October Club Night 2025

Nick Lilley, Friday, 17 October 2025

To say we were panicking would be an exaggeration but the stress levels were somewhat elevated on the morning of October’s Club Night. Our scheduled speaker had postponed due to illness. Thankfully, Nev Pugh volunteered to put his recent experience to good use and pulled together an illustrated presentation about IAMRS Skills Days. A task he seemingly achieved in the time it takes a ravenous toad with a penchant for slimy invertebrates to flick out its tongue and snaffle a particularly juicy slug. Great effort Nev.

IAM RoadSmart Skills Days have evolved since I did one many years ago. They are now a full day, seemingly better organised, more tightly controlled and deliver more positive outcomes for the riders. Like “track days” they take place on race circuits but there the similarity ends, Participants are grouped according to skills level with numbers on the track at any one time being well managed. Mentoring by experts allows riders to discover what they and their bikes are capable of at speeds inappropriate on public roads. This structure should lead to a gradual improvement in abilities throughout the day.

Nev lead us through the day’s routine and peppered his informative and entertaining talk with personal insights and anecdotes. By the end, the audience certainly had a clear picture of what to expect and how it could benefit their riding. A sterling, if not heroic effort from Nev; to produce quality at such short notice prompted well deserved applause.

As usual at Club Nights, member’s achievements were celebrated and four test pass certificates were presented.

Chris Russon received his pass certificate from his observer Zoe Hayward.

Helen Lowe received her pass certificate from her observer Mark Ford who together with Tess Pugh mentored Helen.

Pawel Murawski received his F1RST pass certificate from his observer Martin Williams

James Bailey received his F1RST pass certificate from his observer Richard Taylor

CWAM have an initiative that refunds half the Advanced Rider Course fee for those aged 30 and under. The premise being that “young” people will be encouraged to refine their riding skills. Considering the group’s current demographic, it’s a programme we would do well to publicise with more vigour. On this occasion Chair Ian Collard was pleased to return £107.50 to a youthful Karl Whatmore.