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Welcome to Bournemouth & Wessex Advanced Motorcyclists
BWAM (affectionately known as bee-wam) are affiliated to the Institute of Advanced Motorists (IAM).
Next Event
| Feb 20th, 2012 (Mon) | 19:00 |
| Theory Workshop 7pm - 8pm. These Workshops Sessions are provided primarily for unallocated, and allocated Associates, currently preparing for Test. All other members are welcome to attend, but please remember that these sessions are deliberately aimed at associate level. BWAM Unallocated riders are invited to a workshop session prior to the normal Club Night meeting. This month Senior Observer Paul Gardiner will be talking about cornering. |
Recent Test Passes
Congratulations to the following Associates who have recently passed the IAM Advanced Motorcycle Test.
Paul Spence - Observed by Martin Saunders
Dean Morgan - Observed by Andrew Carr
Den Murphy - Observed by Ian Newey
Darren Elbrow - Observed by Martin Saunders
About us
Members' motorcycles are predominantly larger capacity machines of 80+ BHP and range from super-sports to tourers. Full members of BWAM show an above average standard of riding which is SAFE, SYSTEMATIC, SMOOTH and PROGRESSIVE..
Our objective is to assist motorcyclists in attaining such a standard and thereby passing the IAM Advanced Motorcycle Test, a nationally recognised measure of riding skill.
The Advanced Motorcycle Test is based upon the system of motorcycle control used by the Police. The test is conducted by an Examiner who holds a Police Class 1 Driving Licence.
We meet at the Cobham Sports & Social Club, Merley Park Road, Wimborne, Dorset Map on the third Monday of each month from 8pm. This would be an excellent time to come and talk to members about BWAM and the IAM.
There is a strong social element to the club with numerous events and organized rides to various destinations throughout the year, including some continental trips.
How does the group operate?
Riding guidance is provided by Observers -- experienced riders who have passed both the IAM Advanced Motorcycle Test and an Observer training course. They are keen motorcyclists who have been specially trained to share their riding experience, skills and knowledge with you to help you pass the IAM Advanced Motorcycle Test.
Guidance is carried out one-to-one and/or in a group. An observed ride is by appointment where the Associate and an Observer agree a mutually convenient date and time, and typically lasts between one and two hours.
An Associate prepares for the IAM Advanced Motorcycle Test by undergoing a series of observed rides. Most people can achieve Test standard after ten observed runs (typically a fortnight apart), provided quality practice is undertaken between runs.
Full Membership
On passing your IAM Advanced Motorcycle Test you then become a full Member.
You may then decide to continue to enjoy the social side of BWAM or to further your skills by becoming an Observer yourself.
However, even Members have the opportunity to polish up with in-house ride clinics.
How much does it cost?
It costs nothing to apply for assesment.After you have been assessed we will advise what you should do next. If you have the potential required to reach Advanced Test standard then you would go ahead and purchase your "skill for Life" package from the IAM. For a little over £130 the "Skill for life" package includes the book, "How to be an Advanced Motorcyclist", IAM and Group membership and the cost of your test.
There is no charge for the advice and guidance an Associate Member receives. Although, a contribution towards the Observers fuel costs is expected from the Associate during each observed run.
How do I join?
For more information, please see the Join BWAM page.
IAM Group Number 1208
Charity Number 1077931