1st Class Motorcycle Training - with 1st Class Rider Training-Cardiff » Advice

Motorcycle Monthly September issue

Andy Smith — Sun, 29 Aug 2010 13:30:21 +0000

The September issue of Motorcycle Monthly is out now and available at 1st Class Rider Training-Cardiff

Just call in and we’ll give you a copy or they are available free from any 1st Class Rider Training Instructor.

This is a great read and is packed full of features, reports, reviews and competitions.

The Seotember issue includes a report on the issue of Westminster Council imposing parking charges on bikes, and how you can join the fight against it.

A quirky comparison of a Harley Electra Glide versus the BMW S1000RR.

And you can find out who is the MotoGP brightest Bunny Grid Girl. (what do you mean it doesn’t matter)

All this and more…… And it’s free.

Call and get your copy now. It looks a bit like this …..

Ryder Cup puts Bike Tests Out of Bounds

Andy Smith — Fri, 30 Jul 2010 12:56:30 +0000

It has been anounced that due to the Ryder Cup Golf Tournament being held in Newport this year the DSA have suspened all Motorcycle Tests in the City for the period.

I can understand that the Module 2 Road Ride part of the test might be affected by the ianticipated ncrease in traffic but this is another example of more pressure being placed on a Motorcycle Training & Testing system that is struggling and straining due to the lack of test centres and long wait for tests.

I fail to see why this period can not be used to ease the waiting list for the Module 1 of the test, which doesn’t take place on road at all.

I think the DSA are missing an opportunity here.

So whilst the forthcoming Ryder Cup has been hailed as a welcome boost for the economy it is the motorcycle industry that is adversely affected and remains firmly in the bunker.

So what do I think of this decision? Well I bought a second hand golf bag once. There were no clubs, no tees no pencils, no club covers. In fact all I found at the bottom of the bag was just a load of balls………

In spite of this set back 1st Class Rider Training will still be carrying out motorcycle training in Cardiff and Newport and we aim to use the time well, to prepare our students for a future on the road.

So why don’t you put this time to good use and book a course with 1st Class Rider Training. Call us now for up to the minute availability.

Cardiff Bike Swap Scheme

Andy Smith — Fri, 30 Jul 2010 11:44:26 +0000

Bike Swap Scheme is launched in Cardiff.

In an intiative to reduce the illegal use of ‘Off Road’ vehicles namely motorcycles and quads, it has been anounced that the owners of these ‘nuisance’ vehicles can swap them for a Mountain Bike and Accessories.

In an amnesty being planned for 23rd – 29th of August a hotline will be set up where residents can call to arrange the exchange.

This scheme (presumably being run by Cardiff Council – although the press release didn’t give details) is aimed at relieving the off road nuisance particularly in Cardiff East.

Interesting.

If the rumour is true about the people with seized engines on their BMW GS 1200 (07 & 57 plates) they might be keen to swap their out of warranty Beemer for a new pedal bike. There might be quite a take up.

Ride Out…Ride Right

Andy Smith — Sun, 25 Jul 2010 23:15:53 +0000

Further to my News Post dated the 16th of May about assessed and observed rides offered by South Wales Fire & Rescue Service, 1st Class Rider Training can now give more detailed information about this new Motorcycle Safety Scheme.

The Fire Service literature details how the scheme will operate. It explains ;..

“”" South Wales Fire and Rescue Service has now launched ‘Ride Out…Ride Right’ to help keep motorcyclists safe on the roads. If you are interested in taking part in our free observation rides then please read on,

You will be met by one of our three team riders at a pre-arranged meeting point.

You will ride to a fire station at either Abergavenny, Usk, Merthyr or Maesteg where you will be given a short presentation over a beverage.

The presentation includes Observation, Hazards and the Principles of Cornering.

Following the presentation you will then go out for an observation ride which will last for approximately an hour.

At the end of the ride you will be asked for your feedback and thoughts on the ride.

What we would like you to get out of this is to consider further training through recognised bodies, i.e. Bikesafe, RoSPA, IAM, MAG etc but most of all we want you to enjoy your riding and stay safe on our roads.

All you have to do is reply to us at RORR@southwales-fire.gov.uk confirming when you would be available, morning, afternoon, weekdays or weekends with a contact number and we will arrange your ride. “”"

I have met the Fire Service Riders and their enthusiasm is unquestionable and they are keen to make this new scheme a success.

At 1st Class Rider Training-Cardiff we support any initiative that is intended to make riders safer, and to reduce casualties amongst all road users, but particularly motorcyclists and we wish them well.

We are happy to support the scheme.

Motorcycle Monthly August Edition out Now

Andy Smith — Fri, 23 Jul 2010 11:30:47 +0000

The August Edition of Motorcycle Monthly is out now and available at 1st Class Rider Training-Cardiff.

This is Britain’s best Motorcycle read and it’s absolutely free.

In this issue there are reviews, competitions, news and test reports and much more.

You could win VIP passes to British Superbikes or a Nick Sanders DVD or even a pair is tyres from Metzeler.

Read the report on BMW’s new 1600cc Super Tourer or pick up a second hand bargain in the ‘For Sale’ section.

To get your copy call and see us at 1st Class Rider Training or get one from any 1st Class Instructors.

Join us on a ride out and pick up a copy. The next ride out is this Sunday to Aberdare Park Motorcycle Races – meeting at Hein Gericke Cardiff for 10am.

Motorcycle Monthly. It’s free, it’s all about bikes, and it’s free.

It looks a bit like this……….

French Tour 20th – 22nd August

Andy Smith — Mon, 19 Jul 2010 10:16:23 +0000

French Tour of the WWI Battle sites and War Graves with 1st Class Rider Tours.

This is a professionally lead group ride, using Police Class 1 and RoSPA qualified guides for the trip.

Return Ferry Crossing, Three Days/ Two Njghts 3 Star Bed & Breakfast accomodation and our tour guide services for just £300. (that’s cheaper than a CBT in Newport).

You will also receive an information pack giving routes and destinations together with safety and legal advice for motorcycling in Europe.

This is an ideal way if taking your first steps across the Chanel.

Good roads, good food and great company make these trips 1st Class Rider Tours.

Call now to book your place or for further details.

These trips normally sell out fast.

0845 108 2906

Motorcycle Training in Newport

Andy Smith — Sun, 18 Jul 2010 17:28:48 +0000

Don’t be misled by our full Business Name. 1st Class Rider Training-Cardiff. We still carry out Motorcycle Training in Newport and Swansea.

Whilst our office and approved CBT site is based in Cardiff we carry out much of our training for Direct Access Courses in Newport and Swansea.

With Module 1 of the new test taking place at the Multi Purpose Test Centres in Swansea or Newport much of our time is spent in these areas., I must still stress that we don’t simply rehearse the test route like some other training schools but we spend this time teaching you to ride in a variety of road conditions often well away from the test routes.

Also some other training schools have re-located their main training base into these areas but this requires you to travel and to make your own way often a considerable distance to the training base, but with us we include the journey to the testing areas as part of your training. Our bikes are kept in Cardiff so the journey to the test centres is done with you in control and in the saddle.

So you spend more time in the saddle, and clock up more miles as we use the travelling to enhance the teaching experience.

So if you want 1st Class Rider Training in Newport give us a call.

If you want 1st Class Rider Training in Swansea give us a call.

If you want 1st Class Rider Training anywhere in between ! Give us a call.

It matters not where you live, you can still become a 1st Class Rider today.

How many students on a cbt?

Andy Smith — Thu, 15 Jul 2010 14:30:07 +0000

We often get asked “How many people will I be training with when I do my cbt”.

The DSA (Driving Standards Agency) impose restrictions on training schools and state that 1 Instructor can traIn up to four students for the off road elements of the cbt, and the ratio for on road tuition is 1 Instructor to no more than two trainees.

So you could find yourself in a group of four students – but not at 1st Class Rider Training you won’t.

I restrict the off road sessions to no more than two students to one Instructor.

This means that you get better tuition with closer supervision.

It makes it easier for you and the Instructor, who is then better able to give ‘weaker’ students the attention they need, without getting lost in a bigger group. ( this is a concern that is often mentioned to us by students who have done, or tried a cbt eleswhere).

It also means that you get to keep the same Instructor throughout your session (a group of 4 would be split between two instructors for the road session).

From these levels of tuition and closer supervision it is obvious that we are producing better quality students who are safer riders and more readilly able to move on to the big bike for direct access training.

So this shows that at 1st Class Rider Training-Cardiff simply making money by cramming in the numbers is not our main concern but producing and encouraging safe confident riders to take their place on today’s busy roads with ease is our priority.

For motorcycle training in Cardiff, Newport and surrounding area there is only one choice.

Become a 1st Class Rider today.

Call us now.

Motorcycle Training- Cardiff & Newport

Andy Smith — Wed, 14 Jul 2010 21:44:51 +0000

It’s business as usual for us. Make a note of our new number.

0845 108 2906.

If you are looking for 1st Class Rider Training in the Newport or Cardiff area then this is the new number you need.

In recent weeks there have been a number of training schools which have closed and a number who are down sizing resulting in some Instructors being laid off.

This is not the case for us. Here at 1st Class Rider Training we have seen an up-turn in our client numbers. Clients who are seeking the best Motorcycle Training in Cardiff & Newport areas.

Offering Motorcycle Training in Cardiff, Newport, Swansea and throughout the South Wales area we have recently taken on two additional Instructors and opened up a second booking line to cope with the demand.

To maintain and improve our levels of service you now have the choice of two Direct Booking Line Numbers.

If the lines are busy please leave a message or call back.

Direct Booking Lines:
0845 467 0165. 0845 108 2906.

Or to speak to me personally please call my mobile number: 07545 567 273.

We will do our best to fit you in.

Emergency Stop in the Wet

Andy Smith — Tue, 13 Jul 2010 22:10:28 +0000

The syllabus set out for completing a CBT contains the Emergency Stop manouevre.

The ‘book’ says ‘explain wet weather braking’.

At 1st Class Rider Training-Cardiff we think that it is better to experience wet weather braking and not simply have it explained.

Paying particular attention to skid control, prevention and rectification this builds confidence in our students and shows that whilst we should respect the wet, we shouldn’t fear it.

It only takes a couple of buckets of water and is well worth the effort to see the positive results and the boost in confidence of our 1st Class Riders.

If you want to try it in a safe and controlled environment then why not sign up for our ‘Slow Manouevering & Emergency Braking Day’. 31st July.

Call now for details.

Pictured here are our CBT students practising emergency stops in the wet. Under the watchful eye and close supervision of Instructor Steve.