Well, here we are, the end of another year. I hope you had a great Christmas and here's wishing you a very happy and prosperous 2025. I'm pleased to say that 2024 surpassed 2023, so a massive thank you to everyone for your continued support. Here's a round up of 2024.
Training - sessions, people and bikes.
2024 saw more riders enjoying more training sessions than 2023. Some came to work on a particular area of their riding, some came with the specific aim of getting their riding to an 'advanced' standard to take a riding qualification, and some didn't think they wanted to pass any kind of test, but with some gentle encouragement, did so anyway! I'm often asked 'what bike do you need to do the training on'? Well, the answer is, pretty much anything and everything! For instance, Alex trained on his 20bhp Royal Enfield......
....whilst Dale trained on his Supercharged Kawasaki......
and Kev used his triumph Rocket 3!
So, as you can see. any bike is suitable! However, the most popular make and model used, was the BMW GS/GSA, but as they are one of the best selling bikes in the UK, that's not really surprising! Other bikes used were; 1 Moto Guzzi, 1 Royal Enfield, 2 Yamahas, 2 Suzukis, 2 Ducatis, 2 Kawasakis, 4 Hondas and 9 Triumphs. So, like I said, you really can train on anything.
Enhanced Rider Schemes (ERS) - completed.
As an accredited trainer for the DVSA approved ERS, I often encourage riders to think about completing this as the first step on the advanced ladder. The scheme is primarily aimed at new riders, or those coming back after a long break, but other category of riders are also catered for. (head to the ERS website for full details). The training for the ERS is based around the same techniques required for the BMF/IAM/RoSPA tests, so makes a great base to work from. Of those riders who came for training in 2024, the following riders successfully completed the ERS; Kate, Alex, Rob, Heath, Richard, Dave, Steve, John, Stuart and Peter. You'll read some of those names again later, as some of those who completed the ERS, went on to achieve other test passes.
Customer test passes.
Congratulations to Kate (BMF Blue Riband), Neil (IAM Masters - Distinction), Paul (IAM Masters - Distinction), Dale (RoSPA), Geoff (RoSPA), Peter (BMF Blue Riband)
Examiner duties for BMF, IAM and RoSPA.
Busier on the Examiner front this year as I was not only appointed National Lead for the BMF Blue Riband Advanced Rider Award, but I also rekindled my role as an IAM bike and car Examiner as well as a Masters Mentor for both disciplines.
RoSPA tests conducted.
In 2024 I conducted 9 RoSPA bike tests and all resulted in a pass at either Bronze, Silver or Gold. So congratulations to Rick, Andy W, Chris, Steve P, Jo, Steve B, Andy S, Andy H and mark C.
IAM bike and car tests and National Observer Assessment conducted.
On the IAM front, I conducted 5 bikes tests and 5 car tests. Unfortunately, 2 bike candidates and 2 car candidates didn't quite reach the required standard, but congratulations go to Alan, Neil, and Bryan on passing their bike tests and to Kevin, Alan and Bob on successfully passing their car test at either a pass or a First.
I also conducted 4 National Observer Assessments, with 3 successful outcomes and 1 who didn't quite get there at their first attempt, but did on his second, so congratulations to John, Terry and Mick.
BMF tests conducted.
I conducted 3 Blue Riband tests and 3 triennial assessments on current BMF examiners. Congratulations to Dave A, Steve S and Ian J and fellow examiners Mark, Colin and Alf.
BikeSafe.
It was another year assisting Humberside Police to deliver their BikeSafe events. I started being involved with BikeSafe over 20 years ago when I was a Police motorcyclists and I'm now very proud to be part of the volunteer 'civilian' riders who turn out year after year from the BMF, IAM, RoSPA, ERS etc to support this great initiative. I also managed to combine FireBike with BikeSafe by attending a couple of the events on the FireBike. Massive thank you to everyone at the Humberside BikeSafe team for making that happen.
Lincs BikeSafe.
2024 also saw me attend an event run by Lincs Police and Road Safety partnership. It was run from the Lincs Police Headquarters in Nettleham. It was an early start, leaving York at 7am to get to the event for an 830am briefing. There were around 80 Observers and over 200 candidates for assessed rides. I was paired up with James on his Hayabusa, a rider with some experience of advanced driving techniques. All in all, it was another great day giving me the chance to speak to lots of riders about the FireBike project and post test training.
NYF&RS FireBike.
Its been a fantastic year being part of the NYF&RS FireBike team. The team have attended numerous events to talk about post test training. We've delivered BikerDown courses, attended BikeSafe events (see above), visited numerous biker related cafes, venues and events around the region and been featured in the BMF Magazine. Both bikes have covered several thousands of miles over the year and have so far been relatively problem free, with only a couple of minor issues, alongside the normal stuff like servicing and tyres.
Out on the road.
Seaways with project Lead Andy C
Stuart at an event at Infinity Motorcycles, York.
Andy in Helmsley.
A ride out with KTM riding Jade from DocBike Yorkshire, who is now also a member of the FireBike Team.
Worse part about riding in all weathers....having to clean the bike afterwards!
Some, but not all the team. L to R - Me, Karl, Andy (kneeling) Stuart and Mark.
NY500 cafe.
Strawberry Fields cafe
Squires.
Ribblehead Viaduct.
Me and Andy at BMF HQ, Mallory Park for the BMF Magazine feature.
BikeSafe
Little mention in MCN
BikerDown at The Motorist - Jade from DocBike Yorkshire, with Andy from FireBike.
BMF Mag feature.
Arriving at BMF HQ, Malloy Park.
Attending an event in Norton, Malton.
I'm really looking forward to more FireBike activity in 2025, if you see the bikes out and about, please come over to say hello.
Motorrad Tours.
After 8 fantastic years as a Tour Leader with Motorrad Tours, I have decided to step down. Unfortunately the arthritis in my left knee is now taking its toll on my ability to ride multiple 'big days' on a bike. It's easier when away with Kim, or a mate, as we can have days off the bike, and routes and plans can be changed if need be, but obviously that's not possible when leading a customer tour. I've loved my 'journey' as a Tour Leader. I have been on some great tours, ridden great roads, seen some amazing scenery, stayed in some fab hotels, and of course, met some great customers, many of whom have become friends. Of course it wasn't always plain sailing, each tour throws up its own challenges, be it road closures, diversions, breakdowns, the weather, or the occasional dropped bike. From a personal view point, me ending up in hospital in Bratislava with food poisoning and having to be flown home early was probably my worst tour! But other than that, I think I did OK!
Being a Tour Leader also gave me the opportunity to work on the BMW stand at the NEC bike show on a couple of occasions, which, as a lifelong biker who has attended the show most years over the last 40 years, was a really great experience! Seeing how a major manufacturer puts on the show, and the hard work (and hard drinking!) they do, was fab.
The Motorrad Tours team are the best bunch of people, always willing to help, great riding buddies, always up for a laugh, and have a level of experience that most people can only ever dream of. I will definitely miss them. Here's a photo dump from the last 8 years, not necessarily in chronological order, but it does start at the beginning, with my first ever Training weekend and group photo in March 2016, and finishes with my last tour, May 2024 Barrie Robson BMW customer tour to Scotland.
March 2016 - where it all began, my first Motorrad Tours training weekend, and my first Tour Leader group photo. I'm 5th from the left!
Customer Nigel on his XR somewhere between Switzerland and Italy. I love this photo!
Scotland, with Jon, Paul and ?? sorry!
Douaumont Ossuary memorial near Verdun, France.
Scotland 2022.
My first ever tour. Scotland 2017 with Ned, Mel, Paul and Paul,
Somewhere in Switzerland.
France....spot the paratrooper on the church! With Jeff, Debbie, Wilko, Esther, Steve, Lisa, Gerry and Kevin.
Self explanatory! with Nigel, Andy and Karen.
Belgium, on our way to, (or back?) from Motorrad days. Mike, Graham, me, Nigel and Dave
Road block!
Imperial Cities of Eastern Europe Tour- Stalag Luft III, a POW camp in Poland. Location of the 'famous' Great Escape tunnel and more.
Scotland
Lost in France? Lovely Chateaux.
Cambrai - always the first coffee stop off the chunnel. Bikes, bikes and more bikes!
Motorrad days - thousands of excitable BMW riders and enthusiasts being served too much beer, resulting in much merriment!
Mottorad Days - Not drunk....none of them......all tea total.......
France - Steve, (Jeff behind Wilko) Wilko, Esther, Lisa, Kevin, Debbie and Gerry.
Scotland
Self explanatory
Evening dining getting a big thumbs up.
Entry wristband.
The whole BMW show stand staff. I'm in there somewhere!
Motorrad Tours show staff Richard, Chris, Bob and me. Plus the lovely lady from World of BMW, whose name I can't remember, sorry!
I was on the tourers section.....buy this bike sir and then come and tour with us!
Alf, me, Chris
Me, Richard and Chris.
End of tour drinks, France
Another Pass successfully conquered. With Karen, Nigel and Andy.
Self explanatory
Me cresting the peak of Passo d Spluga.
He couldn't bear it!
More Scotland.
Switzerland, and a subtle birthday cake delivered to the table in a packed restaurant. Not embarrassing at all! Thanks guys!
Pass of the Cattle, Scotland
My final tour - all the guys about to leave Barrie Robson BMW for Scotland.
Final night, final tour, final ever group photo as a Tour Leader. Too many to name, but you know who you are and I'll be with you again in 2025, as a paying customer!
Thank you to everyone who made those 8 years so fantastic, its been a blast and gets a big thumbs up from me.
My GSA.
Very quiet month on the GSA in December, so not many miles covered. In fact, I managed a very lowly 229! Here's my GSA mileage figures for December.
01/12/24 - 23928
31/12/24 - 24253
GSA mileage in December - 325.
FireBike mileage for December - 214
Total mileages for the year to date;
GSA - 13,509
FireBike 3286
Motorrad Tours 2,490.
Total for the year as of 31/12/24 - 19,285
And that my friends, ends 2024. Thanks again for everyone's support. If you've trained with me, or just liked or shared my Facebook posts, its all very much appreciated. I will be back in 2025, and bookings are already being taken, so don't hang around!
Ride safe everyone.
Ian S
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