Advanced Motorcycling - Introduction Day
London Advanced Motocyclists (LAM) is offering an introduction to advanced motorcycling day to the Londonbikers community on Sunday, 22nd May from our Group Meeting venue, near Croydon (full details, including a map and local directions, will be provided with your booking confirmation).Who or What is LAM?
LAM is a group of motorcyclists affiliated to the Institute of Advanced Motorists. As such LAM is a registered charity for the purpose of motorcycle guidance leading to greater Road Safety. LAM covers mainly London, south of the Thames and the northernmost parts of Surrey and Kent.
What can I expect from the day?
The day is an introduction to advanced riding. You will be given an introduction to some of the principles of Roadcraft (The Police Riders Handbook) and information on how they can help you become a safer and better rider.
The day will be organised as follows:
9:30 am - Sign-in, coffee and tea available.Introduction & some theory on advanced riding techniques.11:00 am - meet your observer, and go out for a short initial observed ride.12.30 pm - back to base for lunch, (a buffet lunch will be provided).1:30 pm - off on the road again for a longer observed ride, taking in some of the amazing roads we have on our doorstep.3:30-4:00 pm - back to Banstead for a final de-brief and Questions and Answers on next steps.
Observed rides will be 1 observer to 2 participants. You will be leading for some of the day, following for the rest.
Overall, just think of it as a great day out with fellow riders, enjoying some of the south’s best roads while you get some constructive feedback on your riding throughout the day. So just relax and have fun!
Who are these observers?An ‘Observer’ is basically an Instructor; someone who has passed the Advanced IAM Test, gone onto further training and passed an IAM Observer Test and who is prepared to help other people prepare for passing the test through what we call ‘observed runs’ (ORs). An Observer has met criteria laid down by the IAM to ensure there is a consistent standard. All LAM observers are required to to re-test every three years, with annual reviews.
Observers are volunteers and like all of us are passionate about motorcycling. They carry out the ORs on their own bikes, in their “free time”.
How much is it going to cost me?The cost of the day to you will be £25 (including lunch, tea and coffee). This will also help to cover expenses like venue hire and something towards observer expenses (petrol, rubber, wear and tear of their bikes etc).
We would like this to be paid up-front for 2 reasons:Less time spent on administration on the day, more time on the road.It’s a great offer and will get booked up, so to make it fair to those who may not get the chance or are on the reserve list, we want commitment from those who sign up. If you need to cancel for some reason, let us know as soon as possible and we will try to fill your place and offer a refund if we can (no guarantee) but why would you want to miss it!
I am riding X, can I come?Whether you ride a sportsbike, scooter, cruiser, cafe racer, supermoto, tourer, … new or old, we really don’t care as long as your bike is road legal, roadworthy and capable of holding the national speed limit on a dual carriageway (70mph). Observers are going to follow you closely, so they will be inspecting your bike before you set off. If your brake light isn’t working, your tyres look like slicks, your brake pads are down to the metal or anything like it, “you’re not safe” so it’s likely they’ll send you home (or at least to a Petrol station for a replacement bulb!). Check the basics before you set off!
I have only been riding for xx months/I have been riding for xx years, can I come?
It doesn’t matter if you have little experience, or if you have been riding for decades, as long as you have a full licence (A2 Restricted Licenses are OK, CBTs aren’t) and you’re open minded about your ride being commented on, you’ll be welcome.
What do I need to bring?Driving licence (both parts or other photographic ID if you still have the old style license) Insurance certificate for you on the bike you are riding on the dayMOT certificate if requiredSuitable clothing, this includes standard protective clothing (don’t turn up in trainers, jeans and t-shirt), but also warm and/or waterproof if it looks like you’ll need it. The day will only be cancelled due to the weather if it causes a risk, this includes snow or icy roads. A bit of rain or cold won’t have it called off!Full tank of petrol
Sounds good, I’m in, how do I sign up?
There are 20 places that will be offered on a first come, first served basis, but if fully subscribed we will hold a reserve list. If it is fully booked and you want to come, please let me know anyway; if the day is successful and there is more interest we will try to run another one later in the year.
To sign up, please send me a PM with the the information from the questionnaire below. We need to get your basic details like name, contact details and “in case of emergency” details. We’d like the other details so that we can pair you up with a rider of similar experience an on a similarly capable bike to maximise the benefit you get from the day and your enjoyment.
If you are signing up with a friend and would really like to be paired up together, please let me know.
Once I receive your details from the questionnaire below, I’ll confirm provisionally. Your place will be officially confirmed when we receive the £25 fee.
QuestionnaireYou
Name:Email address:Phone number:Age:ICE Contact (In Case of Emergency)
Name:
Phone number:
Relationship to you:
Your Bike
Bike make, model and cc: (restricted?)How long have you been riding:Riding experience (commuting, work, pleasure, track days, off-road …):Approximately how many miles do you ride every month:Have you done any post-test training and if so, please provide date and grade if applicable (Bikesafe, RoSPA, IAM, BMF, CSS, other …):
Anything else you think would be useful for us to know about you:
Disclaimer - IMPORTANT, PLEASE READ!You are responsible for your own ride: even when you are riding with others, your ride is your responsibility, including riding safely within your own capabilities and complying with all road traffic regulations. Whatever anyone else on a ride may do, do not do anything that you are not comfortable doing.
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Go on to pass y’test and if you join the IAM etc, you get discounts on your insurance, AA membership, Hotels and all sorts. Its a win, win no-brainer. Go check this offer out.
Good luck 
