Open review of AT Squared Advanced course.

 

I write this review for all those who, like me, want to pass their IAM advanced rider award and along the way become a better, safer, more understanding and aware motorbike rider. I didn't know anything or anyone at ATSquared before I took this course last week.

 

I found AT Squared by searching the internet for companies where I could learn in a concentrated way and obtain my IAM pass, rather than the traditional observed Sundays of many IAM local clubs. This approach works well for many, but not me unfortunately. I like the consistent, concentrated hour by hour and day on day building up a skill set gaining confidence from the previous day. I have trained like this all my life professionally with intensive courses being how I have learnt new skills , and thus I was looking for exactly what ATSquared has to offer.

 

For those that have looked already and thought that it is a significant commitment and outlay then they would be right. All the best things are , right?

However you are investing in yourself, doing something you love and want to get better at. (every rider can get better). Personally I thought it was excellent value considering you have an experienced instructor, mentor, encourager and all the knowledge that brings on call for at least 18 hrs a day !! Plus hotels, routes, coffee, tea and lunch stops all planned and checked prior to starting out.

 

You have to do nothing except concentrate on your riding and having a small beverage in the evening and a lovely meal. (tough eh?) The course is also great fun and you will have loads of laughs as well as learning loads. The routes are frankly spectacular and each route clearly has been carefully selected in order to facilitate some brilliant practices which reinforce the learning and really bring the conversations you will have had with Martyn to life. Don't worry if like me you are a bit nervous at times there is plenty of reassurance and practical tips from the instructor Martyn who really puts you at ease at the same time as getting the training across in a way that is easy to understand and grasp. I went in without any preconceptions and opened my mind to everything I was taught and practiced .......because it works.

 

All in all this is probably the best course I have been on both personally and professionally and was really enjoyable not to mention some of the best views rain or shine that I have seen anywhere.

 

Of course everyone is a bit nervous about the test at the end but actually I arrived so well prepared that after I was sent out the door by Martyn with the examiner, I felt well prepared and confident that I could cope with anything the test would bring. I surprised myself by obtaining an IAM 'First' pass.

 

So in short ...just do it !!

 

Invest in yourself and what you love doing and get better skills which will stand you in good stead for years . This course in my view is fantastic value and you will know after you complete it what I am talking about .....good luck.

 

Mark Shackel - Course Sept 24