Monday, December 17, 2012

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.



30 comments:

  1. Congratulations, to you and your student both! Good job on the 100% too!

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    1. Thanks Brad. I did study a lot...which is out of character for me.

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  2. Rog,
    As I said last night, I couldn't be prouder of you. You're a rare breed of Observer having come all the way through the system from scratch as opposed than coming from the police or a similar background. It speaks volumes about the standard of training but even more so about your character and abilities. If you ever doubt yourself again, the lads and I will come round and kick your arse but somehow, I don't think that's ever going to happen!

    The students who get you as a mentor are going to be exceptionally fortunate . Great going mate and I'll drop off something to celebrate with when next in Auckland!

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    1. Thanks mate, it has sunk in a bit more today and I feel quiety pleased with myself. I really do feel now that i am in a position to offer and give advice, knowing full well the advice is planted firmly in wisdom and knowledge.

      I have said it before and I will say it again, you have been a great support and encouragement to me. I am very thankful to have friends who posess such wonderful traits as yourself. Humility, honesty, loyalty, and patience to name a few...I count myself very lucky to include you as one of my good friends.

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  3. Congratulations! Great score. I wish there was a similar program around here or maybe I just need to go somewhere with at least a year 'round riding season.

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  4. +1 what RichardM said. With such a program our roads and riders would be much safer. Well done, Roger. You are awesome!

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  5. Sonja, thank you honey....(I am blushing now)

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  6. Congratulations!!! Excellent job. I love hearing what you and Geoff have to say about the program and wish we had it here. But I'm still not sure if I trust you riding one of the bikes here. Right side of the road an all that... hehehe

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    1. Thanks lori......you are of course mistaken, we infact ride on the correct side...not to worry though with you in the northern hemishere, every thing is upside down anyway, it will be fine!

      I am sure we can find some river crossings to test out that big 1200 of your.

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    2. Lori,
      You can trust him to ride a bike impeccably but don't get him drunk. You know what happens to Kiwis, socks and toilets :-)

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    3. ..I don't know what happens to Kiwis, socks and toilets! (especially with Greekm plumbing).

      Happy Christmas, New Year to all!

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  7. Well done!! and thanks to Trish for putting you on the right path, such a long time ago ;-)
    No Seriously, WELL DONE!!!

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    1. Thanks Tricia...yep it all started with you..and me dragging my feet in the carpark!

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  8. Good on ya Roger. Nothing worthwhile is ever easy and it is character building to "not give up"...but on hearing about the sock and dunny there might already be enough character there! Well done.

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    1. Thanks mate.....I still dont have the courage to buy a mountain bike though!

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  9. That is brilliant news Roger, you must be chuffed to bits. Having difficult goals, putting in all the work and then accomplishing something as challenging as that must have given you a tremendous sense of achievement. Those of us that have followed you along this journey, from wherever we are on this planet, we are proud of you mate! Now I will have to bring Champagne to go with that lamb!

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    1. Thanks Gary , it was a long but rewarding journey.

      Need to warn you , I am inviting Geoff so you will need to bring a case of wine...

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    1. Thanks Nigel, I very much appricate your support.

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  11. Roger:

    congratulations ! we don't have anything like this either so we just "wing" it. I know it feels good when you have accomplished your goal. I still don't know how you guys do it, I mean, riding on the wrong side of the road all the time. If I were Lori, I would be concerned too

    bob
    Riding the Wet Coast
    My Flickr // My YouTube

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    1. Thanks Bob, It is a great system and well worth it, I count myself lucky to be a part.

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  12. Congrats Roger on a job well done. Not an easy feat so I hope you are proud of your accomplishment.

    We'll have to drink at toast to your success when we meet you in San Francisco.

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    1. 'Drink at Toast"....cool I love a drink at brekkie!

      Thanks hon!

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  13. Mate, thats a fantastic acheivement. You have put in a lot of hard work to make yourself a more disciplined rider and now you are reaping the rewards. I know you must be very proud and so you should.

    Now go out and reward yourself with some of that vodka you were talking about in the previous post.

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    1. Thanks Steve....

      I did crack open a bottle of vodka actually.....how the hell did you know.

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  14. Hey Roger, CONGRATULATIONS!

    A great achievement.

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  15. Late to the party, but wanted to add my congratulations! Great job sticking with it...and, for already planning to set new challenges for yourself. Ride on!!
    ~Keith

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  16. Belated though it might be, Congratulations!!!!

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  17. The student must be a lucky one to have you as the teacher. I love your blogs and the information in them. Congratulations for your enthusiasm, Its a good job well done. V Twin Motorcycle

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