April 2026 - Bike training, Examining, BikeSafe, RoSPA Tutor training, a scary ride in the Lake District, and a renewed qualification.....what a month!

Ian Speight
May 1
7 min read

April continued the trend of March, and was another busy month. Read on to find out what I got up to.

Training.

Mark kicked off the month on his 1200RT. Mark has been working hard on his skills, training with both myself and local RoSPA groups and I'm pleased to say that all that hard work had paid off, because after 2 sessions with me, Mark successfully completed the Enhanced Rider Scheme. Marks next goal is to pass the RoSPA advanced test, so we'll be out again in the coming weeks.

Next up was Richard on his Honda 350 Forza. Richard is back to biking after a substantial break and wanted an assessment to ensure he's still safe and competent.....which fortunately he was. Cracking session and no rain. Result

Friends Jude and Mic followed on from Richard. Jude was riding a Versys 1000SE, and Mic was on a Triumph 1200Scrambler. I met Jude at a BikerDown course last year and he said he'd be in touch, and sure enough, he was! Both of the guys are experienced riders, and this was evident from the off, both displaying a relaxed, confident and structured ride. We utilised 3 way comms for on the move pointers, with debriefs in between swap overs. All in all, a cracking day of dry roads, light winds and good visibility. Approx mileage for the day was around 160 miles.

Next up was Paul on his FJR1300. Paul has previous experience of post test training through the IAM, and decided it was time for a refresher to ensure any 'skills fade' was at a minimum. Paul rode really well from the off, his previous training clear to see. We had various stops to discuss minor tweaks here and there, and he was soon back on point, displaying a flowing ride, with some lovely well timed overtakes, followed by some slow speed skills, before more country roads. Cracking session. Approx 80 miles covered.

Ben came along on his lovely M1000XR. Ben has had various sessions with me over the last 4 or 5 years and as a result has previously passed the Blue Riband Advanced Riders Award, the ERS and RoSPA qualifications. We met Strawberry Fields cafe, where we decided the best forecast suggested going south. So, we headed over the Humber Bridge and into Lincolnshire, stopping at Cadwell Park for a little look at the No Limits, track day. From there, my plan was Horncastle, and then the excellent 'Bardney bends' to Wragby, before stopping for a cuppa at Willingham Woods. Then back to the Humber Bridge and back to York. Unfortunately, I somehow missed the turning for Wragby in Bardney, and we ended up south of Lincoln! We weren't lost, we just weren't where we should have been! Never mind. Using the A15, M180, M181 we were swiftly back north, before picking up the A18 and A161 to Goole, where we had a final debrief before parting company. Cracking day, covering approximately 200 miles.

Andy was riding his Triumph Tiger 900 for his training. Andy has held his bike licence for 15 years, but work meant he rarely managed to get out and ride. Having recently retired, he now wants to ride more, so decided to have a refresher. Cracking day, no rain, 100 miles covered...........no photo of Andy, I forgot! Schoolboy error, but Andy is back in may. so I'll get one then. In the meantime, here's a rough outline of where we went.

On the 20th, I was out with biking mates Kev (1300GS) and Graham (R1300RS). Both are experienced riders but neither has ever had any post test training and, and as they'll soon be embarking on a tour to Portugal, decided to brush up on their skills. Great day, lots of banter and lots of miles....about 130 of them.

Lynn was up next on her Triumph Bobber. Lynn is looking to gain more confidence and improve her riding as she hopes to cover more biking miles this year. Very positive first session in early April, backed up with a second session later in the month which resulted in her successfully completing the Enhanced Rider Scheme. Great result.

Nigel finished off the month with 2 sessions on his R1250RS. Nigel lives in London and is back to biking after a substantial break, so decided to have some refresher training and combine it with a trip to see relatives who live in Yorkshire. Over his 2 sessions we worked on forward observation, positioning for bends, improving corner exit and speed management.

Training Routes.

I'm often asked 'where do you go' when I'm training, but it's a difficult one to answer as it can depend on where I meet the customer, the sort of training they want, or even the weather.....I always try to head for the blue sky! Anyway, here's a few screen shots from Google maps of some of the routes I took in April.

Above was with Mark on his R1200RT.

This was with Andy on his Triumph

With Richard and his Forza 350

To Cadwell with Ben on his M1000XR.

RoSPA Examining.

Jezz came along on his 1200 Triumph Jez put in a cracking ride which was safe, smooth, legal, progressive and a great example of riding 'to the system'. All of which resulted in him being awarded a Gold pass grade. Congratulations and well deserved.

Paul came for his triennial Advanced Tutor retest on his R1250GS. Paul is an experienced rider and RoSPA Advanced Tutor. His test consisted of him delivering a pre arranged subject matter, then an assessed ride, which must be to a Gold standard, followed by a scenario of me taking the role of an 'associate' and Paul having to give me a pre ride briefing, then follow me and assess my riding and then debrief me with what I did well and areas to work on. So it's quite a process to go through. Fortunately, Paul's experience and skills were clearly evident, and I was pleased to tell him he'd passed successfully. Great result and well deserved.

Advanced Tutor Triennial test....mine!!

On the afternoon of the 28th, it was my turn to be tested, as I took my RoSPA triennial Advanced Tutor retest. I opted to take my test in the 'North East' area so that I'd be on unfamiliar roads which would add to the challenge. I met my Examiner (Nick) at Scotch Corner services and after a brew and a chat, we started the process with Nick taking the role of an Associate on a training session. I initially briefed him, before following him on a short ride and then debriefing his good points, and areas to work on. I also delivered the subject Nick gave me pre-test, which was the 'principles of cornering'.

Next up, Nick followed me as I tried my best to deliver a Gold standard ride, Gold being the only standard allowed to pass the Advanced Tutor test.....no pressure! Fortunately, after Nick debriefed me, he delivered the good news. I'd passed successfully. Excellent. I was well chuffed. Here's Nick giving me my 'Pass card' and a congratulatory handshake . Thanks to the nice lady at MJ's Cake Cafe for taking the photo and selling very nice cakes!

BikeSafe

On the 11th, I had a fab day today on the FireBike, supporting Humberside Police to deliver their BikeSafe event. I was paired up with H on his CBF1000F (he's also got an S1000RR). H is relatively new to riding and today was his first foray into post test training, but he took it all in his stride, making incremental changes to his riding after each roadside debrief. BikeSafe also always gives me a chance to catch up with fellow volunteer observers from the IAM and RoSPA.

H on his CBF1000

Police riders, volunteer observers and the candidates. Great day for everyone.

Advanced Riders North Yorkshire (ARNY).

Tutor Training.

On the weekend of 18th/19th I assisted with the training weekend for potential new Tutors. The was about the theory behind lesson structure, what makes a good Tutor, Tutoring positioning on the road and basic comms use. A very full day of learning for the candidates. On the Sunday we were out on the road putting the theory into practice. All 4 candidates worked hard and will continue their training over the coming weeks.

Open Day.

On Saturday 25th, ARNY had our annual 'Open Day', when we offer free taster rides and hold meet and greet for new members and potential new members. It was a fantastic day. The weather was great, we completed numerous taster rides and signed up 10 new members! I took Dave out on his Speed Triple.

Busy, busy, busy.

North Yorks FireBike supporting our event.

WhiteKnights Blood Bikers supporting the event also.

Dave and his Speed Triple.

FireBike.

As you've read above, I was out on the FireBike on the 11th assisting at BikeSafe, but I was also out again in April, this time with Stuart. We visited various locations, chatting to riders about the project and post test training.

Social weekend to the Lake District.

After the ARNY open day on the 25th, myself and friends, Phil (Africa Twin), Simon (F900GS) and Ian (1300GSA) headed off to The Lakes. The weather was fab and there was very little traffic. The route we took was York, Ripon, Masham, Hawes, Sedbergh, Kirby Lonsdale and onto our hotel. Once there, we got changed, had a beer in the bar and then headed round the corner to a lovely Italian for a meal. An absolutely fab motorcycling day.

Cake stop in Hawes.

An Italian and a few beers, with your mates. What's not to like.

On the Sunday morning, we left the hotel around 9am and made our way the Hardnott and Wrynrose passes. It's about 10 years since I last rode them, and back then I said I wouldn't do them again because of the state of the road surface on the tight and steep hairpins. Well, I can confirm it's still just as bad!! I'm a confident rider, but I have to say the heart rate was up and the antics of some of the on coming cars caused a few expletives to be expressed! Much to the amusement of Ian, Phil and Simon who heard it all over the comms! Once heart rates were back to normal, we headed towards Brough and Kirby Stephen, passed Tan Hill Inn which was absolutely rammed and onto Leyburn for a T&P stop, before the final leg home and parting company near York. Thoroughly enjoyable weekend.

Obligatory photo. Do we still look terrified! haha.

All smiles before the final ride home.

Great weather, great roads and great company and we had a right laugh along the way. 360 miles over the 2 days.

My GSA.

As you have read, it was another busy month in April. Even busier than March! My GSA continues to do everything I ask of it, and I reward it with love and attention.....well, I wash it occasionally! Nothing needed this month other than a new front tyre, which was taken care of by the excellent team at Leeds Bike Tyres, Scholes.