April.
Well the winter finally came to an end....sort of.....and Spring finally sprung....although not quite into action, but did mellow enough to allow more customers to get out on their bikes and get some training completed.
Nick kicked April off on his S1000XR with a full days' training. Richard was next on his 1200 GSA, then Nigel on his 250 Vstrom (who went on to pass his RoSPA test at Gold grade a week or so later), Dave on his Multistrada, Enzo on his SV650 and finally a follow up session with Richard on his GSA again.
April also saw me wearing various 'hats' for different organisations. On the 12th it was for the IAM as I conducted a pre-test assessment for a member preparing to take the IAM Masters Test (he passed a couple of days later) and then on the 14th I conducted my first bike test of the year for RoSPA.
On the 21st, I represented both RoSPA and the IAM when I assisted Humberside Police to deliver their first BikeSafe event of 2018. This is a National Initiative supported by most but no all Police forces and something I've been involved with on and off since 2000. If you've never been on one, you should definitely consider it, it's a great way to have your riding assessed by either a Police rider or suitably qualified and accredited civilian rider.
Moving on to the 29th I lead a group of customers from Barrie Robson BMW Motorcycles of York on a 150 mile ride. The route took us from York into Lincolnshire where we stopped for lunch before continuing the ride heading north over the Humberbridge and finishing back at Barrie Robsons showroom. 18 bikes in total and it stayed dry all day. Fantastic !
And finally, April also saw me trade in my KTM SuperDuke GT for a BMW S1000R. I've previously owned one and if I'm honest, regretted getting rid of it.
May.
I'm pleased to say May was another busy month and it started off with a little surprise when an article I'd submitted to Motorcycle News (MCN) was published. It was about mine and Kims 2017 European tour.
The second week of May saw me head to Scotland on behalf of Motorrad Tours to 'lead' a group of 24 customers from Bowker BMW at Preston on a 5 day tour. We covered around 2000 miles and other than the first day, the weather was pretty kind to us. It was a great tour with a varied mix of personalities and a great time was had by all.
On the 18th May, I took a group of 10 RoSPA tutors on a three day training weekend to the Scottish borders. This is the 3rd year in a row I have arranged this. It consists of a mix of assessed rides, scenarios, a written test and topical discussions. 600 miles covered and a great success.
Due to my commitments to the Motorrad Tour and the RoSPA weekend I didn't manage as many 'normal' training days as April but Mark started the month off on his awesome sounding BMW K1300S Motorsport, soon followed by Richard on his GS Adventure, Gary on his VFR1200 and finally Dave on his K1600GT.
My S1000R had it's 600 mile service and my GSA had it's 2 year service (25000 miles!) along with a pair of tyres and rear brake pads....an expensive month !
Finally, Kim and I went away on the GSA for the Bank Holiday weekend on the last weekend of the month. We had 2 nights, 3 days in and around Northumberland and the Scottish borders. We had some fantastic weather and enjoyed some amazing roads and scenery and the weekend took my mileage for the month of May to 3800!
As always I'd like to thank everyone who has booked training with me for your custom and to everyone else for your continued support, especially Barrie Robson BMW of York, Miles Kingsport Honda of Hull and my partner Kim, who puts up with me on a daily basis. Thank you.
If you're thinking of taking some post test training, then please get in touch and I'll be happy to discuss your requirements.
Ian Speight