WHAM Observers

Derek started motorcycling with a 70cc Capri scooter at the age of 14!  He graduated through lots of bikes but notably a Thruxton Velo, a Triumph Bonneville and Norton Dominator before the decline of the British bike industries.  A Honda 400/4 led into a succession of boring BMW boxers and a brief flirtation with a Pan STX1300 and a KTM Superduke (he was just confused!).  Now settled in the BMW and KTM camps, he's settled with the little GS, a 690 Duke and the incredible 990 SMR. Derek is an IAM- and RoSPA- qualified Senior Observer on bikes and is passionately interested in developing riders' skills and awareness.

Although James always dreamed of riding motorbikes when he was younger, nothing ever came of it.  It was around 2000 when James took some training and passed his DSA test; some time later after the experience on the road James regretted not taking his test sooner.
It was less than a year later that James started advanced training with IAM and is now a Senior Observer.  James enjoys teaching Observers and Associates alike.  Having always preferred the larger bike, James currently has the pleasure of riding a BMW K1300GT - which comes out of the garage practically every day.

Steve began riding on an old 350 AJS field bike, being lifted on and off by some older lads who thought it would be funny to see how far an 8 year old could go before falling off!  A succession of shared field bikes followed leading to his bike test in 1969. Steve has been riding ever since thanks to a number of 650/750 Bonnevilles and Norton Commandos until the rebirth of the Hinckley Triumphs "modernised" him.  The IAM training gave Steve the improvements in his riding he was looking for.  As an Observer he thoroughly enjoys working with new associates and seeing their riding skills increase as they go through their Skill For Life course.

Steve currently rides a 750 Norton Commando and a 1050 Triumph Tiger; he looks forward to riding with you.

One of Ant's childhood memories is of riding pillion on his Dad's Francis Barnet.  They broke down on the way to Brighton so arrived late; then travelled home way past Ant's bedtime so he was made to sing to prevent him falling asleep!  Ant's own biking career started with commuting to school in South London on a 175cc BSA Bantam.  More adventurous trips to Holland and the South of France followed (yes on the Bantam); then there was the huge gap whilst dealing with life's challenges (career, kids etc) before returning to biking on a Yamaha Diversion.

Ant now has two bikes - a Ducati Multistrada and a Vectrix electric scooter.  Occasionally Ant manages to find time for a "duty" on Severn Freewheelers 'Blood Bike'.

John passed his basic motorcycle test in 1978.  The IAM Car test came in 1981 followed (eventually!) by the Motorcycle test in 2001 with Nottingham Advanced Motorcyclists (NAM).  John then became a Group Qualified Observer in 2002 and Senior Observer in 2005, he acted as Secretary, Events Member and Observer Training Co-ordinator with NAM between 2001 and 2005.  Fortunately for us John moved to Herefordshire in late 2005; he immediately started a Motorcycle Section within Hereford Advanced Motorists, unfortunately it proved very difficult to get the section running.  In 2007 John found the support he needed and WHAM came into existence.

John rides a STX1300 Pan European.

At the age of 10, Guy jumped on a friend's Triumph Tiger Cub Trials bike - the ride was brief but the damage was done - he was hooked!
 Guy secured a Saturday job in a local motorcycle shop when he was 12 and his passion for bikes continued to grow.  A Malaguti Olympique sports moped was his first road bike hastily followed by a 500 Triumph, having borrowed a BSA Bantam, to take his test upon.  Then came a Triumph Bonneville, a Triumph Trident culminating in a Kawasaki Z900 by the age of 19.  His involvement in the bike trade allowed him to ride the majority of machinery around in the late 70s and 80s.  He tried his hand at club racing on a Yamaha RD250 LC - but was not overly successful - either the bike blew up or he fell off!  Guy passed his IAM bike test in 2001, the car test in 2003, and obtained his Senior Observer qualification in 2008.  Guy really enjoys observing and seeing riders' skills and awareness develop.

Guy's current bike is a Honda Blackbird.

Eric obtained his motorcycling licence in 1998 after a direct access course, having had no previous experience.  After a year's riding on an old BMW he changed to a modern sports bike and obtained an IAM motorcycle test pass in 2000.  Eric moved onto a Kawazaki ZZR which he loved and obtained his Senior Observer's certificate in 2002.  At that time he had a BMW R1150R which he did not love!  A BMW K1200RS followed, Eric thinks this bike "a very accomplished motorcycle".  Latterly he's defected to a Suzuki 1200 Bandit - which he also loves!  Eric's view of his riding and Observing skills is that his riding skills are "adequate" for this level of riding but he has a talent for training others to ride to a much higher level.

Gary passed his bike test in 1982 on a Yamaha 125 two-stroke single.  One year later he became an instructor for the Part 1 of what was then a two-part motorcycle test.  Family commitments took Gary away from biking but in 2005 he purchased a Yamaha XJ600 and was back in the saddle, a year on he moved up to a V-Max.  Gary passed his advanced test in November 2008 and immediately moved on to become a Group Observer.

Gary's current bike is a Fazer 1000 which he finds just perfect for enjoying the ride or for Observing.  Passing on the skills he has learned gives Gary great satisfaction.

Del first passed his DSA bike test in Nov 1991.  He rode a Yamaha 125, mainly commuting to work.  Staying loyal to Yamaha he progressed onto a Diversion but then defected to Suzuki with a 600 Bandit.

Del’s work and travel commitments prevented him becoming a regular rider, however salvation arrived in 2007 when his work and travel requirements subsided giving him the time to ride for fun!  He returned to Yamaha with a FZ1 Fazer and enrolled on an advanced riding day with an ex-police instructor who spotted the talent and suggested Del should join an advanced club and take his riding skills on to the next level and train for the advanced test.

Del joined WHAM in October 2010 passing his IAM test in March 2011. Now riding a BMW R1200RT and having qualified as a group observer he continues to enjoy his riding and takes great pleasure in helping others to realise the benefits of advanced riding.

As usual Tony was tempted to talk about his charm, sophistication and athleticism, however this is more appropriate..... Tony has been motorcycling for 28 years on bikes as diverse as a 50cc moped and his current 1300cc Honda.  Tony worked with the BMF sponsored ACU Star Rider training schools through the 1980s, helping students through their CBT and up to DSA test standards.  After a short break from training he joined the IAM in 2002 and qualified as an IAM Motorcycle Observer.

Tony rides a Honda CB1300S, a Yamaha Fazer 600 and an Aprillia Shiver.

There is somewhere a picture of Phil aged 5-ish sitting on the back of his father's old British bike; but he started biking for himself in 1979 on a CB250N.  A couple of Hondas and a T140 Bonneville followed and then came the family break although the biking bug lay dormant and he returned to biking in 1996.  He has had several Triumphs since but has recently defected to the BMW camp with a R1200RT.

Phil found the Advanced riding techniques greatly increased both his skill and his enjoyment of biking.  He really enjoys being an Observer and seeing associates improve as they progress to the Advanced Test.

Alex only came to motorcycling in the spring of 2008 when he purchased  a Piaggio Zip 50 scooter for commuting between Pencombe and Bromyard.  Having passed the CBT and full motorcycle test he took a giant leap to a Triumph Sprint ST!  50cc to 1050cc in one leap – with the benefit of experience he doesn’t recommend this route!  The Triumph impressed on Alex that without some proper training he could to easily add to the accident statistics; he enrolled in WHAM and in October 2010 passed the IAM Test.  Now having a taste for his motorcycling Alex started Observer training in July 2011 and qualified as a WHAM Observer in December 2011. So after two years on a steep learning curve Alex enjoys his motorcycling so much more and now looks forward to helping others to enjoy their biking more whilst staying safe on the road.

Currently Alex rides a BMW K1300S, a brilliant sports tourer, and a BMW GS800, a fantastic all-rounder.

Angus started off-roading as a teenager, taking his first licence overseas at 14 and 'heavy-bike' licence at 16.  With a gap of 20 years, returned to riding and soon joined the UK's biggest IAM motorcycle group, Thames Vale.  This helped him regain and enhance his former skills (and slow down!).  Angus became an Observer in 2001. He normally does one European tour and other UK tours each year.  His regular job as international coach and author prove useful in mentoring and coaching at WHAM.

Brian started biking on a 1976 Honda CB200 and stayed with Honda ever since.  He spent a number of years as a Police traffic officer gaining a Grade 1 advanced certificate on bikes as well as in cars and went on to VIP escort duties as well as becoming a VIP motorcycle instructor.  In that time he rode various bikes including rotary engine Nortons, BMW K1100S and a few Japanese four strokes.  Since leaving the force, Brian has joined WHAM and is now one of our Observers.

Brian currently rides a Honda XL 650 Transalp and a STX1300 Pan-European.

Martyn's first bike was a Honda SS50, and after he passed his test in 1981 he ended up with a BMW RS1000, and then stopping biking at aged 25.  After a 20yr gap Martyn returned to biking in 2007.  It soon became clear that although he could still ride a motorcycle, Martyn's confidence and abilities didn't seem to match those of his 20s.  Martyn then decided to get some extra training with WHAM.  Martyn found his Observer to be very patient and full of good practical guidance and advice.
 
Martyn soon passed his IAM test and with it came a longing to help others achieve this new-found confidence, so he decided to carry straight on with further training to become an Observer.  Martyn really enjoys being an Observer: his own riding is safer, and he finds it rewarding helping others and passing on the techniques he has learned to others who have the same passion for motorcycling.
  
Martyn's current bike is a Kawasaki ZZR1100

John's first spill was on his first ride ever on a Lambretta LD150 (twistgrip gearchange!) while at school.  He hit the wall behind the squash courts when trying to stop.  Schooldays saw a BSA Bantam 125cc complete with legshields on which to pass the bike test followed by a 500cc rigid Matchless single: John slid off the Matchless in Cheltenham.  Many different bikes followed.  In his three-year "holiday" at Liverpool University sand racing took precedence over studying.  Initially on a Velocette KTS Special then on an embarrassingly slow T100 Tribsa which he put together himself.  John finally crashed properly in a race at Redcar on a Hagon JAP grass tracker on dope (the bike not John, but OK - it was the 60s).  Greeves, DOT ('devoid of trouble' and it wasn't) Bultaco and Ossa trials bikes occupied weekends in the 1970s competing in the Stroud Valley Club.  Three-wheel experience was gained on Ariel and Suzuki sidecar outfits. A Velo Venom, two Tritons, four BMWs, a Ducati (appalling!) a Gold Wing (brilliant) and a Moto Guzzi Le Mans all featured, the latter securing John his IAM bike test in 1982 and adding to the car test he passed in 1970 at the tender age of 22.  John is WHAM's longest established IAM Member.  In 2006 John brushed up his riding and teaching skills with RoSPA Gold and then the Diploma course (quite scary).

John's current steed is a 2005 Yamaha Fazer 1000 - in John's words "it's a cracking bike, that'll do nicely, thank you!".

Den first became involved with motorcycle training some years ago when he realised he needed some training!  Den really enjoys riding bikes and even now he's getting a little older he still competes in trials with a Honda TLR and has also become a track day addict with a modified Fireblade; he has however given up enduros four years ago when his body said "enough!".  Recently Den has ridden a BMW K1200S, a K1300GT and an S1000RR on the road all of which were great for general riding and the odd continental blast.  Den holds a RoSPA Diploma and acted as a Senior Tutor for them; he passed his IAM test 2002 and joined WHAM when it was formed early in 2007 as an Observer.  Den is very reticent about his ability and experience both of which are enormous.  He is a highly capable rider and Observer who can pass on loads of experience to improve Associates' ability to ride more safely and enjoyably.  Den has just changed to a BMW R1200GS - comfortable odd continental blasts now!

Richard started motorcycling at the tender age of 17.  He really enjoyed the initial training and enlisted first as a helper with Mercia motorcycle training scheme, but after more training and experience graduated to become an Instructor.  At the same time the lure of larger capacity machines led Richard to the IAM to improve his own riding and safety.  He passed his IAM test in 1997 and later became an Observer; then in 2004, a Senior Observer with the Worcester Advanced Motorcyclists group.  For many years Richard had the cleanest and smartest GS in the Midlands - and he still swears he doesn't do anything special!  Recently he was tempted away to the new and luxurious R1200RT - but it didn't last and he's now returned to the GS fold!  Richard gets a real kick out of his Observing - helping someone to become a better rider is reward enough, but he knows it keeps him sharp too.

Andrew's introduction to motorbikes was a Honda C70 step-through, he has never looked back.  After a few years on a Suzuki AP50 and Honda CD175 there was a break of about 20 years due to other commitments.  The Direct Access route to a full motorbike licence led to more interesting and useful bikes. Currently riding a Triumph Sprint 955i, became an Advanced rider in 2009 then shortly after progressed to become a WHAM Observer. Andrew thinks that taking the Skill for Life programme with WHAM was, without doubt, one of the best decisions he's ever made. He found fellow WHAM riders and Observers are always keen to pass their experience without passing judgement.

Paul really enjoys all aspects of biking. His first recollection of being on a bike is riding pillion on his father's Honda C90 to primary school in a slightly too large white open-face helmet. Paul enjoys touring and visits the UK Moto GP every year. Last year he participated in the  WHAM off-road weekend which not only improved his riding but was also a great social event. Paul's most memorable biking experience is riding in India and being cut up by a camel in Jaipur. Having had several bikes recently Paul has finally settled on a BMW R1200GS. Paul finds observing very rewarding and is committed to developing riders' skills.

Allan has more riding experience than many of us will ever get.  He rides a Suzuki SV1000 on Club runs but has be known to bring a trail bike too.  On occasions Pauline can be seen on the back of the Suzuki but she draws the line at the trailee.  When he isn't biking he teaches Gliding at Snitterfield - so if you'd like to try something different Allan's your man!

Tim has been riding almost non-stop since 1974 (one 2 year break whilst abroad).  As a rebellious youth he was told by his folks that he couldn't have a bike because they were too dangerous and he would kill himself... he is still trying!  Tim tends to to get best value out of his bikes by keeping them for a long time.  Consequently he has had few bikes.  Starting with a new Honda XL250 Tim graduated to a Meridan-built 750 T140E Bonneville, a Virago and a GSX1100 before buying his current first-generation Hayabusa new in 1999. Tim has latterly discovered that he has a "special" - one of the first 1500 imported and prepared for the UK Press to verify the genuine 200mph+ top-speed! Though he doesn't frequently buy he nevertheless often tries all sorts of other bikes since anything with two wheels and a motor makes him drool. He's really smitten by bikes and biking but the Hayabusa he loves most of all!