Meet Steve Cromey
My first experience of motorcycles was as a 16yr old lad getting his first taste of freedom for a year on an RD50 which took me all over Cornwall albeit at 35/40 mph dependent on wind and hill gradient. I loved it! I would find any excuse to “pop out” but cars and other late-teenage influences meant that I only had the little RD till passing my car test at 17.
It was 12 years later that I did my direct access and bought my first bike, a well looked after VFR750. I was hooked and spent the next few years having a great time on it, mainly around Cornwall but with a yearly trip to Ireland to watch the North West 200 road races (I would thoroughly recommend visiting Northern Ireland for this, just make sure you take waterproofs!). Also had a go at a few track days at Castle Coombe and Pembrey which were great fun (even on a 1989 VFR with a soggy rear shock!) and an effective way of safely exploring in a controlled environment just how strongly you can brake on a bike.
I then changed to a Yamaha R1 which is so much fun to ride and my current pride and joy.
I’m not 100% able to identify a specific reason why I decided to enrol in the IAM training but I think the main aim was to have my riding critiqued to identify any negative habits, areas for development, with the end result being a more competent and confident rider.
The whole process was very professional and smooth. Right from initial contact and arranging my observation sessions, it was all very convenient and more importantly, friendly.
Ashley Rudd was assigned to be my observer and has made the observed rides really rewarding with considered constructive feedback. The routes he suggested were varied and interesting which allowed plenty of opportunities to apply the feedback provided both during our observed rides, and when out on my own. Ashley’s style of providing feedback was always friendly and engulfing which made the whole process enjoyable.
We had about 6 sessions then it was time for a pre-test check with a different set of eyes and then on for the test.
I was surprised that I was quite nervous on the build up to test day but quickly was put at ease by the examiner in the introductory chat before heading off.
The test route was a great mix of roads in both rural and urban areas.
I would absolutely recommend this as a worthwhile experience for anyone who feels their motorcycling skills can be improved.
(Feel free to edit this down if it’s too long/irrelevant etc)
All the best and hope to see you at Ladock in the future.
Cheers,
Steve Cromey
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