A motorcyclist is hoping to encourage fellow riders to consider taking up cycling and add ‘pedal power’ to ‘cc power’ after lockdown led him to a new-found love.
In the early months of lockdown, unable to get out on his motorcycle due to Government travel restrictions, Ian Cardwell (66), decided there was nothing left to do to get his two-wheel fix but to swap his motorbike for a mountain bike.
Setting himself a 10-mile ride target, Ian started with a one-mile circuit and after much training and strength building, progressed to a 64-mile cross country ride.
Now, he is one of many members of the Rotherham Advanced Motorcyclists (RAM) who have stuck with cycling thanks to the many health and social benefits.
“Being a more ‘mature’ rider, when I started out, my first one-mile ride was exhausting,” said Ian. “I was breathless, hot, light-headed and had the jelly legs by the time I got home.
“But I didn’t give up and steadily I increased the circuit.
“It’s great to be out in the fresh air, away from busy roads and vehicles, enjoying some of the many cycle trails through the countryside.”
Ian, from Broom in Rotherham, has been riding motorbikes for many years, touring the world, and helping many other riders as an observer for his IAM (Institute of Advanced Motorists) group. But this was his first real foray into cycling.
He said: “The IPSGA – (Information Position Speed Gear Acceleration) system, which we use in our advanced riding, was a massive help and showed how additional training has so many transferable skills, whether your two wheels has an engine or not.
“Looking well ahead and information gathering is essential for a safe ride and is something an advanced motorcyclist does all the time, so using the system while cycling has saved me on many occasions.
“As an example, I was riding with a friend, who hasn’t done any kind of training, and we were on a small cycle path alongside a railway line near Barnsley. He was leading and sadly he didn’t see a broken steel mesh fence and he collided with it.
“It knocked him off his bike and injured his leg, fortunately he wasn’t too badly hurt but it could have been a lot worse.
“I would advise everyone to take some kind of additional training, whether on two or four wheels, as the skills you learn can also improve your riding or driving.”
Advanced motorcycling training teaches riders to think about their positioning, the road surface, carry out shoulder checks, keep to the speed limit and be in the right gear. It also reinforces the importance of planning routes.
“IPSGA and the advanced rider course help you to observe, anticipate, plan and be prepared, which all help to improve your safety, but also your enjoyment when out riding even more,” added Ian.
“Cycling has really taken off and many members of RAM have joined me on various rides, during and after lockdown. Some of us have got ‘the bug’ for cycling and find it just as addictive as motorcycling.
“Both are very different disciplines, but both are very enjoyable in their different ways. It’s never too late to get on two wheels, whether with or without an engine.”
Joanne Wehrle, manager of South Yorkshire Safer Roads Partnership (SYSRP), said Ian was a great example of a responsible rider.
She added: “Any kind of additional or advanced training, whether via the IAM or many of the local cycling groups, can have a massive positive effect to your overall riding or driving.
“Many of the skills are easily transferable to other modes of transport, and as our roads become more of a mix of users, then looking out for each other and sharing the roads, becomes more and more important for everyone’s safety and enjoyment.”
To find out more about the Advanced Rider Course visit: https://sysrp.co.uk/25_plus/motorcycles_and_scooters
To find out more about the Rotherham Advanced Motorcyclists visit:
Rotherham Advanced Motorcyclists – Ride with RAM
