Sunday, November 18, 2012

Update Observer Training

It has been a while since I updated my progress on my observer  training with IAM.

I think it is important at this stage to remember why I wanted to do all this in the first place.  I know for Geoff it was to up skill, as well as continuing his riding years.  For me it was a bit of that , but  the over riding factor was a desire to put some thing back into motorcycling, and to be in a position where I could offer advice on being a safer and better biker.  IAM is the perfect platform for me to do that.  If I was ever in situation like this again I would like to think I can be pro active and not passive about motorbike safety.


Since  our training weekend back in  late July  (read about it here) ,  I am been trying to get out with Morne for some regular training and feedback  Back in March I met a young fellow who came around to see my BMW, we got to talking and he showed an interest in IAM.  Long story short, he joined up and became the perfect guinea pig for me to practice on.  So I have been able to get out with Jarrod, and Morne following me, it has proved to be very beneficial to all concerned.  Morne has been brilliant in making himself available to me for training.  I considered it important that I take control of my training and push on, not leaving it to others to organize   It is my responsibility to organize it and get it completed and Morne has been very willing and giving of his time unconditionally. At times I have had to go to great depths to get to the monthly Sunday rides and fit other training in between.

I have spent a lot of time on my own as well, riding along practicing my commentary skills has been a fun exercise.  (Although do feel like a bit of a loony talking to myself inside my helmet).

At first I found it all very hard, following and observing an  associate as well as concentrating on my own riding and safety.  But the stuff I learnt to become a member in the first place is now well ingrained in my riding and I don't really have to think about it as much as I first did.  Safety still remains an over riding factor in all we do.  Being an observer is not just about watching the rider in front, you are thinking of his safety too and this reflects on how you follow and where I position my bike.

One of the biggest things I have had to struggle with is my 'recall", so when debriefing and going back through the ride and remembering the very things that are important and that I want to relay.  This skill has slowly been developing and I think will continue to improve as I progress.

I have managed to get most of my "Training card" signed off, just a couple more to complete and I think I will be getting  very close to sitting the observer test.  Personally and with out sounding  like I am tooting my own horn, but I think I will make a great observer.  I am relaxed, I think I make my associate feel at ease, I am  seeing stuff that once upon a time I wouldn't have even noticed.  I think my commentary and observation skills are really good, and I am relating well what I have seen back to the associate.   It is of course not  for  me to say.  It is important to me to maintain the standards that are all ready set.  But I have thoroughly enjoyed all the observer training, and certainly haven't found it as stressful as going from associate to full member.

IAM provides the perfect opportunity to those that want to up skill  and I have found those that come along to learn are a pleasure to teach and impart knowledge to.  The first chapter of Motorcycle road craft covers the mental aspects and I have become a firm believer that if you don't have the right attitude you wont get to chapter two.  What we learn and teach saves lives  and promotes safer riding, this still remain's my driving force behind all the hard work.

It is not always easy to get to the Sunday rides, I have my kids every second week and for the last few months there weekend falls on the same weekend as the rides. But I am lucky that I have two great kids who see what I am doing as beneficial and continue to support me, as well as my sister who watches them for me.
I hope that in the years to come they will see me as a roll model, and that doing stuff voluntarily and with out payment for a cause you believe in is a rewarding and productive use of time.  Life is not always about what you get..it is about what you give.



21 comments:

  1. Roger,
    It is good to read you reflecting on your experience. I love the last sentence: "Life is not always about what you get..it is about what you give." Perhaps it is always about what you give.
    ~k

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    1. Keith: Thanks for that, ever now and then I do come out with a good one.

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  2. I have to say, the Sprint ST in red is one of the nicest looking bikes on the road, my friend has one and I have ridden it, great bike with great sound. Nice picture, spend a lot of time cleaning it? :-)

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    1. George: I use to be pretty good at keeping it immaculate, but I am afraid that since I started riding my standards have dropped...better to be out riding than cleaning.

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  3. "Life is not always about what you get..it is about what you give." pretty much sums it up. You must have already gotten one or two things right in your life, just look at your wonderful kids, and your sis who supports your hobby and passion as she does.

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    1. Thanks Hun, I do feel very privileged with mu children, I am a very luck man in that respect. And my sis is always there for me...

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  4. Rog,
    A truly great article mate, very well done. I think Keith's last sentence says it all. Both Dan Bateman and David Hough have commented that an instructor gets more from the process than the student - how true.

    For me, there's one thing about your IAM involvement that stands head and shoulders above anything else. You've very publicly documented your journey, including times when you've wondered whether you could ever get over some particular issues. Many people would have given up but you gritted your teeth, passed with flying colours and have become a very fine, confident tutor. So proud of you mate!

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    1. Thanks mate, I have always warn my heart on my sleeve, not sure weather that is a good thing or a bad thing..but it is the only way I know how to write and relate my experiences. It has been a journey (that continues) that I have enjoyed travelling with you.

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  5. Great blog post mate, I've been enjoying reading both yours and Geoffs IAM posts with great interest. If your riding skills are anything like your cleaning skills then your students will benefit greatly.

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    1. Steve, my poor over the ditch neighbor. I should of expected that from you...!(Thanks anyway)

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    2. Sorry mate, wasn't taking the piss was serious. I am sure you'd be a great teacher.

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    3. No offense taken...so don't be worried.! Besides being a cousin from across the ditch i hope we can hassle each other occasional.

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  6. Good on you for continuing with the training Roger.

    Remember...... "when one teaches - two learn".

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  7. I really enjoyed reading about your progress with IAM. You are doing so well with it all. I dont think it's loony to talk into your helmet at all ... unless it's in a cafe carpark and there's no one nearby cept family getting into a car (that didnt happen to me honestly).

    It's great that you are getting so much out of this .. more than most people would have thought you would get out of doing something like this, well done Rog :)

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    1. Thanks Brenda, so many people have put time into me, ift is only right to do the same. The fact is though I get more out of it as well. Thanks for your support, I appreciate it very much.

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  8. Roger - I think it is fantastic that you have chosen this path and I am sure many riders will benefit from your knowledge and expertise. As a newb I am always grateful when an experienced rider gives me tips and advice, it makes my skill set stronger. I am a firm believer that the learning curve never ends when you are doing something as complicated as riding. Giving unconditionally has so many benefits and you are an awesome role model for your kids!

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    1. Thanks Darlene, not there yet but I hope to be soon. I am with you on the learning curve. WE never stop learning and should always be open to it that is for sure. I hope your winter is short and dry!

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  9. Good on you Roger, especially in this dog eat dog world!

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  10. Roger:

    We don't have anything like this here. Good on you for giving back

    bob
    Riding the Wet Coast
    My Flickr // My YouTube

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  11. Knowledge is power. Just like Trobairitz has put it, when you teach, you are also learning. Great stuff

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