My IAM RoadSmart Odyssey

My reluctance to ride a motorbike on the public roads did not put off my best mate Gaz’s insistence that I was missing the thrill of riding a motorbike.  

Also not having a full motorbike licence and the thought of having to go through the rigmarole of an unfathomable motorcycle test, only to find out I didn’t like it, summed up my attitude until October 2023.  

YouTube offered a solution when I saw an advert for a quadricycle motorbike called ‘Quadro4’ 350cc and that can be driven on a car licence. Sorted, I soon found one in London, had a road test, and a rush of blood to the head, so thought it must be mine. If I ended up hating it, I will sell it and take up something safer like shark dentistry. 

Now what, I have a four-wheeled motorbike which I can ride on the public roads, but I questioned what I had done, I need extra help.  

I went to the Bike Show last October, walked into the arena and the first stand we came across was manned by IAM RoadSmart volunteer’s, and I met with Phil Edwards and Mike Richardson, and after a quick chat, two of us signed up. I had no idea what it was all about, only I knew that I would be a danger to myself and others without the help. 

Shortly after Christmas I received a welcome pack, but something was wrong with course Logbook as it was written in code and acronym’s, add my short attention span and a dose of dyslexia to the mix, I thought I will read it 'tomorrow'.  

I went on my first social ride in January, it started with a briefing by the social team to let everyone know what they could expect and what was expected from us. Looking back, I could not imagine a safer environment for anyone to ride-out with - just a group of experienced and advanced riders. The well-organised social ride-outs became regular activity for me and still is.  

I can say this now as I reflect over the last few months, in February I was assigned my Observer, Phil Edwards, a motorcycling god with patients of a saint and a bedside manner that Dr Finlay would envy. Let’s say I was not the best Associate on the best machine, he took up the challenge - and some would say he drew the short straw. 

Phil and the other Observes would ask if I was enjoying myself, we would do our observed ride-out on the first leg of the social ride, but by the end of first leg of the social ride my head was spinning. Concentrating on that morning’s exercise, physically doing it, trying to understand the system was tough, but with Phil’s encouragement and input we would carry on and do the rest of the ride – and yes, I was enjoying it. 

There have been a couple of eureka moments that I can mention as I went through the training, Redditch Advanced Motorcyclist Group (RAMG) machine control day. Possibly the most I learned about my Quodra4 in all the time I owned it. This includes how to stop quickly, how to use the brakes, how I needed to practice my U-turns and/or follow a bendy course. A big part of the system is to know your machine, I got it. 

Other moments, like being filmed as you ride in the social group, positioning, overtaking, which are valuable lessons - even lifesaving. Or taking responsibility, not just your actions, but mentally to become an Advanced Rider. 

I have now passed my Advanced Rider test, thanks to the efforts, encouragement, skill, and knowledge of everyone at RAMG - of which I am proud to be a member. And consider myself lucky to have chosen RAMG to become an advanced rider.  

PS. Sometimes you forget that RAMG is made up of volunteer’s giving up their time and passing on their knowledge to help people to be better and safer riders. From the social team to the Observers at all levels they come across as respectful, professional, knowledgeable and faultlessly organised to deliver IAM RoadSmart products.