RIDEcraft Motorcycle Training

Wednesday January 21st 2026. Took these two great gents out one after the other, on their Initial RoSPA (RoADAR) Advanced Motorcycle Tests. Brian on the left and Gary on the right. They ran my North Cheshire Route, riding through Demalere Forest amongst other good and challenging roads. It was a wet and windy day but we all enjoyed it. Two good riders who've now proved their developing skills.

Well done both 👏🍻

So that's 2025 over with. It's been another great year at RIDEcraft between those CBT riders who have their Certificates but remained well aware the training they received was lacking along with those seeking higher levels of training / Testing.

CBT's are now more commercially run than they ever were, with the usual well-known culprits / 'schools' treating the CBT as a one-day course. It is not and never was nor will be. So many CBT Riders end up completing on a 50cc ped due to issues with trying a geared bike. It cannot be assumed that everyone learns at the same pace, far from it. Such 'schools' use the loop-hole of completing on a 50cc Ped to then go out and legally ride a 125cc geared bike.

Many RoSPA Advanced Motorcycle Tests / Instructor Assessments carried out from North Cheshire all the way into the Western Lake District. It really doesn't get any better than riding with these people.

I've also been approached by two established riders who want to become Instructors - that too will be fun.

In conclusion, I am hoping that now the previous Head of Rider / Driver training has finally been replaced as has the Chief Exec., I also know of a DVSA CBT 'Manager' who's currently suspended - no further comment. There are so many other 'broken' parts of the DVSA, I'm just hoping it / they will all be washed-out and replaced with good, honest professionals. For me, it is more-than high-time that certain trouble-making / non-compliant 'training' establishments were dealt with once and for all along with those complicit!

I do hope you all had a great Christmas and have enjoyed the New Years' celebrations.

Mike at RIDEcraft

Spent a great day with this gent, David from Merseyside & Lancashire Advanced Riders. I carried out his 6th Advanced Rider Retest and his 2nd Tutor Assessment. It was a sunny day in North Cheshire with Dave achieving his valuable and necessary goals to continue his Tutor work at this RoSPA Group. He is passionate about riding and finds much satisfaction helping his Trainees achieve theirs.

A great result, keep it up 😉

This is Rob from Merseyside & Lancashire RoADAR. Took this gent out for his Initial Advanced Test for RoSPA, November 29th. A great ride along my North Cheshire Route with a great result. Well done pal 👍🍻

Another great rider from Merseyside & Lancashire Riders, passing the RoSPA Initial Advanced Motorcycle Test. A great gent to be around too.

Great stuff going on at the moment. A member of the armed Forces has been in to improve his riding. He did two days and will back soon. A photo to follow.

Took Charlie out on his first Retest for ROSPA September 1st (below). I did his Initial Test back in August '22 so it was great to conduct this one. He passed with flying colours attaining the converted 'Gold' Award.

Well done!

This Spring / Summer has been an eye-opener, with riders coming to RIDEcraft from elsewhere.

These Trainees all have a story to tell, but have or are now achieving their personal goals. They are Sam, another Sam and Judith. The latter followed her husband in for further training, all were referred.

A great bunch of Trainees, I had a great time, helping them put things right.

The middle photo is 'Sam' who cleared his Mod. 1 shortly before this shot of him.

Riders turning up / calling me for help to improve their riding. Sadly, this generally means they've been elsewhere and simply were not satisfied with the training they received. Regardless, always here to help. Last weekend, this weekend and next, all busy with keen trainees.

A lot going on recently, at the Academy. This gent is Dave Rigby from Merseyside and Lancashire RoSPA Group. We went out onto my North Cheshire route on Monday July 14th. Another great time and a good pass! Dave wants to become a Blood Bike Rider, so he is now nearly there!

With Mental Health Motorbike – I just got recognised as one of their top fans! 🎉

There have been many Trainees in at RIDEcraft this 'season', along with some being taken to the Test Centres. Some contacted me for help with their training tasks, struggling to achieve their goals. Phone calls / emails for help from riders who have been subjected to a serious Road Traffic Accident, to those who have been quoted high prices for training.

Typically, I tend to forget taking photos due to being engrossed in their training or others, simply do not want a photo taken for differing important reasons. Below is Judith and Kieran, the latter having just passed his Mod.1 Test at Darwen.

Always here to offer help, advice or simply chat about problems with training.

Enjoy the sunshine

Mike at RIDEcraft 🍻😉

Wayne finished off his training journey today, passing his Mod. 2 at Kirkham Test Centre. He is yet another rider who had been elsewhere, then alleged a poor training environment. I prepared him for his Mod. 1, backed that by some road theory; arranged for a different training centre for his Mod. 2 Prep and test - the result is a very happy new rider. He is returning to RIDEcraft with his new bike, to better himself for motorcycling on our public roads very soon.

Well done you! 👏👍🍻