Mark is a very good observer / trainer. Some observers focus on what went wrong whereas Mark pushes to achieve what is right.

@Back2TheBike

3 жыл бұрын

They are all different John, but I can honestly say I learned as much from all of them. Even now, over 2 years later, I can still recall the advice from each observer. Mark's a funny man though ;-)

@mikerider58

9 ай бұрын

We really need to hear the observers voice for this video to be of any benefit.

I had the same comments about staying out/in on bends on yesterday’s observed ride …. Great advice and thanks again for sharing 😀

@Back2TheBike

Жыл бұрын

Glad it's helpful Andy. Makes it easier when you see someone else making the same daft mistakes!

What an awesome idea, learning as I watch!

Love the way the vanishing point was described in real world terms. I to tended to turn in early on bends and still have to concentrate on staying wide. I was told to use observation of the fog line on left handers and centerline on right handers as my guide.

Excellent video, thanks so much for sharing this stuff 👍🏻

@Back2TheBike

6 жыл бұрын

No worries. Trust you're enjoying this better weather?

Well done Neil another great vid. It’s all definitely looking smoother, loved the bit stood in the road, Mark explained it really well. You need to head north and come and ride the road from Tyndrum to Inveraray a great road with lots of flowing bends, would be good practice from today’s observed ride. Thanks again, kind regards Ian.

@Back2TheBike

6 жыл бұрын

Scotland is definitely on the agenda at some stage Ian, got my passport ready. I'm really trying to work those corners now by 'staying out' until I get the view into the next entry point and maintaining drive rather than decelerating.

I told you from the start you were going to b a great rider and now you are!!! Well done

@Back2TheBike

6 жыл бұрын

mario tsourou a lot ofwork to do yet Mario but making progress!

I’ve watched all your videos this evening so far and ‘Mark’ was on your first?! Ride... I must say he is FANTASTIC!! Absolutely awesome, in training, approach, language, quality of explanation and experience!!! One person, I can’t give positive feedback but I won’t be negative, this trainer/observer is brilliant, thank you 👍

@Back2TheBike

3 жыл бұрын

Mark is a first class educator no doubt. They make a great team.

As always a very useful guide. Pity we couldn’t hear what Mark was saying when you were in motion. I also followed both your own vids and those provided by seaflyfisher and they were fantastic. Looking forward to your next. I start my Re-intro courses this coming week after a couple of delays due to the weather. After that I’ll enrol with IAM. Can’t wait - especially as my new bike is on order! Stay safe.

@Back2TheBike

6 жыл бұрын

Sounds like you've got lots to look forward to, just as the warm weather arrives. So when does your video camera arrive ? ;-)

I did a Bike Safe then next day was out with IAM instructors,found it totally changed my way of riding a Motorbike,just what I needed.Thinking of doing the Advanced course.Just watched this video thankyou for sharing.Cheeers !

@Back2TheBike

5 жыл бұрын

Hi Jonathon and thanks for the feedback. I'd also recommend you subscribe to the SeaFlyFisher channel and watch his Masterclass series. None better on YT IMHO.

Great videos, I'm doing the course with my local group, only managed about 2 observed runs in a 10 months though so may be a while!! I recognise the same characteristics in my riding as yours. I'm sure one day it'll be you walking in the middle of a road telling an associate about limit points!

@Back2TheBike

6 жыл бұрын

Hi Meg, nice to hear from you. That's quite an admission, made me feel much better ;-)

Looking good Neil and great to see the bend optimization explained in laymans terms, so basically set your entry point to use the road towards the centre line as much as possible to increase your view around the bend.Your head must be buzzing taking all this onboard after a busy session thanks for sharing.

@Back2TheBike

6 жыл бұрын

Buzzing indeed. That ride home is always an interesting experience after taking on board so much information. Mark manages to mix a great combo of real practical experience, technical advice and make it fun and encouraging. Still mentally knackered afterwards though!

@Arachnoid_of_the_underverse

6 жыл бұрын

Your getting there though Neil the basics are in place and coming together nicely, its just a case of stringing them together and commiting them to an automatic response thats the hard part :D

@Back2TheBike

6 жыл бұрын

Thanks for that. I am frustrated though with my cornering - it feels very rigid, like I'm fighting the steering somehow, and unable to hold a specific line with sufficient accuracy. Maybe it's just a question of getting more miles under my belt.

@Arachnoid_of_the_underverse

6 жыл бұрын

Yes I was sort of muttering at the screen move out,move out.I think its just more a case of confidence in yourself.Try and find a few roads with lots of bends and just spend an hour or two concentrating on the one point. Anyhow dont beat yourself up over it you have come on leaps and bounds in the few weeks you have been doing it.

Just been watching your videos and find the advanced vlogs really helpful. Corners ain’t my strongpoint. So I’m going to practice this on my Triumph SE. Do think you have the better bike though.Definitely will do the course

@Back2TheBike

6 жыл бұрын

Hi Jon and welcome. Yes, this was a top session wasn't it? Mark is really enthused about it and presents it really clearly. Check out the SeaFlyFisher channel and go through his Masterclass series - there's nothing better on KZread IMHO.

Great ride, eh? As I mentioned on a previous video of yours, learning about the limit point had the biggest impact on my riding... that walk through with Mark (?) was a great demo. If you ever get a chance to ride over here, you’ll be in for a heck of a treat... wide open roads, very little traffic... bloody marvellous. Sounds daft, but the last couple of rides I’ve done I’ve actually taken to doing a running commentary, and it’s really helped (especially after the 5 month hiatus due to the winter season)... and a la Dale, I’ve been magnificent 🤙 Ride safe buddy.... you’re doing great Steve.

@Back2TheBike

6 жыл бұрын

Thanks for the encouragement - like you Dale suggested I commentate for 10 mins on what I'm seeing and what I'll do about it, so I did just that and you'll see it on the next film. Training me in the ways of the Force! I like the sound of those roads - I think part of my problem here is they are so narrow,but I guess if I can do it here I can do it anywhere.

@seaflyfisher

6 жыл бұрын

Back2TheBike - Don't listen to him Neil - I've been there and it's not quite like that - on the way into bends you have to get the bike under drive then alter course for a moose close to the exit point - the one plus point is that the grizzlies do teach you acceleration sense and encourage you to get straight up to speed - he's right though - the roads are beautiful

@Back2TheBike

6 жыл бұрын

Ha! Guess it's helped by your experience as a backwoodsman eh?

Take as long as you need before taking the test, you can pick up many tips from random situations as you go. I recognise that road at the end there through the viaduct etc.

@Back2TheBike

6 жыл бұрын

Good advice, thanks HH. When I did the Rutland TT I took a slightly different route to skirt the lake. Checked the map when I got home and realised that little section was part of it. Always good to hear from you, safe riding to you and your good lady.

Hugely informative Neil and I was with you as you were at first reluctantly and then more confidently driving through those bends before powering out! Here's a thought though that came to me as you were being correctly advised to modify a position for safety should oncoming hazards present themselves at bends. Supposing we were in a world of congested traffic occupied by mostly motorcycles behind us as well as in front and eager (perhaps dangerously) to overtake. In that scenario would/should that inhibit us from so frequently changing position for improved visibility in the interests of safety?

@mikeroberts

6 жыл бұрын

You should always think about the following traffic when 'dancing about'. Some pushy drivers may take your over positioning as an opportunity to stick the nose of their vehicle up your nearside, or even attempt an overtake. I generally tone it down a bit if a car is close behind. With multiple bikes, unknown to you, then you need to be very mindful of overtakers from the rear and oncoming. I'd still position for safety/view but watching the mirrors even more and making sure I'm not in position 3 if there is an oncoming car with a bike behind it.

@kevinmobile

6 жыл бұрын

Hi Mike, I agree that you need to be aware of what's behind and in the special case of motorcycles behind (I'm thinking of say ill-disciplined group rides or congested countries like Vietnam!), the safe line may well be a dominant inner/central position slightly compromising forward view. Complicating this of course are the inevitable blind spots in mirrors and understandable reluctance to do a shoulder check whose action might itself take your eyes off the (congested) road ahead.

Hi - I don’t think I’ll get into that although the use of a drone to capture the surrounding countryside could draw me in! Anyway you’re providing a fantastic insight that has/will help me enormously so why would I produce a poor imitation. Roll on Weds!!

@Back2TheBike

6 жыл бұрын

Ha! Trying to talk my son into buying one so he can film me. Glad it's helping!

If you can place the microphone closer to your speaker in your helmet, you'l hear the other person better ;) Looking really good now, coming together nicely!

carl was a top bloke great feed back too

@Back2TheBike

5 жыл бұрын

Agreed. Don't tell him though .

It's much safer walking the limit point on a left hand bend, like you did with the Observer, if they/you use the right-hand side of the road to represent the centre line. So think of it as just the left hand lane of a normal two lane road. That way you can walk in safety, in the right gutter, seeing the oncoming traffic and still experience the limit point moving. The key thing is to have the speed off well before the bend, so you can drive the bike, with minimal engine pull, around the bend until the view opens up. So there's two things you are watching, and using through the bend. The movement of the limit point and the view you have of the tarmac that makes up your lane. You don't want to be accelerating into a parked car!

@Back2TheBike

6 жыл бұрын

Good advice Mike as always. Certainly got the blood going though!

I do sometimes think, this simple concept is complicated, by using terms like vanishing point/limit point. Let's be honest it's simply just the amount of Rd you have in front of you. If there's a lot, you go quicker, if there not much go slower. We've all used that info without thinking, this stuff sometimes just complicates it, and makes someone look good. Apologies lockdown is getting me grumpy lol.

@Back2TheBike

4 жыл бұрын

Totally agree Graham. Too much jargon doesnt help. Check out the Seaflyfisher channel for the best, jargon free Masterclasses on YT.

@Grahamvfr

4 жыл бұрын

@@Back2TheBike thank you.

Good vid Neil, coming together now isn't it! The bit stood in the road made me nervous - your bike was in the firing line if someone came round a bit quick and was surprised by you two in the road! The advice on acceleration is sound, we have the same bike and I find it settles the bike to drive out. The only caveat it may get tricky to apply in a 30 limit, or when there are parked cars around. I guess it's all about packing the miles in now to practice all you've learned until it becomes natural and default setting. Don't rush to the test. I did first time around and regretted it; awful ride, trying to think, do, plan etc. etc all at the same time. Second time around I rode as much as I could until I KNEW I could do it naturally. One question: Do you have the quickshifter on yours? Now I've got used to it, it's brilliant. Cuts fatigue on the wrist on a really long day. Keep at it, it's going well!

@Back2TheBike

6 жыл бұрын

Kevin B thanks for the advice Kevin. I agree about the test. I dont want to take it until im confident so a few more miles under the belt! I do have the quickshift but limit it presently as im trying to improve my clutch control.

Mark says you’re an exceptional rider with no discernable faults and it’s a great honour for him to be out with you today. Mark then proceeds to point out your many clearly discernable faults :-). Interesting video, thanks for posting your journey through the IAM course. Have you taken it further with a Member’s Assessment or Masters?

@Back2TheBike

4 жыл бұрын

Still a work in progress like any other rider! I decided against further structured training. I now use a system of self commentary and expert mentoring to improve.

Hi Neil, great having the ability to converse with the instructor as you are going along, opposed to waiting for the debrief, especially the point where he was saying when to power on for the bends; all very interesting. Do you feel that you are getting a lot nearer to being able to take the test? Keep up the good work, stay safe.

@Back2TheBike

6 жыл бұрын

A little more confidence and a bit of polishing I think. TBH Keith I'm in no rush, happy to go with IAM's advice. Enjoy the weekend!

@ICENI-Britannica

6 жыл бұрын

Back2TheBike Quite true, doesn’t matter how long it takes, you get there in the end. Enjoy your weekend too, going to be really good weather i believe; going to Southend from Norwich for a ride out with friends tomorrow. Good thing about the Beemer, will not have to fill up during the day; i am getting 300 miles + from a tank, 60+ miles to the gallon; happy days. Take care.

@darrenelbrow5144

6 жыл бұрын

Don’t be in a rush to take the test. I did mine the last time in 2011, unlike Neil I hadn’t had a break of 30 odd years, but continuous riding for that long . I’d previously taken the IAM test and another since defunct course. It still took me over 6 months to feel confident enough to take the test. Don’t be pressured into doing it until you’re ready, otherwise you’ll be so stressed that things may not go well.

@Back2TheBike

6 жыл бұрын

With MPG like that sounds like you need to be using 2nd gear a bit more to me Keith ;-)

@ICENI-Britannica

6 жыл бұрын

Back2TheBike Shucks! i new i was doing something wrong, will have to remedy that; thanks for the advice. You never stop learning. 🤗

I may have missed,it, but did Mark refer to the system of motorcycle control at all (information, position, speed, gear, acceleration) as every aspect of what you are doing on the road in your observed rides can be broken down into these elements and once you can think systematically everything sharpens up. Well done on your progress so far 👏

@Back2TheBike

5 жыл бұрын

Yes he did. IPSGA is the backbone for IAM but clearly each observed ride focusses in on different aspects.

Sealy I am afraid you miss the point. I was commenting about that individual ride. Neil ride to a standard with the observer but immediately dropped that standard once the observer left. Yes I would hope he improved for the next rides. Congrats for the first.

Always had the same issues after my observed rides too. All of a sudden I regressed, I think it's just that short time allowing yourself to relax a little. Incidentally, I noticed on your Garmin you always select the map page before you pull away after starting your bike. Are you aware that the Garmin will default to the map page automatically as you drive away? Safe riding when we can get back to it.

@Back2TheBike

4 жыл бұрын

Interesting comment . Thanks for the tip on the Garmin!

Hi Niel, I just confirmed something I heard you say in a previous video.. You said it again at the traffic lights, 'The Engine Shuffle' I like it but if you listen to the two Johns when they are telling you about putting a right foot down and engine 'Empathy' or 'Sympathy' he calls it the 'Hendon Shuffle' if you google it you will see it came from a police training college in Hendon. But saying that it is an engine shuffle! So as I said I like it! NEw dance move all the kids are doing it ;) Case of chinease whispers, ear plugs/helmets ;)

@Back2TheBike

6 жыл бұрын

I always was a beautiful mover ;-)

Definitely seeing an improvement, getting up to speed far earlier after a roundabout and better observations. Perhaps more life-saver checks? Do you use counter steering?

@Back2TheBike

5 жыл бұрын

Paul Carson Hi Paul, thanks for the encouragement. You're spot on about the lifesavers, and this is something I've been working hard on since I recorded this film. I'm beginning to play with counter steering too. So much to learn when you've been out of it for 37 years!

@paulcarson7860

5 жыл бұрын

Just watched no 8. Again more improvements, seeing more confidence. You seem to hang around 50-55mph a lot, be good to see you at 60 in NSLs. Think your cornering could be improved by counter-steering myself fwiw. It may be counter-intuitive as you need to push instead of pull! Some good vids on here about it. I'm not all that far from you, ever want a ride out drop me a line.

@Back2TheBike

5 жыл бұрын

Funnily enough, I think my cornering has just recently turned a corner, if you'll pardon the pun. A couple of things: my arms were too stiff, so I've dropped my elbows considerably, and this has loosened up the steering; and for RH's I've been following the verge-side white line as a training drill in an attempt to stop myself cutting in - seems to have worked. I'll be curious to see what you think on my next upload, going up in a few days, 280 miles around to Wiltshire and back. Thanks for the offer of a ride.

That No need to stop was a STOP sign ?

Good session keep out on those lefties ! 😉

Is it not "Hendon Shuffle" (Police training School), as opposed to your "engine shuffle" which I think you misheard Observed Ride #4??

@Back2TheBike

2 жыл бұрын

Probably 🤪

@Big-Si2253

2 жыл бұрын

@@Back2TheBike Not a criticism, more an observation. Whilst talking, thank you for making the videos of your IAM journey. I am shortly to start mine, so they have been a big help in knowing what to expect.

You never mentioned the if the new tyre was better.

@Back2TheBike

3 жыл бұрын

It was. I'd like to be able to say it totally cured my cornering problem. It certainly helped being the right shape, but I also needed to improve technique.

@chrisowens3781

3 жыл бұрын

@@Back2TheBike my apologies I must of missed that.

After your observer left you completely forgot to put into practice what you had learnt. Rather than try to put into practice a smidgen of what you learnt you should be putting into practice what you have learnt. Doing it right on thermae home enforces what you should have learnt. Doing it wrong and you are just reinforcing bad habits. Don't just ride well for the observer, it's not to his benefit, do it for yourself.

@Back2TheBike

5 жыл бұрын

That's fair comment Andrew, but please remember this is a warts and all diary and I wasn't perfect then, still not. Fatigue was a major issue on these extended rides with 2 hours of riding on the way there, 90 mins of feedback, then the journey home. Hopefully you'll see some improvement on the next few vids in the series ;-)

@motorvelo

5 жыл бұрын

I appreciate that. I am currently completing my observer course and the comments and attitudes of the observers are of great interest to me. 90min of debrief! Wow that's just too much. I am working on 30min rides, briefing and debrief on one main competency then a riding development plan to work to. Could you not find a group closer to you than two hours away? I am based in Shropshire and there is my own group, SAMM and at least 4 other IAM groups within an hour.

@Back2TheBike

5 жыл бұрын

@@motorvelo the group is local to me but our rides tend to be 90mins plus any stops. Im a trainer myself so probably provoked a lot of the chat! Best wishes and full respect to you for observing.

@motorvelo

5 жыл бұрын

I think you as a trainer might agree 90minutes of hand on learning is probably too long. I always schedule a circular route maximum 60min with a mid ride chat.

@Back2TheBike

5 жыл бұрын

@@motorvelo To each his own i think. I can take a lot on board and i enjoy the debate. Whatever was done it worked for me.