Meet the Observer: Graham Jackson

When did you start riding?

Started to ride legally when I was 17; brought my first bike in 1982 a Yamaha DT125 and it went from there. Far too many bikes from then due to my age now. But would say that my riding skill developed and improved when I jointed IAM & LAM.

How long have you been an Observer?

I started my LOB training in late 2015 and passed in April 2016 at the residential Norfolk training weekend, so around three and a half years now. I have loved every minute of my LOB training, meeting new associates as part of their training and my journey as an observer.

What does LAM mean to you?

LAM is a place to meet likeminded people like me who have a passion in bikes and want to develop and hone those key skills to make them a safer and better rider. Also socialise on the various event which I’ve not been able to do for a couple of years due to other commitments and hobbies. Seeing associate develop and pass their test to obtain the green badge. Along with those members that go on to support the group in other ways.

What is your favourite route?

That is a slightly hard one to answer for me as it may relate to a number of factors. i.e. my day to day riding for work, social rides, trips or just some routes I came across when riding that I didn’t know about. But Scotland and a route I came across due to road closures that took me back up to Bettyhill for my overnight stay. Also, one in the Pyrenees and the Village of Vielha stands out, which made me late getting to the hotel as I was having a bit of fun after our travels down from our overnight stop in France. Also, Germany as some of you know. When I like a route or section of road, I tend to do it in the reverse direction. As a group of you found out back in 2016 on the famous LAM Germany trip.

What is your number one safety tip?

Fully understand the fundamental element you are learning as part of the “system” which is used by all advanced riders. Nail these key elements of the system and make sure they become (unconscious Competence) second nature.

What is your number one tip for passing the test?

Get out and practice the key elements within your course handbook and implement the key competency items in each section, so these become second nature.

What is your favourite piece of riding kit?

Has to be all my riding kit to keep me dry and warm in the winter and then cool on those great summer days. If you want one favourite item, it is one that doesn’t sit within my riding kit. This has to be a tin of dubbin wax. All my new boots get a least three thick coats and allowed to dry thoroughly. Re-applied every winter, so keep a close eye out on my new TCX boots coming soon. Yes, I know a bit OCD when it comes to the dubbin wax. That could also be said with keeping the bikes clean.

What is your favourite bike?

Again, that is a hard one to answer. Over the years I’ve been lucky to own a few bikes i.e. Yamaha, Honda, Suzuki, Triumph, BMW. But those that know me I love a triple engine and especially the Triumph. So, my Triumph Trophy SE sits high on that list of favourite bikes along with the Suzuki GSX 1300 B-King. What an animal that bike was and I needed to control myself on that beast. But I’m getting drawn to the “new” Triumph Rocket 3 GT and waiting for test ride. I’m hoping it gives me that thrill like the Suzuki B-King and Triumph Trophy did.

What has been your best or funniest moment on a bike?

One trip whereby I had planned thoroughly, then on the trip selected the overnight accommodation from my favourites in my sat-nav, to then realise some miles into the route that certain sections looked familiar. Yep I had selected the previous nights’ accommodation. No harm done just extended that days’ riding a little bit, but got to see some of the route in reverse - happens to the best of us.

Ask me about …..

Riding like a vicar on a push bike, as an associate back in 2014 on an OR with Andrew C. I allowed a Nissan Micra to overtake me on section of the A22. I’m sure Andrew C can add to that as it made him chuckle when we discussed it later. Alternatively, when Banstead was cancelled last minute in 2015 due to poor weather conditions and a brave Mike S agreed to take me and my son out. Which turned out to be a great ride, so thanks again Mike, we still reminisce over that one.