While I’m not a lifelong biker, I quickly realised how important it is to continually develop your riding skills. After passing my CBT in November 2024 and completing my DAS in January 2025, I decided to keep building my ability and confidence on the road by starting advanced training with the RoSPA Advanced Drivers and Riders through the West Midlands RoSPA Advanced Drivers and Riders.Since gaining my advanced qualification, I joined Shropshire Staffordshire Cheshire Blood Bikes in October 2025. The advanced certification allowed me to become part of this fantastic volunteer organisation, where I now ride 2–4 shifts a week delivering urgent medical supplies for the NHS. It’s a hugely rewarding way to put those skills to good use.

Returning to biking after a 30-year break and buying a bike more powerful than was sensible, I soon realised that some advanced training was my best chance of seeing a few more summers. The group is a friendly and affordable way to improve your anticipation of risks and gives you the skills to minimise the impact of situations when they inevitably arise. Opportunities for group rides, weekends away and club nights offer a way to meet likeminded people and draw on their experience and wisdom. Whatever bike related activity or information you need or want to try, someone in the group usually be able to help or point you in the right direction. Most importantly, the better rider you are the more you will enjoy it!

With the support of my tutor and the club members, I spent many weekends improving my skills and achieved my RoSPA Gold in November 2024 – a fantastic and memorable day. Since then, I’ve become more involved with the club, training as a group ride leader and later as a tutor. I was signed off in November 2025 and now help train two associates. I also organise group rides and have recently become a Blood Biker.