York Advanced Motorcyclists

About Us

Here we have provided a bit more detail about our group and the way in which we work.

• What We Do

• How To Join

• When can I start?

• Coaching

• Constitution

What We Do

More and more riders are finding that the Driving Standards Agency test for a motorcycle licence is not sufficient to adequately prepare them for today’s roads.  Increasingly, the popular motorcycle press is recommending that riders take further training to equip them to better handle these hazards and the much more powerful bikes available today.  Even so, most of us have had no further training since passing our test.

Why is this?  There are many reasons, but two of the most common are that there is nowhere nearby to go to and that it is too expensive.  We at York Advanced Motorcyclists address these two reasons directly.

How Often do we Meet?

We meet every Saturday morning, throughout the year, at Squires Café, Newthorpe (B1222) Nr Sherburn in Elmet, LS25 5LX (click here for a map) along with every Wednesday evening, from the beginning of May through to August, and meet at McDonalds on the westbound carriageway of the A64 (Bilborough Top Services) between York and Tadcaster, YO23 3PP.  There is also a small group of observers who offer their time outside of these scheduled training rides, please contact the Membership Secretary for more details.

How Much Does it Cost?

Compared with the £100+ per day being charged by some organisations, we charge only a one off £139 membership fee, with no extra charge for advice and guidance and the price includes your associate membership for a year of the IAM and York Advanced Motorcyclists and test fee.

We can do this because we are a club run by enthusiasts.  All our guidance is given voluntarily by members of the Institute of Advanced Motorists.  They have received additional training to enable them to develop your skills so that you can yourself take and pass the Institute’s advanced riding test.  When you pass this test, fully accredited by the Driving Standards Agency and conducted by holders of the police motorcycle licence, you will be eligible for many IAM membership benefits, including reduced insurance premiums.
 

But most of all, you will have attained a level of skill which will enable you to ride quickly and enjoyably.  You will be much more aware of potential hazards and so the risk of an accident will be reduced.  You will gain from this heightened awareness and the satisfaction that comes from riding well - that buzz will be even better!

So, improve your skills and enjoyment by joining us, we exist to help you.

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How To Join

If you want to become a member of the York Advanced Motorcyclists here’s what to do.

Come and see us on any Saturday at Squires Café or contact our Membership Secretary.

We will help you complete the Skills for Life application form, covering membership of York Advanced Motorcyclists, during which time you will be eligible to receive free guidance on how to prepare for the IAM test.  It also covers the cost of the test and your first year's subscription to the IAM after passing the test.  You will have nothing more to pay during that first year - we will even give you a copy of the official Institute of Advanced Motorists manual How to be a Better Rider.  Haven't read the Highway Code for years?  Not to worry!  We will also throw in a  copy of the current edition - how's that!  Once you've signed up, you will be given the date of the next available theory session where you will start to benefit from our free advice and coaching to pass the IAM Advanced Motorcycle Test.

But remember that from day one you will be part of a group of riders who enjoy their bikes, who ride for that enjoyment and who want to continue to enjoy that thrill for many years to come.

If you're not sure about joining right now, why don't you come down one Saturday to meet us for a free trial observation.

If you want more information please contact our Membership Secretary.

For a YAM Application form in Adobe Acrobat format, click here.

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When Can I Start?

New Associate members always start by attending the first of two theory sessions.  The current dates for 2010 are:

3rd April

17th April

1st May

22nd May

5th June

3rd July

31st July

4th September

2nd October

These sessions will take place at 10am at Squires Cafe.  Please contact the Membership Secretary for more details.

Additional dates may be arranged throughout the season depending on demand.

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Coaching

Within the Full Membership of the group we have Group Observers, Qualified Observers and Senior Observers: these are members who have received additional training and undergone, or are undergoing, a procedure of testing designed to ensure that the standard of riding within the group is maintained.  This team of people work with any Associate (person undergoing guidance to take IAM test), to get them “test-ready”.  Our observers receive no payment for their efforts; they even pay for their own petrol, we do not ask for a contribution to cover these costs, it is purely voluntary on their part and they give up their free time for the sheer enjoyment of motorcycling (although it is often an excuse to get away from painting the house or some other mundane chore be they male or female!!).

We train our volunteer observers to help give guidance to associate members and use the IAM recommended Observer Qualification system to achieve and monitor this.

The observed runs will be on a one to one or small group basis, depending upon the stage of your training.  Frequent debriefs and stops for discussion will be the order of the observed runs.  They will take place on a mixture of urban and rural roads, major and unclassified, so that all forms of riding are developed.  You will be advised when it is recommended that you should apply for the Advanced Test.  This depends totally on the standard of riding when you join and your speed of advancement.  You do not need to attend every week, although continuity is beneficial, and you will be expected to practice your ridings skills whilst attending and to make every effort to put into practice the advice given during your sessions.

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Constitution

The aims and objectives of the group can be found here.

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