It doesn’t matter if you are new to biking having just passed the direct access course, or if you’re returning to bikes after a break, or even if you just want to get rid of a few bad habits. The aim of the group is to get out and enjoy biking without adding to the road safety statistics. The advanced test preparation is challenging and enjoyable and the members of the group (beginners, observers and some just socialising) who come along will make you feel very welcome.
Group Training
In the summer months April – October we meet for training runs at the Cotton Mill Restaurant and Pub in Kilmarnock every Thursday evening at around 7:00pm. and every other Sunday 11:00 during the winter months.
As at March 2011 we have 9 Qualified Senior Observers, 25 Qualified Observers and 10 “Trainee” Observers as well getting prepared for the next stage. With this amount of experienced observers we can generally co-ordinate Training runs that are usually on a One to One basis although if we are as successful as last year then we can expect a lot of new members in the first few weeks when we start up again.
The observers are all bikers who have passed the Advanced Test and have passed all the further assessment tests required to be qualified and hence able to pass on skills and knowledge to Associate members. These Qualified Observers, both male and female, are simply volunteers that do this for the enjoyment, and it’s a great reason for getting the bikes out on a regular basis.
The “Skill for life” package now costs £139 and this covers the test fees, first year membership of the IAM , the training manual and the group fee so basically a one off joining fee for the duration of the programme. We provide a comprehensive programme for very little cost and the IAM test can earn you discounts for members such as very competitive insurance with Adelaide Insurance for IAM Members. Just come along for a no-obligation assessment first and then decide. You could opt to use the Bikecheck scheme as described on the IAM website. There is no pressure to get a quick test result although most people who join learn and want to progress will learn something new on every run and sit the test as soon as possible - usually within the year.
The training runs are arranged for you to be matched up with an observer who will follow your (the associate) bike (at roughly 2 sec gap) for an observed run out on the road for around 1 – 2 hours on the road per session. The route generally covers all types of roads and hazards and the observers may lead / demonstrate and pass on practical advice at various stages on the way. Again there are plenty of stops to review and relax. Then it’s back to the Pub for a coffee, debrief and a bit of socialising to round off the evening. There are no payments required for the observers (other than coffee) and we usually collect a £1 donation each night that we attend that allows us to make donations to our chosen charity - CLIC Sargent in Prestwick..We have handed over around £1500 since last Easter.