IAM Observer Training Weekend.

Over the last few months several riders have passed there test for IAM and want to push on and become observers.  IAM here in New Zealand  is really beginning to grow.   It was becoming a pressing matter to get some of those who seek to become observers properly trained,  We have all been aware of the pressure Phil is under and all want to do our part to help relive that pressure and grow the club. But at the same time standards need to be maintained.

This weekend those who were keen to push on met in Thames for a full on and intensive training weekend.  The goal was to cover as much of the ground work and to be aware of the skills required to become observers. There is a lot to learn and it is a bit like starting out with IAM all over again.  Different skills are needed to properly access an associate and to make the correct observations and how to deal with that information.  I will blog my way through the process so there is no need for me to go over that here in this blog.

Morne's GSX r

At Thames witing the arrival of the others.

So Saturday morning arrived and I met Phil, Morne, John and Andy for the ride down to Thames.  It had been arranged to stay at Glens place just out side of Thames.  The ride was very very fresh and even with heated grips and three layers of thermals I could not say the word warm as my teeth were chattering.  2 degress in Thames when we arrived.  We met up with the others who had made there way from other areas, including that poor retired blogger from the Coromandel, Geoff.

Andy, Me, Phillip, Morne, John, Bruce, Geoff and Richard.

These pics supplied by Geoff James

Glenns place just outside of Thames was to be our home for the next two days.  Greeted with hot soup and home made muffins one could only wonder if it could become a permanent place of residence.  The hospitality that Glen and his wife Shirley displayed was just superb and you were made to feel right at home very quickly. Boots by the fire place and motorbike jackets strewn every where, yep home away from home.

After a some food it was in to the class room stuff.  it was excellent to get down to the nitty gritty of observer training.  We covered an array of topics from positioning when following, communication, righting reports, dealing with associates, knowing the road code, as well as Motorcycle Roadcraft.  I personal felt at the end of it I was far more prepared, and knew what was to be expected of me in an observer capacity.

Food glorious food!.  Pics supplied by John Hebrink.

On Sunday morning we were able to go out and put into practice some of what we had learnt.  Richard and I paired up and it was actually very hard to ride "bad" so as to give Richard some thing to observe.  DISCLAIMER...any videos that may circulate of me riding badly is because I was pretending to be a shit rider, and it is not in fact how I ride.!

Riding opposite lines to what I was used to so as to get a good view of Richard was not as hard as I first thought.  But man there is a lot going on, between observing the rider in front as well as concentrating on my own riding it was actually very exhausting.  Practicing positioning at intersections while it teamed down with rain in Thames also had it's challenges.

Back to Glens for yet more food and class room stuff before finally leaving for home in the rain about 4.00.

It was a very productive and enjoyable weekend.  I brought away a lot of information to work through but I sense a real feeling of excitement amongst the other guys as we progress through.  It is great to be a part of something which can only be good for motorcycling.  Even though we are all keen as to become observers there will be no cutting of corners or lowering of standards.  Exciting stuff.

I personally express my sincere thanks to Phillip and Morne for organizing and the teaching.  I know Phil was up all hours getting stuff done.  Also Glen and Shirley for the use of the wonderful home and an endless supply of excellent food.