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 - John Kirkman
John Kirkman has been with the group since it's early beginnings. John rides an FJR 1300 and enjoys touring with his wife Diane. As the Chairman his objective for the group is simple, "To have great fun with skill and responsibility". John intends to keep on two wheels for as long as he can and that is why he is passionate about improving riding skills.
Chief Observer - Alf Garnett
Alf passed the IAM test in June 2005 and immediately went on the training programme to become a Group Observer. After a couple of years as a Group Observer, Alf took his Qualified Observer and Senior Observer Tests in 2008 and in Feb 2009 became the Group's Chief Observer.
Alf is also 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. He, along with his fellow Senior Observers provide support and mentoring to new Observers as well as carrying out Quality Checks on Group and Qualified Observers.
Alf is assisted in the delivery of his task by a team of 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 - Mike Fourie
Born in South Africa a long time ago. I came to U.K. with my family in 1979 and settled in Ripley in Derbyshire.
I joined Derbyshire Advanced Bikes and passed my advanced test in 1999.
Joined committee in 2000 as news letter editor. Served as group observer until 2005 when we relocated to West Yorkshire.
I joined Harrogate Advanced Bikes in February 2009.
Biking history. Started biking "late in life". In 1984 I needed transport to get to work and bought a 100cc Kawasaki , added an L-plate and took my test. First big bike was a really tatty Honda CX500, this was followed by a pristine CX 500. Next was a Suzuki GSX1100, Honda CBR 600, Aprilia RST1000 and current bike a Honda CBF1000.
I was very flattered when as a very new member of the group John approached me to cover the role of Secretary until the 2010 A.G.M. I have been made very welcome within the group from the outset and I will be very happy to take on this task. |
