Observations from our Chief Observer

Test Passes

We run our stats from 1st March through to 28th February each year, so these figures relate to the 9 months of the 2024/2025 year so far.

Since the 1st of March: –

• We’ve coached 12 Advanced Rider Tests, with 8 passes, 3 F1RSTS and one fail (who re-took and passed). That’s a pass rate of 92% so the observer corps is well chuffed with that.
• We’ve coached 6 Members Assessment’s – 4 gaining a F1RST and 2 passes.
• Up to the end of October, we’ve carried out 293 observed rides – probably equivalent to over 13,000 miles of riding.

Congratulations and heartfelt thanks to all the Observer Corps – EKAM cannot exist without you!

The Observer Corps

The Observer Corps comprises 16 National Observers (11 of whom have gained their Masters Qualification) and one Observer in Training. We are a small group who have over 40 members completing training programmes with us.

I’m delighted that we have one observer in training, but we still need more observers to help share the workload.

As the chief observer I feel very strongly about the importance of our observer corps – without the corps most EKAM members would not have passed their advanced rider test. Members are safer and better riders because of the corps, but we really do need some more observers which can only come from existing EKAM members. If we don’t keep observer numbers up, test pass numbers will drop and the club will shrink in membership numbers.

Believe me – general apathy expecting others to keep the club going could lead to its demise. Get involved and help the club out wherever you can – it’s not just Observers we need but help on committee, e-news articles, member recruitment at shows etc. etc.

Training Weekend

Following the success of our first training weekend in July we’ll be doing the same again this year. We’ve listened to feedback from this year and will be looking to create our own bespoke route, starting a bit more locally and heading west towards Hampshire. But the principles remain – the training weekend is open to all members of EKAM – whether you’re an associate still working towards your advanced rider test, a green badge holder who just wants to do a weekend of further training or even a Masters rider. All are welcome.

Masters Weekend

New for 2025 we’ll be offering a Masters Weekend of Training. Open to members who have already passed their masters qualification, those in training and those who are considering enrolling. Adhering strictly to Masters standards, we’ll ride in small groups stopping frequently to critique each other’s style and ride.

Tracker

Tracker has been live for a few months now. Hopefully you’ve found your way onto it. It’s going to be the new portal for information on club events so do login and see what’s going on in the calendar.

Whilst you’re logged in, please do update your Emergency Contact Details!

If you’re an associate or a member doing some more training, your ride reports will be logged on your profile page, giving you a database of your observed rides and allowing you to chart progress.

If you’re having any issues – then do drop me an email and I’ll help you get logged in for the first time.