Scottish Charity Number SC023513

What we do:

Our 2010 season of observed runs starts in April and continues through to September. 

The observed runs are designed to improve your riding skills to a standard which will allow you to pass the IAM advanced motorcycle test. The test is carried out by an IAM appointed examiner holding a police advanced motorcycle certificate.

The runs are carried out by IAM observers and usually last around an hour and a half, allowing for several stops to discuss your riding and making some suggestions for improvement. On arrival at our destination (usually within a thirty mile radius) we’ll discuss the run over a cup of tea/coffee etc. 

If that all sounds a bit formal don’t worry we are all keen motorcyclists, we love riding our bikes and we want to make your time with us enjoyable while hopefully building your skill levels. 

The benefits to you:

We hope to bring you improved Safety, Awareness, Riding Skills, Confidence, Familiarity with your bike, Cheaper insurance, Monthly Sunday runs riding with like minded people, Winter social evenings, Increased Enjoyment from your bike!

For full members (those who have passed their Advanced test) we have our Advanced Enhanced group which provides a focal point within the club and offers the chance to ride with like minded advanced riders who wish to further hone their riding skills.

What we expect from you:

Firstly we need commitment.  We offer a course of six to eight consecutive Wednesday evening observed runs by which time we would expect you to be ready to take your IAM test.  We understand that things can ‘crop up’ unexpectedly and we have no problem with that, but in general you should be prepared to set aside consecutive Wednesday evenings to prepare for your test.  You need to spend some time on your bike between Wednesday evenings to practice your new skills.

You should already have spent enough time riding your bike to be fairly competent and we expect you to be reasonably familiar with the highway code.

You need to be properly dressed for riding a motorcycle, not necessarily the latest and greatest gear but at least proper motorcycle clothing.

You and your bike should be legal (we are required to check your documents when you first attend and yes we know lots of bikes have race cans etc. but don’t let that put you off coming along).

All IAM observers are volunteers using their own bikes at their own expense, therefore after each observed run a donation of £6 towards their costs is expected.  This is common practice throughout IAM groups.

About us:

The motorcycle section currently has five observers: Robert Brydon, Anne Hadden, Roddie Montgomery, Alan Tait & Bernie McGee. We are all IAM Qualified or Senior Observers.

 We are passionate about bikes and biking and between us we have many years of motorcycle experience. All five of us ride our bikes all year round in all weathers.  We tour, commute, do trackdays and ride purely for fun.   We like to think of ourselves as ‘real world’ motorcyclists. 

You may have preconceived ideas of IAM riders as Flat Capped, Pipe Smoking, BMW riders. Why not put your misconceptions aside and come along and talk to us.  We do have a few BMW’s but we also have a diverse range of bikes from GPZ500’s to R1’s.

How do I join?

The Skills for Life Package costs £139 this includes: group membership, textbook, IAM test fee and one year's associate  membership to the IAM .

For further details contact our Motorcycle Administrator:-

Roddie Montgomery:   01505 812 439

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