June 2025 - Another fab, motorcycling filled month. Training, customer test passes, FireBiking, BikerDown, and a summer solstice ride to remember!

Another great month of all things motorcycling. Here's what I got up to in June.

Training.

Andrew Kicked off the month on his Triumph 1050 Sport. Andrew contacted me as he wants to become a volunteer Bloodbiker, so needs to obtain an advanced riding qualification. Andrew had 2 sessions in May and 2 in June. After which he took the BMF Blue Riband Advanced Rider Award test. See below for the result.

Ian was up next on his BMW R1250GSA. Ian is an experienced rider who loves European touring and is also a keen off-roader.....he made slow speed control look so easy! Despite his riding experience, Ian decided it was time to refresh his on-road skills and get his riding to an advanced test standard level. Ian had 3 sessions in June and will be back again next month, after which, he will be taking an advanced test with at least 1 organisation, which is yet to be decided. I'll keep you posted on how he does.

Steve followed on from Ian on his 1250GS. Steve loves to tour with his wife (who also rides) and earlier this year they flew his GS to New Zealand for a tour! They have also recently returned from France. However, despite all his experience, Steve knows the importance of CPD, so he has a couple of refresher sessions a year with me to ensure his skills are tip top. No rain, dry roads, fab day.

On Friday 13th....yes I know! I was with friends Nigel (Aprilia 660) and Grahame (900XR), and the session was all about slow speed skills and drills. Walking pace riding, feet up u turns, figure of 8s. Finesse and a gentle touch with clutch, brake and throttle was the order of the day. We then headed into, and around York to put it all to the test, followed by some fast, flowing, quiet country roads to finish off. By the time you read this, the guys will be on their annual tour, this year to Spain. Whilst there, Grahame will be celebrating his 80th birthday.....yes you read that right.... his 80th birthday!

Glynn finished of the month on his BMW 850GS. Glynn trained with me in April when he completed the ERS and his June session was all about smoothing out his lines through the corners and refining the 'gear phase' of IPSGA. Glynn is now set to take an advanced test. I'll let you know how he gets on.

Commentary Training.

I don't get asked for this very often, but Geoff contacted me for some commentary training. I've known Geoff for many years, he is a member of my local RoSPA group and has trained with me previously on his bike. However, this was to help him prepare for his advanced car test. Really enjoyable couple of hours, and Geoff now has the basics, to take away and practice.

Customer test passes.

Rob has trained with me several times over the last 18 months or so, and finally got round to taking his Blue Riband Advanced Rider Award. He had intended to do it last year, but work and home life had other ideas. However, I'm pleased to report that Rob successfully passed the assessment last month (I forgot to post in last months Blog. Sorry Rob.) and adds the BMF qualification to his ERS, which he completed last year.

Here's Rob receiving his congratulatory hand shake from BMF Examiner Alf.

I've already mentioned Andrew and his 1050 Sport. Andrew took his BMF assessment on 5th June with Examiner Alf, and also passed successfully.

Blue Riband Advanced Rider Award.

On the 12th June, I met up with Ashley on his Triumph 900 to conduct his assessment to become a Trainer Assessor for the BMF, Blue Riband Advanced Rider Award. Ashley put in a great ride, passing the assessment successfully, and then it was just a case of taking him through the forms and admin process. Ashley is based in the north west and will be in Region 9.

Ivor came along on his BMW R1300GSA for Blue Riband assessment. I first met Ivor nearly 5 years ago when I helped him prepare for his IAM Masters test (he passed with a Distinction...just saying). It was pleasing to see he has lost nothing from his skill set, and after a cracking safe, smooth and progressive ride, I was pleased to tell him he'd passed successfully with a Gold grade.

BikerDown.

On 7th June, I assisted fellow FireBike volunteers Andy and Jade to deliver a BikerDown event at Huntington Fire Station. Andy opened the course before handing over to Jade, who took the lead on the first aid and helmet removal modules. I finished off with a discussion about post test training. We had 10 attendees, who were all keen to muck in and have a go. Cracking day, with some great interaction.

Group interaction to practice helmet removal.

I'm normally on my knees at this point, but as my knee was 'playing up', I used the bend over method instead.....I really need to lose some weight!

FireBike.

On 28th I was out on a FireBike, and what a cracking (and very warm!) day it was.

Initially attended Strawberry Fields café to meet the guys from my local RoSPA group, Advanced Riders North Yorkshire (www.arny.co.uk). Then it was off to support a charity event that was raising money for Cancer Research. From there it was back to Strawberry Fields Café and then off to Seaways Cafe, at Fridaythorpe for a final run. Really great day, 114 miles miles covered, lots of people spoken to and 'sign posted' towards post test training, BikerDown etc.

Bike out, and ready for the day ahead.

ARNY 'guys' getting some sustenance, before they start training!

Setting up the ARNY stall with fellow ARNY Tutors, Steve P, Simon W and Paul C. Not sure about what's going on with the shaft of light? Could be my photographic skills (which as most know, are legendary...not!) or a sign from above!

All set for the rush, lots of stalls, food van and and bouncy castles. It was a great event, and hopefully added more to the coffers of a great cause.

Final stop before heading back to base.

Social Rides.

On the evening of 12th, myself and Mrs S joined other members of my local RoSPA Group for a 'Wednesday Wobble'. 9 bikes headed into the Yorkshire Wolds on a lovely meandering route, stopping half way round for a bite to eat. It was then back on the bikes for more back lanes before we all peeled off to go home our separate ways.

Thanks to Paul for leading and to Advanced Riders North Yorkshire for being such a great group. www.arny.org.co.uk

Kitting up, ready for the off.

Back roads and picturesque villages.

Lunch in the pub. Paul, Jason, Helen, Denise, Mrs S and me.

L to R Steve 1, Ian, Andy and Steve 2.

And we're off again. Paul leading the group. Fab evening all round.

Summer Solstice ride.

On the 20th I decided to make the most of the long summer day, so met up with a group of friends and we had a 'summer solstice, longest day' ride. We left York at 830am, and headed to north through Leyburn, Blanchland and Hexham to Kielder Water. From there, it was over the border into Scotland and a stop at St Mary's Loch. Then Moffat, a bit of the M74, Alston, Middleton in Teasdale, Barnard Castle, before finally hitting the A1. I got home at 945pm.

Highs - Fantastic roads, the scenery, great company and wall to wall sunshine.

Lows - Freshly laid gravel topping on the usually fab road from St Mary's Loch to Moffat. It was sooooo deep!! The weather, it was very hot, with a max of 31c, and it never dropped below 24c.

Here's a few photos from the day -

First stop Manor Farm at Bellerby to collect Phil, Simon, Jade and Adam.

Kielder Water. This was our intended lunch stop, but the café was shut, so we had to manage with snacks from the shop. Ham and cheese sandwich anyone?

St Marys Loch - L to R - Me, Simon, Helen, Jade, Jason, Phil and Adam.

Door to door mileage for me was 396.

My GSA.

As you have read, June was another busy month, and the Solstice day ride finished off my rear tyre. Fortunately, the team at Leeds Bike Tyres managed to fit me in at short notice, so I was in and back on the road in no time.

Here's my GSA mileage figures for June 2025.

01/06/25 - 30,723.

30/06/25 - 32,678

GSA mileage in June - 1,955

FireBike mileage for June - 114.

Total mileages for the year to date;

GSA - 8,425.

FireBike 360.

Total mileage for the year as of 30/06/25 - 8,785.

And that, my friends, rounds up June 2025. Until next month, ride safe.

Ian S