tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4341114511830074977.post6774720943752406168..comments2024-03-03T07:04:39.132+13:00Comments on Confessions of an Ageing Motorcyclist: Don't panic, don't panic!!!!Geoff Jameshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05041523109817248619noreply@blogger.comBlogger31125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4341114511830074977.post-3541908539304247382011-11-06T07:35:03.039+13:002011-11-06T07:35:03.039+13:00Hi Young Dai and thanks for dropping in!
Yep, it&...Hi Young Dai and thanks for dropping in!<br /><br />Yep, it's an amazing training programme all right and I think its continuity as apposed to being a one-off training session contributes enormously to its success. Yeah, it's funny about the use of Pans. Also amazing that the riders are so darned good on them that they handle like Fireblades! I've just had contact from the Examiner for my full test which is likely to be in the next week, subject to confirmation today or tomorrow. He's a serving police officer, ex-class 1 UK so it's going to be a heck of a challenge to get through!<br /><br />Oh and yes, have always been a fan of Dad's Army!Geoff Jameshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05041523109817248619noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4341114511830074977.post-47310114018439088072011-11-06T03:58:06.615+13:002011-11-06T03:58:06.615+13:00A bit behind the rest, but well done on your check...A bit behind the rest, but well done on your check ride. It really is a wonderful feeling when you think : "Hey I can do this."<br /><br />Amazing when you think that Roadcraft was designed for London Coppers in the '30's and it is still relevant and saving lives over 80 years later, not only in its native city but half way round the world, where conditions couldn't be more different.<br /><br />And I wonder what it is about Pan Europeans and Senior Observers ? In the two groups I belong to both SO's have ST1300's ! <br /><br />BTW did you mean to echo Corporal Jones from Dad's Army, or was that a happy accident ?Young Daihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12555960598884624382noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4341114511830074977.post-2016708936377722812011-11-03T07:13:34.664+13:002011-11-03T07:13:34.664+13:00Cheers Dan!
Most of the stress now is from wanting...Cheers Dan!<br />Most of the stress now is from wanting to do a perfect run rather than fear of failing. I guess this means that there's been a subtle shift in what I think I can achieve.<br /><br />I don't know when the big test is, but I know who the examiner will be - an ex-class one police officer from the UK who is now a serving officer/instructor here. Fortunately, I've met him a couple of times and he's a really nice guy.Geoff Jameshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05041523109817248619noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4341114511830074977.post-53054507289062964622011-11-03T07:03:26.048+13:002011-11-03T07:03:26.048+13:00Nicely done. I can identify with the stress. I&#...Nicely done. I can identify with the stress. I've had police motor officers go to pot when they knew I was following and evaluating them.<br /><br />A lot of my training was done under the microscope of the Director. I remember the day when the butterflies starting flying in formation.<br /><br />Mental toughness is a key part of successful riding. We need to do the right thing no matter how much stress there is. Forget the stress and just ride like we know how. Consider your check ride practice for that part, too.<br /><br />I still heartily salute you for this journey!!!irondadhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17821323482397075170noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4341114511830074977.post-22663296974888571652011-11-02T07:40:11.720+13:002011-11-02T07:40:11.720+13:00Uss. I would love to learn what you are considerin...Uss. I would love to learn what you are considering "behind the scenes". Glad to learn that you are already enjoying volunteering. Keep up the good work.BeemerGirlhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15239761274177026636noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4341114511830074977.post-33880396660553642262011-11-01T14:48:31.565+13:002011-11-01T14:48:31.565+13:00Thanks very much Lori!
Time certainly has flown an...Thanks very much Lori!<br />Time certainly has flown and some of it has indeed been unbelievably hard work but as you say, it's tough having to go our riding so much :-).<br /><br />I'm actually volunteering some time now, but in the background. I've taken on the job of co-ordinating trainers and trainees for IAM. First step is building an NZ-wide relational database which is great learning all by itself!<br /><br />I was thinking about the whole journey the other day and there's a lot more under the surface that's happened than I'd realised. I won't tempt fate now, but if I pass the full membership test; I'll post up some stuff on the "hidden" part of the journey - could be an interesting exercise.Geoff Jameshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05041523109817248619noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4341114511830074977.post-58667483692272070862011-11-01T14:38:26.187+13:002011-11-01T14:38:26.187+13:00Congratulations! That is excellent and exciting n...Congratulations! That is excellent and exciting news! I can't believe it has only been 7 months. Time does fly. I would like to say that you have worked hard, but have to snicker as you have only had to go out riding, riding and more riding. ;)<br /><br />Kudos and waiting to see when you start volunteering your time!BeemerGirlhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15239761274177026636noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4341114511830074977.post-22567481138169463622011-10-29T22:49:50.520+13:002011-10-29T22:49:50.520+13:00Thanks Nigel,
Owe you a few beers for getting remo...Thanks Nigel,<br />Owe you a few beers for getting remote tuition from your videos! Yep, a video would be quite interesting. If I make it to Observer, must look at a GoPro or similar as they're worth a thousand words.Geoff Jameshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05041523109817248619noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4341114511830074977.post-70105497886042281732011-10-29T21:42:52.949+13:002011-10-29T21:42:52.949+13:00Well Done Geoff,
Glad I could help, although I wa...Well Done Geoff,<br /><br />Glad I could help, although I was a few miles away in the UK,<br /><br />Regards<br /><br />Nigel<br /><br />ps<br />Where is the video.....?Advanced Bikerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15825323867735601084noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4341114511830074977.post-46657119946038479192011-10-29T19:29:39.452+13:002011-10-29T19:29:39.452+13:00Loui:
Thanks for the nice words but you're far...Loui:<br />Thanks for the nice words but you're far too kind!! I still get as nervous as heck beforehand but have got better during the actual tests by concentrating as hard as possible. Also, knowing that the examiners have all been super-nice people so far helps a lot too.<br /><br />Thanks so much for dropping by!Geoff Jameshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05041523109817248619noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4341114511830074977.post-20514350005371159752011-10-29T18:36:16.192+13:002011-10-29T18:36:16.192+13:00Geoff, your excellent writing style really brings ...Geoff, your excellent writing style really brings your adventures to life, so much so that I'm sure I was more nervous about your cross check ride than you were.Louinoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4341114511830074977.post-54283728699104676482011-10-29T07:30:28.951+13:002011-10-29T07:30:28.951+13:00Thanks Mark, yep - more angst to come and with a s...Thanks Mark, yep - more angst to come and with a stranger to make it more interesting!<br /><br />Exactly! Praise or improvement suggestions from Philip are equally welcome as they're both delivered constructively. I understand the sackcloth and ashes comment...... riders trying to improve are always their own harshest critics! I know that I beat myself up for ages if I stuff up.<br /><br />Safe and happy riding....Geoff Jameshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05041523109817248619noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4341114511830074977.post-37833570092686373912011-10-28T23:53:38.663+13:002011-10-28T23:53:38.663+13:00Congratulations and well done. Now for the real th...Congratulations and well done. Now for the real thing... hehe.<br />I can't be too cheeky as I had Philip follow me the other week as part of the defensive riding course. It is something special when Philip tells you that you have done things well and his critique is delivered with warmth. I, too, got told about position on urban roads and speed creep. And since that ride I am more aware of what I need to be doing all the time and much more aware when I don't get quite right - a bit of sack cloth and ashes is applied.<br />Again, well done! Give that man a chocy fish!!Mark [Marcus Argentus of MV]noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4341114511830074977.post-23207387454840041682011-10-28T19:09:09.872+13:002011-10-28T19:09:09.872+13:00Kari:
Hahaha - it's totally intimidating in th...Kari:<br />Hahaha - it's totally intimidating in the early stages with the eyes of these riding gods boring into the back of you. However, when you begin to realise that they're human beings (almost)and your own confidence grows, then it's not so bad and you make more rapid progress.<br /><br />Hehe, about on par with speed freak :-)<br /><br />Thanks for the nice words - you never stop learning!Geoff Jameshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05041523109817248619noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4341114511830074977.post-85322061965088773212011-10-28T18:49:05.257+13:002011-10-28T18:49:05.257+13:00Okay, I'm stressing just reading about it! I w...Okay, I'm stressing just reading about it! I wouldn't be able to do, I'd be a basket case. I don't even like ordinary riders behind me, let alone examiner types!<br /><br />speed creep, lol, is that a bad thing? j/k<br /><br />Congrats on another good ride and acquiring all the skills - well done!Bluekathttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13485258388887249275noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4341114511830074977.post-59415171292375416932011-10-28T14:45:46.104+13:002011-10-28T14:45:46.104+13:00Cheers Sonja! Not at all - I bet my eyes were as ...Cheers Sonja! Not at all - I bet my eyes were as big as saucers. Wonderful what a helmet can cover up, haha!Geoff Jameshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05041523109817248619noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4341114511830074977.post-51455096309933804642011-10-28T14:41:04.201+13:002011-10-28T14:41:04.201+13:00I was panicking just reading this. I would have be...I was panicking just reading this. I would have been so nervous, and you seemed to have handled it cool as a cucumber. You're the man!SonjaMhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12389245948579828531noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4341114511830074977.post-10187206423308923652011-10-28T09:45:36.939+13:002011-10-28T09:45:36.939+13:00Troubador:
Many thanks! Yep, I'm sure the ins...Troubador:<br />Many thanks! Yep, I'm sure the instructors really enjoy a bit of student discomfort based on their own experiences! Enjoying following your journey too - it really resonates! Good luck with it all. Although the two books which form the basis for the training are for the left hand side of the road, the principles translate really easily. Raftnn has reviewed the Police Rider's Handbook here: http://rogerfleming-raftnn.blogspot.com/2011/05/police-riders-handbook-to-better.html available from Amazon. The IAM How to be a Better Rider is reviewed here: http://geoffjames.blogspot.com/2011/05/review-and-related-ride.html and is sometimes available through Amazon but also through the IAM in the UK. The latter book is outstanding.<br /><br />Trobairitz:<br />Thanks so much! You're absolutely right, the learning has been immense and apart from a short while when I doubted whether I could make it, it's been huge fun. There's no doubt that if I pass the full test, it will be a huge milestone and then training starts to be an Observer!!!! Still, life isn't meant to be easy, is it???Geoff Jameshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05041523109817248619noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4341114511830074977.post-8279247105557509702011-10-28T09:31:10.577+13:002011-10-28T09:31:10.577+13:00Gary:
Cheers mate! Can't afford to let the gu...Gary:<br />Cheers mate! Can't afford to let the guard down or be too casual for a single minute but at least the levels of concentration required are coming a little more naturally now.<br /><br />Bob:<br />I think most of us are troubled by those little uncertainties and how to tackle them. And as for stuff-ups like missing the turn.... well, that's me all over! Actually, a timely lesson to pay attention as the Big One won't be too far away. See, there's some good come from the mistakes!Geoff Jameshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05041523109817248619noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4341114511830074977.post-20288070085834532242011-10-28T09:25:02.709+13:002011-10-28T09:25:02.709+13:00Thanks Anthony!
You have no idea how much I've...Thanks Anthony!<br />You have no idea how much I've appreciated everyone's support in what has been and continues to be a tough course with no concessions!<br /><br />Sue:<br />No wishing to be too graphic, but a test day usually involves several trips to to the toilet in quick succession. No-one is immune from nerves and it's no bad thing really!Geoff Jameshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05041523109817248619noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4341114511830074977.post-37739971478695408572011-10-28T08:48:58.423+13:002011-10-28T08:48:58.423+13:00Good job Geoff.
We knew you'd do great. An...Good job Geoff. <br /><br />We knew you'd do great. And just think of what you learned along the way. Not just on the journey as a whole but even on the one ride.<br /><br />Look forward to hearing more about the final test.Trobairitzhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03453398807198746434noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4341114511830074977.post-67628124066511361162011-10-28T07:41:44.202+13:002011-10-28T07:41:44.202+13:00Good job and congratulations! I can only imagine h...Good job and congratulations! I can only imagine how stressful this was for you but instructors are human and I'm sure they understand what you are going through. They went through it too.<br />I'm looking forward to your future posts with you being the observer and knowing how you felt as a student.<br />Sounds like a great program, I'll have to see if I can find something similar here. <br />Thanks for having us along.Troubadourhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10567767701065756330noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4341114511830074977.post-43583942348892949482011-10-28T04:37:02.645+13:002011-10-28T04:37:02.645+13:00Geoff:
even though I have never heard your accent...<b>Geoff:</b><br /><br />even though I have never heard your accent, your words were like a voice speaking out to me and it was like I was in your helmet as you were riding, feeling nervous as I was being watched every moment . . . then I missed the turnoff. And I can also relate to that truck and wondering whether to pass or not. Most of my riding is in heavy urban traffic. The open road for me is a mythical place<br /><br />bob<br /><a href="http://www.wetcoastscootin.blogspot.com" rel="nofollow">Riding the Wet Coast</a>Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05258612401956399482noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4341114511830074977.post-8883687206983647812011-10-28T03:51:26.520+13:002011-10-28T03:51:26.520+13:00Hearty congratulations on doing the cross-check ri...Hearty congratulations on doing the cross-check ride successfully. I thoroughly enjoy reading about your progressions towards your IAM full membership and probably like many of your readers, are sure you will get there with flying colours. <br /><br />Good luck with the main event!Gary Francehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05163380727432573785noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4341114511830074977.post-47317194155049878392011-10-27T23:30:43.367+13:002011-10-27T23:30:43.367+13:00I'm in awe. Those 'test' situations ma...I'm in awe. Those 'test' situations make me freeze up and invariably stuff up (it took me three attempts to get my bike licence!) Well done Geoff - you're a star. <br /><br />What a great affirmation for you and your riding skills(and a sneaky excuse to go on an almost 400km ride, heh heh!)Suehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18299889655130518417noreply@blogger.com