Northumbria Advanced Motorcyclists

Promoting motorcycle road safety in Northumberland, Newcastle and the North East since 2002.

To all of our members,
Committee Update
We hope you are all well and managing to keep active during the lockdown.
Due to the pandemic we have been unable to meet as normal and our social activities have been cancelled for the foreseeable future. The club is unable to operate as it has done in the past. A new way of doing things is emerging using technology and processes we didn’t need to use before. Zoom meetings, social media, etc. are now the norm for communicating with friends and family. We too have adopted this approach and had our first committee meeting using Zoom earlier this week.
As the UK gradually eases out of lockdown we are thinking of our members and are trying to find the most appropriate way of communicating and socialising as this pandemic is progressing. Watch this space!
Ride-outs and Observing
Recent guidance from the IAM states that:
observed rides can resume from Monday 15 June in England
group rides of up to six persons can resume from Monday 01 June provided that:
they only meet outdoors
social distancing is observed at all times
Theory work, group meetings and all face-to-face operations that do not include practical elements must still be delivered via internet video applications.
Whilst this guidance is for England and Northern Ireland only, we are keeping a close eye on changes in Wales and Scotland. The guidance will be updated when the situation in those countries changes. Those in England are advised that they should not cross the border into Wales or Scotland.
One final point: there has been negative press associated with large groups meeting at popular tourist destinations. Some local communities are actively dissuading people from visiting. If possible, please try to avoid these locations.
Wishing you all well.
The Committee

IAM Roadsmart Coaching

Preparing riders to pass their advanced motorcycle road test.

91% Pass Rate

Continuous training of Observers to maintain high standard of IAM Roadsmart test passes.

Motorcycle Skills Days

Providing safe environments in which to practice essential motorcycle skills and slow riding.

Rideouts

Bi-monthly ride-outs for Members and Associates from March to October.

Social

Providing opportunities for riders to share experiences through monthly meetings and weekend breaks.

Poll Position

Winner: best UK motorcycle group 2016 (Institute of Advanced Motorists).

figure.lazy{display:none}

"Northumbria Advanced Motorcyclists Open Day"

About us

Our aim is to help motorcyclists become ‘thinking riders’. Northumbria Advanced Motorcyclists’ qualified, volunteer Observers prepare riders to pass their advanced rider test.

With over 200 club members of all ages, male and female, every type of bike is represented. Motorcyclists join NAM for many different reasons including:

seeking confidence to ride in all environments
looking to improve and test their skills
seeking additional training
obtaining objective feedback on current riding
seeking more enjoyment from riding
needing an advanced test to join Blood Bikes

Northumbria Advanced Motorcyclists is affiliated to the Institute of Advanced Motorists and is a registered charity (1099238).

What is a thinking rider?

Advanced riding is not about riding slowly or ‘stunts’. It’s about greater skill, control, forward planning and fun.

You will learn to ride using the system taught to Police motorcyclists. You will raise your own riding standard and enjoyment and learn how to get the best from yourself and your machine.

total control … all of the time
confident cornering
quick, efficient and safe overtaking
anticipating other road users’ mistakes
progressive riding to the conditions

Sharing motorcycle skills

We encourage members and pillions to support one another and to share riding experiences. Our programme of rideouts and weekend breaks give riders the opportunity for continuous improvement and to exchange ‘know how’.

group rides
‘chip shop runs’
group weekend breaks
theory sessions
machine control skills days
touring workshop
winter riding workshop
‘two-up’ riding workshop
slow riding practice
non-riding, social activities

This is also your chance to meet new riding buddies. Whether you prefer touring, off-road riding or track days, come and join us!

Why we do what we do

I can't believe the progress I've made in a relatively short period of time
I came to biking via the direct access route in August 2016 and was looking for further training to make me a better, safer rider. I came across the IAM website and liked what I read.
Joining was very easy along and I was soon made welcome at an evening meeting of my local group, Northumbria Advanced Motorcylists
My expectations have been well and truly surpassed. I had been concerned that, because I choose to ride a mid-capacity (650cc ) bike, I would be out of my depth. No such thing!
I was very quickly assigned to my Observer and we arranged a ride to enable him to assess my riding. We developed an action plan, then built on that over a series of rides which I thoroughly enjoyed. My Observer gradually took me through “the system”, building foundation skills, leading to me passing my advanced test.
I can’t believe the progress I’ve made in a relatively short period of time. Learning how to become an advanced rider is a course of action I would recommend to anyone who rides on public roads, irrespective of age, sex or ability.
It’s great to sort problem(s) that have been bugging you, to ride with confidence and get more enjoyment from riding your bike.
Alex Morrison, 2018 (Kawasaki Versys 650)

... an absolute lifesaver (literally)
After passing my DSA test earlier this year, the techniques and skills I’ve learnt so far with NAM have been an absolute lifesaver (literally) and I’ve not yet passed my IAM test yet!
Barry Sayer, 2018 (Triumph Tiger XC)

I can't believe the progress I've made in a relatively short period of time
I came across NAM and IAM through an internet search. I was hoping to find a way to make my riding a bit smoother and to meet people who shared my love of biking.
The signing up process was quick and easy and I was assigned an Observer who was in touch within a few days. I was also put in touch with the Membership Secretary who introduced me to the NAM ladies. Everyone was lovely and, despite being worried that I would get lost on ride-outs, the drop-off system kept me with the group.
My Observer was crucial in the development of my understanding of ‘the system’ and helped transform my riding through a combination of observation, demonstration, diagrams, reading materials and many discussions over a cuppa. I also attended a slow riding session and picked up some great tips which have massively increased my confidence when filtering and manoeuvring at slow speeds.
I have just passed my test and am looking forward to finding new ways to improve my riding as part of NAM. I thought the advanced test was the end goal but it turns out, it’s just the beginning!
Donna Leiserach, 2018 (Suzuki Gladius)

Northumbria Advanced Motorcyclists

Committee Update

Ride-outs and Observing