Feedback on Better Biking training
I attended two, one-to-one, slow riding training sessions with Alec as
part of my preparations for the IAM / IMI National Observer Assessment
(which I subsequently passed). Put simply - brilliant tuition from a
first class coach. It's impossible not to gain from the experience of
spending time training with Alec. Top tuition from an expert. I have no
hesitation in recommending Alec as a Motorcycle trainer, particularly if
you want to take your riding to a higher level.
Brian P.
I came to Alec in preparation for the RoSPA Diploma to get up to "Gold".
His years of experience put him at a higher level than other riders. He
is as quick and safe as any rider could possibly be. On his BMW RT he
looks as relaxed as sitting in an armchair and about to fall asleep, but
I couldn’t catch him on my Kawasaki ZX-10R in spite of all my track day
experience. I would recommend Alec for any aspect of training.
David R.
It is a gift to be able to see ourselves as others see us. When there is
someone as knowledgeable and experienced as Alec riding behind, the
feedback is invaluable. My riding ability, safety and confidence has
benefited greatly from the training and observation I have received.
Phil T.
Alec’s ability to spot what is going on, how to improve and then
communicate effectively is amazing; combined with obvious passion to see
riders develop! Absolutely A1!!
Andy B.
Having been away from motorcycling for several years and wanting to
build both confidence and a system I could practice and develop I found
Alec's system of training to be the perfect fit for my experience and
requirements. A session with Alec on slow riding taught me how to
control the bike and perform manoeuvres at slow speed competently and
confidently. Developing on from this on the road and practising the
system of "Roadcraft" as well as seeing it performed as it should be has
provided an invaluable set of skills that I have put into practice and
built on during each and every ride. A friendly, professional service
tailored to each individual and I would highly recommend for anyone
wishing to improve their skill and enjoyment of their motorcycle.
Andrew M.
Having returned to motorcycling about five years ago, I decided that my
skill set was lacking and joined the IAM. I have now passed my green
badge and am training to be an observer through SAM. My riding skills
have improved immeasurably both in terms of my road skills and slow
riding in no small part due to Alec's excellent tuition and his team
that he has around him. His relaxed friendly approach helps get the best
out of you and his wealth of knowledge is extensive. He always has an
anecdote and some funny stories to tell but all are with the sole
intention of improving safety on the roads. I would thoroughly recommend
him, he is genuinely a really nice bloke with an enthusiasm for
motorcyclists' safety at the core of his training.
Ian C.
Alec is both professional and approachable and I found his teaching
style easy to work with. He was always keen to expand on any queries I
had and offered expert advice when asked. Under Alec’s supervision my
riding has improved dramatically allowing me to pass both the SAM
Advanced Plus and the IAM Local Observer training within the same year.
Thanks Alec.
Andy B.
I found the times we rode together gave me a valuable insight into
the small changes I could make that would give me more time, to make
good decisions and improve my progress, whilst allowing me more of
a safety margin. I am
also amazed by the quality and diversity of routes you are aware of that
make rides suitably challenging and very enjoyable. This is something I
will be trying to work on as part of my development as a future
observer.
Darren H.
Your slow riding course was fast paced and a super fun way to learn an
essential skill, since each journey starts slow, goes fast in the middle
and ends slow. I swear even 'Ninja' had a smile on her fairing after she
learned a new trick or two on your course. I
am looking forward to the next course soon.
Graham M.
So I thought I was the bees knees riding my Hayabusa when I first met
Alec and I certainly remember his words after our first ride, ‘Well you
can certainly ride that thing’. But I knew the reality, he had let me
have my head and when I was going really well had easily passed me and
continued in a serene manner that I envied. I thought, I want a bit of
that – no a lot of that. Alec always encourages whilst gently showing
you the gap between where you are and good. He makes you want to close
that gap and gives you the incentive to make yourself better. He is a
man who practices what he preaches and all who ride with him learn both
theory and application. Thanks Alec and I appreciate our continued
relationship.
Mark P.
An afternoon with Alec just showed me that we never stop learning,
even after 30 years of riding, IAM membership and Level 1 and 2 at the
California Superbike School. Yes I could make progress on the road, but
still Alec saw a way to improve my riding further. On one of our stops
he taught me about "cheese and elastic"! Since then my overtakes have
been smoother, safer and more enjoyable. Thanks Alec.
Steve T.
I've done some on the road training and slow riding with Alec
and both these elements of motorcycle riding were extremely well
presented, structured and demonstrated by him. I found the slow
riding course to be particularly helpful because this is such a
difficult and intimidating subject if, like me, you do not want to
drop your bike! Alec's positive, clear and helpful course took me in
just three hours from being an awkward, nervous paddler to being
confident, smooth and with a safe level of machine control.
Thank you Alec!
Rodger B.
Having ridden motorcycles for over 40 years, I had developed
some good riding skills but also, no doubt, some bad habits.
With work and family competing for my time, my riding in
recent years was 90% commuting. With time to ride more, I
needed a boost to my confidence and wanted to know that I
was riding as safely as possible. To this end I have now had
several half day lessons with Alec and he has been
brilliant. I am far more confident, smooth and faster, yet a
whole ton safer. Alec is an inspiration and every session
with him is a eye-opener that leaves you grinning and
wanting more. My goal is to achieve RoSPA Gold and I'm
pretty confident that with Alec's help, I will achieve that.
Jim H.
I like the fact Alec didn’t criticise my riding at all
during training. He highlighted areas for improvement and
coached me through techniques I didn’t understand. He helped
me to help myself and as a result my riding improved
significantly.
George H.
After passing my original IAM test over 33 years ago and not having
greatly ridden since 1984 until 2011, it just shows that with the
correct guidance and training, with a proper willingness by the
participant, what can be achieved and this in my opinion is what you
have done for me, re-installing greater confidence and up-to-date
procedures and knowledge which in the 70s was not available.
A very big thank you for all your help, support, training and
guidance during our sessions and I would like to continue with the
training to get to the next stage.
Andy A. (the
happy biker)
Two points: first I wanted a brush up on skills prior to my trip to France; you know IPSGA but on the ‘wrong’ side of the road. Secondly slow riding skills prior to my RoSPA retest, I got a silver previously and now have a gold. Points made I think.
Carl C.
I started off with slow riding training with Alec. His tips and the non
critical approach made me pick up the skill quickly and feel confident.
Subsequent rides I went out with Alec were both enjoyable and gave me
opportunity pick up other skills. particularly to overtake and safely
follow vehicles. All of these skills helped me to pass the IAM advanced
rider test first time.
Muthu
Having passed my Advanced Test in 2011, early in 2013 I thought it
was time to refresh / extend my capabilities and applied to prepare for
the Advanced Plus. I was lucky enough to have Alec take me under his
wing, along with another participant; the three of us got on well and
under Alec’s wealth of knowledge and experienced guidance we both
achieved success in our endeavours. As they say, you never stop learning
and with Alec providing the ‘know how’, it’s a real joy to undertake. To
be recommended to anyone wanting to hone their skills further.
Peter G
I am an advanced motorcyclist observer and so have been through the
course and got my green badge. This, however, turns out to be the just
start of things to come. I have been out training with Alec quite a few
times over the time I have known him and at the end of each ride I have
come away knowing more than when we started. It is this passing of
knowledge that Alec excels at and his ability to get it over to you in a
way that you like, whether this be the direct approach or the more
subtle approach. Always a pleasure to go out with you Alec. Thanks for
everything.
Ian C.
I am a member of the IAM, and gained my green badge through Solent
Advanced Motorcyclists. During my time with the club I have attended
Slow Riding Training (I & II), and have had two assessed rides with
Alec. Alec has a gentle delivery, and his observations go straight to
the heart of any issues you might be having as a rider. As a result of
his input, and the input of the team of observers he leads, my riding
and confidence levels have improved out of all recognition.
Charlie H.
Alec is the Chief Observer at Solent Advanced Motorcyclists, he has been
instrumental in raising and maintaining standards in the club, in
addition he has bought me up to Senior Observer level; you never stop
learning.
Colin H.
I took up motorcycling about 6 years ago,
after getting my full biking licence many years before, when the test
involved a ride around the block, and had not ridden since. After buying
my first bike, I soon realised I was out of my depth, Alec soon noticed
my predicament I started some training with him. I was trying to do too
much too quickly. His advice of starting slowly and doing things in
small increments enabled me to build my confidence, and make the
progress I had been unable to make before. Thank you Alec.
Paul J.
I'm more than happy to endorse your training skills!
Cliff S.
Asking someone to put your riding skills under the microscope can be
a daunting prospect. But Alec's easy going manner and matter-of-fact
approach to instruction soon put me at ease. Every aspect of your
technique is assessed and practical suggestions for improvement are
communicated clearly and accurately. Thanks to Alec, I passed my IAM
test first time.
Nigel P.
John S.
I
was very grateful to Alec in the early days as it pushed my riding
skills and ability to the limit. Best exercise of his slow riding
training is the "Look, Lean and Roll" exercise. It proves invaluable on
the road and track for getting around the bends efficiently.
Tony E.
I met Alec through Solent Advanced Motorcyclists (SAM). I am a current
Class 1 Advanced Police Motorcyclist and Driver. Alec encouraged me to
become a Senior Observer within SAM. His enthusiasm and passion for
motorcycling and his excellent style of instruction, in particular his
debriefing, are a constant source of inspiration to me. Thanks mate!
John A.
I did my observer training for Solent Advanced Motorcyclists with
Alec, the club’s chief observer. I found the experience both
professional and enjoyable. His enthusiasm and dedication have done much
to improve the riding standard at the club.
Bill G
Having passed my RoSPA test at gold, Alec trained me as a bike
instructor for RoSPA; as a result of which, not only did I pass my
instructor test first time but the methods he used, and the way he
interacts with people further improved my confidence and abilities. I
would highly recommend Alec for anybody wishing to improve their riding
skills at whatever level and gain a better understanding of what it
takes to be a good, safe rider.
Paul N.
I am in the early stages of my advanced rider training, my learning
curve has been steep but Alec’s style of coaching is clear, pragmatic
and inspiring. I would thoroughly recommend Alec’s service to anybody
serious about developing their riding
Matthew B.
