South Island Advanced Rider Training

[Biff]

Does anybody here know anywhere where I can enrol for an advanced riders course on the south island? I've contacted most of the usual suspects without any joy.

I've done a UK advanced (police) riding course, and also one for a car but there's no harm on brushing up on your skills every now and again I guess.

Ta

[Sniper]

Stevo did one with Ridesafe I think it was called. PM him with details-

[Aaron]

Mainland Commercial Driving School

5 Vulcan Pl Middleton Christchurch
0-3-338 4242

Driving Schools, Driver Training, Forklift Driver Training

Did my skills test with them and am booked on the next (5th March) Advanced Rider course, (to go from learners to restricted).

Seem professional enough, good people.

Skills handling - $75-100 (can't remember)
Advanced I - $250 (includes cost of getting your restricted)

[White trash]

Chase R1Aaron to Akaroa and back a few times.

[Biff]

Chase R1Aaron to Akaroa and back a few times.

Been there, done that and now I've lost all my good, safe riding habits. Hence the need to re-train!!


Thanks Sniper & Aaron.

Aaron I've given your man a ring, and to be honest (and with just a hint of arrogance), they don't really run the kind of courses I'm looking for. But they have asked me to pop in for a chat and a coffee as they're looking at improving their advanced (road) riding courses soon. So they're keen to learn what the UK has to offer. Very noble of them. Although I don't think I'm the best person to learn from, but as you may have noticed, I love chatting.

Now all the advanced riders in ChCh will learn the rude hand gestures us Brits use. It's part of our test ya know!

[TwoSeven]

They dont have any that are up to the same standard as the Uk copper ones. Which one did you do Henly or one of the London based ones ?

[TonyB]

I did a training day at Ruapuna about 1.5 years ago. Masses of track time, but not as much actual training as I would've liked. EG: First session, quick walk around some of the infeild and the dipper, then out on the track- full noise. Next session was 'no brakes', but after that from what I recall it was full noise again. I was hoping for more tuition, but then it was only $150 so you can't expect miracles

EDIT: we did do a drag take off and then heavy brake excercise. Later on I read the course notes and we were only supposed to get up to 80k I think. Most of us were doing nearer 160...I locked the front brake on one go, nearly dropped it as my major riding fault is neglecting to let go once the front is locked. Managed to keep it upright (let the brakes off eventually)- just.

[**R1**]

Chase R1Aaron to Akaroa and back a few times.

I tried....but he's a SLOW learner. it could be the bike, he did have a go on the R1 tho, took days to wipe the grin off

The other thing is im a crap rider, and how i stay on is beyond me, but i can teach flipping

[Zapf]

On the 23rd March, HRC is running a Rider Training & Development day at Ruapuna......

[Biff]

They dont have any that are up to the same standard as the Uk copper ones. Which one did you do Henly or one of the London based ones ?

Neither, I did from a base in Bridgend. They run the schools for Welsh forces, some of the West Midlands (West Mercia at least I think) and I think Avon & Somerset.

I tried....but he's a SLOW learner. it could be the bike, he did have a go on the R1 tho, took days to wipe the grin off

It wasn't a grin, it was a combination of a yawn and pain

To be honest it was like a pocket rocket. After riding the Bird, it felt soooo small. Great fun over small distances, but I imagine it would be a (genuine) pain in the arse and wrists over any real distance. :spudwhat:

[TonyB]

The other thing is im a crap rider, and how i stay on is beyond me, but i can teach flipping

Priceless! See, that's my reason for not popping wheelies.




Being a talentless hack has nothing to do with it.

[**R1**]

Great fun over small distances, but I imagine it would be a (genuine) pain in the arse and wrists over any real distance. :spudwhat:

YUP.........not for sight seeing....i found out the other day there is a lake on the way to akoroa.....fukme who knew :spudwhat: :spudwhat:

[Fordy]

IAM have a presence in Chch, but what they do there and if they have a similar setup to the UK I don't know. It may be some glorified club for expat IAM members for all I know :spudwhat:

The Advanced Test (from www.iam.org.uk)

The Advanced Driving Test lasts for about 90 minutes and will usually cover between 30 and 40 miles along all types of road (town driving, motorways (if available) or dual carriageways, and even country lanes).

Your Examiner will hold a Police Advanced Driving certificate (either serving or ex Police Class 1) and will have extensive experience from working within the Traffic sections of the Police Force.

The Test gives a thorough workout of driving ability, allowing the candidate to alter their drive according to the conditions and environment of the road. The types of road vary from quiet country roads, motorways to busy town centres. In each case there are hazards and situations that need to be avoided and taken care of using the methods and techniques that advanced driving gives. There may be situations where the candidate can show flair and panache (or what we term as Sparkle) on an open country road where optimum progress can be gained at maximum safety, using optimum road positioning and excellent observation. All this combines to give a brisk smooth drive, at the legal limit on the open road. In other situations, the candidate will need to show restraint and composure to deal with tricky hazards that may become apparent throughout the drive. Such as in a town centre situation, where observation is used to pick out hazards in situations that are constantly changing. The main objective is that the candidate has to perform well in all situations rather than excel in one.

Many people often comment on the Test after taking it and more often than not, the comments revolve around how much they enjoyed the drive. On Test the candidate gets to "show off" the new skills that they have been tuning for the weeks during their course. The Advanced Driving Test IS NOT EASY but is within the reach of most motorists with the right guidance.

IAM Canterbury, 17 Westburn Terrace, West Burnside 8004, Christchurch, Canterbury, NEW ZEALAND
Secretary : Mr Patrick Fergusson