The Observer Test

A couple of weeks ago I completed the last of the requirements for me to move ahead and sit the observer test.  Morne has proven to be an excellent teacher and was brilliant  to work with. I had set myself a goal to complete the Observer training and do the test before Christmas.  December 17th was to be the day.

I organised to set the test with Phillip  yesterday at 4:00.   Work suddenly decided to  get busy the week before christmas  which required a four Am start.  I was determined not to cancel my test appointment though.

We actually started a little bit later than that.  First part was to complete the theory questions on Road-craft as well as the New Zealand road code.  I was pleased to get past this point with 100% right.

Next an associate from the club arrived and he was to be my test victim.   Ian, who rides a very cool 800 tiger is a great bloke, a very smooth and accomplished open road rider I knew I would have my work cut out keeping tabs on him.  This part of the ride was about 45 mins and and then a debrief on the side of the road. To be fair to Ian he didn't do much wrong but I managed t scrape up a few things for him to look at.

Then it was my turn to be "Re-Checked"..to ensure I am still riding to a high standard.

With that complete and some more roadside discussions I was delighted to be informed that I had passed, and had officially become an observer.  I actually don't think I rode my best, in fact I  know I can and have ridden better. Still I was very pleased to have passed.

It has been 18 months from when I went on my first Observed ride with Phillip.  There has been many ups and a few downs.  A few times I had wanted to give up.  But I do believe that what we learn,  and now teach, saves lives.   The skills learnt are a necessity to stay alive on our roads.  It is great to feel that finally I am able to put some thing back into a sport and hobbie I so love.

Through all this I become a better rider, but even better than that, I actually enjoy my riding so much more. I now feel like I control the bike.  I am where I want to be on the road..and better still I have reasons for being there.  I have learnt restraint, patience, understanding of motorcycle control...the list is endless.

Phillip, Morne, Simon have all played a big part in helping through this journey. To the two coolest kids in the world, for letting me "abandon" them while I went t out training.    Geoff, Andy, Richard, and Bruce have been great friends, believing in me when I didn't believe in myself.  Encouraging me every step of the way and riding the waves of self doubt that came with it.   I am very very grateful to all of these people and others who I have not mentioned for there time.  I look forward now to paying it forward.

I still believe I have a lot of skills to learn and sharpen up on, so time now to consolidate where I am at. Then it will be time to set new goals and continue to challenge myself.