Local motorcycle training company Ridesafe is offering to train new Freewheelers volunteers to an advanced standard at a substantially reduced rate.

Paul at Ridesafe has been increasingly frustrated at not been able to give blood for many years having had Glandular Fever himself. This thankfully is cleared now that the NHS has removed Glandular Fever from the list of "at risk" donors. Frustration is increased however, in that despite having been a donor for several years, his wife Sonia is now barred having had to have transfusions after child birth. So Paul and Sonia's idea - probably the next best thing - is to help get it there!

Although unable to commit to regular shifts due to family and business commitments, Paul at Ridesafe has joined Freewheelers EVS. Whilst able to carry out occasional runs from the off-duty list, Paul's primary objective is in helping with the all important Rider Training, both for prospective and existing riders.

Ridesafe has undertaken to help in training new volunteers through to their RoADAR (RoSPA) test at a substantially reduced rate. All existing volunteers have to take three-yearly assessment checks; why not take the opportunity to take it a step further and go for RoSPA Gold? Existing volunteers will get their refresh training free of charge. Paul will arrange initial assessments with each rider as and when needed, putting in place training sessions as required, dependent on current riding levels and practice available. Existing riders please contact Paul directly, otherwise Paul will make initial contact as and when individual assessments fall due. New or prospective members should firstly contact us by using the contact form.

Existing Freewheelers volunteer John Cooper took a refresher course with Paul to keep his riding skills up to date. John had this to say about his day with Paul "I have just taken advantage of the offer of free training for Freewheelers members with Paul at Ridesafe and I have to say I was delighted at the depth and duration of the session. I was expecting an hour or so of riding with a summary of points to work on for improvement, after all this was a free offer from a training business. What actually unfolded was a full day of rides of increasing length, interspersed with discussion and analysis over coffee and lunch breaks. Make no mistake, Paul is offering serious, intensive training with the benefit of the insight of a professional, full time motorcycle instructor. He was able to zero in on the issues that I had and help me develop my technique over the course of the day to the point where he judged me and Keith, my fellow student, to be ready to apply for the RoSPA test. Paul is making a very significant and valuable contribution to Freewheelers in offering this training and I sincerely urge riders to take up the offer. (It is also good fun, as Paul has a dry and entertaining sense of humour.)"