Category Archives: Advice

Help and advice for those people thinking about taking their motorcycle CBT, Direct Access, or Advanced Training Course.

Advice, Cardiff, Changes, Direct Access, Events, Motorcycle Training, Motorcycles, News

Motorcycle Training & Testing (South Wales)

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There are more changes to come with regards to the new Motorcycle Practical Test.

From the 4st of October Module 2 of the Test, which is the practical, on road ride, will include a section of independent riding.  What this means is that the candidate will simply be asked to follow a series of directions or traffic signs.  For example the instruction might be, “Follow signs towards the M4 and then follow signs for Cwmbran” (if your test is in Newport that is!).

The purpose of this to make the test  a more natural and realistic ride, taking more responsibility for their own actions rather than just following step by step directions given by the examiner.  It is anticipated that this would take up approximately 10 minutes for the whole duration of the test.

Students won’t fail for going the wrong way (unless they end up heading for London along the M4 !) but they will be tested on their ability to make decisions in a timely and well managed way taking account of route and traffic conditions.  It will give the candidate the opportunity to ride as if they are on their own, and unsupervised.

This shouldn’t be too much of problem for 1st Class Rider Training students. As it is now, when training we give directions like, “Take me to MacDonalds and then follow signs to Burger King”…..

Advice, Events, Motorcycles, News

French Trip 1st – 3rd October 2010.

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This is another great chance to join us on one of our Long Weekend French Tours.  In a group no bigger than ten bikes we travel from Dover to Calais, using the prestigious Sea France Fleet. Using an 8am ferry 0n Friday morning.

Three days, two nights Bed & Breakfast Hotel accommodation visiting the WWI War Graves of The Somme Region of France and the latest War Graves Cemetery at Fromelles on the France Belgian Border.  Returning to the UK from Calais to Dover on Sunday evening.

For just £350 you get;

Return Ferry Crossing.

Two nights Hotel Bed & Breakfast (using one hotel so no lugging your kit about)

Our Experienced Lead Rider Guide Services.

Information pack on riding in France with destinations and maps.

These are lead group rides so you get to ride under the watchful eye of  highly qualified group leaders.

So if you are a seasoned French traveller or if you are venturing across the water for the first time this is the ideal way to gain experience in a friendly group.

For details or to book your place please give me a call on;

07545 567 273.

Spaces are strictly limited to just ten bikes and spaces usually sell out fast.

Au Revoir ….for now.

Advice, Cardiff, Motorcycles, News

Motorcycle Monthly September issue

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The September issue of Motorcycle Monthly is out now and available at 1st Class Rider Training-Cardiff

Just call in and we’ll give you a copy or they are available free from any 1st Class Rider Training Instructor.

This is a great read and is packed full of features, reports, reviews and competitions.

The Seotember issue includes a report on the issue of Westminster Council imposing parking charges on bikes, and how you can join the fight against it.

A quirky comparison of a Harley Electra Glide versus the BMW S1000RR.

And you can find out who is the MotoGP brightest Bunny Grid Girl. (what do you mean it doesn’t matter)

All this and more…… And it’s free.

Call and get your copy now. It looks a bit like this …..

Advice, Changes, Events, Motorcycle Training, Motorcycles, News

Ryder Cup puts Bike Tests Out of Bounds

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It has been anounced that due to the Ryder Cup Golf Tournament being held in Newport this year the DSA have suspened all Motorcycle Tests in the City for the period.

I can understand that the Module 2 Road Ride part of the test might be affected by the ianticipated ncrease in traffic but this is another example of more pressure being placed on a Motorcycle Training & Testing system that is struggling and straining due to the lack of test centres and long wait for tests.

I fail to see why this period can not be used to ease the waiting list for the Module 1 of the test, which doesn’t take place on road at all.

I think the DSA are missing an opportunity here.

So whilst the forthcoming Ryder Cup has been hailed as a welcome boost for the economy it is the motorcycle industry that is adversely affected and remains firmly in the bunker.

So what do I think of this decision? Well I bought a second hand golf bag once. There were no clubs, no tees no pencils, no club covers. In fact all I found at the bottom of the bag was just a load of balls………

In spite of this set back 1st Class Rider Training will still be carrying out motorcycle training in Cardiff and Newport and we aim to use the time well, to prepare our students for a future on the road.

So why don’t you put this time to good use and book a course with 1st Class Rider Training. Call us now for up to the minute availability.

Advice, Cardiff, Changes, Motorcycles

Cardiff Bike Swap Scheme

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Bike Swap Scheme is launched in Cardiff.

In an intiative to reduce the illegal use of ‘Off Road’ vehicles namely motorcycles and quads, it has been anounced that the owners of these ‘nuisance’ vehicles can swap them for a Mountain Bike and Accessories.

In an amnesty being planned for 23rd – 29th of August a hotline will be set up where residents can call to arrange the exchange.

This scheme (presumably being run by Cardiff Council – although the press release didn’t give details) is aimed at relieving the off road nuisance particularly in Cardiff East.

Interesting.

If the rumour is true about the people with seized engines on their BMW GS 1200 (07 & 57 plates) they might be keen to swap their out of warranty Beemer for a new pedal bike. There might be quite a take up.

Advanced Training, Advice, Cardiff, Changes, Events, Motorcycle Training, Motorcycles, News, RoSPA

Ride Out…Ride Right

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Further to my News Post dated the 16th of May about assessed and observed rides offered by South Wales Fire & Rescue Service, 1st Class Rider Training can now give more detailed information about this new Motorcycle Safety Scheme.

The Fire Service literature details how the scheme will operate. It explains ;..

“”” South Wales Fire and Rescue Service has now launched ‘Ride Out…Ride Right’ to help keep motorcyclists safe on the roads.  If you are interested in taking part in our free observation rides then please read on,

You will be met by one of our three team riders at a pre-arranged meeting point.

You will ride to a fire station at either Abergavenny, Usk, Merthyr or Maesteg where you will be given a short presentation over a beverage.

The presentation includes Observation, Hazards and the Principles of Cornering.

Following the presentation you will then go out for an observation ride which will last for approximately an hour.

At the end of the ride you will be asked for your feedback and thoughts on the ride.

What we would like you to get out of this is to consider further training through recognised bodies, i.e. Bikesafe, RoSPA, IAM, MAG etc but most of all we want you to enjoy your riding and stay safe on our roads.

All you have to do is reply to us at RORR@southwales-fire.gov.uk confirming when you would be available, morning, afternoon, weekdays or weekends with a contact number and we will arrange your ride. “””

I have met the Fire Service Riders and their enthusiasm is unquestionable and they are keen to make this new scheme a success.

At 1st Class Rider Training-Cardiff we support any initiative that is intended to make riders safer, and to reduce casualties amongst all road users, but particularly motorcyclists and we wish them well.

We are happy to support the scheme.

Advice, Cardiff, Events, Motorcycles, News

Motorcycle Monthly August Edition out Now

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The August Edition of Motorcycle Monthly is out now and available at 1st Class Rider Training-Cardiff.

This is Britain’s best Motorcycle read and it’s absolutely free.

In this issue there are reviews, competitions, news and test reports and much more.

You could win VIP passes to British Superbikes or a Nick Sanders DVD or even a pair is tyres from Metzeler.

Read the report on BMW’s new 1600cc Super Tourer or pick up a second hand bargain in the ‘For Sale’ section.

To get your copy call and see us at 1st Class Rider Training or get one from any 1st Class Instructors.

Join us on a ride out and pick up a copy. The next ride out is this Sunday to Aberdare Park Motorcycle Races – meeting at Hein Gericke Cardiff for 10am.

Motorcycle Monthly. It’s free, it’s all about bikes, and it’s free.

It looks a bit like this……….

Advice, Events, Motorcycles, News, Police Class 1, RoSPA

French Tour 20th – 22nd August

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French Tour of the WWI Battle sites and War Graves with 1st Class Rider Tours.

This is a professionally lead group ride, using Police Class 1 and RoSPA qualified guides for the trip.

Return Ferry Crossing, Three Days/ Two Njghts 3 Star Bed & Breakfast accomodation and our tour guide services for just £300. (that’s cheaper than a CBT in Newport).

You will also receive an information pack giving routes and destinations together with safety and legal advice for motorcycling in Europe.

This is an ideal way if taking your first steps across the Chanel.

Good roads, good food and great company make these trips 1st Class Rider Tours.

Call now to book your place or for further details.

These trips normally sell out fast.

0845 108 2906

Advice, Cardiff, CBT, Changes, Direct Access, Motorcycle Training, Motorcycles

Motorcycle Training in Newport

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Don’t be misled by our full Business Name.  1st Class Rider Training-Cardiff. We still carry out Motorcycle Training in Newport and Swansea.

Whilst our office and approved CBT site is based in Cardiff we carry out much of our training for Direct Access Courses in Newport and Swansea.

With Module 1 of the new test taking place at the Multi Purpose Test Centres in Swansea or Newport much of our time is spent in these areas.,  I must still stress that we don’t simply rehearse the test route like some other training schools but we spend this time teaching you to ride in a variety of road conditions often well away from the test routes.

Also some other training schools have re-located their main training base into these areas but this requires you to travel and to make your own way often a considerable distance to the training base, but with us we include the journey to the testing areas as part of your training.  Our bikes are kept in Cardiff so the journey to the test centres is done with you in control and in the saddle.

So you spend more time in the saddle, and clock up more miles as we use the travelling to enhance the teaching experience.

So if you want 1st Class Rider Training in Newport give us a call.

If you want 1st Class Rider Training in Swansea give us a call.

If you want 1st Class Rider Training anywhere in between !  Give us a call.

It matters not where you live, you can still become a 1st Class Rider today.

Advice, Cardiff, CBT, Motorcycle Training, Motorcycles

How many students on a cbt?

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We often get asked “How many people will I be training with when I do my cbt”.

The DSA (Driving Standards Agency) impose restrictions on training schools and state that 1 Instructor can traIn up to four students for the off road elements of the cbt, and the ratio for on road tuition is 1 Instructor to no more than two trainees.

So you could find yourself in a group of four students – but not at 1st Class Rider Training you won’t.

I restrict the off road sessions to no more than two students to one Instructor.

This means that you get better tuition with closer supervision.

It makes it easier for you and the Instructor, who is then better able to give ‘weaker’ students the attention they need, without getting lost in a bigger group. ( this is a concern that is often mentioned to us by students who have done, or tried a cbt eleswhere).

It also means that you get to keep the same Instructor throughout your session (a group of 4 would be split between two instructors for the road session).

From these levels of tuition and closer supervision it is obvious that we are producing better quality students who are safer riders and more readilly able to move on to the big bike for direct access training.

So this shows that at 1st Class Rider Training-Cardiff simply making money by cramming in the numbers is not our main concern but producing and encouraging safe confident riders to take their place on today’s busy roads with ease is our priority.

For motorcycle training in Cardiff, Newport and surrounding area there is only one choice.

Become a 1st Class Rider today.

Call us now.