First ladies’ ride of the season

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Damp grey skies and a cold breeze were the backdrop for the first ladies’ ride of the season, which took place on the last Sunday of April. Well wrapped up & suitably waterproofed, we headed out on greasy Cambridgeshire roads in an easterly direction, passing through Kimbolton then turning right to Caxton, Old Weston, Clopton and Wadenhoe where we stopped at the Old Barn for scones and tea/hot chocolate

Warmed through, we left the car park following Janet Pinion for the return leg. Janet led us through the Giddings, Ramsey, Warboys & Bluntisham where (after another hot drink) the five of us went our separate ways. It was good to catch up and it was a great ride!

Image courtesy Catherine Ryan

A clean sweep

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Congratulations to Jason Wingfield, who earlier this month became our 2nd member to obtain an IAM F1RST, sweeping the board with a One in every category

Jason started riding as a teenager on mopeds and 125-cc bikes, but family life intervened and he soon needed to get a car. It wasn’t until he was 32 that a change in circumstances allowed him to pursue his passion and obtain his A licence through the Direct Access Scheme. He owned Yamaha (RD350 YPVS & FZR600) and Suzuki (Bandit 1200) bikes, but once again had to put riding on hold

He got back in the saddle in 2016, buffed up his skills on Norfolk Constabulary’s Safe Rider Scheme and decided to take his riding to the next level. Jason visited the IAM stand at the NEC Bike Show and signed up

Paired with Observer Steve Alsop, Jason made rapid progress and was soon ready to take a pre-test ride with Chief Observer Graham Scott. Jason comments that in just a few sessions ‘Steve helped me to polish off the rough edges, so all credit to him for being a big part of my F1RST‘

An excellent ride throughout your test. You were safe, legal & smooth. Your good use of the system helped you make very good progress, you were courteous towards other road users & your acceleration sense was excellent”

Examiner John Atkinson