Advanced Motorcycling

Training, Coaching, Rider Development – call it what you want, it’s more than likely it’s the reason you’re looking at this site in the first place.

At WaBAM, we believe you never stop learning. Some do it the hard way, some do it the expensive way, but the smart ones do it the WaBAM way!

First of all, we believe the most important thing you need to learn is to have fun! We do and you will with us too. Sure, it’s a serious subject, but that doesn't mean you can’t have a laugh whilst you’re picking up some handy riding skills with us.

We pride ourselves on the high quality of our coaching and we are passionate about maintaining and improving this standard, but if you think we’re all work and no play, then come on our monthly Group rides or take a look at our “Chatter” Forum! Better still, come and meet us at one of our friendly and informal Social evenings see the "meet us" link.

There are various levels of training available, depending on what stage of development you are at, and what you’d like to do with the skills you learn. Here are the options:

If you are new to us you’ll be best to enrol in the IAM’s “Skill for Life” program. This programme is the basis for all who want to join the IAM and will take you from where you are now, wherever that may be, to being capable of passing the IAM’s Advanced Motorcycling Test and beyond. Our “Observers” are members who have gone on to pass the IAM Qualified Observer examination, will give you all the necessary coaching to get there, in your own time, at time and place that suits you. All we ask over and above the standard fee is a contribution to your Observers motorcycling running costs, that being £7 a ride up to a maximum of £70.

Passed your test a while ago and you feel your skills are becoming rusty? We can help, WaBAM will be happy to spend time getting them back up to speed again, and as long as you’re a WaBAM Member, it’s free! You can also come along on our monthly Group Rides and meet people with similar interests who enjoy riding together.

If you want to get the ultimate in Advanced Riding evaluation, why not try out the “IAM Special Assessment”. You’ll be accompanied on your ride by an IAM Regional Staff Examiner, the people who examine the examiners, and there’s not much they don’t know about riding. Expect something Special indeed! There’s more on the IAM site about the Special Assessment but you need to be a Member to apply for it. Check out the Special Assessment by clicking here.

Many WaBAM Members decide that they want to give something back to the Motorcycling community. Been a Member for a year or so and want something more? Perhaps becoming an Observer may be right for you? This is less about raising your standards (although you will) but more about consistency and, above all, the ability to be able to pass your skills on to others. It’s not for everyone, especially not for those who like collecting certificates (although you will get one). To obtain Observer status we are looking for a commitment – a commitment to WaBAM and to those who entrust their own development to us. We try to run at least one Observer Course every year and these are run by our Senior Observer Team.

If you’re already an Observer (and there’s plenty of them in WaBAM) the ultimate step is to take your Senior Observer qualification. This brings with it the requirement of an even greater level of commitment and skill-set. Being a Senior Observer will mean running training sessions for Associates and Qualified Observers, or running your own local Team of Observers. It could mean going to one of IAM’s Regional Observer Training weekends within our region (Region 1) to help out with the organisation and training, or it could be that you’ll find yourself on a Regional Senior Observer training day, teaching colleagues how to get to the same standard as you*. This qualification is once again handled by our Regional Staff Examiners who are normally serving Police Officers and holders of the coveted Police Class 1 (Advanced) certificate.

It’s up to you! So many possibilities! As far as we at WaBAM are concerned, training starts on your first observed ride and finishes when you hang up your leathers for the last time . . .

How long is each training ride out?

1.5 to 2 hours - 35 miles or so.
Do you stick to the speed limits?

YES - We must comply with the Law. Look at the Highway Code.
Will my insurance cover the Coaching?

We have never heard of any problems, but check with your insurer. They may give you a discount when you pass the test - but only if you ask!

What’s in a name? Training, Coaching, Rider Development – call it what you want, it’s more than likely it’s the reason you’re looking at this site in the first place. At WaBAM, we believe you never stop learning. Some do it the hard way, some do it the expensive way, but the smart ones do it the WaBAM way! First of all, we believe the most important thing you need to learn is to have fun! We do and you will with us too. Sure, it’s a serious subject, but that doesn't mean you can’t have a laugh whilst you’re picking up some handy riding skills with us. We pride ourselves on the high quality of our coaching and we are passionate about maintaining and improving this standard, but if you think we’re all work and no play, then come on our monthly Group rides or take a look at our “Chatter” Forum! Better still, come and meet us at one of our friendly and informal Social evenings see the "meet us" link. There are various levels of training available, depending on what stage of development you are at, and what you’d like to do with the skills you learn. Here are the options: A Skill for Life If you are new to us you’ll be best to enrol in the IAM’s “Skill for Life” program. This programme is the basis for all who want to join the IAM and will take you from where you are now, wherever that may be, to being capable of passing the IAM’s Advanced Motorcycling Test and beyond. Our “Observers” are members who have gone on to pass the IAM Qualified Observer examination, will give you all the necessary coaching to get there, in your own time, at time and place that suits you. All we ask over and above the standard fee is a contribution to your Observers motorcycling running costs, that being £7 a ride up to a maximum of £70. Re-evaluation and refreshers Passed your test a while ago and you feel your skills are becoming rusty? We can help, WaBAM will be happy to spend time getting them back up to speed again, and as long as you’re a WaBAM Member, it’s free! You can also come along on our monthly Group Rides and meet people with similar interests who enjoy riding together. The Special Assessment If you want to get the ultimate in Advanced Riding evaluation, why not try out the “IAM Special Assessment”. You’ll be accompanied on your ride by an IAM Regional Staff Examiner, the people who examine the examiners, and there’s not much they don’t know about riding. Expect something Special indeed! There’s more on the IAM site about the Special Assessment but you need to be a Member to apply for it. Check out the Special Assessment by clicking here. Qualified Observers Many WaBAM Members decide that they want to give something back to the Motorcycling community. Been a Member for a year or so and want something more? Perhaps becoming an Observer may be right for you? This is less about raising your standards (although you will) but more about consistency and, above all, the ability to be able to pass your skills on to others. It’s not for everyone, especially not for those who like collecting certificates (although you will get one). To obtain Observer status we are looking for a commitment – a commitment to WaBAM and to those who entrust their own development to us. We try to run at least one Observer Course every year and these are run by our Senior Observer Team. Senior Observers If you’re already an Observer (and there’s plenty of them in WaBAM) the ultimate step is to take your Senior Observer qualification. This brings with it the requirement of an even greater level of commitment and skill-set. Being a Senior Observer will mean running training sessions for Associates and Qualified Observers, or running your own local Team of Observers. It could mean going to one of IAM’s Regional Observer Training weekends within our region (Region 1) to help out with the organisation and training, or it could be that you’ll find yourself on a Regional Senior Observer training day, teaching colleagues how to get to the same standard as you. This qualification is once again handled by our Regional Staff Examiners who are normally serving Police Officers and holders of the coveted Police Class 1 (Advanced) certificate. It’s up to you!* So many possibilities! As far as we at WaBAM are concerned, training starts on your first observed ride and finishes when you hang up your leathers for the last time . . . * Please note that all time is given free but where expenses are incurred in undertaking Observer Duties, there are processes in place to make sure you are reimbursed for most if not all of your expenses. FAQs How long is each training ride out? 1.5 to 2 hours - 35 miles or so. *Do you stick to the speed limits?* YES - We must comply with the Law. Look at the Highway Code. Will my insurance cover the Coaching? We have never heard of any problems, but check with your insurer. They may give you a discount when you pass the test - but only if you ask!

Rider Development . . .