Super September 2025 - Training, BMF Assessing, 10 day Euro tour, and a long weekend in Wales.
- Ian Speight
- Sep 30
- 5 min read
September was another fantastic month, lots of riding, a European tour and also a weekend to Wales. Here's what I got up to in September, it's a long one, so grab a brew and read on.......
Training.
Richard came along on his CB500 for 2 further sessions in September, building on the first one he had in July. Two great sessions as he works towards an advanced test standard level of riding..
Next up was Rob on his 1250GS. Rob is an experienced rider and decided it was time to see what all this 'post test training' is all about. Rob is hoping to be back again next month.
Carter finished off the month on his Honda 500. Carter is a relatively new rider who wanted an assessment of his riding, with particular guidance on bends and corners.
Chilly start to the session, but the sun came out and the temperature picked up, resulting in us having a cracking session with some good progress made by Carter.
BMF Blue Riband Advanced Rider Award.
September saw me conduct 2 assessments related to the BMF Blue Riband Advanced Rider Award. Damien travelled up from Warwickshire on his 1250GSA and stayed locally overnight. Damien owns a riding school and is a DAS qualified instructor, and wanted to add the BMF Blue Riband Instructor Assessor to his CV. During our day, we covered lots of miles over a mixture of roads and environments and Damien rode to a consistently high standard, resulting in him passing his assessment successfully. Damien will now be added to the National list of qualified Blue Riband Instructors.
Next up was Kev on his BMW 1250RS. Kev is already a BMF Blue Riband Advanced Rider Award Instructor Assessor and travelled up from Staffordshire for his triennial reassessment. In a previous life Kev was National Lead for BikeSafe and now owns and runs SkilledBiker Training and Tours. Given Kevs experience, it was no surprise that his ride was safe, legal, smooth and totally inline with the system of motorcycle control, and as a result, he passed successfully. Another great result and well deserved.
Euro Tour - Switzerland.
On the 3rd September, along with 7 friends, we set off from Hull for a 10 day tour to Switzerland. I was riding my 1250GSA, and I was joined by Dave A (K1600), Simon (1300GSA), John (K1600), Bev (KTM890), Phil (Africa Twin), Daren (X-ADV750) and Dave T (Multistrada). After docking in Rotterdam, we headed to Cochem for 2 nights, then Baden Baden for 1 night, Interlarken for 2 nights, Colmar 1 night and a final night in Bastogne, before heading back to Holland for the ferry. We visited the Nurburgring, where John, Bev and Phil had a lap in a 'Ring Taxi! Apparently it was fantastic and scary in equal measures! We also visited the Spa racing circuit where we somehow managed get unchallenged in to pit lane and watch the endurance and other race cars from the pit wall. Which was very exhilarating! Of course, the main event was 2 nights in Interlarken, where we headed out into the mountains and rode all the well known passes. Susten, Gottard, Furka, Nufenen, Tremola, San Gottardo, Furka (again!) and finally the Grimsel.
The weather was VERY kind to us, with no rain, meaning we enjoyed dry roads, fantastic scenery and very little traffic. Lots hairpins, sweeping bends, Ferraris and Porsches!! Of course, we stopped off at the 'James Bond Hotel'......but so did everyone else....supercars everywhere! Beers and food finished off each day. Here's a few photos from the trip.
Wales long weekender.
On the last weekend of the month, myself and Kim joined 31 other members of Advanced Riders North Yorkshire (www.arny.org.uk) and headed to Wales for a Welsh long weekend. We met at a local café on Friday morning and after a quick brew, split into 3 groups for the ride over to our hotel in N Wales. The weather stayed fine and dry and after a meandering 200 miles, everyone arrived safely. Once checked in, we all met in the bar before heading into our own private dining area for our group evening meal.
Despite the predicted rain, Saturday dawned bright and sunny, with clear blue skies as far as the eye could see. After breakfast, everyone headed out into the stunning Welsh countryside, stopping at various locations for coffee, lunch and cake. Amazingly, the rain held off, meaning the roads stayed dry, and the stunning scenery was clear for everyone to see and enjoy. Saturday evening saw the majority head to a nearby pub for another group meal together. On Sunday morning, everyone said their goodbye, before heading for home. It was a fun filled weekend, that saw new friendships being formed over a few beers, good food and great laughter. The whole weekend was testament to what a great group we're all involved with.
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My GSA
So, here's my GSA mileage figures for September 2025, Amazingly it's 3,001 miles!
01/09/25 - 35,512.
30/09/25 - 38,513.
GSA mileage in September - 3,001.
FireBike mileage for September - 0....again!! I really need to get out on the bikes.
Total mileages for the year to date;
GSA - 14,260.
FireBike 706.
Total mileage ridden for the year as of 30/09/25 - 14,966.
And finally....Vinnie 2012 - 2025.
Unfortunately, all the great events you've just read about, were somewhat marred by the fact that our lovely, scruffy, grumpy dog Vinnie, passed away. He was a great friend and full of character, but old age finally got the better of him. We had had him from a puppy and he had a great life, full of love and fun. Which he returned in abundance. RIP Vinnie
And that my friends, rounds off September 2025. Thanks for reading. Until next month, ride safe.
Ian S
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