.
They don't just do Tyres, Tuning & Performance though! What ever your need, a new alarm fitting, chain & sprockets, brake pads, replacement exhaust or even bodywork and paintwork, to engine building and prototype engineering, they do it all, and they do it well!

New Website - Check it out:

Bikerz Racing New Web site

Freeindex and Advanced Motorcycle Training.Com

2010-07-26T14:33:00.000-07:00

If you want to review any courses, you can click here and add your comments:

Freeindex

FUCHS Silkolene Club - Advanced Motorcycle Training.Com

2010-07-24T13:02:00.000-07:00

I am very pleased to be associated with Fuchs Silkolene and offered my services for the new club they have just launched.

Join the Silkolene Club and you too can benefit from..
# 50% Discount on Silkolene "Retro" Clothing to Registered Members
# Club Members Special Rates for Advance Motorcycle Training Sessions
# Discount of 15% on Spyder Club Membership
# Free Entry to the monthly Silkolene Club Prize draw
And much, much more..

Nigel Bowers - Minding Driving Limited - Emergency Blue Light Training

2010-07-12T01:23:00.000-07:00

Due to a change of circumstances, my services are no longer required by Minding Driving Limited. My details are still displayed on that companies web site, but I am no longer associated with them. I will not be doing any blue light training for them or endorsing any of their products.

The web site name www.bluelighttraining.co.uk has been temporarily suspended.

Fun Run Wales to Llyn Brenig June 2010

2010-06-23T10:36:00.000-07:00

The trip to Wales June 2010
I never get much time these days to have a run out, that is without having o follow a client when advanced training, so when Nigel Parkes suggested a run out, I jumped at the chance. A quick call to Dvaid Yates and a date and time was et, but where could we go. Well I fancied North Wales and a lake near to Denbigh.
A 10 am start saw us leaving Stafford on the A5013 towards Eccleshall and then on to Tern Hill roundabout, via Loggerheads and the by pass around Market Drayton, the A53.
At tern Hill roundabout, we turned right along the A41 towards Whitchurch, stopping the Raven Cafe for a brew.
After the break we headed along the A41, picking up the A525 towards Wrexham. We then turned left off the A525 onto the A495 through Welshampton onto Ellesmere, turning right at the junction with the A528. We went through Ellesmere to turn right on the B5068 to St Martins. In St Martins we turned left towards the A5, where turned right and headed for Llangollen.
In Llangollen we turned right off the A5 and across the bridge, turning left on the A524 towards dinner – up the Horseshoe Pass and stop at the Ponderosa.
After a short stop it is north (TURN RIGHT OUT OF CAR PARK) still along the A524 over the roundabout with the A5014 to join the A525. Turning left towards Ruthin and down through the valley of Nant y Garth. In Ruthin continue on the A525 to Denbigh and go through the town centre, picking up the A523 TOWARDS Pentrefoelas, via Bylchau. Just after Blychau look for a left turn, sign posted Llyn Brenig visitor centre, which takes you onto the B4501 (Road with the pine trees).
Stop at Llyn Brenig at the visitor centre, before leaving on the B4501 Cerrigydrudion, where we turned south for a short distance on the A5, before turning right on the B4501 to Fron Goch . Here we turned left TOWARDS Bala, where we stopped for ice cream on the side of the lake.
Leaving Bala, retracing the route along the A494 to the end of the High Street, turn right on the B4391 to Llangynog and onto Pen-y-bont-fawr. Just after this village pick up signs for Owestry, which should be signed B4396 and eventually the A495 to Llynclys (The railway Museum). Cross over the A483 and head for Shrewsbury on the B4396 and eventually the A5.

Diary of the Northern France trip with road names - Routes

2010-06-23T09:19:00.000-07:00

The trip to France in June 2010
Despite a traumatic start for me the group leader – Eurotunnel running 3 hours late due to technical problems, we got to the bed and breakfast just one hour later than planned. Evening meal had already been booked.
Day 1 – First day in France and I decided to take the group onto the edges of the Somme, just to let then sample what was available to see. I had been in touch via the UKGSER forum with a fellow rider from Spain and he suggested the following. Well he came up with the right format. We headed to Thiepval to see the memorial and also the newly opened museum. A great place to start if you know little or nothing about the world war one.
I took Sue, our host’s advice, ignored my sat nav plans and went to look for a road called the D8. What a find, bend after bend, with great cross views.........
We spent a couple of hours at Theipval before heading north for lunch at Avril Williams tea rooms 10, Rue Delattre, Auchonvillers, 80560, Somme. We had a leisurely lunch and toured the place and Avril suggested some other places to visit. Well time was getting on and we were so chilled, time was running out to see many more sites. I had wanted to see the Lochnagar crater at La Boiselle, but on route stopped at the Newfoundland Memorial Park. This park, located near Beaumont Hamel, is one of only a few sites on the Western Front where the ground remains largely untouched from when the First World War ended. The main entrance to the Newfoundland Memorial Park can be found on the D73 road between Hamel and Auchonvillers.
The distances between all these sites are not great so I was able to show the group the Park, before heading to the crater.
Site seeing done, I had to plan a ride back to the bed and breakfast, via an Aldi as we were having a cheese and wine night.
The route back, after filling up with fuel at Albert was along the D938 to Doullens, where we stopped for refreshments. Then like before, time was against us so a run up the D916 to St-Pol- sur-Ternoise, saw us getting fuel and all the food for our cheese and wine. Then back to the bed and breakfast in Gauchin – Verloingt. A great night, after a great day.
Day 2 – A look at the Western Front and run into Belgium saw us heading towards Vimy Ridge, the Canadian memorial. Another good site to visit as you can have guided tours of the ground and under ground tunnel. Time again was against us so we made our next stop the Hooge Crater, just outside Ypres.
We made our way into Ypres for the last post at 8pm, then a run back to the b and b, for a light snack of the remaining cheese supplemented by some chips we managed to get enroute. Another great day, only isuse was we weer due to go home the next day. Ah well I had planned a run back via a world war two museum, before heading to Calais for the Eurotunnel
Day 3 – The run home.
Plans never go right as I found some more fantastic roads and did a detour towards the coast, leaving St Pol along the D343 to Anvin then on the D94 towards Auchy-les-Hesdin. Here we turned north to pick up the D108, and D343 stopping in Hucqueliers for a drink. We then went onto Desvres, where Bob fueled up and I got a bit lost. I finally managed to find this roller coaster of a road through the Forest of Boulogne, the D341, before we got to Boulogne. Where we saw a first traffic, mainly British idiot drivers coming from Le Mans 24 hour. Never mind we went into Wimereux, a coastal town and had a leisurely dinner. You guessed ti, time was against us, so we made straight for Calais.

We will be back......

We have been to Northern France Battlefield Tour June 2010

2010-06-16T12:44:00.000-07:00

Here is some feedback form a recent tour:

Hello All,
Just a quick email to thank you all for what turned out to be a very enjoyable weekend away, with a great bunch of like minded Bikers.
It has brought home to me that I need to be doing a lot more of these kind of trips, to get away from the busy daily life that I have made for myself!
I look forward to seeing some of you soon, perhaps on the next trip?
Maybe a few of you may have GS's by then eh?

I would like to take this opportunity to thank Nigel, for inviting me, and hope he does so again, you did a great job Nigel!
Thanks everyone!

Kindest Regards
Robert J Howitt
RJH Driver & Rider Training Ltd.
Unit 7,
Daneside Business Park,
Riverdane Road,
Congleton,
Cheshire,
CWI2 1UN

Hi All

Lynn and I would like to thank all for a great trip, Lynn stated"what a lovely group, seemed like I have known them for a long time, really enjoyed it, hope we see them again" I can only repeat her feelings.

Nigel ,"you done us proud, Thank you"

Clinton and Lynn King

BTCC Oulton Park June 6th 2010 Thanks Club Seat

2010-06-06T11:44:00.000-07:00

Thanks you Club Seat for an exellent day at the Bristish Touring Car Championship round held at Oulton Park, A great day..

La Mere Palu, Normandy Bed and Breakfast - Motorcycles

2010-05-21T09:13:00.000-07:00

Well the power of Tripadvisor.

Check out the link:

La Mere Palu

A bed and breakfast higly recommended and they now have secure undercover parking for motorcycles........Great addition to the place.

Am I doing it right ?

2010-05-19T09:05:00.000-07:00

THE CLIP

Comment on this clip:

you're going to get somebody hurt. telling people wich way to go breaks concentration and separates them from thier own assessment of conditions. people can only learn from within and experience ,the worst thing you can do when riding a bike is actually to think about what you are doing. Progression is achieved by small incremental steps . You're methods bore no relation to the reality of motoorcycling. YOU JUST LIKE TELLING PEOPLE WHAT TO DO.
BARRY NEDDERMAN

The new motorcycle test response from DSA Newsletter

2010-04-01T11:06:00.000-07:00

On Tuesday 23 March, the Parliamentary Transport Select Committee published the report on its inquiry into the implementation of the new motorcycle test.
Motorcycle fatalities have fallen by almost 30 per cent since 2003 but we are
determined to continue working with the industry to improve safety and raise
riding standards.
We welcome the committee’s support for our decision to make the motorcycle test more
robust and their acknowledgement that this is likely to improve
road safety.
The new multi-purpose test centres provide motorcycle and driving test candidates with safe,spacious and modern testing facilities, replacing older, less well equipped
centres. We have worked hard to find suitable sites and 88 per cent of the
population now live within 45 minutes or 20 miles of a module 1 motorcycle
test centre.
We thank the committee for its report and will respond fully to all its
recommendations in due course.

Selling my Honda VFR 800 Is it sold ?

2010-03-25T05:05:00.000-07:00

The Honda VFR 800 is for sale and adverised in MotorcycleNews - The Web Site. A couple of interesting emails, one of which I respondde to and got this reply:
"Thank you for your prompt and timely response.I am very glad indeed to receive your mail.I am really impressed and thrilled with your email regarding the status of the bike,the present condition of it and which i hope had acknowledge in the email.Infact,i really get fascinated with the bike and will be willing to move ahead with the purchase.I will have every defects of the bike repaired if necessary replaced before use and which i hope will not cost me a lot of money.I really appreciate to hearing that The bike is in a good shape and hope the engine being in a perfect condition and mechanically sound.I will be eager to move ahead with the purchase being the fact that the condition of the bike is satisfactory.I will be willing to conclude the purchase as soon as possible.I will not be able to come for the inspection myself as i am presently out of my country on a business obligation.I came accross the advert while surfing the internet and get fascinated with the bike .Anyway concerning the payment & pick up.I will have to consult my shipper who will be responsible for the pick up of the bike .I will mail you the cheque of £4,500.I will buy the bike because i don't want you to sell the bike for another buyer, so you will deducted the cost of the bike out of the money and transfer the excess funds on the cheque to the shipping company who will come for the pick up at your location.I will kindly want you to provide me with the following information to issue the payment:
Full name which will be on the cheque:
Full Mailing address with poster code:
Contact Phone number:
I will be looking forward to hearing from you asap.Thank you for your kind gesture.
Regards
Mrs Parker"

Is it a con .......?

The new UK Motorcycle Test Government reaction

2010-03-23T00:51:00.000-07:00

MILLIONS WASTED ON NEW MOTORCYCLE 'SUPER TEST CENTRES'

The Government's decision to introduce large Multi Purpose Test Centres (MPTCs) and close down many small, convenient motorcycle test sites was unjustified. In a report launched today, the Transport Committee concludes that the implementation of the new MPTCs was bungled, and that it delayed the introduction of the new test. Almost eleven months after the introduction of the new test, it is unacceptable that the Driving Standards Agency has failed to get all 66 planned centres operational, inconveniencing motorcyclists and trainers and driving up the cost of doing a test.

Launching the report, Committee Chair, Louise Ellman MP said, "many candidates and trainers now have to travel too far for their motorcycle test. This adds to the cost , and in some cases, exposes candidates to fast and dangerous roads on the way to a test site-before they have even
taken their test. The Driving Standards Agency needs to give much greater priority to customer service and convenience for test candidates and trainers."

In its report, The new European motorcycle test, MPs conclude that the Driving Standards Agency was slow and dogmatic in its approach to test centres, failing to listen adequately to the motorcycle industry. Smaller test sites could have been retained, saving millions of pounds.
No other country in Europe has found it necessary to build 'super test sites'.

Mrs Ellman adds: "A more pragmatic approach would have cost far less for all concerned. Problems with the new test booking systems and opening hours, have been bad for business. If the new test brings financial ruin to the motorcycle training industry then we will have gone backwards."

The new motorcycle test was implemented following European legislation. The Committee accepts the industry's argument that Government has 'gilded the lily' by adding more manoeuvres to the test than is strictly required by the Brussels Directive, but believes the Government was right to do so. The test employs two practical elements: one consists of
technical exercises off-road and the other is a road-based test of traffic handling skills on the public highway. The Committee believes the new test needs to be very comprehensive, if it is to help reduce deaths and serious injuries among motorcyclists.

Committee Chair, Mrs Ellman said, "Motorcyclists make up just 1% of road users but account for 19% of all deaths and serious injuries on our roads. The risk of death and injury has not declined nearly as much for motorcyclists as for other road users, and this needs to be addressed as a high priority. The new combination of tests is likely to help improve road safety, provided that the Government and the industry work together, and that training for other road users to improve their awareness of motorcyclists on the road is improved too."

The Committee condemns Ministers' failure to negotiate an exemption from the EU requirement that parts of the test should be performed at 50 km/h*31.07 mph. MPs argue that it is both bizarre and confusing that tests should be performed at speeds not permitted on the public highway in built-up areas, and that it should be measured in units not commonly
used in the UK.

The Committee believes the Driving Standards Agency and the motorcycle industry now need to work together to raise the standard and consistency of motorcycle training. MPs also reiterate their 2007 recommendation that the current voluntary registration of motorcycle instructors be made mandatory.

To ensure that the new test is working, the Government must collect robust and reliable data on the number of deaths and serious injuries among motorcyclists, the number of unlicensed motorcyclists, and the length of time between riders training to ride a bike and taking the
test. It must also monitor carefully the number of accidents which occur during the test. The DSA must react quickly to modify the test if incident rates do not decline.

Motorcycle Tyre Safety Week

2010-03-15T11:51:00.000-07:00

Check out this link to know more

Tyre Safety Week

The Sentinal Business Awards

2010-03-14T10:51:00.001-07:00

I submitted my application to the Sentinal Business awards in the category - Bets use of I.T. and this is what they wrote -

Link Here

Honda VFR 800 For Sale

2010-02-07T10:16:00.000-08:00

FOR SALE 1999 HONDA VFR 800 FiX

My trusty Honda VFR 800 is for sale. First registered September 1999. It is presently being dekitted (cameras etc.....)
She is a black VFR with 66700 miles on the clock. Regularly serviced, with oil change every 2,000 miles (Not a full service history) In 2009 new Hagon rear shock and Delkavic stainless steel exhaust system fitted. She is presently running great, but I have gone and bought another bike. What is she worth, well with tax and MOT, around £2,000.00. Or make me an offer E Mail: motorcycletraining@gmail.com

Autocom is now part of the Tecstar Electronics Limited group

2010-01-27T13:40:00.000-08:00

Autocom is now part of the Tecstar Electronics Limited group.

Tecstar will continue the Autocom range in its entirety and support current distributors and dealer networks ensuring continuity of supply of product, parts and cables. Tecstar is committed to further product development and will be working to enhance the Autocom range.

Autocom Communications
Tecstar House, Bramley Road, St Ives, Cambridgeshire, PE27 3WS

New FAX number + 44 (O)1480 399503
New Phone number + 44 (O)1480 494444

Another ferry Route cancelled Portsmouth to Bilbao P & O Ferries

2010-01-15T08:44:00.000-08:00

We just wanted to let you know of a change that will be taking place to P&O Ferries routes this
year. P&O Ferries has given notice that is it proposing to withdraw from the Portsmouth-Bilbao
route at the end of September 2010, when the charter of the ship it uses for the service, the Pride
of Bilbao, comes to an end.

The service will operate as scheduled up to and including the Bilbao-Portsmouth departure on Monday
27th September 2010 and any bookings up to this date will be unaffected.

Motorcycle Trip To France June 2010 PLACE available

2010-01-10T11:37:00.000-08:00

I have a place available on the French trip which is a jolly to Northern France over the weekend of Friday June 11th to Monday June 14th. If you are interested please get in touch.

Plans for Normandy Trip in April 2010

2010-01-09T07:21:00.000-08:00

Well the weather has been a bit bit crap and I have been able to catch up with things, especially plans for the Normandy Trip in April. Brittany ferries cancelled the outward sailing from Poole to Cherbourg, which has left me wondering, how the hell do I get to France. Well Brittany Ferries offered me an alternative, Portsmouth to Caen, but it arrives in France ar 21.30 hrs and then a 90 minute run to the B and B. Long ferry crossing. ( Better spent riding ? ) Well it was put to the vote and we are going to ride all the way from Calais, about a 4 hour run, all motorway, but we get to the B and B earlier. It may be the last time we use Brittany Ferries as the prices have gone up..... Watch this space !

End of an era Brittany Ferries - Barfleur

2010-01-02T07:29:00.000-08:00

It looks as if the economic problem has hit Brittany Ferries and they have suspended the Poole to Cherbourg ferry and the ferry Barfleur will be no more. A great ship, but a bit of a blow as I was booked on it for the Normandy trip in April. Looks like plan 'B', Don't know what it is yet......

Autocom - Thanks to Doug Sant

2010-01-02T07:25:00.000-08:00

It looks like Autocom have gone under and are in administration, dated 23.12.2009. I have a customer of Autocom for a number of years and have always received excellent service from them. Can I say thank you Doug Sant for everything and good luck in what ever 2010 brings your way.

RoSPA AND BIKE TEAM LINK UP TO OFFER INSURANCE DISCOUNTS

2009-12-24T06:06:00.000-08:00

Motorcycle Insurance coming up for renewal, are you a RoSPA rider or thinkng about training, well check out the lataest offer from Biketeam:

Press release from RoSPA

Feedback from JJ the Plumber

2009-12-15T14:23:00.000-08:00

Hello Nigel
I just wanted to say THANKS FOR A FANTASTIC DAY OUT TRAINING.

It's been some weeks since my training day with you and although I've not had a great deal of time to get out on my bike, the few occaisions have been more enjoyable.
I am practicing all the points you have taught me and I feel like I'm making progress.
I also think it's helping with my driving as well, I'm finding myself looking further and anticipating more which makes it all smoother.

I have to say the dvd of the day is excellent and I realise I'm not quite as bad as I thought!

Seriously, it's great to see what I'm doing and also get to see what you're looking at via the helmet cam which helps to put things in place because it was quite an intense day for me as I've never done anything like this before.
When watching the dvd I can see opportunities when I could have overtaken or made my road position a bit better etc, it's a great reference and training aid.
I can watch me on my GS with lovely scenery and weather on a 43inch plasma screen, how cool is that!
To have passed the Enhanced Rider Scheme with a gold gave me a great sense of achievement and will hopefully help when my insurance is due.

So thanks again and I will definately be calling you in the new year for more expert training and tuition.

All the best
John

Advanced Motorcycle Training .Com is in Sentinel Business News

2009-12-14T08:57:00.000-08:00

Nigel's biker business is worldwide success

NIGEL Bowers is making the most of social media to attract customers from all over the world.

Video sharing website YouTube has played a big part in the success of his advanced motorcycle training business, bringing in clients from as far afield as America, Hong Kong and New Zealand – as well as from just up the road.

The former motorcycle policeman had wanted to run his own rider-training firm since the late 1980s. Now Biddulph-based AdvancedMotorcycleTraining.com has a high profile both nationally and internationally, thanks to Nigel's innovative use of the internet as a marketing, training and entertainment tool.

And his company is a nominee for The Sentinel Business Awards, presented in association with North Staffordshire Chamber of Commerce and Industry, in the BT Local Business – Stoke-sponsored Best Use of IT & Communications Award.

"It was born out of a hobby and a passion for advanced motorcycle training," said the man who has taken to hi tech like a duck to water, and now has his bike festooned with communications equipment including on-board video cameras.

Video of pupils can be played back kerb-side to help them improve their techniques but it also has a much wider audience.

Apart from being presented to the subjects on DVD, it can be screened to the world via the internet, some of it on a subscriber basis.

Nigel said: "Last month I had 254 clips on YouTube, and they had been watched by more than two million people worldwide. Currently I am attracting an average of 2,500 viewers a day and generating more than £50 a month in advertising revenue.

"The spread of broadband, with its high speeds, was a real boon and I've redeveloped my websites – introducing video clips and pdf files – with that in mind.

"I started out with a helmet-mounted camera, using VHS tape, but the advent of digital recording has greatly enhanced quality and the ease with which files can be edited, and transferred.

"Originally, I was only posting footage on my own site, which seemed a lot of time and effort, so I joined YouTube in 2007 and the results have been spectacular.

"It has been a great success for me and I am attracting clients as a result of them watching the video clips."

With the market leading the way, he has fitted two additional cameras to his bike in order to offer different views and picture-within-picture footage – all backed with audio channel commentary and advice

Article copyright The Sentinel and available at:

Read Article Here

Advancedbiker joins Stumbleupon

2009-12-05T08:38:00.000-08:00

Discover new web sites, including mine, over 500 topics. You can also rate the sites

Stumbleupon

Wartime aerial photography goes on line

2009-12-05T07:37:00.000-08:00

Check out this site if you are interested in the past....

Aerial Photography

Did Prince Philip Fart ?

2009-12-04T00:50:00.000-08:00

What do you think, just look at the Queen's face.........

Riding in Groups - Legal Ruling - I am against it.

2009-12-01T13:58:00.000-08:00

Dear All

Article in MCN I was not aware of the petition against it. Whilst we would never condone the example given of Ken Clark riding at 85mph in a 60mph limit, I am sure I do not need to explain how this could be applied to any kind of group riding activity, including our own tours. I would urge you to take a few minutes to sign the petition and pass it on to anyone else you may think it may effect.

best regards
David Galloway
White Rose Motorcycle Tours
info@motorcycletours.co.uk
http://petitions.number10.gov.uk/Lead-Biker-Fined/Sign the petition HERE

Motorcyclists at the head of a group of riders will face stiffer penalties for speeding under a crown court ruling.

Being the lead rider in a group is an aggravating factor making you partly responsible for speeding offences of those behind you according to the decision.

The ruling can be applied in any future cases where two or more motorcyclists riding together are accused of speeding. The head rider might be only a few mph over the limit but could be given the same penalty as the worst offender behind.

Road traffic solicitor Robert Dobson said: “Any crown court decision can be stated in future cases. This is potentially a very dangerous judgement for motorcyclists.

"Riders in a group change position frequently.

“If you are riding at the front any group at excess speed, then the very fact you’re at the front is an aggravating factor.”

Ken Clark, 49, reached 85mph on his Yamaha R1 while leading a group of three riders on the 60mph A272 near Rogate, Sussex, last June.

The speed is within the usual threshold for a fixed penalty of three points and a £60 fine.

But Chichester Crown Court ruled he should receive the same penalty as a following rider accused of going 103mph.

Barrister notes on the ruling given to Clark after the hearing state: ‘Although his was the lesser speed, [the bench] found it an aggravating feature that he was the lead motorcyclist, was setting the pace and he knew that the other two motorcyclists would want to catch him up and would be speeding to do so.’