Re: IAM - Opinion from people who haven't done it
If it benefits my insurance, when I pass my test, I will do it, else I wont really bother. Im dreading having to take my test and do routes let alone a 45 minute route from memory. I am rubbish at remembering routes if someone has told me where to go as it is.
Re: IAM - Opinion from people who haven't done it
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Originally Posted by BMWGraeme
I don't have any particular reason why I haven't done it apart from laziness. Since I have Scottish blood in me I am keen to make a financial saving where I can but the discount on insurance which for an old foggy such as myself is minimal anyway is not a motivational factor.
I also can't plan ahead more than 7 days at a time so the thought of actually having to do that with a third party for an observed ride fills me with dread.
I would summise though that as with many other things I should have done by my age, I simply have not got round to doing it. I mean, I have only had 33 years to try it so there's still time to sit on the fence a while longer yet ;)
Finally, I hate tests...with a vengance. If I can avoid doing one I will.
About sums it up for me, delete 33 years and insert 3, delete Scottish & insert Yorkshire (even tighter) ;)
Also, I'm not sure it actually makes you a better rider in all cases, IMO the couple of best / safest riders in WB arn't IAM / RoSPA trained.
G :)
Re: IAM - Opinion from people who haven't done it
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Originally Posted by Gerry
[quote author=BMWGraeme link=1350575085/3#3 date=1350576922]IMO the couple of best / safest riders in WB arn't IAM / RoSPA trained.
G :)
oooh whos that G? need to kow so we can all follow there line :P
Re: IAM - Opinion from people who haven't done it
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I don't like the idea of a 45 min test where I'm given the route beforehand..my memory of routes is crap so I'd be concentrating more on where I'm going than how I'm riding for that 45 mins
You don’t have to remember the route. I went wrong on my re-test and it did not affect my grade. You also follow your examiners/observers indications. Obviously it you get that repeatedly wrong then they will question your rear observation, but that’s a case of looking and not remembering.
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I also can't plan ahead more than 7 days at a time so the thought of actually having to do that with a third party for an observed ride fills me with dread.
It's not obligatory to plan a long a way ahead. Some observers/tutors are happy to arrange things at short notice.
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Finally, I hate tests...with a vengance. If I can avoid doing one I will.
Wouldn't deam of trying to persuade you to do anything Snowy, but just to point out to everyone that you can take the training and not do the test. Financially Rospa lends itself better to this as with the IAM you pay for the test upfront whereas with Rospa you only pay for the test when you apply.
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but i always tend to think it would be a bit fierce.
Not at all, generally it’s a case of discussing and giving pointers on how a particular position/speed could be even safer/even better.
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My main reason for doing it would be to ride the blood bikes and I think you need ROSPA for that.
I am pretty sure either is acceptable.
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I hate the thought of being told I am either not worthy or not good enough
Generally it’s discussing/considering how it could be even better.
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Cost is a major factor specially as I have a family
The local Rospa groups are £15-£25 to join.
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As a matter of interest does anyone know what the failure rate is?
I was WABAM secretary from 2009-2010 and failure rate was 15% at the local IAM group. Looks like 25% nationally but there is an excellent group locally.
Failure rate at ROSPA is extremely low. That’s because Rospa has 4 options – fail, bronze, silver and gold which means they can pass people at a lower grade, whereas IAM has only fail, pass. Both groups aim for people to be above test standard before putting people in for test, but obviously things go wrong sometimes.
I've done both and my personal preference is with Rospa because of the 3 yearly re-test which is at no additional cost and mandatory to retain membership, but the lcoal IAM group is an excellent group.
Re: IAM - Opinion from people who haven't done it
Quote:
Originally Posted by porkies
[quote author=Gerry link=1350575085/21#21 date=1350635615][quote author=BMWGraeme link=1350575085/3#3 date=1350576922]IMO the couple of best / safest riders in WB arn't IAM / RoSPA trained.
G :)
oooh whos that G? need to kow so we can all follow there line :P[/quote]
;D I'll let you work that out ;) I try to follow good riders lines but I don't seem to have the concentration as sooner or later I find myself on the wrong bit of the road for the bend :-/ I hardly ever throw myself onto the the other side of the road now (probably a goodish thing) so must be improving slowly :D
Re: IAM - Opinion from people who haven't done it
I did it a couple of years ago to get experience & learn to ride in wet conditions. So I did in the winter months in 2010. Found the whole experience worthwhile.
Still don't like riding the cold & wet though.... ::)
Re: IAM - Opinion from people who haven't done it
Apathy rules
I do intend to take mine somewhen though.
:)
Re: IAM - Opinion from people who haven't done it
Thanks guys, keep them coming. The IAM chairman did read this so far today and found it very helpful feedback
Re: IAM - Opinion from people who haven't done it
Cost is the major hurdle. It is all well and good it dropping your insurance but it doesn't affect it enough to make it worthwhile, I asked out of curiosity on my renewal and it would have saved me 6 quid on a multi bike policy. Difficult to justify long term even as a younger rider.
I know it will benefit my riding, but with such a high cost there are cheaper ways of getting the pointers from qualified instructors. One of my mates is an ex police rider and he has taught a few bits, another is an ex ROSPA examiner and he is going to be 'assessing' my skills before I even consider going down that route.
Re: IAM - Opinion from people who haven't done it
Simple answer is......Why should I ?
30 years of riding and I am still alive!..I must be doing something right.
Why should I or anyone else put themselves under extra pressure of an advanced course?
I've passed the legal requirement of a bike test and that should be the start of enjoying the bike, not then worrying about advanced driving!....Freedom of choice.
:) :)