East Kent Advanced Motorcyclists: our history
Kent Advanced Motorcyclists Group (KAMG) was formed in 1979 and was the first dedicated motorcycle group affiliated to the IAM (Institute of Advanced Motorists), all others at the time being car groups with motorcycle sections. They met regularly in the Kentagon at Brands Hatch, and still do so to this day. In 1988 a number of KAMG members from the east of the county formed a sub section that met in the Duke of Kent pub just outside Faversham. This section grew in numbers and in 1992 became a stand alone group in its own right, East Kent Advanced Motorcyclists (EKAM) was born.
Always striving for better
EKAM has always been about the needs of its members and has introduced and developed many initiatives over the years. In 1993 EKAM started offering bike control days – training sessions held on the local police skid pan which allowed members to develop slow riding, braking and cornering skills in a safe contained environment.
1996 saw the group becoming a registered charity dedicated to promoting road safety.
In 1998 EKAM were the first group to introduce their ‘Enhanced Advanced’ program. This allowed members who had successfully passed their IAM test to continue their training to a higher standard. This prompted the IAM to follow suit, a process that has now evolved to the current Members Assessment and Masters qualifications.
Tours and longer training rides
In the summer of 2002 EKAM held its first ‘Midsummer Madness’ day trip to France, crossing the Channel at dawn to enjoy some lovely roads, plenty of traditional refreshment, then riding home before dark. This trip is still fully booked every year! EKAM currently runs popular trips to Wales, The West Country and Europe.
In 2016 EKAM held its first training day specifically for under 25s and female riders.
In 2024 EKAM began running training weekends where Associates and Observers would ride to a distant location before returning the following day.
Giving back
EKAM has regularly supported local charities such as the Kent Air Ambulance paramedic bike appeal and other motorcycle-related charities, who are frequent guests at our social meetings.
In 2003 EKAM organised a tour of all the British Superbike venues to raise money for the Air Ambulance charity, ten members completed the task in an epic three-day ride.
[Image by Docbike]
