This is Hannah who passed her test with us recently. She sent a photo of her new bike but now we have the important stuff! The caption Hannah put on this was “My first biker’s noms…”
Good Girl, get stuck in! From: http://www.facebook.com/pages/p/195837770466074
A 7am start saw Barny kitted and ready to go for the first test of the day in Merthyr today. He passed with ease. During his training He proved himself to be a very calm & methodical rider. Over 19 but not yet 24 He’ll be out test riding A2 category bikes! Well done to him. From: http://www.facebook.com/pages/p/195837770466074
Over 30 bikes & a couple of pillions joined us on the ride out today. Great roads, great company a bit of lunch & some history thrown in.
Here we are at Peterchurch. The white headstone in the Churchyard in the background is that of Robert Jones VC who was awarded the Victoria Cross for his bravery in the Battle of Rorke’s Drift in the Zulu wars of 1879. A brave man lies here.
For news on future rides log on to www.1stclassriderblog.co.uk From: http://www.facebook.com/pages/p/195837770466074
This month 1st Class celebrates its 10th Birthday.
Pictured here are our very first students and I’m pleased to say they both passed first time. They are riding BMW CS650cc bikes which were loaned to us by the Cardiff BMW dealership, then Rydale BMW.
I must give big thanks to the Manager there at the time Peter Cramp. If it hadn’t been for his foresight and support we may never have started the way that we did. Peter is now the manager at Ocean BMW in Plymouth.
Over the years we have kept to our core values of only using Instructors with the highest riding grades, and primarily used Police Class 1 Riders & with RoSPA qualifications. This continues to this day.
Also we have not concentrated on simply teaching our students to pass the test, but instead teaching them to ride, with confidence and safely. (passing the test is then easy). This is another value that continues throughout our training.
I want to thank my instructors who have worked for me over the years, and especially those that work with me now who continue to deliver 1st Class Rider Training. Over the years, facing many changes to the motorcycle training, testing and licensing systems but my instructors have risen to face these challenges.
But most of all I want to thank you, the students, who have made the last 10 years such a success. Without you….we’d have nothing to do!
Your success stories and seeing your joy at passing the test and taking to two wheels make it all worth while.
Long may it continue. From: http://www.facebook.com/pages/p/195837770466074
After passing her test with us on Wednesday Hannah sent me a photo of her new bike!
It’s great to see what moves people to take to 2 wheels.
Hannah has bought herself a shiny Kawasaki GPZ 500S.
Well done. Now get out there and start clocking up the miles. From: http://www.facebook.com/pages/p/195837770466074
I heard today that The Downs Cafe, better known as ‘Norms’ is set to close at the end of next month. Norm has run the cafe, always a favourite for bikers, for over 30yrs.
I was a bobby on the beat in Cowbridge when he took over and we used to call in on all the Police driving & riding courses. When I transferred onto Traffic as a Motorcyclist in the early 80s it seemed that each patrol bike had a homing device for Norms and I must say that during the winter months Norm saved my life a few times, keeping me fed to keep out the cold!
Anyone who has trained with 1st Class would have been taken there as part of the training. Norm has always supported us in what we did, hosting the Police Bikesafe Courses for us and even converting one of his outbuildings into a classroom for us to deliver the 1st Class Advanced Course.
This really is the end of an era and the cafe is set to be converted into a residential bungalow. I just hope that the new residents won’t be too upset when a load of 1st Class Riders turn up, knocking on their door for breakfast.
Good luck with your new venture Norm. Cheers for the past 30yrs. From: http://www.facebook.com/pages/p/195837770466074
A smile that says Hannah has just passed her A2 bike test. At 20 Hannah trained on our 500cc bike to gain her full A2 licence. Passing her Mod 2 test at her first attempt.
Torrential rain in Bridgend all day couldn’t dampen her spirits as she kept her cool to pass with just a couple of minor faults.
A great result. From: http://www.facebook.com/pages/p/195837770466074
So if you see us out, get yours in!
The September issue of Motorcycle Monthly is available from any of our instructors. It’s a paper about motorcycle monthly things. Best of all, it’s free.
Join us on the Ride Out on the 18th of August and get your copy. It’s full of words and pictures all about bikes! From: http://www.facebook.com/pages/p/195837770466074
Congratulations to Michal who passed his Mod 2 big bike test at his first attempt today. A nice sunny day in Merthyr and a big sunny smile from Michal.
Well done. Another 1st Class Rider on the road. From: http://www.facebook.com/pages/p/195837770466074
Cbt today for instructors Paul & Dixie with Katie, Ashton, John & Simon. Demonstration time for Paul in the clutch biting point and pulling away safely. It’s a nice day for it…. In fact its always a nice day for it! From: http://www.facebook.com/pages/p/195837770466074