OBSERVERS

Congratulations on passing your test, well done!

What next? Carry on as you are, or continue on your path of development.

Well, we might have already pestered you to do some observing but if not, we hope you will do some observing for the group and pass your knowledge on to the next group of associates.

Observers are the lifeblood of the Institute of Advanced Motorists, without them and the time they give so freely, the IAM would not work.

“What’s in it for me?” I hear you ask.

Financially, nothing but a satisfaction money can’t buy, plus extra guidance.

This is what one of our recently qualified Group Observers said about becoming an Observer:-

“The IAM as a charitable institution would not operate without the team of Observers who give their time to help and advise people how to achieve the system of riding required to pass the Advanced Test.”

The bonus is that as we donate our time the only vested interest we have is the improvement in ability and safety of the riders that we take out and of course the pleasure for both the Associate and Observer when a test pass is achieved. I even had a 76 year old pass his test which was very satisfying for both of us!

It can only be good when an organisation functions because the people in it are enthusiasts.

So how do you become an Observer and what do you get out of it?

Well in my case, 18 months or so after passing my test, which I have to add altered the way I rode my bike completely, I was asked if I would be interested in Observer training which with a bit of trepidation I decided to have a go at. After various training runs with a Senior Observer, and being allocated Associates to take on runs I was considered by the committee to be of a suitable ability to be granted the title of Qualified Observer. All the training is done within your own group.

The bonus I got out of it, somewhat surprisingly, was that because of my involvement with other Observers and the runs with Associates, I found that it took my riding on to a higher level again. Because of the varied abilities that we all have, we are able to gain knowledge from each other.

Also as I said it is very satisfying to see the appreciation when you help other riders to improve their enjoyment of motorcycling. Frankly, when somebody starts their ride outs with you it is usually with a bit of fear of being followed by an Advanced rider, but by the end they are often enjoying themselves so much they are often sad to finish.

So there it is then, if you fancy taking things on a bit further after passing your test, why not think of Observing?

So what does it take to become an observer?

Time - can you give a couple of hours a week during the riding season? Are you able to pass on knowledge, have good communication skills?

We will train you to become an Observer totally free of charge. The programme is as follows:

To become an Observer you have to pass a theory and practical test to the satisfaction of the Chief Observer and Bike Trainer. I know this is short on detail but if I was to list the whole thing it may seem a little daunting.

Group Observer status is well within the reach of most people and you will receive every assistance along the way.

So if you would like to:

Take your own riding on to the next level

Use the knowledge you have gained

Help someone to improve their riding

Maybe save a life

Get in touch with John Bennett our Chief Observer(Bikes)

OBSERVER TRAINING MEETINGS