Intensive Course and Module 1 test

Phew! After three days in a row on a bike, I'm finally at home! Here's how I got on with my intensive training and module 1 test.

Day 1

As I mentioned in my last entry, I'd got on the Kawasaki ER-5 at the end of my final lesson, and assumed I would be riding that for my intensive training. But instead I found out I was using the Yamaha XJ6 instead. I thought this bike was okay, although much faster revving than I would have liked. At heart, I like a lot of torque rather than top end power, and when I wound up the XJ6 it did almost feel like it was running away with me. I found it nice and easy to manouver though.

Day 1 (and 2) was divided into three hour sessions of roughly 2 hours each. I did plenty of practicing of Mod 1 manouvers and found the XJ6 to be quite managable. The only thing I was having a little difficulty with was the swerve and stop excercise. The highlight of the day was a 2 hour ride out towards Newport on the A519, and then cutting up to Baldwin's Gate, returning to base via Newcastle Under Lyme. This is the kind of riding I'm looking forward to doing when I pass, and a throughly enjoyed it, getting up to some quite high (but legal!) speeds. It was raining too, but I didn't mind that so much and I was pleased that all the gear I bought over the last couple of months kept me warm and dry.

Day 2

My instructors and I were reasonably happy with my roadcraft, and with my Mod 1 test following the next day, day 2 saw me concentrate on practicing for that test. They wanted me to try the ER-5 again - I was hesitant as I was now used to the XJ6 - but it didn't take me long to settle into it, and I preferred it anyway (being a twin as opposed to the four of the XJ6). The two key things I mastered during this day were stopping 'professionally', as I wasn't too elegant before when it came to putting my foot down, and mastering the swerve and stop manouver. Sometimes I find it easier to get left alone and figure something out for myself, so I was happy when I got about 5 minutes to give the swerve and stop a go alone, and get it in my head.

We did some road craft in the middle portion of the day. With my confidence increasing (and on the ER-5, which I was becoming genuinely fond of), I began to relax and enjoy the ride. We spent some time around Newcastle Under Lyme again, and despite this being an area I'm quite familiar with, I went down roads I've never seen before! On a bike you can get more of a 'feel' for a place than in the cocoon of a car, so I would flip my visor up and have the breeze on my face, and take in some of the sights and smells.

The final session of the day was more practicing of Mod 1 manouvers. As part of the emergency stop and swerve and stop excercises, one must ride around a corner at roughly 20mph. I wasn't getting up to speed on these, so I was encouraged to really pick up the pace and lean over. Now, to those who've been riding for years it will seem like second nature, but it was a real mental challenge to lean so far over and corner at such a speed. It took quite a few goes, but as my confidence increased and I learned to trust the physics of a bike in that state, I got up to speed and improved my entry into both manouvers.

Day 3 - Module 1 test

I have to admit to not feeling terribly confident on the morning of the test. My instructors thought I was good for it, and there was no reason really for me to feel that way. I had read a lot of scare stories about the Mod 1 test which really help. I decided to look at it philosophically - treat it as a practice run and be fully prepared to have to do it again.

My test was in Burton on Trent, which is about 45 minutes away. It was quite rainy and blustery on the way down there, but it was a good experience to get on the A50 and do a long stretch of dual carriageway. After turning onto some excellent A roads to get to the test centre, we arrived and watched another candidate go through her test, then went inside.

While waiting for my examiner to come out, I told my instructor how when I took my driving test I'd managed to keep a cool head because I was under the impression I'd failed after a slightly juddery start out of the first junction at the test centre, and stayed relaxed throughout the test. To my amusement, I managed to unintentionally repeat the trick - when the examiner asked me to start my bike up and wheel it backwards out of the bay, I managed to leave the side stand down. I saw it before I got into the test area, but I know examiners are always watching and again assumed I'd failed.

With the pressure off, I did all my manouvers fairly confidently. I don't remember too much of it actually, and it is rather short, probably under 10 minutes in my case. I parked up, went inside and to my delight, the examiner told me I'd passed! And not only passed, but with no faults at all.

We headed back along the route we came, and I had a big smile on my face.

My Mod 2 test is next week. I may well put in one final lesson, just to brush up the day before. Of course, if I pass I will be able to ride my Pegaso, but as I'm due to be away working the week after, I may wait until the end of the month to get it delivered.