As I write this, at the beginning of June, social rides and outdoor team meetings are being organised for groups of up to 30, and it seems some while ago that we couldn’t get out in groups at all, and then had a small relaxation to allow for groups of up to six. Whilst the signs are still there for Step 4 of the government’s route map out of lockdown to be on the 21st June, which should mean a complete relaxation of all rules and guidelines around Covid-19, we will need to keep an eye out for any extra restrictions that are imposed.

IAM RoadSmart has recommenced advanced testing, and we have some newly qualified members of IAM RoadSmart as a result; our congratulations to all of these previous Associates, and I’m sure there will be more to come over the summer. We have also been able to recommence our Observer Training Programme and have a smaller, more restricted, Observer Core Skills Day this month. We are hopeful that we’ll be able to start our Observer training again properly very soon, with fully attended Core Skills Days. If you’ve thought about becoming an Observer then please drop an email to observerinterest@tvam.org and one of the Training Team will be in touch to discuss what’s involved.

We also have some newly qualified Observers, as well as some National Observers being successfully revalidated. Our congratulations to all those that have successfully validated or revalidated. Of course, the potential relaxation of the government’s Covid-19 restrictions may mean that our last virtual St. Crispin’s is upon us and we’ll be meeting in person again at St. Crispin’s School in Wokingham on the third Sunday of the month from July. There are many members who have joined since the lockdown and have never been to a monthly meet – and quite a few of those don’t believe it really exists! I’m sure we’ll make them all welcome as soon as we can resume face-to- face St. Crispin’s monthly meetings.

Building our relationship with Rapid Training, they have offered us a TVAM-only track skills day. This will use the skills development modules from their flagship Bikemaster course, with dedicated Rapid Training coaches, on a track venue. There are only 27 places available, and a 25% discount, so if you’d like to take part you can sign up on the allmembers calendar on groups.io; the event is taking place on 13th October.

Social rides are now well under way, with local teams and club runs starting to fill the calendar. Do check out your local team calendar, and the allmembers calendar, on groups.io to find out what’s being organised. You’ll also get access to the webinars that are being organised, as well as other trips, weekends away and, hopefully in the not-too-distant future, some overseas trips.

I’m sure you’re all making the most of the current great weather and, whilst we still need to exercise appropriate caution and social distancing, we can hopefully look forward to a safe and progressive (and systematic) return to riding.

Chris Brownlee
Chief Observer