A Ride Worth Taking: Reflections on My Annual Check-Ride

by Chris Dearnley

I wanted to say a huge thank you to Chris Mansfield for an insightful, supportive, and very enjoyable annual check-ride last Friday.

We met in Shoreham and began with a relaxed chat about what I wanted from the ride, along with what Chris would be looking for. It set the tone for the day; constructive, open, and focused on improving established riding skills rather than simply “passing judgement.”

From Shoreham, we headed out around the outskirts of Hove before turning north and looping back on a roughly 40-mile route to Shoreham. I expected the ride to end with a straightforward verdict on my riding ability. Instead, what followed was something far more valuable: a detailed and insightful discussion about my dynamic positioning to take better advantage of overtaking opportunities and progress.

Chris offered several suggestions on adjusting my positioning to improve my line of sight enhancing my limit point (vanish point) and ‘string-effect’, on overtakes, through bends and changing road conditions. The result, I discovered on the ride home, was a more dynamic positioning that created more overtaking opportunities while improving my overall progress. Having ridden motorcycles since I was 16 — starting, of course, with an FS1E! — this year marks 46 years on two motorised wheels for me. Six years ago, I completed my Advanced Motorcycle qualification with the “Two Alans,” and with huge thanks to them, it fundamentally changed the way I approach riding. I’m certainly no slower than before, but I’m far better prepared for whatever the road decides to throw at me. Those moments of “stomach butterflies,” when you realise something was a bit closer than you’d like, have become extremely rare.

One of the things that makes WSAM such a great group is the quality and generosity of its Observers. They freely give their time, experience, and encouragement to help all of us continue developing our skills. And something that really appeals to me (I’m half Yorkshire!) is that the annual check-ride is completely FREE.

I’d strongly encourage everyone to book their annual check-ride through Alan C. I’m sure even the very best of us can benefit from a few fresh pair of eyes, pointers and a different perspective that sharpens already good habits. And what’s the downside? At worst, it’s another excellent ride out.

Huge thanks again to Chris — a thoroughly worthwhile and enjoyable ride out. I’m now also looking forward to an excellent trip to Wales!!