Wales, with its rugged landscapes, dramatic coastlines, and winding roads, is a paradise for motorcyclists seeking an adventure of a lifetime. But what makes a
motorcycle trip to Wales even more thrilling is combining it with advanced training to sharpen your skills and enhance your riding experience. On this trip, we enjoyed a journey through the heart of Wales, exploring its picturesque landscapes and the advanced motorcycle training opportunities it offers.
Wales, one of the countries that make up the United Kingdom, is a hidden gem for motorcycle enthusiasts. Its diverse topography provides an incredible backdrop for riders, with rolling hills, dense forests, and breath-taking mountains serving as the perfect canvas for a memorable journey. The coastal roads, offer some of the most scenic routes, while the mountainous terrain provides challenges that can test the skills of even the most experienced riders.
Advanced Motorcycle Training
I feel that it’s crucial to invest in advanced motorcycle training to improve both your enjoyment and the safety for you and other road users. TVAM Advanced training can enhance your riding skills, making you a safer and more confident rider. Taking your riding skills to the next level.
- Enhanced Safety: Advanced training hones your hazard perception, braking, and cornering skills, which can significantly reduce the risk of accidents on unfamiliar roads.
- Improved Confidence: Gaining expertise in advanced riding techniques increases your confidence when navigating challenging terrains.
- Better Control: Advanced training focuses on fine-tuning your control over the motorcycle, making you a more capable rider in various conditions.
- Fuel Efficiency: Advanced riding techniques often result in improved fuel efficiency, allowing you to go further on your journey.
- Quickness: It’s not always about the speed, but your line, what you see and the information taken in and used. IPSGA – this system will change biking for you!
Now that you’ve sharpened your skills through advanced training as an Associate, it’s time to hit the open road in Wales. Here are some must-
visit destinations for motorcyclists:
- Brecon Beacons: The Brecon Beacons National park offers some of the most thrilling riding experiences in Wales. Its winding mountain roads, steep ascents, and breathtaking vistas make it a mecca for motorcycle enthusiasts.
- Snowdonia and Bala: This stunning part of North Wales provides a mix of challenging mountain roads and serene coastal routes. The journey through Snowdonia is an unforgettable experience.
- Elan Valley: A hidden gem in Wales, the Elan Valley is an oasis of tranquillity with pristine lakes and peaceful roads surrounded by rolling hills.
So did I benefit from the trip? Oh hell yes!
My experience was one of self-discovery, learning about my limits and stretching them by enhancing my skills, humbling myself before some of the most gorgeous winding roads I have ever experienced. I not only had a great time, but I managed to make a lot of new like-minded friends with similar hobbies and interests, we had some great laughs and learned a whole lot at the same time!
I need to make a few special mentions.. firstly Simon, thank you for organising and making sure that none of us got too hopelessly lost by partnering us up with TObs and Observers. To the people I had the pleasure of riding with, Tom, Andrew and Conrad, with a wealth of knowledge and skills I definitely came home a more competent and more confident rider. With my test booked, I am certain that I am ready to become one of TVAMs next advanced riders!
In conclusion, this trip to Wales offers the perfect blend of skill enhancement and adventure. With TVAM advanced training under your belt, you can confidently explore the picturesque landscapes and challenging terrains that Wales has to offer. Whether you’re navigating mountain passes, winding coastal roads, or off-road trails, this experience promises to be a memorable chapter in your motorcycling journey. So, rev up your engines, gear up, and embark on a thrilling adventure in the heart of Wales.
I am ready for next year! My advice.. book early, it’s well worth it!
Troy Rahme, TVAM Associate
A few messages from other members who attended…
Jim…
I broke down at Crossgates. The bike wouldn’t start and looked like the battery just died. Anyway, my colleagues Martin Cragg and Malcom stayed with me, and Chris Brownlee came along to assist, we got the bike running on jump leads but it wouldn’t run off the leads.
There was a snag on the breakdown recovery meaning I couldn’t arrange anything at 6pm that night, and so after trying to use Chris’ battery (yes, he took the battery off his bike to try on mine), he then knocked on a random local’s door who kindly allowed us to hide my bike in their back garden overnight. Chris then pillioned me to the hotel.
I got recovered the next day, but would like to thank everyone who was incredibly supportive and patient with me in my predicament. It’s another one of the many great reasons to ride with this club, and I can’t thank them enough.
Sidenote: If you have a “6 Wheel” or multiple vehicle breakdown policy, check that they’re all on record for the breakdown operators to see.
Moon…
I renewed my TVAM membership after it had lapsed in 2017 because I believed I had hit a skill level plateau and was eager to enhance my riding abilities further. After spending the weekend riding with Sid, Gary (GSZ), and Sigurður, I received invaluable constructive feedback. Each of the three rides was distinctive and enjoyable, and I learned a great deal from each
experience. I even proactively sought more critical feedback, which was delivered in a highly professional manner, and I found it extremely beneficial. I firmly believe that it’s the critical feedback that sets you apart and helps you shine above the rest.
The 7Ws event was not just a fun weekend away; it also provided me with a substantial amount of homework to work on, which I am genuinely excited about. I’m eagerly looking forward to future training sessions and social ride outs, with the hope that they will help me enhance my skills to the level where I can be considered a Trainee Observer.
Danny…
Overall an superb trip where I got to meet some fantastic like-minded people riding through some amazing roads.
As an Associate I can definitely see the point of IPSGA because around Reading I can’t experience the same type of bends and open roads.
Andy…
The Elan Valley dam was much higher than last year with a huge volume of overflow. We were fortunate with no major breakdowns and our Observers did a good job of making use of lots of rest stops to keep the fatigue levels down.
Andrew…
Yes. The standard of riding was good and improved over the weekend as Associates and Green Badge holders took on board advice from the Observers.
From an Observer’s point of view it’s always good to see such a step up in progress and I would recommend it to all.
Salli Griffith
First published in Slipstream November / December 2023
