Dave Atkinson

I started my motorcycling on a BSA 250 C15 passing my test in 1969 when the “Test” was much simpler providing you didn’t run the examiner over when he stepped out into the road in front of you for the emergency stop……..!! He lived…I passed…… and moved on to have various other British bikes of the day, Royal Enfield 350 Bullet, Velocette 500 Venom and Triumph 650 Bonneville. Then family and work forced a break from two wheels.

I finally managed to get back on a motorcycle in 1999 buying a Yamaha 900 Diversion and soon realised that lots of things had changed both in the machine and the traffic volumes which led me to take the IAM Advanced Test in 2002. Since returning to two wheels I have toured extensively in the UK and Europe recently visiting France, Germany, Austria, Italy, Bosnia, Serbia and Croatia all predominantly on BMW RT1150/1200/1250’s and  K1300/1600’s.

I joined ARNY in March 2018 as I believe that the RoSPA policy of three yearly retests pushes you to keep your riding skills sharp. I enjoyed great tutoring from the team and passed my RoSPA Test in October 2018. I decided to try and put something back and after further training became a Group Tutor in 2019.

I have learned a lot from advanced riding tuition and want to help others to gain the skills and benefits that it brings along with the increased enjoyment of our fantastic hobby.