Category Archives: RoSPA

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

Advanced Motorcycle Training 3 Countries Advanced Course

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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.

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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, 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, News, RoSPA

Road Deaths Down

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Figures Courtesy of RoSPA show another drop in total road deaths.

In 2007 there were a total of 2,946 total deaths.  This dropped to 2,538 in 2008.

For motorcyclists, biker deaths were down from 588 in 2007 to 493 in 2008. This is a welcome drop but biker deaths still remain higher than they were in the mid 1990’s.

Even though, overall, road deaths dropped, child pedestrians fatality numbers have increased.  Cyclists fatality numbers have dropped but the number of cyclists seriously injured has increased.

So generally this is good news but as motorcyclists are still one of the most vulnerable groups of road users out there we must still ride defensively and with consideration for ourselves and others.

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

Advanced Motorcycle Course & RoSPA Test

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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, CBT, Direct Access, Motorcycle Training, Motorcycles, Police Class 1, RoSPA

Harley Davidson Rider’s Edge

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Just another chapter, in the 1st class Rider Training-Cardiff formation history.

When Harley Davidson was looking to set up a Europe branch of their Rider’s Edge Motorcycle Training scheme, I wasn’t far away.

The Director’s of the training school based in Builth Wells, Mid Wales needed Direct Access qualified Instructors and in the early stages of the development of Rider’s Edge I was able to assist in setting up an Advanced Motorcycle Training and Testing scheme. (Based on the RoSPA Gold Silver and Bronze grading system), and carrying out training at all levels from CBT right up to the Rider’s Edge Gold standard.

Working closely with Pat, the Motorcycling Director at the time I gained much useful experience and this was another stepping stone towards the formation of 1st Class Rider Training-Cardiff.

Advanced Training, Cardiff, Changes, Direct Access, Motorcycle Training, News, RoSPA

New Motorcycle Test

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Sorry but it’s the New Motorcycle Test Again.

a Newsletter recieved from the DSA today reveals that the New Test will be split into 2 modules and from the date of implementation will no longer be able to be taken in Cardiff.

The actual date of the first test to be taken under the new procedures will be 27th of April. The last test under the old scheme will, we understand, be the 24th of April and there will be no tests over the weekend.

This is to allow the DSA staff to leave the country with your ill gotten test fees, that they should have given back to you last September, and to leave the system in a melt down mess as the new booking system starts.

I still feel that April the 1st would have be a more appropriate date to bring this in.

Was it Willy Wonka who said….. “A little nonsense now and then is relished by the wisest men”…….

He may not have said it first but in the Gene Wilder film… he definately did say it. Way ahead of his time he was.

Willy Wonka for DSA Chief!

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

29th Bristol Classic Motorcycle Show

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Why not join us for a Ride Out.  At 1st Class Rider Training-Cardiff we run a Rider’s Club and organise a Monthly Ride Out.

Starting in Cardiff, we meet at MacDonald’s at Coryton Interchange at junction 32 of the M4, just off the A470 on the Northern outskirts of Cardiff, on the 15th of February the next Rideout is to the 29th Bristol Classic Motorcycle Show, at the Royal  Bath & West Showground at Shepton Mallet.

For full details click on the ‘Newsletter’ tab on the left.

Why not join us….you know you want to.

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

RoSPA Advanced Motorcycle Test

At 1st Class Rider Training we use only Police Class 1 Riders as our Instructors, but in addition to this professional qualification, and the valuable experience that goes with it, at ‘1st Class’ we have among our staff 2 RoSPA Advanced Motorcycle Test Examiners and a RoSPA Diploma Holder.

We run Advanced Courses which allow the participants to undergo the RoSPA test at the end of the course, and their test fee also includes the membership to RoSPA.

But What is the RoSPA Grading.  My earlier post gives information on the different Police Grades (Class 1 being the highest available) but not everyone needs to join ‘the job’ and wear a funny hat before they can have their riding achievements recognised.

RoSPA (The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents) has it’s origins in the early fifties and was set up to halt the rise in Road Casualties.  It has grown since those early days and now gives advice, guidance and training to prevent accidents of all kinds.  Household, Workplace and of course the Road.

The motorcycle test has 3 grades.  (Three ‘Pass’ Grades that is- The Test Can also be ‘Failed’)

Gold

Silver

and Bronze.

So what does each one mean.  I will look at how the test is run and what is expected of the candidate in a later post but will concentrate here on the Grades and how they are achieved.

What follows is taken from the RoSPA ‘Guidance for Candidates & Training Officers’.

BRONZE

This Grade will be awarded to riders whose performance is significantly above the standard required to pass the ‘L’ Riding Test.

These Riders will also show a knowledge of Motorcycle Roadcraft ……….. The Ride should be entirely safe, observing traffic signs, responding correctly to hazards and should display advanced riding techniques.

SILVER

This Grade will be awarded to riders who are well above the average.  These riders will produce consistently safe and systematic rides but perhaps without the final polish, flair and smoothness of the Gold Riders.  They will demonstrate a thorough knowledge of the ‘System of Motorcycle Control’. Candidates must be able to ride up to the permitted speed limit where it is safe to do so but vary speed according to circumstances and conditions. It must be emphasised that SILVER is an extremely high grade and is a commendable achievement.

GOLD

This Grade is recognised as the highest riding award available to the Public.

It will be awarded only to the polished systematic rider, who displays a complete understanding and appropriate application of the principles outlined in Motorcycle Roadcraft’. The candidate will display a confidence and ability throughout the whole test which leads the examiner to consider that, if afforded the opportunity, the candidate could achieve a Police Grade without further tuition.  The candidate’s performance must be consistent throughout the whole of the test and so any lapses may result in a lower grade.

Awards of this grade will therefore be reserved for the very best riders.

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Of Course there are other tests and schemes in the market but you can see that nothing else comes close to helping you raise your riding ability to the highest level like the RoSPA Scheme.  I agree that any form of further training has value but the RoSPA scheme is way ahead of the game.

The DSA are striving to implement a Register of Post Test Trainers, open to anyone who ‘thinks they can ride a bit’ so you may find yourself being taught by a Butcher, a Baker or a Candlestick Maker.  Now nothing against any of these fine professions but they may not be ‘professional riders’ with the depth of experience and training background to warrant you spending your hard earned.

One thing for sure;  ‘Thinking you’re good is one thing….but knowing your good is even better.