Dear Team UK Advanced, namely Dave Robinson (Robbo) and Gary Taylor (GT)

I just want to say thanks for all your hard work and patients. I have now spent four days  with you guys dragging my bike riding skills up to a standard I’m proud of, I now feel my riding is much smoother, progressive, planned and most importantly safer. Gary asked me to let you know if there is anything you could improve on and to be honest I can’t think of a single thing. 

I look forward to taking more training with you both in the future, I can’t recommend you highly enough. Keep your fingers crossed I do you guys proud and achieve a ROSPA gold on Saturday!

P.S. it’s just not normal to able to recite an hrs ride turn by turn and in my case fault by fault! How do you guys do it especially at your age?

Andy Ellams - Toddington

Dave,

I'm chuffed to bits to have passed the Blue Riband advanced Rider's Award - I'd like to thank you both for pointing me in the right direction and helping me achieve the pass I wanted to get. I thoroughly enjoyed the whole course and for me, represented great value for money for a 2 hour assessment, 2 days training and the test/bmf registration as well. The two hour assessment and report helped guide me in what I needed to do for the next 4 weeks before the 2-day course proper. The 2 days themselves were worth the money in their own right and left me both physically and mentally exhausted - its like riding a bike, but not as you know it Jim: the concentration levels required to make sure I was doing everything GT wanted me to (and not afraid of telling me to do at each stop) was like learning all over again. All the comments were delivered in good humour, and got the point across clearly - how many note pads you go through, GT, I hate to think!


I was put onto you guys by word of mouth, and they say that's the best way to pick up business - it didn't matter to me that I had to travel an hour to get to you - knowing what I know about your levels of commitment and dedication to your trainee as well as the enjoyment you get from it, I'd ride 2 hours...

Many thanks

Rob

Rob Reeves - Corby

My initial thoughts of Advanced Riding were boring pipe smoking grunters and fuddie dud dies on BMW’s…. Until my mate told me about Team UKA, so I thought I would give them a go, well what could they teach me I had been riding for over 40 years on and off. Gt certainly broke the mould & my pre conceptions of advanced riders and riding. I don’t think I have ever seen a BMW lent over so much, without it being on its side, my second thought was, he had disconnected his brake light as he never used his brakes. I have to say, I don’t think I have had this much fun, since I left school in the early 70’s and discovered Girls ;-). Then I was introduced to the Big Fella (The Mancunian), we said Hello and off we went and I never saw him again, 45 minutes later, we stopped and he regurgitated the full route turn by turn by turn, the guy is a friggin computer. I couldn’t even tell you where I had been or at what speed. Truly a pair of professionals and I dare anybody to go out with these lads and not be blown away by the grin factor. I am now a somewhat reluctant convert to Advanced Riding

- Gary thanks for all your input into my riding it has been both an eye opener and Amazing

- Dave you are a machine and I am worried about you – How do you do remember so much and ride and watch me???

As Arnold Swarchenegger says “I’ll be back”   
Stan Thompson – London

I looked around for ages to try and get a local company to me in Hertford but couldn’t quiet find what I was looking for – sounds like U2 no piss taking please. What I did remember were rideouts which used to take place from Sawbridgeworth BMW in Hertford and these were lead by Dave Robinson. I always finished these rideouts in “awe” of Dave and what he could do with a BMW at the time I had a 999 Ducati. It will always stick in my mind following Dave on a then new R1200GS and not being able to catch him round the lanes, anyway I digress. I decided to complete a Bends course with Dave, He hasn’t changed although he was on his Blackbird and me my R1. I still found I was trying 10 times as hard as Dave, but the 2 days were Magic, I have learned so much about position and probably more about being aware and I think, well Dave said I can now carry a little more corner speed and don’t get all tangled up, if I am going in a bit “HOT” as Dave would say  - On a wing and a prayer more like. As a trainer myself I like the way you get your points across and the way in which you teach Very very Good Dave top marks. An absolute must for all the wanna be’s

Toni Burton - Hertford

Fantastic day out riding with Dave, rode some of my local routes but "properly" and it was great to find new local roads i'd missed.
I've just read my assessment from my ride out... chuffed to bits especially with comment from Dave that one of my mornings ride would have secured me a Police advanced Ticket!! Shame I let it go to my head in the afternoon! I've been training with Dave occasionally since he originally ran "Buzzbikes" many moons ago and i'd recommend Team UK Advanced to anyone, we can all improve. Great day many thanks!

Trev March - Kettering
 

I promised myself having completed my DSA test and passing I would do some more training, so much in the media about bikers managed to get some details from the Website regarding these Guys Team UK Advanced… Though how hard can it be J ooppssssss big mistake… After 3 long months of riding with Dave & Gary …. You’ll never guess what -  I have only gone and passed J J J I am so so chuffed I could crush a grape……What a 3 months, “Dave” Thank you for all time and effort I don’t think I would have passed had I not been pushed so hard. Gary what can I say Thanks for your kind comments on test day and putting me at ease, you could obviously tell how nervous I was. Sorry I am so pleased “I did it”……” I did it” I am now contemplating a small 4 day break with the guys abroad and getting quiet exited about it J If you are in Doubt these guys are the best really good really professional and really passionate about what they do 10/10.

Martin Thomas Andrews - Cambridge

I wanted to become a safer and more aware rider as I now take both my son’s on the back of the bike. I completed a 2 days course with Gary or GT as he is known it took me half the morning to understand his brummie accent “Only Joking GT” Here is an instructor who talks to you like an equal and doesn’t preach or say look at me see how good I am. He is down to earth and tells it how it is. In this day and age GT, I take my hat off to you for 2 things……… 1) A brilliant 2 days – hard but enjoyable………2) Taking time to listen to my concerns and helping me to become a better rider. Thanks GT…….. Team UK Advanced very very highly recommended……………..Ps Boys love going on the back now.    

                                             Craig Hanslope – West London

I am currently a senior Observer with the I.A.M. and i thought i would broaden my horizons... WOW..... i have certainly done that with these guys, they really do push you to your limits to squeeze every last little bit out of you...... WHY don't the I.A.M. do this ! Come on guys take a leaf out of Team UKA's book, Great 3 Days, will be passing your details on to all my fellow riders....... Would you do a group discount ??

Tony Couzins - Buckingham

Well what can i say i have just completed my Advanced Training with Dave, and just also recieved a discount on my Insurance which has offset the cost of the course i have also just bought a bigger bike and feel a million times more confident with it. Does it get any better than this, brilliant course Dave thanks for your time and effort, i have made a promise to the wife see you in two years..... Well recomended.

Kev Bradwell - North London

Well what can I say….I had 2 days back to biking & Well Awesome!!!!. Not the run of the mill mundane course, it was exciting, exhilarating, thrilling and scary all rolled into one I have been away from biking for 15 years and now I wish I hadn’t. Why did I stop...Thanks fellas I am back on course, they cam highly recommended now I can see why

Darren Field…. Lincolnshire

Finally finished the PC 1 having initially failed the course I was gutted but at the time I thought i was up to it but soon discovered i was a fair bit off the mark. With constant pushing from the guys and thanks to Gary and all his hard work I finally managed to secure a pass Phew ...... well yippeeeeeee...... I found it both Physically and mentally demanding but the sheer joy of hearing Dave say Congratulations made all the hard work and effort worth it.........Thanks Guys for a brilliant time especially you Gary for all your support and believing in me.

Andrew Parton - Cambridge

I have recently completed my PC.1 with Team UKA, I have completed many courses with advanced organisations over the past 9 years, some of which I enjoyed, but I would say without doubt this has been the most challenging. I thought I knew a lot about Roadcraft but the guys have a wealth of knowledge and can point you in the right direction. I was very apprehensive about the written test, but both Gary & Dave put me at ease giving me tips and hints of where to research, resulting in me passing with Honours at 96%. In short, my riding I feel has improved 200% and I feel more spatially aware and even pre-empt other drivers... Very Highly recommended. I look forward to my refresher course guys .......

Chris Stanley - Coventry

"I took my Blue Riband advanced course in November when the weather could not have been more against us and made it a very wet and windy affair. Robbo was my trainer for the two day course and despite the terrible weather and being soaked through, it was very enjoyable and worthwhile, really bringing out my capabilities and improving on them further. Encouragement was given which boosts your confidence even if you did just screw up the last bend and the tuition given is second to none from a very experienced rider. My Test Day was in January 2007, again the weather was no better but Gary again put me at ease and made it a relaxing affair. A comprehensive de-brief of this ride also gave me the much valued input of another very experienced rider to take away and build upon.

I'm off on my first tour to France with the Boys in March and can not wait..... Overall it's great people teaching you great riding skills, what more can you ask for....."

Andy Stock - Kempston

I first met Gary Taylor and Dave Robinson about 3 years ago when I did my Advanced Riding. I can honestly say that their professionalism and dedication to training/touring etc. is second to none, though I must admit I was a bit apprehensive at first, but was soon put at ease with the teaching methods they use (and I passed!!). I have since been to Germany this year and going to Normandy/Germany next year where I have also met some great friends.

The only downside is that Gary is from the Black Country and talk’s fluent brummie (only joking) and I will continue to tour with them in the future.

Many Thanks

Tony Perry – Stevenage

"I first came into contact with Team UK Advanced through a bikers road safety project I was interested in over a year ago now and found them very friendly and sincere about trying to improve the lot of everyone interested in biking - whatever they rode on two wheels. The rideouts and long weekends I have been on with them are great fun and I learned a lot through free assessed rides and tips.. I am now well on the way to my first advanced riding award and have already booked for a weekend in France with them in 2007..

As they say in the McDonald adverts, " I'm loving it"!!

Dave Coulson - Bedfordshire

I have been fortunate enough to take part in a couple of team uk trips over the past four years. I first went with them on the Germany trip some three years back where we rode some of the best roads I have ever been on coupled with immaculate accommodation. Last year l joined them on the short break in Normandy whereby l had such a good time riding and enjoying the groups company that l booked to join up with them again on the Germany tour. The organisation is professional, competent and caring. I would suggest if you are in any doubt about any of the tours that you throw caution to the wind and book on one - you will not be disappointed. 

Steve Martin - Kenilworth

Personal and always professional, would always recommend Team UK Advanced to anyone who was looking for any form of advanced training. Having a fully trained Police motorcyclist giving you complements on how well you ride is one of the best feelings in the world, and Team Uk Advanced will always get you there

Dean Snelling - Bedfordshire

My motivation for choosing advanced motorcycle training was to firstly gain a benchmark of my riding ability and then work on improving safety levels (especially as I tend to take my children out more often these days).  Form the first assessment ride, through to Sunday’s examination; both you and Gary Taylor (my instructor), have operated to a highly professional and competent level.  The advice I have received and the manor in which it was delivered, has been well targeted, always constructive and in a language I could understand and build into my riding.  Reading “road craft” publications is one thing, but brining it to life and relating that to an individual’s riding style is a job for the professionals, a title you and Gary clearly deserve.

Andy Nash - Bedfordshire

I went on one of the tours to Germany and really wanted to let people know how fantastic it was and that they represent very good value with experienced riders. Its not often that you get instruction when touring but this is what you can have on these tours (should you want or need it) Great guys and great locations/superb hotels as well!! thanks.

Steve Martin - Warwickshire

Thanks to both of you for helping me to achieve my dream of becoming an advanced rider. Who said girls can't do it, took a bit of time but I have done it thanks Dave for your patience, think my husband is now happier that I am both more confident and as you say Dave competent - Thank you very much only the 3rd girl to hold the PC1 I feel privileged

Rebecca Somerton - Warwickshire

I consider myself very lucky to have run into Team UK Advanced. Having gained the basic DSA skills in a week I felt I needed more time with an instructor in order to be safe on the roads. After several training days out with Gary Taylor from TUKA, I gained a real appreciation of the importance of good road positioning, hazard anticipation and bike control. Skills that have really enabled me to get the most out of my bike and feel more confident on the road. The guys at Team UK are great - as well as teaching in a professional and friendly way they are great blokes. I'd have no hesitation in recommending Team UK Advanced to anyone.

David Webster - Hitchin
david_webster15@hotmail.com

Well, what a FANTASTIC time at Llandow!! many thanks to GT, Big Dave & Welchie for a GREAT and very informative weekend. See you all in June for the Germany Tour (hopefully sooner for some rideouts!!) and looking forward to more track time next year. Keep up the good work and see you soon.

Tony Perry - Hertfordshire

Team Advanced has provided me with one of the most memorable biking days ever! Their Track Day in south Wales was brilliant from start to finish! A three day event, day one: a group ride down with refreshments laid on, to comfortable accommodation close to the track, just west of Cardiff. Day two: The Track Day itself, with tuition and encouragement throughout the day in small groups, with as much track time as I could manage! Team UK Advanced monitored our progress and we were promoted to faster groups only when they considered our abilities had improved with no pressure to perform above one's limit. Back to the hotel for a well earned evening meal and a couple of drinks with our new biking buddies.The third day was spent riding home in a well conducted group, using the 'second man' system to guide riders along the route. I never quite got my knee down, but I gained an insight into my bike's cornering capabilities - much greater than I thought, which is a comfort should I find myself in difficulties on the road in a tight corner. Contact Gary and get some more training. You're never too old to learn, I was 62 last year when I did this. You'll improve your skills and you'll enjoy your riding even more afterwards!

Peter Gibbons - Bedfordshire

What can I say......exhilarating, fun, challenging, informative or just plain FANTASTIC. The track day was excellent, the format of sessions, the different groups, the one to one tuition, both on and off the track, the attitude and skill of the instructors all contributed to a great day.

Adam Jordan - Hertfordshire