My parents bought me my first motorcycle when I was ten years old it was a 98cc James that did not run I am sure they never thought for one minute I would get it going… But I did even though it was of low power it soon turned the back garden into a right mess!
Over the next few years I had allsorts of old trials and scrambles bikes mainly of the Greeves mark, I moved onto riding in Grass Track events in the 70’s first with a 250cc and then a 500cc JAP engined machine. I had various mopeds and then 250cc road bikes but never took my test that was to come later.
I passed my test the day before my 40th birthday and then got involved in CBT training after giving up the DSA CBT ticket I decided to join an advanced group and get some training with a view to passing an advanced test.
I joined the group and passed my IAM test in 2006 and since then I have really enjoyed our group’s social rides and the excellent training given by a great bunch of like minded people.
After passing my observer test in March 2010 and now a RoSPA Gold pass I am looking forward to putting something back into the group.
I have been around bikes since 1963 and originally rode a Douglas Dragonfly and Triumph Bonneville. Like most people I had some time out of biking building a career and flying all over the place but finally got back into it in 1989. I am involved in Motorcycle Training and am a DSA qualified instructor. I have also taken my RoSPA Advanced Riding test and now hold that qualification. Much to your Chairman’s comments I do actually ride having a Yamaha FJR 1300 and a Honda Goldwing 1500SE. Both are now clocking up the miles now that I have the full time to ride them.
I joined the group three years ago because I wanted to get involved and here we are.
I live in Upminster, Essex and currently ride a Kawasaki ZX6R. I joined the group in May 2002 and after having a one to one observer assigned to me I took and passed the IAM test in April 2003.
Having passed the test I expressed an interest in contributing to the group and was invited (coerced) to join the committee in May 2003.
Why did I join the group?
That is easy. I wanted to receive some advanced training and my choice was simple. £200 for a full day (7 hrs) with an instructor or join the EAMG for £40 and receive a minimum of 33 hours training (Sunday AGTs) - a simple choice really.
The training I received was first class, provided by observers who do it for free because they have a passion for motorcycling.
The group itself is exceptional, a great bunch of like minded friendly people who enjoy motorcycling. There is a good social side to the group, in particular the social rides are always great fun.
If you want to learn some advanced riding skills please come along to any group night, you will find a warm welcome.
Remember; Live to Ride but also Ride to Live.
Hi, my name is Keith and I live in Springfield, Chelmsford - that sounds like some sort of self help group! Which I suppose you could say is apt – Advanced Riding helped my riding no end. I passed my bike test back in 87 on a Suzuki GS125. Numerous bikes have followed: Yamaha XJ600N, Yamaha TRX850, Yamaha FZ600 Fazer, Yamaha FZS1000 Fazer, Yamaha YZF R6, Honda VTX1800, BMW R1200GS and last but by no means least a Yamaha YZF R1 ! If you think advanced riding is boring think again. EAMG itself is certainly the largest (and in my opinion) the best group in Essex. Our main aim is to improve the standard of riding in the County through the use of our highly experienced Observers, but on top of this there is a very strong social side to the group with monthly group nights and plenty of social rides. If you want to improve your riding and safety skills, or just join in socially then we are what you’re looking for.
I have been riding since my 17th
Birthday after persuading my parents that without a driving license a motorcycle
was the only affordable way to do the 90 mile round trip to work. I was able
to buy a 250cc motorcycle, attach "L" plates and take to the road
with no preparation as CBT hadn't been dreamt up and the waiting list for a
test was over six months. I survived this introduction to motorcycling without
major incident. The worst was the embarrassment of falling off my bike whilst
turning in a gravel car park out side youth club - with lots of mates watching! 
I joined the group in 2000 after seeing a poster advertising the EAMG on a notice board at work. I subsequently discovered that quite a few of my colleagues are members and many more have joined since.
I edited the groups magazine "TUG" for three years but since handing that over to my successor, I have been elected to maintain this website and administer the groups Message Board.
I started riding on my 16th birthday on a FS1-E, and then a Suzuki TS250 when I was 17. I passed my test the day before my 18th birthday and bought a Honda 550 before buying my beloved Yamaha XS850 (Humphrey). Unfortunately circumstances forced me into a car in my early 20's and I have craved a bike since.
I returned to biking in January 2008 after a 'back to biking' day with a local training school, I bought a CBF1000 (Roxy). Knowing nothing about current bikes, knowing no one with a bike, and then trying to ride it like I was driving a car I decided I seriously needed help! I found EAMG's website and nervously turned up to group night where I was made to feel very welcome. I was soon allocated my own observer and attended AGT's and every social ride I could.
I passed my IAM in Sept 2008, my ROSPA gold in Feb 2011, and passed as an observer in March 2011. It's great to see bikers of all experiences come along and see them gain from the training.
It doesn't matter how old you are, what gender you are, or what bike you ride, EAMG has them all!