For different people this can mean different things. Perhaps it's the freedom of setting off on a trip across Spain, the thrill of trying out a bike's full potential on a track-day or simply the buzz of going on day rides with groups of like-minded people. The great thing about belonging to TVAM (Thames Vale Advanced Motorcyclists), one the UK's biggest clubs, is that it caters for all these options and more. TVAM delivers fantastic value to its membership by providing advanced rider coaching, up to a recognised standard (based on the system of motorcycle control used by the police), to all its members. And this is all included as part of membership. According to a recent study by Nottingham University School of Psychology, riders trained in advanced riding techniques were better at anticipating and responding to hazards, as well as making better progress through bends. TVAM's members get their coaching free, as part of their membership, because volunteer Observers provide it. The club has over one hundred Observers based around the South East, so it's easy to find someone in your area if you live in Berkshire, Hampshire, Surrey, Oxfordshire or Buckinghamshire. Every new member gets a dedicated Observer and unlike some other clubs we don't stop at six coaching sessions; we're there for you as long as you need us. Overall, it seems that not only is this helping save riders lives, it is also accessible and affordable with annual membership being less than a single day's course with many commercial operators. In addition to on-road coaching TVAM club members get access to set courses like:
· Look, lean, roll – guidance and practise on slow and fast cornering techniques away from traffic
· BikeCraft – theory and background on using the system of motorcycle control for better hazard management
· Advanced braking – demonstrations and practise for controlled emergency stops, again, all away from traffic
· Slow riding – techniques and practise for slow-speed bike control
· Basic mechanics – instruction on how to look after and get the best out of your bike
As with the coaching highly trained volunteers deliver all the courses. This makes them a fraction of their normal commercial cost. TVAM is affiliated to MAG, the Motorcycle Action Group (www.mag-uk.org) and to the IAM, the institute of advanced motorists (www.iam.org.uk). MAG has long defended the right of choice for motorcyclists and supports education over legislation. The IAM promotes road safety and provides the standard for advanced riding, that most attain. Members are encouraged to get as actively involved as they wish with these groups. One of great benefits of learning advanced riding techniques is that it makes the sometime dangerous activity of group riding, so much safer. Because riders tend to know what to expect from each other. This is quite a feat for a club with nearly a thousand members and whether you choose social rides, track-days or longer trips, from the packed calendar, it all goes to make TVAM trips more fun and less scary than some of the alternatives. If you want to become part of the biggest motorcycle club in the region, become a safer and swifter rider and get into adventure, sports or social riding then please join us. Come to the back of St. Crispin's school (put RG40 1SS into your favourite mapping application) at 9am on the third Sunday of the month and enjoy some bike chat and a free assessed ride with one of our trained Observers. We look forward to seeing you there ...
