Category Archives: Changes

Changes and Updates to the website, blog, test requirements, and other news

Cardiff, Changes, Events, Motorcycles, News

We are Back! Ride Outs are restarting.

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We’ve been away… but now we are back.  I do apologise for the missing ride outs.

We have been extremely busy with ‘Learner’ training through the last few months, (and we are still heavily booked up now) but I have been asked a few times when the ride outs will start again. So here we go.

To make up for the missing ones I will be running 2 in November.

Sunday the 6th of November.  Tintern Abbey, Wye Valley and the Banks of the Severn.

Starting from our new meeting point. 9.30am at the Caerphilly Mountain Snack Bar, (which is a snack bar….on Caerphilly Mountain).  The snack bar has been revamped and now offers covered seating – and still has the same range of burgers, rolls and drinks etc. that we (I) have grown to love over the years. It is the home of the ‘Mountain Monster’ which is a massive breakfast roll – and not the woman who works there!

Sunday the 20th of November. Motorcycle Live 2011.  (The NEC Bike Show to you & me).

This is an old favourite taking a scenic route up to the M5 near Worcester and jumping on to the Motorway for the last run in to the NEC.  Starting at the ‘Mountain Monster’ for an early start at 8.30am.  Tickets for the Show are £19 on the door or £16 if you buy them in advance from the ‘Motorcycle Live’ website.  If you don’t want to visit the ‘New’ bike show there will be an opportunity to visit the British Motorcycle Museum, which is just the other side of the NEC roundabout.  Either one is a great bike day out.

Sunday the 11th of December.  The Teddy Bear Christmas Run to the Children’s Casualty Unit at UHW.

We have done this before and we will do it again.  All I ask is that you bring along a New Teddy Bear or similar, (at least 1).  Please don’t bring along a massive bear as the idea is for the Bears to be given to the children who are unfortunate enough to find themselves in the Casualty Unit as Christmas approaches.  As an idea, IKEA sell small (pocket sized) soft toys for around 40p up wards.  So for a couple of quid you could fill your panniers!

The reason is that it is believed that if a child becomes attached to the toy whilst they are being treated, it aids their recovery if the are allowed to take the toy home with them afterwards.  Obviously there is no funding for this in the NHS.  So please support this one and dig deep for your Teddies.  So remember it is better to buy a few small ones rather than one big one (which can become cumbersome in the confines of the Casualty Unit).

So I hope there is something here for you and you can join us on one or all of these.  As before these ride outs are free but all I ask is that you buy a ‘Full Stop’ badge in aid of the NSPCC.

Also, get your free copy of ‘Motorcycle Monthly’ plus discount vouchers for clothing at ‘Infinity Motorcycles’ and also ‘Bikegear’ at Bridgend.

If nothing else…. come and see the Mountain Monster!

Come on…… you know you want to.   We are back!

Follow us on Facebook.  Just search for ‘1st Class Rider Training’ and see some things about some stuff and some pictures with things in….. 1st Class!

Advice, Cardiff, CBT, Changes, Motorcycle Training, Motorcycles, News, Scooters and Mopeds

Scooter CBT Cardiff. Motorcycle Training Cardiff.

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Here we see Jody & Hannah, the first two, 1st Class Rider Training students to complete a cbt on our ‘new’ scooters.

We have a fleet of five Piaggio Free 50cc ‘Twist ‘n’ Go’ Scooters and they are something special.  A rare find of 5 almost unused Piaggio Free scooters from 1995.  Never registered or used on the road and with only 200 miles on the clock these scooters are in pristine condition.

Having a larger wheel than many more modern scooters, this makes them more stable.  Light and easy to handle they are perfect for starting off your biking life style on today’s busy roads.

Previously owned and used by Cardiff Road Safety Department, they had recently become redundant at the road safety centre and were looking for a new home.

We are thankful to the Road Safety Centre Staff for being given the opportunity to offer them a new lease of life, whilst still maintaining the primary use for them, as promoting Road Safety, and safe riding for life.

At 1st Class Rider Training we take our responsibility towards our students very seriously and we are pleased to be able to offer our students training on these new bikes.

Piaggio Free, 50cc Automatic Scooters…… cheap to run, cheap to tax, and fun to ride…. life doesn’t get any better than this.  Just ask Jody & Hannah.

For Motorcycle Training Cardiff it has to be 1st Class Rider Training.

Advice, Cardiff, CBT, Changes, Motorcycle Training, Motorcycles, News

CBT Training Cardiff

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1st Class Rider Training are pleased to be carrying out motorcycle training in Cardiff on our new training site at The Sports Pavilion at Whitchurch High School.

It is a DSA approved site, approved for up to six students for CBT Training.  Here we see one of our students practising ‘Wet Weather’ braking and emergency stops in the wet.

We can’t make it rain….but we can carry a bucket.  We find that it is far better to experience braking in the wet, rather than simply having it explained.  This takes away the fear factor and boosts the confidence of our students, and prepares them better for riding on the road.  After all if you are motorcycle training in South Wales….it will rain eventually!

 

 

 

 

 

A full debrief is given at each stage.

Advice, Cardiff, Changes, Motorcycles, News

Riding in France

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New measures are being called for by French Ministers who want to see the introduction of regulations to make it compulsory for motorcyclists to wear ‘dayglo’ fluorescent and reflective clothing.

For some time it has been law whilst motoring abroad that you need to have a reflective/fluorescent jacket easily accessible in your car, to use in the event of an accident or breakdown on the road.

But now the new measures call for a step further requiring bikers to wear hi viz clothing at all times.  As you can imagine this is being resisted by our biking chums from France and a call to action protest day for June the 18th has been arranged.

The UK Motorcycle Action Group (MAG) are in the process of arranging a UK response in an attempt to deflect the measures from crossing the Channel.  The feeling being that if it becomes law ‘over there’, then soon it will be here.

Personally, anyone who knows me, knows that I wear hi viz out of choice but for it to become law, it won’t suit everyone.  (Does my bum look big in viz….)

Biking fashion aside, another measure being called for is the immediate imprisonment of anyone caught exceeding the speed limit by 30mph or more.  Currently in the UK anyone doing this is almost certain to face a period of disqualification, but the French are proposing to offer Bed & Breakfast too.

For further information visit the MAG web site, and whilst you are there, why not join up.  They are fighting for your rights and we at 1st Class Rider Training are pleased to support them.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

In the picture…. Motorbike, France, Yellow Jacket….. ‘Freedom’ (and an old French bloke going for a beer).

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

Module 1 Motorcycle Test. Changes Introduced for Spring 2011

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There is an ongoing review of the ‘new’ two part Motorcycle Test after many reported complaints and problems since it was first introduced.

The DSA have announced that with effect from the 16th of May 2011 some minor changes will be implemented, whilst the main review is still taking place.

1st Class Rider Training-Cardiff feel that these changes are  sensible and relevant and bring the Mod 1 test more naturally in line with the Module 2 test.

The main changes are that all the slow maneuvering exercises will be done en bloc before the higher speed, ‘speed recorded’ exercises. Also that candidates will be given an opportunity, during the test to have a familiarisation ride around the bend in the site to get their bearings prior to the actually tested high speed exercises. This should alleviate any claim that the candidates wasn’t clear about the route to be taken through the cones.

The order for the ‘speed’ exercises has been changed in that the candidate will be asked to perform the Emergency Stop, before attempting the ‘Turn & Swerve’ Avoidance exercise.

We feel a major common sense change has been made for the speed recording in that now there will be a tolerance allowing the candidate to still pass the test even if the speed is up to 2kph below the required 50kph (32mph approx).

This is a good move, as in the past we have had excellent riders, well able to control the bike at slow speed and out on the road, but because the only recorded a speed of 49kph (less than half a mile an hour too slow) they have failed the test.

Failing to get up to 50kph was recorded as a serious fault and constituted a failure.  From May a speed of 48 or 49kph will be recored as a minor fault and a pass.  Any less than 48kph will still be seen as a serious fault  – as is the case now.

These changes should put a more natural flow to the test and 1st Class Rider Training-Cardiff welcomes the changes.  If you are looking for Motorcycle Training in Cardiff of for Motorcycle Training in Newport,or Motorcycle Training in Swansea then give 1st Class Rider Training a call and we will be happy to talk you through the changes and your training options.

For full details of the test changes and to read the DSA press release on the subject, visit the DSA website, or Direct Gov.Co.uk

Advice, Cardiff, Changes, Motorcycles, News

Sixth Gear Motorcycles set to close.

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Some sad news if you are looking for a bike, parts and quality service. An old friend of mine, Craig who has run Sixth Gear Motorcycles, in Barry n the Vale of Glamorgan tells me that he is set to close the doors at the end of this month, (March).

Craig, formerly a Salesman at Rydale BMW (before they changed to Sytner) set up on his own just prior to Sytner taking over Rydale. The take over saw the end of BMW bike sales in Cardiff for a few years until Riders opened its doors as a BMW/Harely/Ducati dealership.

Craig had the foresight at that time to set up on his own and he has served his customers well. Many ‘1st Class Riders’ have been to him for their first bike after passing their test.

So this will be a sad loss and I wish Craig well with whatever venture he has planned. (Unlike me…. he’s too young to retire!).

If you are looking for a late bargain he still has some bikes left and he has placed his other parts and accessories on his ebay shop. Hurry if you want brake pads, oils etc as they won’t be about for long.

So this is a big ‘1st Class’ Thank you to Craig and his team and best wishes.

Visit his website at www.sixthgearmotorcycles.co.uk

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

Publication of Test Routes to Stop

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The DSA have announced that they are to stop publicising the Driving Test Routes.

Here at 1st Class Rider Training- Cardiff, we welcome that move.  We are a firm believer that it is no good to teach a candidate simply to rehearse a test route, but to teach them to ride, and then passing the test is easy.

If you go to any area which has a test centre nearby you will see the same driving/ riding  schools riding around and around the test routes.  We believe that this does not do the candidate any good in their decision making and enhancing their own ability to read the road and road signs.  They are simply learning a test route by rote.

As trainers we must be looking to produce the next generation of road users who are safe and make good timely decisions of their own accord and not simply turn out drivers and riders who get rid of the L plates as quickly as possible.

We have a responsibility to our students to ensure that they can get the best from their bike, before it gets the better of them.  We make a point of training and riding anywhere other than the test route to fully prepare our students for life on the road.  That way they have to develop their own skills at reading the road and taking notice of road signs.

This is why we take students for tests at any test centre we can get to and back in day.  It all counts in their favour and the fact that they ‘”don’t know the area” shouldn’t have any affect on their ability to ride safely and with confidence.

Let’s produce Riders…. not just get rid of L plates.

Good move DSA,  Well Done.

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, 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.