Life on two wheels
By Sam Dye
Sam says he has been on two wheels for as long as he can remember: “My dad always had a motorcycle in the garage. Firstly, it was a Triumph TT, then a Thunderbird, a Daytona, and now a Sprint. Always a triumph. I loved riding on the back when I was young. I found it scary but exhilarating. This is what set me on the path to where I am now.”
Getting started
Sam passed his compulsory basic training as soon as he turned 18 and, then began training for his A2 and passed that at 19 years old. Once his probation was up, he took his full test in October 2021. Sam says his trainer, Steve Hughes, from the Loughborough School of Motorcycling, was one of the reasons he went on to advanced riding.A BikeSafe course came next, where, he says, his instructors recognised his skills but urged him to take an advanced riding course, and, after watching his instructor’s demo ride, says he was willing to do whatever it took to get to that standard.
What are the advantages of being an Advanced Rider?
Sam insists the ability to assess potentially dangerous situations is the biggest advantage. As you progress through the course, you start to see things develop in a new way, you start to realise just how much information you can process.
Can you describe an occasion when what you learned helped you to deal with a hazardous situation on the road?
Sam says, “Where I work, I meet new bikers every day. I’ve mentioned this course to almost all of them, and every time I do, they’re intrigued. It’s not easy to get through this course; it is not meant to be. It’s a challenge, hence the word advanced. It takes practice, study, and an honest approach. We all think we’re good riders, but how many of us can point at the things we need to work on?"
Have you recommended the course to family and friends?
Sam says, “Where I work, I meet new bikers every day. I’ve mentioned this course to almost all of them, and every time I do, they’re intrigued. It’s not easy to get through this course; it is not meant to be. It’s a challenge, hence the word advanced. It takes practice, study, and an honest approach. We all think we’re good riders, but how many of us can point at the things we need to work on?"
After achieving a distinction in his masters, Sam says he’s still trying to improve his riding skills. “There is always room to improve with any meaningful skill, and I’m often humbled when I go out with people more experienced than me."
Empowering Young Drivers and Riders | IAM RoadSmart
