Dont go there......................................................................................... it's a nightmare getting fly splat out of a cardy and hush puppies just arnt waterproof.
some of these guys are wannabe traffic cops, met one with his white pan European with day glow stickers, system helmet and Hi viz Jacket
I think he spent more time lecturing on riding skills than riding.

A few years ago a friend of mine did a Bike Safe course. Just a couple of months later a couple of us rode down to the V Twin with him. At the first tea stop we got a lecture about being too close to the vehicle in front, positioning etc. A bit later we came to a more windy road, wit quite a few double whites along it. Needless to say we got stuck behind some trucks, so off he goes, ignoring the double whites................... 

I have the same thoughts about them

Originally posted by guzzibear   Apologies to anyone who that makes feel "sensetive" BUT for some reason IAM seems to mean they forget the reason they actually ride a bike.

I have done the IAM thing and the BMF Blue Ribbon for that matter.

Edited by Cabernet - 12 Aug 2012 at 16:05

It goes to some folks heads, tiswas, then they take em selves seriously

Originally posted by Cabernet Look at it this way. When you get a new bike, do you want to show it to everyone? Do you want to tell everyone on here?

I am reminded of when I was persuaded to get into the RAC/ACU training scheme, how long ago was that! We used to go to 'training seminars' (basically a Saturdee or weekend dahn the local community centre ~ but once it was a proper posh place out near Chelmsford, a stay-over weekend with our own rooms, like a hotel) anyway some of the guys teaching us tended to be retired fellahs now without a regular job but still with a need to be somebody important.

Originally posted by Cabernet I have done the IAM thing and the BMF Blue Ribbon for that matter. I am alot more critical now of my own ride and silently of those that I ride with. I am confident enough in my ride and navigation to lead groups. A number of riders have commented how much smoother and more relaxed they are on their own, after they have been out with a group I have led. I recently went out with an acquaintence, a retired Police rider, with him leading. Just following him lifted my ride as I observed some things I had forgotten. We know when we are in the presence of a better rider, it does not need to be mentioned.  I have been out on an IAM group run following someone who was clearly struggling with road position (I am not an IAM observer). I passed them at an oppotune time and then exagerated my road position whilst matching my speed and without using brakes. After a while they began to mimmick me. As they did so they began to get closer and I would up the pace to match until we were back with the riders in front. Although I never said a word, he insisted on buying me a brew at the next cafe. I heard he carried on and took the IAM "Skills for life" course and passed the test. Five years on I bumped in to him in the street. He still remembered me, the bike I was on, that ride and what he learnt that day. I guess what I am saying is that if your mates riding is that good you should tell him to let it speak for its' self.

ZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ

Oh Lordy, that ain't necessarily so (as the song goes) I have pals who have ridden for years, but are truly scary to ride with, so much so that I will quietly try and avoid riding with them

A bit of training for them wouldn't go a miss

I know folk who have done the iam thing but are still rubbish, and others who have done it and improved immeasurably, you take away from any training what you will

I have been riding for 30 years, since being a spotty teenager on a FSIE at 16. Have owned many bikes, some seriously quick and have raced off road in Enduros and Rallys for a few years. Never thought I was a god on a bike, but thought I was a reasonable rider.

Did my IAM a couple of years ago and OK, the guys running it take themselves quite seriously (and there is an arguement that safety is a serious matter), but I didnt join it to make some mates, I joined to improve my riding.

Nothing seriously wrong with my riding, but there was plenty of small things I learnt which when added up make me a more aware rider.

Twenty years ago when I was a much faster rider, I had better eye sight, quicker reactions and there was less on the road.

I certainly don't go round preaching to my mates how to ride, its not my place to do so, but on balance, if you can get round the pipe and cardy image, it is worth doing, no matter how much of a god on a bike you (think) are...

I've been trying to join but can't find my way around their website. 

http://www.iams.com/dog-food/formula/premium-protection-dog-food

I think GJ is trying to tell us IAM has gone to the dogs.

Edited by iandunmore - 13 Aug 2012 at 16:30