Over a period of approx. 10 weeks, "my" group of 3 plus trainer, were shown the techniques required of an advanced rider, and were helped in sharpening our riding skills on a wide variety of road types. I found the course both enlightening and enjoyable. Having passed the PAD Advanced course, I then took the IAM test, which I passed with ease. This reflects well on the training and support I received from PAD.

I have a number of friends and associates who are motorbike riders, of various standards, and I have recommended the PAD course to them all.

Having ridden Motorcycles for many years from the age of 12 when a friend and I rebuilt a Honda 90 Sport (with help from our dad's) and riding it across fields and paths round our home, passing my test at 16, I continued to ride road bikes until I married in 1980 when a family car was more appropriate. Having spent 17 years without a bike the passion for Motorcycling never left me, so one day following a well-earned bonus in 1987 I told my wife I was going to spend some money on a new bike (she thought I meant a mountain bike). Returning home from work 3 days later on a 600cc Yamaha Diversion almost ended up in divorce.

However, being a shrewd negotiator I managed to convince my wife that I was a safe rider - though in my own mind I could sense that bikes had changed a bit over the last 17 years, and, in effect scared me a bit. To placate my dearest beloved I agreed to take some advanced rider training. Contacting about 3 companies I finally settled for and booked on a PAD Advanced and Performance Course with Nigel Bowers. I can honestly say that for all the money I have spent on biking gear the money I spent on the PAD course was the best investment I have ever made. The course brought back all the skills I had long since forgot, and significantly improved my riding technique and safety on the road. I paid for a course and since then have been out on several rides with other PAD Advanced riders and intructors.

The training continued and has seen me advance from a nervous born again biker to becoming a member of the Motorcycle section of the IAM and also qualified as an IAM Observer (motorcycle), soon to qualify as a Senior Observer (hopefully).

Since starting to ride bikes again I have changed bikes 3 times, now owning a BMW K1200RS, helmets 3 times, leathers once etc etc. however, when it comes to advanced rider training then in my opinion I have already experienced the ultimate, and I often go back for a refresher. There can be no substitute for excellence when training advanced riding skills and I would recommend the PAD course without any reservations.

The first time I went out I was very nervous, the feeling that somebody is behind me watching my every move was very disconcerting to say the least. But from the start your words of encouragement were reassuring and your advice obviously gained from your years of experience through your work and riding motorcycles was second to none. Over the following weeks my enjoyment of riding my motorcycle increased ten fold as my confidence grew and as I tried to fine tune all the points you had advised me on my riding. This was done within the legal speed limits, but pushing my self and my motorcycle to do things I thought not possible before the course. I have learned to read the road better my concentration has improved as has my awareness to what is going on around me which is certainly made my riding more enjoyable and safer.

At the end of the sessions came the final assessment, in my case this was done by Ian Gates in order to get a none biased opinion, once again feeling nervous I was put at ease and had an excellent ride out with at the end to be told I had passed the course, much to my relief and had achieved a silver grading.

The fact that you and the others involved, do this in your own time on a shoe string budget is a credit to your dedication and commitment to motorcycle safety. This fact has finally been recognized by a leading insurance company which is offering discounts on cover following the completion and passing of the course excellent work!

I have no hesitation in recommending your course to people I know keep up the good work.

Thanks again Ian Knox.