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August 01, 2024 2 min read
The IAM relies on Observers volunteering and offering up their time and expertise to coach Associates on riding safely to hopefully achieve test standard. This short article relates to a path taken by one such Observer.
Since regularly chatting to my friend in the pub over twenty years ago, the tales of enjoying safe motorcycling were clearly tantalising to one Mr Mike Seary. A non-motorcyclist as such.
He was a former scooter rider in his youth with some sense of adventure, apparently riding two up on his 150cc Lambretta to the French Alps at the age of 17. He had no breakdown cover, no personal cover, no motorcycle boots, no waterproofs and probably no money. He returned, so this was an achievement in itself.
The tales of motorcycling experiences became too much for him and in his mature years Mike was drawn to an advert for a Honda CB500. I assisted and took him to view, purchase and ride home on his new machine.
He considered he needed training. Apart from following me (which was often unwise) he was advised to join the local IAM group, London Advanced Motorcyclists. He passed his IAM Advanced test in 2013.
It was suggested that Mike should try a bike like mine for the longer journeys and he was dragged to a local BMW dealer for ‘just a test ride’. Four hours later he rode off on his new steed, a BMW R1200RT. I recall him saying it felt huge but seemed to balance well.
From this point there was no stopping him and I was invited on regular international jaunts, sometimes with his wife Alex, on trips to the Ardennes, Germany, the Pyrenees and even a trip to Austria to visit his relatives. He seemed to verbalise a lot about history during the routes taken and in particular the second world war but I don’t think he actually took part. He was an excellent tour guide.
He was like a dog with a new bone as he moved up in skill and ability and clearly decided to give something back and became a local Observer for the IAM. He moved up to National Observer status in 2019 and now some 11 years on from dipping his toe in the water, he has just passed his National Observer Re-assessment. He changed his bike from a R1200GS and now rides a Triumph.
More importantly for the IAM and LAM, Mike conducted his 299th Observed ride in June, passing on his skills and the guidance from the Advanced Rider Course book. This figure will no doubt increase month by month.
He has been the Membership Secretary since 2018 for our group and provides the initial welcome to those purchasing the course. His chatty style always puts them at ease and they inevitably come back for more.
I suspect there aren’t many Observers who have achieved this record, dedication and time given for the cause and this deserves a small amount of recognition.
Well done Mike and keep riding.
Paul Watson
Examiner /National Observer Assessor
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