DAY 1
At the start of the
day I was quite nervous as I consider myself a conservative rider. As part
of the course planning we discussed this and also looked at cornering as
another area of concern. Silently I was also anxious that the 5 days might
not be sufficient for me to feel competent and safe working on the
motorcycle in an ambulance environment. So a plan was formulated to address
these points and also cover mandatory course components.
The day started
with a very comprehensive classroom session, covering health and safety,
manual handling and risk assessment. After this session I refreshed my
awareness of government legislation and their implications to myself, my
colleagues, my employer and the general public. I was made aware of Noise at
Work regulations! Something that I had previously been unaware of, in
particular the need for regular hearing checks. We also reviewed the
Highway Code looking at all aspects specifically those covering emergency
vehicles.
The manual-handling
component consisted of the physical principles of moving and handling. I
learnt that it takes a minimum of three persons to correct a downed bike.
Also that you are responsible for the technique used by any person assisting
the manoeuvre. The theory of placing the bike on its centre stand was
discussed, for example - ease of maintenance / checks and parking for
prolonged periods.
The theory of
positioning taught me the fundamental differences and similarities between
driving and riding. I gained an increased awareness of good positional
riding and greater awareness of potential hazards ahead. I initially felt
that my forward vision was good, however following discussion and our later
demonstration ride, I realised how this needs to be improved upon.
The demonstration
ride to Yeovil hospital was really beneficial and allowed me to see first
hand the principles we had earlier discussed. At Yeovil we picked up the
Ambulance equipped motorcycle – Honda Pan European ST 1100. I was then
familiarised with the machine, before commencing the ride back to Taunton.
During this ride I tried to implement what I had learnt, paying particular
attention to positioning, forward planning and observation. I was made aware
that although current teaching was left foot down on stopping that I would
be more efficient if I was able to use either foot. I would then be able to
use whichever were safest dependent on conditions and the camber of the
road. Simple when you think about it, however having put my left foot down
for years I found it quite hard to adjust to choosing either.
On a second ride we
went to Croft Cottages – where I was given a demonstration on the advantages
of positioning. This was extremely useful and allowed me to see how much
more forward vision can be gained by optimum positioning. This stretch of
road also allowed us to practice cornering. I was taught the technique of
“positive drive” and introduced to rear wheel braking whilst cornering! This
was a revelation to me having previously been taught to never brake round a
bend. I was now encouraged when needed to rear wheel brake whilst
manoeuvring round a bend as long as traction was maintained with constant
drive. This increased my confidence in cornering dramatically and allowed me
to relax into the course.
We finished with a
debrief of the day summarising the days points, which were numerous. I was
amazed at how much we had covered in a day and at no time had I felt
pressurised to progress to the next topic until I felt competent. A
thoroughly enjoyable day – bring on day 2!!!
DAY 2
We started off by reviewing all that I had learnt on day 1. We then
progressed onto the theory of braking. I learnt the importance of using the
appropriate break in the appropriate situation, including emergencies.
Daily and weekly checks were then covered and we reviewed health and safety
issues and personal responsibility relating to this. We discussed routine
maintenance, which included all fluid levels, tyres, breaking systems,
audible/visual warning systems and cleanliness of the bike itself.
We put into practice
the techniques discussed on day one with regard to manual handling and
putting the bike onto the stand. The technique used maximum leverage with
minimum effort. This was new to me and with practice became much more
familiar.
Theory of motorcycle
control was then addressed covering “collision avoidance through advanced
planning and observation” -a long title but well worth discussing at length!
I feel my forward observations have improved. Also covered was clutch-less
gear change, this was another useful “trick”. I found that I could achieve a
much smoother gear change using this technique.
DAY 3
We started the day
with some slow riding exercises. These included 90 degree take off’s,
emergency braking and controlled riding at slow speeds.
I was then introduced
to counter steering, another new concept to me. After a thorough discussion
and demonstration it was my turn to put into practice my newfound skills!
The theory of counter steering is simple but to put it into practice takes a
surprising leap of faith. In essence, in order to steer to the right you
push the right handle bar forward and vice versa. You would think that you
would turn to the left but the opposite occurs, a very nice peace of armoury
to have in your skill bank and one I will, as advised, practice again and
again until it becomes a natural reaction and not a conscious effort.
DAY 4
Today’s weather was
terrible so we started the day with some classroom work. Under discussion
was night riding, the advantages and disadvantages of riding around on a
highly visible motorcycle – positioning at incidents, the fact that you
look, to the untrained eye, like a police vehicle etc.
Also under discussion
were some very important aspects as regards to Road Traffic Legislation. We
covered Highway Code, Health and Safety, Civil Law and Human Rights, this
particularly I had not considered before. Later that day I had my “check
ride” with one of the other instructors, Mr Roger Peter – Budge, a very nice
man of long name but few words. Although when he did speak he offered
encouragement and lots of useful advice. I thoroughly enjoyed this ride with
Roger and felt that things were really coming together nicely. Had I really
only been here a few days!
DAY 5
As always we started
the day reviewing the previous days work. Today was a very good day. We
concentrated on overtaking techniques and high speed riding. As I have
already stated, I feel I am a conservative rider, and as such high speed
riding does not come naturally to me. However, as I was to discover to my
delight all of the parts of the course jigsaw came together today and at no
time did I feel “out of my depth”. This was a great feeling. I didn’t
necessarily ride any faster than I would have done on my own motorcycle but
I felt that I had much more understanding and control as to what was around
me and how I could or would interpret it.
Since starting the
course only 4 days ago I am amazed at how much I have improved my overall
riding. I have learnt new skills and gone over existing ones. At the end of
today I had my test ride with Roger. I was feeling a little nervous but once
I was out and putting into practice what I had learnt I settled back and
just enjoyed myself. This was followed by a course debrief in which I was
invited to ask questions about the validity of the course and its content. I
have nothing but praise for Gordon and Roger and the way in which they
taught me to ride at the next level, it was hard work, exciting and
thoroughly enjoyable. I look forward to coming back for my yearly
requalification.
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