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November 01, 2024 3 min read
I passed my test in 2020 on a BMW 750GS and now ride a Triumph Tiger 660 sport. For over a year I had done very little riding, with no rides over any distance, due to moving house and my bike being stored in a garage surrounded by building materials. Once the building materials had been removed I was back riding but was concerned that my ride was no longer at an advanced standard and that poor practice had crept in.
I booked onto the LAM training weekend to Wales and was fortunate to be offered the opportunity for a Post Test Ride enroute to Llandrindod Wells with examiner Paul Watson and another rider who was also doing a PTR. We met at Chieveley Services and rode on A and B roads with speed limits ranging from 20 to 70mph. The ride was about 175 miles during which the lead was shared. The roads were wet with standing water and there was debris in parts. This was the furthest I had ridden in one day for years, especially in these challenging conditions but I was excited by the opportunity to learn from a rider as experienced as Paul and have possible concerns about my ride tested.
The ride began on dual carriageway but once off it we were met with fabulous roads containing lots of sweeping bends which we tackled enthusiastically, while taking into account the occasional hazards of pools of standing water and road debris. I really enjoyed using the gears to accelerate out of the bends and up the hills and the opportunities to overtake. But on one double overtake Paul noted that I had overly exceeded the speed limit.
It was very useful to follow Paul and observe his lines through corners, which were taken quickly and smoothly. On one occasion, while following the other rider and Paul on a narrow road in very wet conditions with leaves on the road and cattle grids I decided to slow down as I didn’t feel comfortable with the pace. I rode my own ride on this section! I loved the final downhill stretch of road down into Llandrindod Wells, with its smooth twisty tarmac contributing to a thrilling ride.
We stopped a number of times where there was an open discussion about what had gone well and what could be improved. After the ride Paul wrote a two-page report on my ride which was detailed and informative and will help me to improve my riding.
The main points I took from the report were: the ride was at a good test standard and I applied the system to good effect throughout most of the ride. I made good use of forward vision, speed control, acceleration sense, use of rear observation and use of a safety bubble. Points I need to consider and work on were: to give greater distance from a vehicle - a van that I was following on the dual carriageway, especially in the challenging conditions, this would allow positional changes to nearside and offside to see what is ahead; also, as I tired towards the end of the ride my positional sense on corners dropped slightly. I need to ensure that braking and gear selection is always fully completed before beginning to lean over. I could also drop my right or left elbow slightly to provide a greater lean angle.
I would wholeheartedly recommend having a PTR. There is nothing to lose but lots to gain. I intend to follow the pointers for development by getting out more and practising, including signing up for members’ rides.
Thanks again Paul.
Alan Snowden
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