Training Team News

John Tullett

Coronavirus

For a while things looked fairly positive, infection rates appeared relatively low and various restrictions were eased. Children went back to school. Students started to return to universities and colleges. Commuters were even encouraged to use public transport to go back to 'the office', rather than work from home.

Unfortunately, within a very short timescale we have seen the introduction of the rule of six, a sharp rise in daily Coronavirus cases, the reproduction rate ('r' number) increasing to more than one, demand for Covid-19 testing outstripping supply and quite a few local lockdowns. Boris has also just confirmed the arrival of the anticipated second wave.

Without wishing to appear to be a harbinger of doom quite where that will leave us by the time you are reading this column is difficult to predict. Much though I am sure most people have more serious issues to consider than their motorcycle training this is really unwelcome news as, when out for a training ride, you are forced to concentrate on what you are doing and it is almost possible to convince yourself, even if only for a few hours, that things are 'normal'.

1-to-1 Training - One to one training rides with Observers have been continuing since 15th June with social distancing in mind. We have followed the agreed Group guidelines including:

Observers will contact their trainees to establish whether they are happy to resume training and check memberships have been renewed; Radios will not be used; Ride report forms will be sent via email or other means; Observers will check toilet facilities are available en-route prior to ride if considered necessary; and Observee to be advised to take own drink and food if required.

Associate Member Training / Full Member Training - The 26th July ride took place successfully with six Full members in attendance. The ride was split into three groups of three with two Full members allocated to each Observer. The final AMT/ FMT ride for 2020 is due to take place on 18th October. If you wish to attend please contact John Tipper to book your place. Additional details on how to contact John can be found elsewhere in TUG. Associate Group Training (AGT) - The September AGT was held on Sunday the 6th, with bookings being made via Mick Hewitt, who handled all Observer allocations. Three Associates and one Full member signed up for further training took part. To ensure compliance with Government guidelines each individual set off from a separate location with their allocated Observer, who followed the 1-to-1 training guidelines outlined above. Obviously the standard AGT format had to be altered as it was not possible to include a roadcraft presentation or a social ride for Full members. We hope that all remaining 2020 AGTs will also be able to take place following the same format, on 11th October, 8th November and 6th December, respectively. If you are interested in attending on any or all of these dates then please contact Mick Hewitt (Mick's details are on the Group's Forum - accessible via http: / / www.eamg.org.uk/ ). Slow Riding Day - Unfortunately it was not possible to hold the planned Slow Riding day on 20th September. Nevertheless slow riding remains a key skill to develop and maintain, both for dayto-day riding and potentially on test (where an examiner could ask you to perform a manoeuvre such as figures of eight), so please remember to allocate some time for personal training or have a word with your 1-to-1 Observer who will be happy and able to assist you.

Training Team Update

Long term EAMG member Joe Johal has recently joined the Training Team after passing his Observer test with John Tipper, having been trained by Senior Observer Mick Hewitt.

Unfortunately after more than 10 years observing Simon Enticknap has taken the difficult decision to step down as an member of the Training Team. Simon has been a highly valued Observer and Senior Observer and his skills and enthusiasm will be greatly missed by his peers. Simon also took over the Group Secretary role several years ago, at a very difficult time for EAMG.

Online Training Feedback Form

Since the August issue of TUG we have received three more sets of feedback via the Online Training Feedback facility (which can be accessed via the home page of EAMG's website http: / / www.eamg.org.uk/ ). Thank you to Nick Franklin, Phil Wilkinson and Andy Smith for taking the time and trouble to let us know what you think. I am pleased to confirm that your positive comments have been passed on to your respective observers.

Expect the Unexpected

Longer term members will recall a series of valuable articles that John Tipper included on this subject in TUG.

I was recently reminded of the importance of this advice when I was heading home on a courtesy Urban G/ S while Reiten (who I would highly recommend) were servicing my GSA. As I was approaching Finchingfield from Cornish Hall End on the B1057 I spotted some brownish 'shapes' in a field on the left. Because they were positioned in a random pattern the word " deer?" went through my head and I knocked off some speed. Sure enough after I rounded the next left hand bend one deer crashed out through the hedge just in front of me. I hit the brakes and two more followed. Looking in my mirrors a fourth passed just behind me and fortunately also safely made it to the other side of the road as the car heading in the opposite direction managed to stop just in time.

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Should any members have any training related queries then please contact me via e -mail to training@eamg.org.uk , or on 07570 992801 or speak to the most relevant member of the Training Team. Editor: Please see the forum announcement about the resumption of AGTs at Longmeads House https://www.eamg.org.uk/forum/viewtopic.php?f=6&t=144