Last Saturday, 5th February 2022, saw a handful of brave souls make their way to the runway facility at Alconbury for the first 2022 Skills Development Session. Although the ambient temperature was above the minimum threshold of 5 degC, as set out by IAM Roadsmart, the wind meant that everyone had to dress properly for the session on the windswept and exposed runway.
We have now been running these Skills Development sessions on the first Saturday of each month for approaching one year. These sessions combined with the all day Advanced Skills day held once per year, monthly Observer supported small group ride outs led by the Chief Observer, and our Biker Down courses, form the backbone of PECAM’s extra curricular activity in support of our members. These sessions are a highly valued added benefit to our core training activity of delivering IAM Roadsmart Advanced Rider training.
All riding skills need regular maintenance, just like the motor cycle itself, and bike handling skills diminish very rapidly without practice. This is the reason why our monthly skills development sessions are so popular with our members, who all wish to be safe when out on their bikes.
This session saw the riders progress through the 5 basic exercises and, for those who wanted it, on to the advanced bike handling skills demanded by motorcycle Gymhkana. This advanced practice is very well structured and delivered by our small team of enthusiasts, this week run by Garry Robson. Although advanced Gymkhana can look quite daunting, the methodology, that we use for all of our training, takes the skills development in baby steps.
Anyone who thought the IAM was just an extension of the BMW GS club, take a look at the variety and range of bikes just at this one training session. We cater for all riders, on all manner of motorcycles.
Bob Stewart and Kevin Hudson provided the tuition for the other training, and Bob, true to winter form, came equipped with tea and coffee for everyone.
Thanks all for braving the winter and enjoying a great session.