About Harrogate Advanced Bikes...
Who are we?
First and foremost, we are a bunch of motorcyclists / bikers (whichever you prefer) who love riding bikes. Our group is built on two basic principles:
- We are passionate about riding
- We are passionate about improving our riding
The first bit means that we love to ride. If it has two wheels, we'll have a go. Riding on the road is the essence of our riding and our training, as we are affiliated to the IAM. Many of us also do track days, off-roading, touring and race schools, in the knowledge that the skills learned can be transferred to the road. And because it's fun, too.
We organise regular ride-outs, weekends away and even the odd foreign jaunt. Mostly we just want to enjoy riding bikes. So we do.
The second bit is about a process of continuous improvement. None of us knows everything and we're pretty sure the perfect rider hasn't been born yet. So what we do is not just turn out Advanced Test passes, but Advanced Riders (which is not necessarily the same thing). An Advanced Rider to us is someone who has already reached a certain standard but who wants to move on and improve further. Take a look at our training page to see how we support this.
If you'd like to get to know us a little better, then you're welcome to come and meet us or drop us a line
H.A.B. Members Over 50 members make up H.A.B, from all age ranges. Bikes range from 125cc to 2300cc and with just about every different type of bike represented. Age or bike type (as long as it's over 125cc) is no barrier to learning a Skill for Life!
H.A.B. Management Team HAB is run by an elected Management Team, voted in each year during the AGM. These people give their time and energy for free, to ensure HAB continues to provide quality training in a professional manor. We're on the right - red Fireblade and below.
Chairman - Jonathan Craig
JC's mission and that of the management team is to provide a base for motorcycle training in line with the I.A.M but also to provide training beyond the set course.
Most important to us is that we can provide a group where people can have fun. We organise bike meets and ride outs, track days and so much more.
We always have social events where we can swap stories and meet like minded friends. Why not come along and join us at one of our monthly meetings?
Chief Observer - Mark Grainger
Mark has been actively involved with the group for a number of years, undertaking his ‘test preparedness’ and passing the IAM test in 2002. After the IAM test Mark wanter to put something back into the group and so when approached by one of the Senior Observers volunteered for Observer Training.
Upon successful completion of the Observer Training, and Observer Test, he became one of HAB’s Qualified Observers, progressing to become a Senior Observer and then in 2006 to become the Chief Observer.
In addition to undertaking observing duties Mark is responsible for the ‘test preparedness’ of HAB’s Associates, which involves the allocation of Associates to their individual Observer and ensuring the delivery of theory training and our Slow Riding Workshop, highlighted elsewhere on the web site.
Mark would be unable to complete the task of Chief Observer without the assistance of our dedicated Observers, who like him are all volunteers.
Treasurer - Doug Masterton
Doug Masterton is the treasurer of HAB and lives in Harewood.
Now aged 61, he has held a licence for a motorcycle since he was 16 with one 17 year gap in owning a machine. Now rides his fourth Honda Blackbird, loves touring France and speaking French. Part retired, working occasionally as a school inspector Doug dabbles in local politics and is planning what to buy next.
Secretary - David Wyvil
David's first motorbike was a Honda 50, which I pushed from Harewood to Bilton when he was 12, to be told by his father, 'Don't think you're keeping that!'
He had quite a few bikes as a teenager, starting with a Kreidler Moped at 16, RD 250 at 17 and finally a GS750 at 18. During this time he also had a Yamaha DT400 (Enduro) and Marina (his wife) had a DT 125, we had great times down Nidd Gorge with a group of friends.
Usual story, twenties came mortgage then kids - bikes had to go.
He got back to biking when he was 40 when he bought his first Harley, he had always wanted one since a child, after having a poster of a naked girl across a chopper on my bedroom wall, oh' and an airfix model.
David wanted to be a better safer rider so he joined HAB in 2004 as an associate. Whilst training he attended most of the Monday evenings and Sunday ride outs as he thoroughly enjoyed the rides and fellow members - anybody considering HAB is guaranteed a warm and friendly welcome.
So what are you waiting for? HAB caters for all types of people on all types of bike. What have you got to lose?
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