Member Stories

After a serious road traffic accident and traumatic brain injury at age 29, why would you ever get back on a bike? It’s a question to ask Paul Batten who, despite a ‘pause’ of nearly ten years, not only got back on a bike but has recently passed his IAM RoadSmart Masters qualification.

Richard Meredith writes about his journey to achieving the perfect ride. "In those days our fleet of coaches were predominantly Fords, so the local parts supplier was Don Everalls in Wolverhampton, quite a trip from Kidderminster - I did say no to collecting rear suspension springs, but I do remember fetching a coach radiator once."

One member’s review of his experience on an IAM RoadSmart Skills Day. Running 13 Skills Day dates across the year, IAM RoadSmart use three race circuits including a mix of car and bike enthusiasts.

"My first run report held a surprise for me; the word “outstanding” was used. After my second run, my Observer suggested I should book my test, unless… (he paused dramatically) unless I fancied an attempt at achieving a F1RST, in which case a few more runs should do the trick. I realised in that moment how much I had changed, how hungry I was to be the best I could be, and how could I ignore the dangled carrot of a F1RST?" Read the latest blog by Karen Allen here.

Heidi Limbert discovered several passions and experiences have merged over the last few years. The main two being mental health and motorbikes. As a rider herself she discovered freedom and tranquillity on a bike, but now has learnt so much more.