To join our group you need to be a current IAM member, to join the IAM click here.
If you are already an IAM member then please get in touch with our group using the contact us link in the menu.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ's)
If you have a question that is not answered, click on the Contact Us tab and get in touch!
Discounted courses and Free rider Assessments!
With funding from Vision Zero Southwest we can offer- • 50 free assessed rides (maximum 2 per person). Reimbursement of observer costs (mainly fuel) plus refreshments for both. Chat and feedback is essential for the full benefit to be received. • Two speaker events Room hire, refreshments, speaker costs. • Free assessed rides to employees at dealers to advertise what we do for road safety. Create greater awareness. • Attendance at FE College events. Costs fuel, posters, ‘give aways’. • 20x 50 % subsidy on price of advanced rider course (£175).
To book a 'taster'/free assessed ride-
Just get in touch with us using the 'contact us tab' and we'll be in touch. We have about 25 trained observers across the county who will arrange a ride on a date and at a time to suit you. Allow 2 or 3 hours- free refreshments and chat included! We pride ourselves on a quick response and the high quality of what we do.
The benefits of being a member of CAM-
The Club- • A friendly club, where you can find like-minded people to ride with; • Continental tours; • UK weekend trips away; • Monthly evening rides in the summer; • Monthly rides on a Sunday throughout the year; • monthly club days (proving ever more popular); • No three yearly reassessments at the same standard, but…. • Don’t stand still- Develop your skills riding with others, lead a ride, become an observer, take your Masters.
How does the discount work?
Buy the rider course package through the IAM, (use their website or the link on our website) for £175. They will inform us and we'll set you up for training. We'll give you 50% back on completion of the course: taking the test pass or fail. Due to computer systems etc. this is the only way we can work the discount and keep it within Cornwall. We had 20 places on this scheme but as of 1st October, 11 have been taken.
How much does it all cost?
For a full years membership of CAM,+ a full years membership of the IAM + the IAM Test fee + the guidance, up to test ready status from CAM’s Observers: all this for the ridiculously small amount of £175.00. Invariably there is tea and cake whilst verbal feedback is given and general chat happens; we all like bikes. If you would like to join as a Full Member then the cost for CAM is only £17 pa, but you must also be a fully paid up member of the IAM. This costs £43 pa if by direct debit or on line by debit card. Think about what you are getting. *Each ride probably takes at least 3 hours of observer time, and they write up and give/send you a ride report each time too. Let's say 7 rides, that's 21 hours of support. *Associate handbook to guide you through the course and provide background reading. * Lots of extra material and support through the IAM RoadSmart website and members pages. * Free test or 'by portfolio'. * Meeting friends and riding with club.
How long will all this take?
Normally we would look to run about six observed runs on average. However, everyone is different and if we think you are ready beforehand then that is fine. Likewise if you need a few more observed rides then that is also fine. What we do ask however is that you endeavour to take the Test within a year of joining CAM.
Why is it cheap? I have always thought you only get what you pay for!
Because both CAM and the IAM are registered charities, and are non profit making organisations we can get away with such a small fee. Everyone is an unpaid volunteer, who gives up his or her time and effort because they believe in what they are doing, and want to make the roads safer for everyone.
Who are these Observers you keep mentioning?
They are people just like you. They have taken the IAM Test and passed, and then made the decision to give something back into the system. They have taken additional training to become Qualified Observers and they are all unpaid volunteers. We would also be more than happy to accept any offer of help that you might want to make! You can see who our Observers on our Observers page. Our Observers- • We don’t set our own standards- all our observers are nationally qualified by the IMI (institute of motor industry) and are independently assessed every three years. • Quite a few hold the Masters qualification themselves as well; some at distinction level too. • Two of our observers are members of the regional training team for the southern region of the IAM. The same two are Master mentors- train, on behalf of the IAM, members for the Masters qualification. • Some observers are trainers for local dealers/training organisations too. • We have 25 or so observers across the county providing a quick response to training sign-ups: no waiting.
Is there any system to continue my training after obtaining my Advanced Qualification?
We have been aware for some time that there are Full Members who wish to continue to develop their riding skills post IAM test but don’t want to become an observer or sign up for the IAM Masters Programme. In response to this we are able to offer our members the CAM Continuing Ride Development Programme which is available by application to Tim Collins of the Training Support Group. This would entail a check ride with a qualified observer who would then together with the member agree a personal development programme. This would see the on-going development of the riders skills to a higher advanced level.
I am already a full member of the IAM, can I join?
If you are a Motorcycle full member of the IAM then you may join straight away as a full member of CAM, and be most welcome. We would also be more than happy to get to accept any offer of help that you might want to make.
Is my bike good enough? It's not the most modern bike on the road!
All we ask of your machine is that it is road legal, and that it is capable of sustaining the National Speed Limit where appropriate.
Isn't Advanced Riding all about going fast?
No, it’s all about making SAFE, SMOOTH, SYSTEMATIC progress within the given conditions. That may well result in you reaching your destination quicker but certainly you will be more relax when you get there!
I've been told that I should place my foot down at a stop sign, is this right?
To fully comply with the law the wheels must stop revolving behind the stop line, there is no requirement for you to place your foot on the ground. Please see Common Confusions Document (Point 26) – in our Document Library.
