Introduction to Advanced Motorcycling (ITAM)
Having signed up to an IAM Advanced Rider Course with EKAM or to an EKAM Taster Day you will be invited by the Observer Coordinator to attend an Introduction to Advanced Motorcycling (ITAM). This is an all-day session with a 3 hour classroom-based input in the morning followed by an 90 minute Observed Ride in the afternoon after a break for refreshments.
ITAMs are usually held once a month from March through to October inclusive.
What happens on the day?
They take place on Saturdays at Challock Village Hall, Blind Lane, Challock TN25 4AU. The classroom sessions are hosted by EKAM Observers and, having been welcomed to the group and met your fellow ITAM attendees, there follows a presentation of the theory behind Advanced Riding with images, videos and questions intended both to make you think and to prompt discussion – active participation is positively encouraged and makes for a more enjoyable experience for you too.
In the afternoon an Observer will follow you on the road to assess your riding. They will brief you beforehand as to what to expect and the rides generally cover 30-45 miles, lasting between 1 – 1 ½ hours, dependent on traffic and conditions encountered along the way. If radios or video recording are to be used on the ride then you will be briefed on this also.
Click here to see Challock Village Hall location.
At the end of your Observed Ride, the Observer will provide you with a written report including general comments, areas for development and ‘scores’ against a range of relevant competencies indicating the level you have achieved as per the IAM Advanced test standard – 1 = Commendable; 2 = Satisfactory; and 3 = requires development.
A full set of scores of 3 doesn’t mean that you should park your bike and catch a bus home! It merely suggests that you’re in the right place to learn additional skills and to improve your riding to help you become an even better, safer rider.
What happens next?
You will also have been allocated a ‘permanent’ Observer and it will be this person that then contacts you in due course to arrange further Observed Rides with you to continue your Advanced rider training.
If you are unable to attend upcoming ITAM sessions or you join in the ‘off-season’, don’t panic – EKAM’s Observer Coordinator will contact you to discuss and make alternative arrangements for you.
ENJOY!