the IAM

[BikerGran]

I do think that as with any other club, they vary a great deal from area to area, and my 'bloody rude' comment was definitely a local thing.

I learned a huge amount from riding out with my club, which I joined when I was still on the little 2-stroke - went to France with them on that bike as well. Also had help when I started spannering.

As for the £120 for the IAM - I paid £100 many years ago for just 2 days training with a police rider, and it was definitely extremely good value for money - not only for learning how to stay safe, but enjoying my riding and understanding my bike far more than I had before.

[randomsquid]

1/ Not a member of a bike club. They tend to be full of people.

2/ Been in various types of clubs in the past. People in all of them.

3/ I don't have an image of the IAM. Bunch of people on bikes probably.

4/ 'What could the IAM do to attract you?' I've looked at the website several times and the impression I get is of slavish adherence to a system. Admittedly lots of it makes sense but I'm an old dog and I've spent a lot of time ruminating about why I'm upside down in a hedge again and worked out coping strategies to suit. I'm interested in advanced training but there's a local ex bike cop that I'd use. He seems to be highly regarded.

[D-Rider]

1/ Not a member of a bike club. They tend to be full of people and people take your hat away

2/ Been in various types of clubs in the past. People in all of them and people take your hat away

3/ I don't have an image of the IAM. Bunch of people on bikes probably and people take your hat away - even quicker when you are on a bike

4/ 'What could the IAM do to attract you?' Free Hats

Just filled in the bits you were taking for granted that we'd all understand

[mangocrazy]

I don't think you're taking this entirely seriously, Andy...

[Willopotomas]

I like to ride within my own parameters and am not one to conform to a set method of doing things. I've learnt to ride my bike through years of trial and error.. Not all of it successful. And have read 'Roadcraft' on more than one occasion. Took some of it on board and I would recommend those who haven't read it, to go and read it.

I've learnt how to ride the same way I've learnt how to play the drums. I've come up with my own methods etc, and it works well. I'm not the worlds greatest rider, and neither am I the greatest drummer, but it works well for me and (it think) those who have to put up with it.

It's the whole conforming to a set way of riding that puts me off. And also the possibility of being disparaged.

[Gio]

I'm a member and both the annual accounts and my local group record slowly falling IAM bike membership. Yet the IAM bike groups work just like any other bike club with rideouts and events and trips, and the rideouts are "brisk" to say the least. So I'm a bit puzzled by the membership fall and I would appreciate comments from the forum

here are the questions that puzzle me:

1/ are you a member of a bike club? if not what puts you off joining one?
2/ if you are a member of a club why did you chose the one you joined?
3/ what is your image of the IAM as a club?
4/ what could the IAM do to attract you?

1. I used to be a member of WVMC, but no longer as I prefer to do other things these days.
2. there used to be quite alot of Ridersiters who belonged to WVMC
3. I'm still a member of the IAM as it saves me money on insurance
4. doesn't apply.

I learn't lots when I 1st joined in 2002, nowadays I rarely manage to get out on a bike, mostly I think as I'm just biding my time until I retire, then I'm more than likely going to get a BM adventure or maybe goldwing and tour europe for 2 or 3 months before I get too decrepit to attempt it.
Hopefully that will be next summer.

[MartDude]

4/ 'What could the IAM do to attract you?' I've looked at the website several times and the impression I get is of slavish adherence to a system. Admittedly lots of it makes sense but I'm an old dog and I've spent a lot of time ruminating about why I'm upside down in a hedge and sheep trough again and worked out coping strategies to suit. I'm interested in advanced training but there's a local ex bike cop that I'd use. He seems to be highly regarded.

Fixed it for you

[randomsquid]

4/ 'What could the IAM do to attract you?' I've looked at the website several times and the impression I get is of slavish adherence to a system. Admittedly lots of it makes sense but I'm an old dog and I've spent a lot of time ruminating about why I'm upside down in a hedge and sheep trough again and worked out coping strategies to suit. I'm interested in advanced training but there's a local ex bike cop that I'd use. He seems to be highly regarded.

Fixed it for you

Cheers, but I'll have you know it's months since I've been assaulted by the countryside. And thank you Andy for your valuable insight.

[Aladinsaneuk]

perhaps if IAM could get to this level of piss taking they may have a chance here?

:)

[fatboy]

I like the idea of advanced training,and TBH the only appeal of the IAM would be reduced insurance.
I think Bikesafe is the more realistic option, but it does not get the recognition that the IAM does, that said, I will give my local IAM a go when funds permit

[mangocrazy]

As others have probably said, I wouldn't be a member of any club that would have me as a member...