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Committed to Providing the Best in
Advanced Motorcycle Training
Issue 14—Spring 2015
Welcome to 2015 Rapid Newsletter. Last year was an excellent year for motorcycling and we would like to thank all our customers for their support
Inside this issue:
throughout the year. Our new staff members have settled in well and we are
getting
some great feedback. I had a long conversation with a lad earlier in
Camera’s
2
the year, he had been riding for around 5 years with no advanced training
ABS Good or Bad?
2 and he was doubtful what extra could be learnt but after some convincing he
took up a day’s training. His subsequent email made me chuckle. ”Why didn’t
you just say that I was a clueless twat who wouldn’t know a good ride if it bit him in
Rapid Abu Dhabi
3
the ass, which was clearly the case. My riding is 100% better and 100% more satisfying why oh why didn’t, I do this earlier. I am now a devout Rapid disciple who can’t
Folembray Info
4 wait for more!” We can’t always promise such a miraculous conversion but it’s
not an unusual response. We are all set for our usual trip to our French track
Feedback
6 event at Folembray, this year its on the 3rd July. Places are limited so if you
want a space don’t hang around. Full details inside.
Graham Allen has now retired from the Met and is relocating to the superb
Mythbusters
7
biking roads of Lincolnshire so if you fancy a course with him check out our
dates link. Click for training dates
Mark’s getting old!
8 Imitation as they say is the sincerest form of flattery so having other people
popping up trying to deliver the Rapid style of training is very sweet. Sexy
names seem to be the way ahead, but we wont be rebranding to Cornering God Training or Superfast Knee Down any time soon. Our training is the best you can get simply down to the instructors
we use. Nothing else comes close. We are still assessing the journalists from BIKE, MCN, Ride and PB, they know they are getting the best training on offer.
DARWIN AWARD
Having been investigating crashes for many
years you sort of think you have seen it all,
but this left me genuinely worrying about
the future of humanity. Take a look at the
picture on the right and see if you can spot
the problem. You buy a second hand Kawasaki and on the ride home you detect that
the front brakes are binding slightly. How
do we fix this—easy you unbolt both front
callipers and string them up under the fairing! The next day while doing 45 in a 30 you
stamp on the only working brake lock up
the rear and crash into a lamppost. Magic!!
ABS To have or have not?
Anti Lock brakes have been a standard fitment on cars since around 2005 and most of us don’t give
them a second thought. Nice to have and they definitely stop you quicker than old fashioned skidding. Skidding never was much of a problem in a car as you can’t fall off it, provided you’re happy
with the direction you’re heading in skidding works well as a method of stopping. Okay it’s nice to
have anti lock as it does allow you the luxury of steering your way out of trouble if you have the
presence of mind to do so. Oddly this is a thing that many car drivers forget to do, or take their foot
off the brake pedal as they don’t like the pulsing they feel!
On a single track vehicle like a bike however, skidding isn’t
so good. It is particularly not good when the skidding tyre is
the front. Our tests indicate that you have around half a second of locked front wheel before you head for the tarmac.
Rear wheel lock up isn’t that bad, in fact it’s more of an irritation, but it makes controlling a bike unnecessarily complicated when you are trying to shed speed as quickly as possible.
So ABS where are you? Well thankfully coming to a new bike
near you soon and to my mind not soon enough. ABS is still
specified as an extra on many bikes instead of an essential. If it’s an option take it and hope that you
never need it. The problem with emergencies on the road is that they are by their nature sudden
and unexpected, however good you think you are on the brakes if you don’t get past the first half
second it’s all over and you are sliding along the floor to an uncertain fate.
I think I’m pretty good on the brakes as I hurtle up towards Druids, Paddock Hill or Mallory Park
hairpin and I probably am, but these are planned in advance and well practiced. A few years ago it
was a different story when I was confronted with a car U turning from a lay by on my nearside.
With a blink of an eye to react, it didn’t go so well. This is when ABS will save you by preventing
that initial catastrophic lock up and let you get on with the job of shedding speed effectively rather
than sliding down the road on your arse. In years to come we will look back and laugh that we allowed bikes to be sold without.
Cameras
The increasing use of helmet cams and other recording devices is the subject of much debate. For
many they have proved to be a double edged sword as the camera footage intended to impress
friends is being used to prove offences of dangerous and reckless riding against themselves.
Famously last year we had footage on the BBC news of a motorcyclist who
lost control whilst negotiating a left hand bend, he crossed to the offside of
the road narrowly missing an oncoming car before disappearing into a ditch.
How we laughed at his attempt to suggest he had in some way made a choice
to miss the car and head for the verge when it was plainly down to good old
fashioned luck. And boy was he lucky. (Clip on our Facebook page).
I dealt with another case where we were sent a link to some YouTube footage
of a motorcyclist riding like a total twat. Click for a short clip He apparently
thought this was all good stuff which should be shared with those blessed
with lesser skills than he. Most will feel that the police did him a favour by
Not this type
removing him from the road, unless of course you were in the queue for a
new kidney. What surprised me most wasn’t the appalling riding (I’ve seen a lot worse) but that at
the start of the footage he is at home getting his gear on and saying a cheery good bye to his wife
and kids. Then the next shot sees him riding at high speed past the houses of this neighbours who
presumably also had kids. The level of recklessness seemed out of proportion to the responsibilities
that come with being a family man but this is clearly another sign that I’m getting old.
RAPID ABU DHABI
Stuart Mitchel is on a two year contract with the Abu Dhabi police teaching them crash investigation skills,
here is his update.
This should really be about the bike scene here in Abu Dhabi, but I’m not too keen on diving in, for a variety
of reasons. Firstly the Arabs are crazy drivers, not all of them it has to be said, but every time I leave the
house, I witness something which makes me wince and thank goodness I’m cocooned in my 3 ton
Mitsubishi Pajero. Incidentally, this is known as the Shogun
in Europe and the Montero (mountain hunter) in South America, because Pajero (the J pronounced like an H) is South
American Spanish slang for ‘tosser’! Wonderful word, you
can spit it out like a proper Gaucho, Pajero!
Second, there aren’t many of what we would call roads. The
roads here are really good, well surfaced and free flowing,
but mostly straight 8 lane Highways and city boulevards.
The nearest twisty road is 100 miles away and it’s only 13km
long. Third, for most of the year it’s just too bloody hot.
There are four seasons here, ‘Tolerable’, ‘Hot’, ‘Really hot’,
and ‘You have got to be kidding’. For a significant portion of
the year, simply being outside is very difficult, and any kind
of riding gear would make it really unpleasant.
Fourth, and I know we are all brothers of the road, but I don’t really want a Harley, Gold Wing, or a ‘Busa
with a 4 foot swinging arm, I have only seen 3 sports bikes in the year I’ve been here. I’m sure they are all
nice people but it’s not my thing.
I have neglected to mention the biggest group of 2 wheelers, the delivery bikes. These carry anything, letters, parcels, kebabs, schoolchildren, coffee, newspapers, furniture, you name it. Mostly Bajaj or Hongdu
Indian or Chinese (I think) Honda 125 copies, Honda CD 200s (mostly antique and held together by layers of
silver paint) or Yamaha SR 125s. (Remember those odd little early 80s ‘cruisers’?)
They are to be seen day and night cutting fast and loose through the city traffic with heroic abandon, sadly
their life expectancy is limited, but it doesn’t seem to slow them down. Helmets are compulsory, (as are
shorts and flip flops it seems) but I don’t think I’ve seen any with the straps done up, even the Police bikers
(Honda ST1300s) take that as advisory.
The nearest trackday venue is Dubai Autodrome, a nice track but 100 miles away. Rumour has it there are
some motorcycle days at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix circuit, but they are not publicised, and I have yet to
break in to the inner sanctum to get myself invited.
Who knows, in future I may get myself a lightweight dune basher, something I can pick up regularly, but
only for the ‘winter’ months. Don’t laugh, it’s been down to 19 degrees C, the locals wrap up in coats,
gloves and scarves, after all there’s a real danger of hypothermia when it’s that cold.
Stop press, it’s raining! For the first time since the 13th of February 2014.
When it rains it really rains, and like the Brits with snow, because it’s such a rare event nobody knows how
to deal with it. The roads have a year’s worth of rubber and oil on the surface, and so are very slippery, everyone’s windscreen wipers have crumbled to powder in the heat and nobody bothers much with tyre tread
or pressures. The locals continue to drive at unabated speed inches from the
bumper in front, looking where you’re going is so last century, add to this people stopping anywhere on the Highway to take pictures of hailstones and you
can see why the owners of the bodywork repair shops are rubbing their hands.
There are drains on the roads, but mostly blocked with sand, so there are great
pools of standing water everywhere, usually
followed by a dent in the barrier and a car on
its roof.
So there we are, I’ll keep you posted on my
progress, but it doesn’t look like I will be doing a huge amount of biking in the near future!
RAPID’S FRENCH TRACK TRIP 2015
Thanks to all those who accompanied us to Folembray in 2014, I think its fair to say we had a great
time, probably one of the most satisfying trip to run with such a lovely easy going bunch attending.
We are still on our sabbatical from UK days, so its another trip to France in 2015. This is much more
than a track day. Its a track day/holiday with a select band of really nice guys. (oops sounds a bit to
like a gay dating site). This is a small and friendly
trip in the traditional Rapid style and is suitable for
all levels of rider.
Folembray is located near Laon in northern France
130 miles from Calais. The prettiest circuit in the
known universe. Rapid Instructors on hand for on
circuit advice, and to have drinks bought for them in
the evenings. This is our favourite trip and to ensure
we can run it as an Open Pit i.e. you can have as
much track time as you want we keep the numbers
small so book early if you want a place. Make your
own way by ferry, tunnel, private jet or yak and arrive at the lake side hotel at Chamouille near Laon, a
relaxing evening can be spent at the hotel admiring the views and tasting the local produce.
An early buffet breakfast on Friday is included followed by a guided group ride to the Circuit.
Views from the Hotel
A full day on the circuit is interrupted by a traditional French BBQ lunch, (please decline the wine!).
A leisurely ride back to the hotel for a super meal and compulsory bullshitting. Breakfast on Saturday morning, you are then free to explore some of this beautiful corner of France. Lots of history
and a fair load of champagne!
This years event is on Friday 3rd July 2015 (travel out on the Thursday 2nd July).
The trip includes;
Hotel, Bed and Breakfast for two nights, one three course evening meal, with wine.
BBQ lunch at the track.
More track time than you can shake a Hornet at, and any instruction on circuit that you want.
Cost is £395.
Booking by email to [email protected]
Deposit of £100 to secure your place.
RAPID TRAINING
One Day Advanced Motorcycle Course
he cornerstone of our training system remains the One day advanced course. Based on one instructor to two students. The course is tailored around your standard, so that we deliver the
package which is directly relevant to your needs. The brief is to take your riding standard from
wherever it is now, to as high a level as can be achieved in a day. Radio link up and regular debriefs
ensure that you can feel the difference by the end of the day. Cost is £175 per student. One to One
training is available at £285. Discounts available! If you and friend book a day course then the price
drops to £150.
If you would like to book just call or email the office. You can extend the training over as many
days as you would like but speak to us to see what's best for you.
Vouchers
You can give gift vouchers for any Rapid course to your girlfriend, boyfriend, wife, husband or all
of them. Just contact the office for details.
Help Line
Problem with an accident or the law? If you’re a previous Rapid customer, and you have a problem
give us a ring. No promises, but we may be able to help. There is an advice section on our web site
so please visit this first as you may find the answers there.
T
TRACK DAY GROUPS SHOCK!
Its always been the system in UK track days to separate riders into ability groups. Sounds like common sense; you don’t want fast riders mixing it up with riders who are on their first excursion onto
a circuit for fairly obvious reasons. The system works pretty well most of the time. As a rule people
generally underplay their ability and the Intermediate group is always the first to fill. You always
get a “ringer” i.e. someone who wants to ride in the lowest group possible so he can make himself
feel good overtaking lots of riders. But we are pretty good at spotting them and kicking them out
into the correct group. So it was with some trepidation that we embarked on an “open pit” system at Folembray. What we had on our side
was that our customers don’t tend to be the swaggering testosterone
swilling twats, who have been seen on some track days. Our Experienced group have always been skilled and considerate riders out to enjoy themselves and not just to prop up their egos. So for the past three
years that’s how its run, and not only has it been successful it has produced an unexpected result. It has been noticeable that the Novice riders
have come on far faster than would have been the case if they were only
riding with their only ability group. Watching many more experienced riders gives them the confidence that their bike will do more than they are asking of it, add some Rapid Instructors and it all
works far better than any of us could have expected. All of that said this only works because of the
care and consideration shown by the more experienced riders; we identify novice riders with red
bibs so they know to give them plenty of room and respect. I wouldn’t recommend a Novice entering the Fast group on an ordinary track day as the result will be somewhat scary. Having run open
pit I would never want to go back to timed sessions, it’s so much better. Problem is with UK track
hire prices so high it would make the days prohibitively expensive so it won’t be coming to Brands
Hatch anytime soon. This is some feedback from a new rider to Folembray.
Dear Gary, Many thanks for organising a very professional, fun and successful trip!!
Great instructors and group of people. The 3 of us really enjoyed it - well until Glen started to lap us!! Mark
advised that we were riding like IAM people (fine on road) so to turn in earlier !!!
I think I need more track tuition! Would love to come again next year so you can provisionally put me down.
Best regards, Peter
TRAINING FEEDBACK
Hi Gary,
I was really impressed with Vince. I hadn’t ridden a bike for ages when we met up and was borrowing an unfamiliar bike to do the course on. I was anxious and all over the place to start with he recognised that and really helped to calm me down when we stopped quite soon for petrol. When we stopped after riding for a while he explained clearly what I was both good at and
what needed improving. I’ve struggled with corner entry for years and it was so simple - he spotted I was in the wrong gear. He was encouraging and pushed me just the right amount (in my ear
when approaching corners). He was also very good at spotting when I was getting overwhelmed
at my crapness at doing u turns and he very subtly changed tack and lo and behold we ended up
doing them in a different way (without me really noticing) and I managed them.
During the day my confidence increased incredibly and I was able to ride to Belgium (my first ride
abroad) the next day feeling great. I went out two days later, in Belgium, on a ride with a group of
bike journalists and didn’t embarrass myself.
I’m psychotherapist and counselling tutor and spend my time working with people to help them
with their difficulties and also teaching interpersonal connectedness. I thought Vince had a great
capacity to empathise but he didn’t rescue me - he pushed me (but not to the point where I dug my
heels in). I was impressed. Many thanks, Fiona Paul
Mr Milne and I spend yesterday with Alan Thomas of Rapid Training
buzzing around Dorset, Wiltshire, Hampshire and other places that went
past far too fast for me to read the signs, 'Welcome to ...........!!. As Phil said,
must be getting old. For those new to the club, Rapid Training is run by a
bunch of a Police Class One licence holders that really enjoy riding and
would like to put something back into the bike world, after all that tax
payer money spent training them
I arrived feeling a bit cold after the early morning run to our meeting point
and asked Dave to to lead the first run. He obliged by taking off like a
Tomahawk missile in search of an ISIS target in Basingstoke and I followed in their wake. We had
a great day and apparently my one second overtaking gap can be counted in milliseconds. Must be
all those years of commuting by bike.
The great thing was the smile on Alan's face after a particularly good run in the afternoon. If
you've never had a day out with Rapid I'd highly recommend them.
I covered 288 miles including riding to/from home of fantastic mostly single carriageway roads
and arrived home completely knackered.........must be my age Phil
I had an excellent day on Saturday with David. We covered about 160 miles on a broad variety of
roads and surfaces. On one section whilst I was following, David commentated on his ride. It was
astounding the amount of information he was processing. I think the thing I learnt the most was
planning and observation. When David pointed out how far up the road he was looking it was an
eye opener. I thought I looked ahead and read the road but in reality I was only seeing half the picture. I think this was especially true on roads which I travelled regularly and knew well and I believe was at the root of my cornering problems. Travelling home and on a local ride yesterday, using the better observation skills, the ride was much smoother and I found myself turning in to
bends later and holding a better line. The whole day was really enjoyable and has re awoken the
desire to ride. I always enjoyed being on the bike but now I find it enhanced. It was like my road
speed had increased but my awareness had not, whereas now it feels more planned, (proactive rather than reactive). Thank you very much, it was definitely money well spent.
Regards Mike Ortton
The problem with the world is that intelligent people are full of doubt, while the stupid ones are
full of confidence.
R
Rapid Quick Riding Tips
Rapid Staff
apid’s staff will always be its greatest
strength. We don’t operate a franchise system, all our instructors are specially selected.
While the Class One police certificate is the
starting point there is lots more we look for.
They must have a proven record in bike training. We select the best motorcyclists, who
happen to have been police officers, not
policemen who happen to ride bikes.
We have put together a few short videos on a
some really simple but useful tips to make your
riding day go easier.
None of these are rocket science but hopefully
they will hit the spot.
Click on the links below if you are on line or they
can be accessed from our website.
Quick Tip 1
Quick Tip 2
Quick Tip 3
Gary Baldwin
Street Triple
Aylesbury
Alan Thomas
Blackbird
Hampshire
Mark Edwards
BMW F800
Aylesbury
Giles Lamb
BMW
Kent
Mark Robins
Street Triple
Buckingham
Graham Allen
BMW
Lincs`
Stuart Mitchell
Camel
Abu Dhabi
Graham Nash
Suzuki
Kent
Andy Morrison
675 / Tiger
Banbury
Vince Conn
BMW
Northants
David Burton
Fireblade
Hull
Alan Stevens
Aprilia RSVR
Woking
Tony Gabb
Thunderace
Herts
Mythbusters
I often wonder how I got through 30 years of police service when I dislike authority and being ordered around so much. It’s not that being told what to do is always wrong, but being a bolshie bugger I prefer to make up my own mind. I think that’s the joy of advanced riding, it’s all about doing
things that need to be done and ditching the crap.
The problem comes when stuff gets written down in books, this takes on some unjustified reverence
and criticism of it becomes heresy. So stand by to take offence although my criticism isn’t of the
subject of the text more of its interpretation. Various riding publications over the years have elevated a term into biking lore. That term is “lifesaver”. Frankly this is rubbish. I have been dealing with
fatal crashes for over 25 years and either every biker does this so well that their lives have indeed
been saved or it’s curing a problem that doesn’t exist. I have dealt with more motorcycle crashes
than I care to recall but not this one. Don’t get me wrong rear observation is a vital and important part of riding and I would never suggest otherwise, you should always be aware of what is going on behind you.
The cursory shoulder check prior to performing a manoeuvre is for
some a habit which has become an addiction and adds little to their
safety. In fact when practiced prior to overtaking it can be a positive
danger. We are by nature of this manoeuvre too close to the vehicle
in front and then to take our eyes off the foreground and look behind,
I don’t think so! You should be aware of what’s there by using the
mirrors and always check them before you go, but don’t take your eyes off the biggest danger
which is right in front of you.
Lifesaver checks are also advocated before making a right turn. Prior to turning right you should
always be aware of what’s behind and whether it may pose any danger to you. This shouldn’t in
my opinion be left to the last second, and if we’re honest with the way most employ it they are just
going to get a look at what is about to hit them as it is left too late to abort. However some will always do it because after all we are told when learning that it’s the right thing to do. When learning
skills we often do things differently in the early stages until we develop those skills to a higher level
then we adapt. Obviously in the spirit of ‘making your own mind up’ if that’s what you want to do
then fair do’s, fill your boots, but I’ll pass thanks
WISE WORDS
What do you get if you cross a Motorway with a wheelbarrow—Run over.
Sometimes the first step to forgiveness is understanding the other person is a complete idiot.
GROWING OLD GRACEFULLY
Okay okay you were right, it has happened just as you said it would. Despite my protestations and
denials the inevitable fate has finally been delivered upon my head – BMW ownership. There I’ve
said it now and it is out in the open, guilty as charged m’lud. Over the years I’ve lost count of the
many Rapid customers who have extolled the virtues of their BMWs, I have listened and nodded
sagely whilst never thinking I would be amongst their number. How wrong can you be?
I have owned upwards of 40 bikes in my motorcycling career and never felt I was ‘quite ready’ for
BMW ownership despite riding an assortment of Beemers in my previous life as a Thames Valley
Police patrolman. When we started Rapid Training back in the mid nineties the stereotype of a motorcycle trainer was an ex-copper, probably with a beard, wearing hi-viz and definitely riding a
BMW. In an attempt not to fit the stereotype I avoided as many of those characteristics as possible.
I well remember our esteemed leader Gary buying a BMW K100 back in the eighties when he was a
fresh faced youth in his early twenties. He sold it again almost immediately. BMWs like Triumph
(Hinckley factory) have never made small bikes and it seems would rather sell a premium product
to an affluent customer than an everyday bike to a youngster. Consequently both BMW and Triumph have an ‘older rider’ image that in the past I have always found off-putting.
I suppose the cracks started to appear last year when after thirty something years of wrestling with
paddock stands, adjusting knackered chains and covering the garage floor with chain lube I began
to wonder if in fact final drive chains are a bit Heath Robinson in this day and age? From there it
was only a short step to thinking how convenient it would be to have some proper fitting luggage
and some factory fit heated grips – bliss!
So now it is me who is extolling the virtues of BMW ownership. The usability, comfort and sheer
practicality of my new BMW F800GT in sparkling white (can’t break all those police habits!) is a revelation and I am seriously questioning my sanity for not caving in earlier. Having said that if I start
to sport a beard and you see me with a Glo-Marka catalogue please take me away somewhere quiet
and do the decent thing...
Mark Edwards
Ramblings
The views expressed within here are not necessarily those of Rapid Training and certainly not of
any Police officer or Force. Some things are said to promote thought and discussion so hold yer Facebook and Twitter and chill out. We don’t seek to convert or brainwash, just to stimulate conversation.
We welcome feedback and if you don’t want to receive anything from us just let us know.
If your club or group would like a presentation from our team just drop us a line.
We regularly visit riding groups and have some links on our web page to some great clubs full of
like minded riders all out to get the best from their biking. Links Page