mehblog

As a fairly direct result to having my 125 stolen I decided to bite the bullet and do the direct access motorbike training course.

I went along to Sussex Rider Training one saturday for an assessment and we worked out a plan.

This past week I did their three day course, culminating in my practical test on Friday afternoon.

The weather this week got really cold. Well below zero with wind chill. This was a challenge but preferable to rain I suppose.

Day one of the course focused on the slow riding techniques (slow speed riding, U-turns, emergency stops). This is essential. Once one masters controlling the bike at slow speeds, the rest is easy (well, easier).

Day two of the course focuses on the faster stuff. ‘A’ roads, bends and dual carriageways. It is important for passing the test that you can show the examiner that you can get up to the speed limit quickly and safely. Its all about ‘making progress’ apparently.

The third day is spent warming up and drilling the U-turn and emergency stop. Do both of those a few times, then off around the test routes for a while, then more U-turns etc.

Mine was the last test for the day, and it looked like it was about to snow at any moment. Mid afternoon and the parents where out picking up their little darlings from school. Sticking their 4×4s in stupid places.

I was very nervous. However, once we got going I wasn’t too bad. I was sure I had failed the test on a number of occasions though.

The training I’d received really paid off, especially going over all of the ‘awkward’ parts of the various test routes. That really helped.

Towards the end of the test we were heading down this stretch of the A27. National speed limit (70). We’d been down this road several times over the last few days, so I knew what was coming.

Round the corner at 70. Speed limit changes down to 50, watch for cars to the right as outside lane vanishes. Down to 40.

“Ah crap, he’s going to make me to that nasty right turn.” The instruction is given. “Next right turn”. Spot the turn, move right, into the small run off area. Sit and wait for a gap. Of course its bonkers busy so I get stuck for a while. Gap comes and then I’m off.

Run through it in my head. Hmm, tight left hander at end of this street. Don’t run wide.

“Turn left at end of street”.

“Bugger.”

Nail it.

Back to centre.

Test passed.

Sweet!

4 minor faults in the end. All for not making progress, i.e. too slow on the twisty A road and being a bit hesitant at some of the junctions. I’m happy enough with that though as it is something I know I need to work on. It’ll come with experience.

So, I can thoroughly recommend Sussex Rider Training in West Worthing if you are thinking of doing some bike training. Great guys and top training.

Hmm, now how much for an R1 …