Well, July started off with lots of rain and temperatures struggling to get above 15c, but blossomed into some of the hottest days of the year so! Fortunately, the early rain didn't dampen my spirits or that of lots of other people, and as the weather dried up and the temperatures increased, so did my biking activities! Here's what I got up to in July.
Training.
First up for training in July was with Glynn on his VFR1200 DCT. Glynn holds a RoSPA Gold, IAM Masters (Distinction), National Observer and a Bronze swimming medal (1979)!. Fortunately Glynn wanted a riding skills check and not a swimming lesson, so I was OK!
Obviously, given Glyn's riding qualifications, he didn't need much input, just a few tweaks here and there, after which, we concentrated on commentary, which Glynn wants to improve upon for his own Observer skills.
Next up was Brian on his R1200RT. Brian already holds an advanced qualification, but he's approaching re-test time, so wanted an overall assessment of his riding. Another great day in the saddle.
Neil came along on his lovely Ducati Multistrada GT. Neil holds RoSPA Gold, IAM Masters and is a National Observer, but was due to take his IAM Masters retest in July, so this was a final pre test assessment. On the 30th July, Neil contacted me to let me know, not only had he passed his Masters, he had achieved the highest grade possible, a Distinction! Great result and well deserved.
Paul on his 1250GSA was another rider who had previously taken the IAM Masters. However, he didn't achieve the grade he wanted, so got in touch to see if I could help. This was Paul's 2nd of 2 sessions to put those final touches to his preparation. The next day, Paul messaged me to tell me he had not only passed his Masters, but obtained a Distinction in the process. Another great result.
Rob came along on his Triumph to start his 'advanced journey'. Rob only passed his test a couple of years ago, but appreciates the benefits of further training. Rob had his first session in June and in Julys session, he successfully completed the Enhanced Rider Scheme. Rob will be back next month as he now wants to take a full on advanced test.
Sri trained on his Triumph 765R, and boy it was a hot one, with temperatures topping out at 29c!! Sri used to ride years ago, and returned to biking earlier this year after a long lay off, so decided to have some refresher training with a view to taking an advanced test in the future. More sessions booked, let's just hope it's a bit cooler next time.
It was another hot one when I trained with Peter on his R1200GS. Peter trained with me last year when he successfully completed the Enhanced Rider Scheme. This latest session was a refresher session, and I'm pleased to say that Peter was still on point, with only a few tweaks needed here and there.
Finishing off the month was Tariq on his beautiful 1299 Ducati Panigale. Tariq returned to biking after a long lay off and this was his second session. Unfortunately, due to a technical issue, we had to cut the session short, but Tariq will hopefully be back next month.
Other customer test passes.
Not to be out done by Paul, Rob or Neil, customer Dale also took his advanced test in July on board his fab Kawasaki H2SX, and I'm pleased to say he passed his RoSPA successfully, obtaining a Silver grade. A great result for everyone, including me. Here's Dale with his Kawasaki.
BikeSafe.
On the 28th July, I had a fab day on the FireBike, assisting Humberside Police to deliver their latest BikeSafe event. 8 candidates were in attendance and it was great to be able to give them a brief presentation about the work of the FireBike project. for the road ride section, I paired up with Katey on her 750 Honda, along with Police rider Steve. Great event, great weather and some great riding from Katey.
Howard taking the candidates through the introductions and briefing.
Riders paired up with their observers and going through initial bike checks.
Back at base and debriefs being conducted.
BikeSafe candidate Katey, with Police rider Steve.
BMF Blue Riband Advanced Motorcycle Course.
Although I haven't conducted any riding in relation to the Blue Riband Advanced Motorcycle Course in July, it has been another busy month behind the scene. Myself and Helen at BMF HQ have been looking at process and procedures and following up on leads from potential new instructors and course candidates. It was also great to receive some of the newly branded wear that's now available. Here's my woolly hat and polo shirt. Very smart.....although not sure about the pompom!
RoSPA Examining.
Only 1 RoSPA test conducted in July and it was with Chris on his BMW R1300GS.
Chris is an ex RoSPA Tutor, and his experience shone through in his ride, which was smooth, safe, legal, progressive and polished. All of which resulted in him passing successfully and achieving a Gold grade in the process. Well done, and well deserved.
IAM Roadsmart Examining and National Observer Assessments.
In July, I conducted 2 motorcycle National Observer assessments and 1 advanced car test. Unfortunately the car candidate was unsuccessful, but will no doubt come back stronger.
The bike National Observer assessments went better, with both candidates passing successfully. First up was Chris on his BMW R1200RT, he did everything right, the only issue was....I forgot to get a photo! Sorry Chris.
Next up was Mick on his KTM 1290. Mick delivered a good briefing, debrief and demo ride, resulting in him successfully passing his assessment. Great result for both Chris and Mick and well deserved.
NYFRS FireBike.
After 2 fairly quiet months for me and the FireBike, I tried to make up for it in July!
First up - Magazine article.
Back in April, myself and FireBike project lead Andy C, were invited to Mallory Park to meet with Helen at BMF HQ, and Photographer Andy Ward, to do an article for the BMF magazine 'Motorcycle Rider'. That article has now been published in their Summer Edition. The magazine is sent to all BMF members (approximately 7000 people) which gives the FireBike project great exposure to the wider biking community.
The BMF Magazine, sent to 7000 members.
A great 2 page spread.
In July, I conducted a ride assessment and bike familiarisation with FireBike latest recruit, Jade. Jade works for the Ambulance service as an A&E Operations Team Leader and is a fully qualified paramedic. She is also the Regional Lead for DocBike Yorkshire, and an avid motorcyclist who owns 2 KTMs and already holds a RoSPA gold advanced qualification. Jade will bring a wealth of experience and knowledge to the team.
Birthday parade.
Another event saw myself and FireBike rider Stuart, join Police motorcyclist Mark, and around 150 other bikers who turned out to do a birthday ride by parade for an elderly gentleman at Riverside care home, in Malton. The weather was great and lots of people turned out to cheer all the bikers as they passed by and then visited the gentleman on his birthday.
Bikers getting ready for the birthday surprise.
The weather was kind, the sun was shining.
Car parks full, lets go....
Me and Stuart taking our place at the back of the parade.
St Johns presentation.
In her role for DocBike Yorkshire, Jade gave a motorcycle focused first aid session to St John Ambulance volunteers in York, and I was happy to help Jade and Ella. Jade spoke on the specifics of motorcycle first aid, such as when and how to remove a helmet safely, types of collisions and what to do if you are first to a scene. Afterwards, the attendees had a look at the bikes in the car park and was interested to hear about the work of the FireBike team.
The presentation.
Ella played the role of casualty so well.
The guys and girls having a go at helmet removal.
Discussing bikes.....not my best pose, pigeon toed, hands in pockets!
And yes, they flash!
Humberside BikeSafe.
As mentioned earlier, the guys at Humberside BikeSafe team welcomed me along to their event on the FireBike. Great to see neighbouring services working together in partnership.
BikeSafe and FireBike working together.
FireBike mileage for July
After 2 quiet months, it was great to get out on the bike more. All in all I covered 370 miles in July.
My GSA
Another month of excellent and reliable service from my GSA, which continues to do everything I ask of it. The bike is now nearing its 18000 mile service, but due to extended waiting lists at the dealer, I couldn't get it booked in until mid September. I know it will be over 18k by then, but hopefully not by too much.
Here's my GSA mileage figures for July;
01/07/24 - 16271
31/07/24 - 17529
GSA mileage in July - 1258
FireBike mileage for July - 370
Total mileages for the year to date;
GSA - 6785.
FireBike 2740.
Motorrad Tours 2490.
Total for the year as of 31/07/24 - 12015.
BMW release details of the new BMW R1300GS Adventure.
As a current owner of a 1250GSA and having previously owned another 1250 and two 1200 Adventures, I have been looking forward to the unveiling of the new 1300 Adventure. Well, on the 5th July, BMW did indeed unveil their new BMW R1300GS Adventure, and I have to say, my initial thoughts were quite negative and a trawl through various Facebook groups showed I was not on my own. Even BMW Motorrad UKs own Facebook page was full of negative comments. However, having since seen lots more photos, and a few 'walk around' video clips, I think I'm warming to it, and I'm now much keener to see it in the metal, and ride it, than I initially was.
The spec sheet shows BHP up from 134 to 145, torque up from 143Nm @ 6250 revs to 149 @ 6500 and it still has a 30 litre fuel tank. I was surprised to see that the weight has actually gone up! Only by 1KG, but as the standard GS gained more power but still managed to lose some weight, I was expecting the GS Adventure to follow suite.
Here's a few photos, what do you think?
Looks very 'slab sided', but video clips suggest otherwise.
A bit easier to see 'angles'.
A very distinctive 'face'.
No pannier rails like the current 1250, panniers fixings are integrated like the standard 1300GS. I think the bike is supposed to be hitting the dealers later this year, so I'm really looking forward to seeing it in the metal and taking a ride on it.
And that my friends, rounds off July 2024. Until next month, ride safe.
Ian S.
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