3:10pm Tuesday 15th January 2008
By Tony Long
MANY riders aspire to higher standards of riding skills and do achieve them, eventually, but it's believed that in Hampshire we now have the youngest rider to become a RoSPA Gold Grade Rider.
At just 18 years old, Southampton University law student Sam Davis, from Gosport, passed his advanced test at the highest level on his 33bhp restricted Honda CBF500 - despite appalling weather.
And it's hoped Sam's example will persuade other young riders to take the challenge of the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents' advanced test.
To reach such a high standard so quickly, Sam put in about 1,500 miles during summer and autumn with instructor Chris Palmer from RoSPASmart (South-ern Motorcycle Advanced Rider Training).
As Hugh Curran, RoSPASmart's chief instructor, put it: "Sam's achievement dispels the image that advanced riding is just for older people.
"We hope his result will encourage other young riders to build their skills with RoSPA Advanced Drivers' and Riders' groups throughout the country."
So what could you gain from taking advanced training? Knowledge that would otherwise takes years to acquire, to give you the edge on today's challenging roads.
Cheaper insurance too, that will offset the initial investment in lessons.
Sam's love of bikes began at the age of 11 when his grandfather Peter Mills took Sam on the back of his Goldwing.
At 16 Sam had a moped, at 17 he passed his test and then rode a Honda CBF250 before progressing to the Honda CBF500.
"I'm delighted to have passed at gold grade," Sam said. "I've always understood the importance of safety and feel the skills I gained to become an advanced rider will make my motorcycling more enjoyable - it's something all young riders could benefit from."
There are more than 50 RoSPA Advanced Drivers' and Riders' groups in the UK and membership starts at £20.
The groups aim to reduce road accidents by encouraging an interest in road safety and also by improving driving and riding standards, knowledge and skill.
Those who pass the RoSPA advanced test are graded at bronze, silver or gold level.
The gold grade awarded to Sam is recognised as the highest riding award available to the public and is reserved only for the very best riders.
But he can't allow his standards to slip because if people want to retain their advanced rider status the test has to be retaken every three years.
More information can be found on www.roadar.org and www.rospasmart.com.
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