Category Archives: Police Class 1

Advanced Training, Cardiff, CBT, Motorcycle Training, Police Class 1

Free Motorcycle Training

2 Comments

We are pleased to have been instrumental in implementing a scheme offering Free Motorcycle Training in the South Wales area.

Funded by the Welsh Assembly Government and Local Authority Council Road Safety Departments, we are able to offer a minimum of a 7 hour training day, which takes place on your own bike.

The format of the day starts with a classroom based theory discussion/presentation where course candidates share their experiences and discuss topics such as filtering, junctions, crash avoidance, observation links and skills and much more.  The day continues out on the road, in radio contact with your instructor in a ratio of 2:1.  The road session takes in a variety of road and traffic situations under the guidance of your expert instructors.

This scheme is open to any rider who has completed a cbt and right up to those who are full licence holders.  With us you can train with Police Class 1 Instructors who are experts in their field and highly qualified.

Various dates are available throughout the year and the sessions are tailored to the needs of each rider.  Riders are matched for the road ride.

The feedback we have received from this scheme has been outstanding and many candidates have gone on to take further and advanced training with some gaining very high grades having taken their Advanced Motorcycle Tests.

This 1 day course has something to offer all riders……. and it’s free!!

Contact us now to get on the list for future dates.

If you are interested in our acclaimed 3 Countries Advanced Motorcycle Course then check our our advanced-training page. Click the link in the menu list on the left.

Don’t put it off.  Book a free training day now, whilst the funding is still available.

Advanced Training, Motorcycle Training, Motorcycles, News, Police Class 1, RoSPA

Advanced Motorcycle Training 3 Countries Advanced Course

1 Comment

Here are the details for our next 3 Countries Advanced Motorcycle Course.  We retain our 100% pass rate for the RoSPA Advanced Motorcycle Test.  Here are the details.

Six Day 3  Countries ADVANCED MOTORCYCLE COURSE.  

On Road Dates for our next course. 

Wednesday 17th September – Sunday 21st September 2014.
( Plus one classroom based day prior to departure to be arranged)

Is this the closest thing to a Police Training Course currently available?  We think so.

1st Class Rider Training-Cardiff are offering a unique motorcycle training experience. We believe that currently there is nothing like this on offer anywhere else.

We believe this is the closest thing you will get to a Police Advanced Course and is aimed at fully qualified  riders.

Running a Course early in 2014 we retained our 100% pass rate for the RoSPA Test and Candidates were also successful in gaining a ‘pass’ certificate for The Enhanced Rider Scheme.

We are offering a Six Day course which includes Bed & Breakfast Hotel Accommodation on two nights, and Bed, Breakfast & Evening Meal Hotel Accommodation on two nights, with 5 days on road & 1 Classroom based day prior to departure.

This course will take you across Three Countries and will include riding in Wales, England and Scotland.  You could expect to cover approximately 2000 on this intense motorcycling experience.

Using only the highest qualified Instructors our trainers are either Police Class 1 Riders, RoSPA (Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents) Advanced Tutors, RoSPA Advanced Motorcycle Instruction Diploma Holders. RoSPA Advanced Motorcycle Test Examiners, or members of the Register of Post Test Motorcycle Trainers. (Some of them former or still serving Traffic Cops who hold the coveted Police Class 1 Motorcycle Grade). You will be in good and very experienced hands.

You will be in radio contact with your instructor and will be riding in a maximum ratio of 3:1 with your instructor. ( Although on occasion 2:1 & even 1:1 may be possible).

The training will all be based on the Motorcycle Roadcraft, The Police Rider’s Handbook, and this is essential pre-course reading.    (ISBN 978-0-11708188-8)

You will be taken on some of the most challenging and breathtaking roads that the UK has to offer.

The course structure is as follows.

About a week or so prior to departing for Scotland we will conduct a group theory, classroom based day to cover the essential theory behind expert control of the bike on the road.  Light refreshments will be provided during this classroom session. You will get to meet the other members on the course and also get to meet with your instructors.

Day 1 on Road. On departure day we will meet as a group in South Wales and depart through the Heart of Wales before joining the motorway near Chester for a relatively short run before heading cross country through the picturesque Lake District and into Northern England, crossing the border at the infamous Gretna Green before settling for the night at our chosen 4 Star Spa Hotel in the Scottish Town of Paisley, where a quality evening meal and a comfy bed awaits.

A slight change from our last course will see us use one centrally based Headquarters Hotel for the four nights. This will remove the need to pack every day and any wet kit from the day before can be left and dried throughout the day.

We will still be able to train on some of the most spectacular & challenging roads that the UK has to offer.

Day 2, 3 & 4 on Road, we will train across the Highlands of Scotland, The Isle of Skye and as far North as Ullapool region, passing Lochs and spectacular mountains along the way, taking the road through the magnificent Glen Coe.  No evening meal is arranged for day 2 or 3 leaving you free to make your own choice of dinning at the Hotel or visiting one of the many local hostelries in the vicinity of the hotel. So you will be free to make your own choice.

Weather permitting we will take the challenging road to Applecross.  This mountain cattle pass known as ‘Bealach Na Ba’ rises to over 2000 ft with 1 in 5 climbs & hairpins, this is an experience in any weather!

Day 5 on Road will see us head South for home and for those wishing to do so, the opportunity to take the Advanced RoSPA Test can be arranged for along the way.  On our last course the Students chose to take the Tests on Saturday leaving the Sunday for a relaxed day to finish the course.

This is an intense experience and on some days high mileage will be covered but you will experience the kind of riding that Traffic Officers have to undergo before being let loose on patrol.  With a Standard Police Course being of 4 weeks duration we aim to give you a taste of that training rolled down into 6 days.

The inclusive cost of this training and accommodation and meals as described above is just  £1250.

This does not include your own personal incidentals and daytime refreshments or petrol which will be at your own expense.

This will include your test fee and membership to RoSPA for those wishing to take the test, and your assessment for The Enhanced Rider Scheme. You will also get full use of the Spa & Health Club facilities at our chosen Hotel.

A RoSPA Grade is also recognised by some insurance companies for you to qualify for a discount on your premium.

For our courses that have previously been run locally we have a 100% pass rate for candidates taking the RoSPA Test. So this is an opportunity to take your riding to the next level.  Thinking you’re good is one thing, but knowing you’re good is even better!

We expect demand for this course to high so get your name on the list as soon as you can.  A deposit will be payable at the time of booking, as this will be used to secure your accommodation for the course.

When this was first published, within half an hour we had taken bookings for this course, so don’t miss out. Already one of the candidates from the first 3 Countries Advanced Motorcycle Course has enrolled for this second course to repeat the experience.

To get your name on the list please email me your details to

andy@1stclassrider.co.uk  or text 07545567273.

* * * * * * *

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

French Tour 20th – 22nd August

Leave a comment

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

Cardiff, Events, Motorcycle Training, Motorcycles, News, Police Class 1

Slow Manouevering & Emergency Braking Day

Leave a comment

Slow Manouevering & Emergency Braking Day.
Scheduled for Saturday 31st July.

This is a one day course where we will teach you the art of slow control and you can get a taste of what we had to go through before we were let loose on the road on a Police Patrol Bike. Also you will get to try some of the exercises recently introduced for the new two part motorcycle test. Would you be able to pass it? Come and give it a go.

Also on the day we will teach you the technique for safe emergency braking and you will get to try it in the wet as we ‘make it rain’ just for you to practice emergency stops in the wet.

Also we finish off the day with a race. A SLOW race that is. The last one to cross the line wins. No stopping, no feet down, and any stalling and you’re out.

Come and join us and learn some new ‘life saving’ new skills.

This is a full day course and spaces will be limited to just 10 bikes per course.

The cost of this course will be just £90 per person and that is amazing value. (a CBT cost more than that).

If you wish to book a place or just want more details please contact me. As soon as possible.

Advice, Changes, Motorcycles, News, Police Class 1

New PM Drops Motorcycle Escort Riders

Leave a comment

It has been reported today that the New Prime Minister, David Cameron, has dispensed with his Police Motorcycle Escort Out- Riders.  Claiming that they are an “unnecessary extravagance”

However this has sparked security fears.

The PM was warned that he was putting himself at increased risk of attack if he gets stuck in traffic.

This move was not officially announced but sources say that it was an ‘ostentation’ to be sped through the traffic by Police Escort.

Ex- PM Gordon Brown had been escorted by up to six motorcycle escort out-riders, whose job it was to stop traffic and clear a path for the following convoy of cars. The golden rule was to keep moving.

Mr Cameron’s decision was questioned by security experts after his blue, bullet-proof Jaguar was photographed stuck in traffic on Whitehall.

Dai Davies, a former head of Royalty Protection at Scotland Yard said, ‘The first rule is to keep moving. When you stop you get hit. I am worried and I would urge Mr Cameron to re-consider’, he said.

Having been involved in the planning and running of many VIP Escorts over the years myself, I agree that the PM may be subjecting himself to increased risk.

The purpose od the Motorcycle Escort team was to move the VIP, safely and to ensure the minimum disruption to other traffic along the route.  This resulted in the VIP being kept moving and the free flow of traffic being restored with only minor hold ups to the general public.  VIP Safety was paramount and it is essential that they do not become a ‘sitting target’

Mr Cameron, this is one decision which you may need to re-think. You run the Country and let the experts run you.

Advanced Training, Advice, Cardiff, CBT, Events, Motorcycle Training, Motorcycles, News, Police Class 1

Real Radio Bring a £ to Work Auction

Leave a comment

Charity Auction – Motorcycle Training with 1st Class Rider Training-Cardiff.

Real Radio– Wales Based in Cardiff are raising Money to build a playground at the Children’s Hospice, Ty Hafan. Ty Hafan, which is based in Sully, South Wales cares for children with life shortening illnesses, and their families, and gives invaluable support at times of great stress within these families.

As part of this fund raising, the Radio Station is running a Charity Auction.

1st Class Rider Training-Cardiff has donated a Motorcycle Training Day as a prize.  You can bid for either a Full Day Basic Training for a CBT (value £125) or for a Full Day Advanced Training with a Police Class 1 Motorcyclist (Value £180).

For the CBT we provide the use of a Yamaha 125cc bike, all the fuel, insurance, helmet, jacket, gloves and waterproofs whilst you are training. So this is a great way to get started.

For the Advanced Day, it is better for you to use your own bike but we can provide a fuel injected Honda CBF 600cc.

Our training base for the CBT is at the Cardiff County Council Road Safety Centre, Maindy Stadium, Cardiff, and for the Advanced Day, you will find yourself riding the challenging mountain roads of Wales.

So, come on support this worthy cause and place a bid.  Visit the Real Radio Wales website and click on ‘Auction’  for full details.  The auction ends in 5 days.

Thank You.

Advice, Cardiff, Changes, Motorcycle Training, News, Police Class 1

M4 Motorway Safety Cardiff & South Wales

4 Comments

1st Class Rider Training-Cardiff learnt today that the threatened withdrawal of Police Motorway patrols throughout the South Wales area on the M4 Motorway came into force today.

From today the Chief Constable of South Wales Police has disbanded her dedicated ‘Motorway Section’ of the South Wales Police Traffic Department due to budget constraints.

This means that the M4 in the Cardiff and South Wales area will no longer be Policed as a matter of course.

Police patrols may still use the motorway for their own travel purposes but the previously highly trained expert motorway patrol Traffic Officers will be given duties elsewhere.

The Chief Constable has determined that the Highways Agency will be responsible for ensuring the safe running of traffic on the M4 and dealing with routine breakdowns and minor calls.

One problem is that the Highways Agency do not have sufficient staff to take over the role at this time and have staff members in training anticipated to first be used (as rookies) in January.

What does this mean to members of the public, in particular motorcyclists using the M4 throughout Cardiff and Southy Wales?

Well speed enforcement will no longer be carried out by patrolling Traffic Cops and the Highways Agency staff have no enforcement powers for this.  Now this might sound like fun at first but when you consider the consequences of breaking down on the M4 on your bike.

It can be daunting enough to be sat on the hard shoulder as traffic roars past at 70mph but now you could be stood there, waiting for assistance with traffic speeding by at any speed.

With the onset now of Autumn and Winter with the darker evenings, you could find yourself on an unlit section with no protection, and little assistance to come.

If you find yourself in this position then get away from the bike. Motorways are deemed to be the safest roads in the UK, but the Hard Shoulder is the most dangerous part of that road.

Don’t lean against the back of your bike as you wait for a breakdown service to arrive as this will obscure your lights and other reflective parts of your bike to the approaching traffic, rendering you ‘invisible’.

Move ‘down stream’ away from your bike and if possible over the non-traffic side of the nearside barrier or up the embankment.

The Road side emergency telephones will still connect you to the control room for assistance but it may not result in a Police Patrol attending to assist.  It is better, where safety allows, for you to use the roadside telephones rather than your mobile phone to seek help as the roadside phones are a direct link to the Police Control room, where your mobile phone signal may be picked up by the strongest available signal.

So in an emergency you might find yourself speaking with an operator in the West Country rather than Bridgend. (Try Spelling Capel Llanilltern when you are in a panic)!!

Remember don’t put yourself at any risk and protect youself as you may be on your own for some time……aren’t the nights drawing in??

(Please note that 1st Class Rider Training-Cardiff does not condone exceeding the Speed Limits).

Advanced Training, Advice, Cardiff, CBT, Changes, Direct Access, Events, Motorcycle Training, Motorcycles, News, Police Class 1

1st Class Rider Tours

Leave a comment

1st Class Rider Training-Cardiff are pleased to announce the launch of their new web site.  www.1stclassridertours.co.uk

The launch recognises the success of our European and War Graves Tours so far this year.  The new web page is being constructed but will hold a full calendar of trips for 2010.  The Somme, Normandy, Battle of The Bulge, Bruges and Ypres to name but a few.

These are biking trips professionally lead by Police Class 1 Riders to points of interest along some of the best biking roads on offer in Northern Europe. Conveniently packaged into just a long weekend.

The web site will also hold links to our main training page and our popular Newsletter Blog where you can sign up for automatic updates on Advanced Training, Special Events and Monthly Social Ride Outs.

These are exciting times for us here at 1st Class Rider Training as we expand our successful training company.  We will still be offering ‘Learner’ & Advanced Training and we will still be available for the many corporate classroom training sessions that we currently present, but these tours are a natural progression as we look forward to changes in the biking industry in the UK.

Come and join us.  Watch out for news on the completion of www.1stclassridertours.co.uk

Advanced Training, Advice, Cardiff, Events, Motorcycle Training, Police Class 1, RoSPA

Advanced Motorcycle Course & RoSPA Test

Leave a comment

1st Class Rider Training-Cardiff Four Day Advanced Motorcycle Course.  Leading to the RoSPA Advanced Test.

This is it.  The long awaited (by some) 1st Class Rider Training-Cardiff, Four Day Advanced Motorcycle Course.  This is a four day course spread over a number of weeks.  It contains a classroom based, theory element, followed by periods of self practice before on road instruction, with an option to undergo the RoSPA test at the end of the course.  All the training is based on the Police System of Motorcycle Control and is run by RoSPA Examiners & Diploma Holders.

The venue for the theory sessions, we hope, will be our new ‘home’ at Cardiff County Councils’ New Road Safety Centre at Maindy Stadium, Cardiff. (This will be confirmed)

I don’t run many of these through the year so don’t miss your chance for this one.  The cost of the four day course is only £500.  That is only £125 per day.  What?  We charge £125 for a CBT!!

You’d better book your place before I realise my mistake and charge the proper price for this.

The course start date has been set as Saturday the 15th of August, with day 2 the following Saturday the 22nd of August.  Later course dates will be arranged to suit the course participants and will be mutually agreed for the practical road riding sessions.

Visit our newsletter blog to sign up for free up dates on Advanced Training, Social Events and Rideouts.

Just click the link on the left.

Advanced Training, Advice, Cardiff, Events, Motorcycle Training, News, Police Class 1

Slow Maneuvering & Emergency Braking Course

Leave a comment

Slow Maneuvering & Emergency Braking Day.

I am running another one of these popular courses. For just £60 you can learn to….well um…Ride Slow and Brake Fast!  The date of this is Sunday the 12th of July.  So, if you want to gain an insight into the sort of training that I had to undergo before being let loose on a patrol bike book yourself a place.

I don’t run many of these through the year but those who have been before said they were of great value…and What?? I’m only charging 60 quid.  Now that is great value. Come and have a go at some of the manoeuvres included in the new motorcycle test.  Would you pass???

I will be limiting this to 10 riders so be quick!  Let me know if you want a place.