Quick Reference Chart Structured Training? Lesson Plans? Suitable for experienced riders? Suitable for born agains? Suitable for new riders? Upgrade to this course from Confidence Builder or Creaky Rider? One to One training? Bring a friend? Full briefing? Full debriefing? Course notes? Email backup? Course notes on CDROM? Weekend training? Weekday training? Evening training  YES POSSIBLY NO

Course Summary

A one day course exploring the application of advanced riding techniques to bends.

The course is suitable for most riders with a full licence.† It is equally applicable to motorcycles or automatic scooters.

Double Bends

For those riders who take their cornering seriously, why not add an extra day to your course? After first cementing the basic skills for riding bends, the extra day will be an extended ride out to cover more complex twisties.

 † This course may not be suitable for newly qualified riders - see the FAQ section to the right.
 

Course Content

The Bends course covers the machine control skills required to ride corners as well as exploring in detail how to read them. Risk management, hazard identification and an assessment system similar to that used by Keith Code and the California Superbike School will allow the trainee to apply a systematic approach to bends on the open road.

The course uses a building block approach to learn core skills, avoiding the risk of teaching a skill which demands prior knowledge of some other technique, a problem that can arise during unstructured training.

At the same time, the course is flexible enough that the depth and content can be adjusted to take into account the prior knowledge and ability of the trainee, thus moving forward at the right pace to be challenging to all abilities. You are not locked into a rigid course which may be inappropriate to your own riding standard - you won't get bored or pushed too fast.
 

Format of the course

The session will usually commence at 10am, beginning with a briefing over a coffee (allowing you to revive after the ride to meet us) followed by a discussion about riding bends. We will then introduce the theoretical ideas and work through increasingly complex exercises to improve your bend swinging. We pause for a short break for tea and a bite to eat mid course and end the day around 3pm with a debrief.

We will be honest about your progress and will advise if we feel you need to spend more time on training - courses are described as open-ended for that reason.

You will cover around 90 miles on the day on a mixture of open roads - twisty country roads and more sweeping A roads. Routes have been carefully researched to provide increasingly complex challenges as the course progresses.

Training is normally done on a 1:1 basis. If, however, you wish to take training with a friend or partner, we will be happy to arrange that and the second rider will qualify for a 50% discount.

Logistics and teaching

Survival Skills courses use professional quality Motorola bike to bike radios, allowing real-time coaching and correction.

Course content has been researched in depth, is exhaustively tested and subject to continual review and improvement. Courses are structured and employ proven teaching techniques. Outcome goals are set based on your riding needs. Using the "learning loop" of explanation, demonstration, practice and correction, you are set clearly understandable and achievable goals at all times.

You will be provided with a lesson plan and brief course notes, and if weather permits, video footage will be available for review at the end of the course.

In short we aim to bring each trainee to the highest standard of riding he or she can achieve by offering you ideas to make you THINK about your riding, rather than forcing you to ride to a particular style or learning to do it parrot fashion to pass a test.

Quite simply YOU, the trainee, come first at Survival Skills!
So why settle for less? Book a Survival Skills course now for the very best in qualified, independent advanced training.

Suitability for new riders:
This course is usually suitable for new riders who've recently passed Direct Access, so long as you feel comfortable on your machine.

If you are looking to build up basic riding skills please take a look at the "Confidence Builder" course first. Returning riders who have not ridden for a number of years should consider the "Creaky Rider" first.

If you are in any doubt, please contact us to discuss your needs.

For longer term riders, the training is flexible enough to cope with a rider of some years experience who wants a new challenge.

Prices and latest availability

This course can be taken in France:
France Riding Courses

Add an extra day to your course. The extra day will be an extended ride out to cover more complex twisties
Double Bends

Not quite what you are looking for? Looking for a course that covers specific content?

Take a look at our new
Pick your Own courses

These courses are intended to be short "stand-alone" sessions as an inexpensive alternative to our full length courses, and often take place in the evening.
Short Courses

This course majors on theory rather than riding, and explores techniques for improving your observation, anticipation and concentration skills.
Sport Psychology

Survival Skills will be running Group Training courses in Yorkshire, Mid Wales and Devon. 
Group Training courses

If you have already taken training with Survival Skills, then consider a refresher day. Together with another rider, you'll get a 45 minute assessed ride and full debrief, together with a selection of exercises to remind you of what was covered on your full course.
Refresher

If you want to know what these courses are all about, see what trainees themselves have to say...
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