Stephen Booth
Dave and the team. I'd just like to thank you all for the excellent training I recieved with ride 4 life. I was of course, delighted to pass yesterday, but i felt that you didn't just get me through my test, I also felt as if you'd got me to be a competent and safe rider, and I really enjoyed learning with you, consequently I was out on my new bike about ten minutes after getting home!! Thanks again, Steve Booth
(Well done Steve, first person to pass in Jan 2012)
Heather Coulthard
What a great team, can't believe you all got me through my DAS course, what a brilliant final result. Would like to say a particular thank you to Paul and Tim for all your patience, I could never have done it without you. I would also like to thank Dave for altering the bike, so for all you small people out there Dave has just the bike for you to train on.
Michelle (Micky) Wood
From the moment I walked into the "Cuddy Kitchen" I was made to feel at home with a welcome cuppa and freindly banter. The gang was totally professional but still managed to make learning to ride a total blast. Tim actually managed to stop me thinking I was a bus and kept me out of the bus lanes and even got me to get in lane on a roundabout (PS Tim you still owe me a teddy for that).
Higgy spent many an hour getting me to perfect the fig 8 without strangling me and for that I'm eternally thankfull cos it certainly took some doing!!! Most of all a big thank you to Paul for picking me up off the road when I fell off and keeping me calm and another thank you to Dave for not been cross when I handed over the bits I broke off the bike when we got back!!!
I've loved every min of my training and have made some fab mates along the way. I'd say I'm going to miss Cuddy 'n' co but they don't get rid of me that easy I'll be popping over many Saturdays to come so keep the cake and lager comming dude :-)
So if your thinking of learning to ride there's no better place to go.......you'll have the time of your life and be safe in the knowledge your been taught by a professional team who are dedicated to getting you on the road and keeping you safe.
A massive thanks to you all you've made me a very happy biker bimbo lol xxxxxxxxxxx
Olly Shriver
Big thanks to all the guys for the support and effort put into getting me through my direct access.
They are very professional instructors and genuinely want not just to get you through the test, but to get you to ride to a good standard so that you will be safe out on the road. Having said this everyone’s manner is very friendly and the banter is great. There were as many ladies at the bike school as guys when I was training so ladies don’t be put off.
Mrs Cuddy’s sandwiches will be what I miss the most though, and if I pop back to the garage to say hi I will make sure its at around 12:30pm.
Cheers.
Helen Frost
"I cannot thank Paul and Dave enough for the time and effort they made for me; from not having ridden before to passing the full DAS (despite the bloody red lights first time round, grrr), my summer ends perfectly!
Paul and Dave put alot of effort into helping me learn, always making sure I was happy and safe before anything else. Even when I dropped the bike a couple of times (Oops, sorry) they always went to pick me up first, expressing concern for my welfare before checking the bike.
There was always a good atmosphere here; Quality banter, support, and hospitality galore (Dave baking=A-MA-ZZZZZZING!) is a staple provision throughout. I am not particularily shy so 'giving as good as I get' isn't a problem, however, as a 25 yr old girl who doesn't exactly look the traditional part of a biker I wondered what sort of reception I would receive and I am more than happy to say the equality and attitude displayed was top notch. To which end, I would and have advocated Ride for Life as a great place to train for ALL; As evidence, I drove back from Edinburgh in order to complete my training with these guys out of sheer loyalty!
These guys really will do the utmost to taper to your needs and help you to achieve your goals and develop quality skills with a flexible approach. They demonstrate care and pride in their work by striving to push you above and beyond what is required.
I'll miss the banter with Paul, Dave and every stray who is warmly welcomed into Dave's home.
Kind regards and hugs to all the guys,
Helen x"
Steve Alldridge
Having passed my Mod 2 test last week, and told Dave what I thought of him and his outfit, he said "drop us a line that we can add to our testimonials, they're always welcome".
Well having just read those that are already there, I'm not sure I can add very much because most of my thoughts have been expressed very well already by others. Basically, Dave and his crew, and I think I had instruction from just about every one of the gang (good - got different perspectives), are a great bunch who manage to mix utter professionalism and seriousness on the bike, with a good line in banter off it. Nevertheless, I'll try and think of a few points that potential students might appreciate:-
I guess the above adds up to creating the feeling that for the duration of training with R4L, you are part of the group, so it becomes more than just a functional experience. And I reckon that's a pretty valuable thing.
As for the actual quality of the training, well I passed both tests 1st time, and the one fault on Mod 2 was my error, so I'd say R4L did their job well.
Can't compare them with other schools as I didn't try any, but I've certainly no hesitation in recommending R4L if you are about to start a DAS course.
Richard Ward
Thinking of getting your bike license? then these are the guys you need. they have a vast amount of experience and knowledge which they want to impart and do a great job in doing so. everyone I meet whilst learning had nothing but praise to say of their instructor. Personally I really enjoyed my time and will miss my saturday afternoons with the lads, as soon as get my bike and a few miles under my wheels I will be back for some advanced instruction. What better recommendation then that could there be? thanks everyone.
Rob White
Absolutely superb in just nine days I went from never having ridden a motorbike to passing my DAS with a clean sheet first time. Dave many thanks to yourself and your team, it was thoroughly enjoyable and a great laugh as well. I personally highly recommend ride -4 - life for anybody wanting to learn to ride or enhance his or her riding skills. cheers Rob
Simon Ashby
I just wanted to say a massive thank you to Dave and the team, especially Paul and Tim for taking me from an absolute novice rider to passing my DAS with flying colours. Dave and the team really put you at ease and give their full attention, guidance, tuition and support. Dave welcomes everyone to his house with open arms, and i was not surprised to hear him tell me to pop by anytime for a brew and a chat even now I have passed my test. If you are comparing the other training companies in and around York I can promise you would never regret choosing ride -4 - life, the financial charges are realistic and i think cheaper overall compared to other training schools as it’s a flat fee...meaning they won’t put to through for your test until you are ready with no extra charges. kind regards and keep up the great work.
David Brewer
Just a short note of appreciation for today's course it was great fun and
just what I needed after fifteen years without a bike. I would recommend the
course to anyone particularly to give confidence to the over 60's.
Thanks again,
David
Rob Chilton
I cannot speak highly enough of Dave and his team – Higgy and Paul on DAS and Ian and Aussie Dave on CBTs – these guys are brilliant at what they do, not only what they did for me but what I saw them achieve with others. Young or old, male or female, I haven’t seen anyone they didn’t connect with.
The training really is done to your pace; there’s a great camaraderie among the students on both Module 1 sessions in the playground (it’s at school) and on Module 2 road rides - you learn a lot from being with others; the instruction is very professional but the sessions are great fun, there’s lots of banter but never p*** taking. And if you’re lucky, after a Saturday morning Mod 2 session before you’re afternoon Mod 1, Lush will have made a cake for lunch.
Here are some phrases you’ll become familiar with – (anyone who has been through it recognise who says which?)
There’s always a brew on
Lots of clutch
Big left look watch out for the flat cappers - (at the Hopgrove roundabout)
Wind it on, come on it’s 60 miles an hour
Over the radio ‘We’ll head over to B&Q now for a brew and a few b****ckings’
It’s open house at Dave’s, it’s like going round to your mate’s house. What a fantastic environment to learn to ride a motorcycle.
Thanks for making me feel so welcome and for your encouragement - I’ll miss my weekends with you guys.
See you for some advanced stuff next year.
Best wishes
Rob
Alisdair Dey
Dave, just wanted to say thanks to you all for getting me through the test. I could not recommend you highly enough. You were all great company and made the learning fun. I enjoyed it so much that I will miss the people and the lessons ( not the swarfega though ). Thanks for all the coffee and bacon butties as well. Alisdair
Tom Ravenscroft
Just like to say a huge thank you to yourself and all the rest of the team for teaching me so well! For anyone reading this who's thinking about doing their training I would seriously recommend it through Ride-4-Life! I know it seems like a lot of money at first, but believe me it's worth every penny, talk about value for money! You get what you pay for as well, all the guys are awesome riders and really know what they're doing, as you would expect. On your first ride you'll probably think "I wish he would just shut up banging on at me!", but it actually helps a lot and you'll thank them for it later I have to say. The fact that I passed both Modules first time with only silly mistakes I made myself that were only down to nerves just goes to show how good the training is! Thanks a lot you guys!
Phil Dyson
"In terms of professional attitude and instructional ability the guys at Ride 4 Life were first class throughout my time with them. Not only did I learn from the lessons but they always managed to make them enjoyable as well. I would recommend without hesitation this school for anyone hoping to learn how to ride in a professional yet relaxed environment and also enjoy themselves whilst doing it."
All the best Dave for the future and I will hopefully see you next time I'm up York way.
Chris Dearnley
Dave and the guys,
Just wanted to write a quick email to express how grateful I am to Dave and Paul (didn't know that was your name bomber!) for all their help, patience, good humour during my DAS course.
I would not have changed a thing about my experience with this school, I would, and have recommended Ride 4 Life to others.
Epic guys, always fun, always safe and with constructive criticism. If anything they train you above test standard so even if you don't do yourself justice on test day the result should still be favourable. Not talking from experience there obviously......... ha ha
To me there is only one place to go so if you are reading this get on with it!
Thanks again guys you were awesome.
Chris.
Chris Ward
Hi Dave, just a quick one from "dad": many thanks for the excellent training you gave Lisa. I can't fault the way Lisa was taught and how she took to her lessons. I was quite pleased at you allowing me to call by and watch the Mod 1 training, especially when I had concerns over the swerve manoeuvre, which I thought you explained very well and put me at ease.
I dropped a line into MCN about the Mod1 and also gave you a bit of free advertising! Whether they publish is another matter, we'll see.
Again, many thanks, I'm sure Lisa has passed her thanks on too, maybe catch you at the tea bar at B&Q.....coffee and sandwich on me!
Regards, Chris.
ps. Lisa' been out on the CBR 600F and had a big grin on her face. Did very well considering we came into wet weather.
Rowland Jowett
Hi Dave,
Just a quick note to say thanks for the training. Yourself, Paul and Higgy did an excellent job to get me through my mod 2 in just over 1 week, having never been on a motorbike in my life. The training was faultless, and it is a massive bonus that your team are so friendly which makes it an enjoyable experience.
I drove my new bike back down last night 240miles after the test (although I’m struggling to sit down now!!!). I felt confident to do this, as your training has put me above the standard required to simply pass the test. I still have lots to learn, but you have set me off with a great start.
Rowland
Gary Snowball
Dave,
Just wanted to say massive thanks for not only a cracking day out around the glorious North Yorkshire countryside on the Advanced Rider Training, but also for taking my riding up to whole new level. After passing my Direct Access training with you last year I had no hesitation in returning to you for some advanced training to develop my road craft. After taking delivery of my new VFR 1200 and making plans for long distance tours with a pillion I decided it was time to seek additional professional tuition to raise my game. Quite simply, my riding will never be the same again. I have certainly noticed a massive improvement (and grin) already after employing your advice on road position, lines and the importance of how to read what's going on all around me. You highlighted my weak areas and how to work on them, which has given me a new heightened confidence on the road when I can see how a small change in road position really can make a huge difference. It was the kind of day that I would imagine could benefit anyone regardless of what machine or experience they have.
Cheers Dave, really enjoyed it. ‘Legend.’
Regards, Gary Snowball
Helen Cox
Just wanted to say a huge thank you to Dave, Higgi and Paul for getting me through my DAS. You guys are so patient, even when I could only manage to concentrate on something for about 4 seconds! The lessons are tailored to each individual and gave me plenty of time to practice various manoeuvres, and then combine this with the knowledge and confidence to ride safely. I am also grateful to you for starting two of my sons on the road to safe biking via their CBTs.
So, special thanks to Dave for sharing more cigarettes with me than is good for us, to Paul for his wise words and calming influence during my tests, and to Higgi for getting his legs out so often.
Thanks again guys for teaching me so much! xx
Pennie Herd Winspear
Thank you Dave and Paul for getting me through my test, after going with another training school and getting nowhere I was pleased to have found you. You are second to none. All you ladies out there who are thinking of taking your test I highly recommend Dave and all his team who all make you feel comfortable and build your confidence no end, they make it fun with lots of laughs.
Looking forward to seeing ya at the rallies Dave. xx
Richard Wilkins
It is difficult to express the mixture of delight and relief that I felt in passing my Module 2 this week and gaining a full motorcycle licence.
While acknowledging that ultimate success is down to the individual concerned, this achievement would not have been possible without the expert training that I have received at ride-4-life. What has struck me throughout my training has been the totally consistent approach that has been adopted by you, Paul and Higgi. You have all been firm, fair but friendly to me, demonstrating infinite patience with my somewhat at times inconsistent and variable performance.
Your criticism, that has been absolutely necessary to improve my riding skills, has always been constructive and not destructive. While recognising that everybody makes mistakes, you all worked hard at boosting my confidence and convincing me that I had the capabilities to succeed.
In conclusion, I have no hesitation in recommending ride-4-life school to anyone requiring motor cycle training at whatever perceived level of experience and skill.
It has been a privilege and pleasure to meet you and all your training colleagues and I promise that, as invited, I will visit you again when I have purchased my new bike. Thank you all again for adding a new dimension to my life at 65 years of age!Steve Ruane
Hi Dave many thanks, to you and the team, for getting me through my full bike test. I enjoyed the whole experience despite the great British weather through January, February and March. The training was first class, a good mix of light hearted and serious when needed, good support and a boot up the arse if necessary. Do I hold the record for best skid in the playground by the way? The result speaks volumes - only 2 minors on my Module 2 (we know he missed my last life saver so it should only have been one minor) I have only one complaint - DITCH PLANET ROCK, all that rock music in the morning is NOT GOOD. Now I am fully legal I can take passengers on my 1961 Lambretta - do any of you fancy riding pillion with me, on a machine with soul, to a scooter rally? All the best to you Dave, please pass on my thanks to Higgy too. Ride 4 life is now officially approved by Scooterists
Steve (Action Man) Hawkins
Hi Dave,
Just wanted to drop you a quick note to say a belated Thank you. I passed my MOD2 at the end of October, and got a month of riding in the freezing cold, wet, sleet, fog and dark - which although I didn't appreciate at the time was very good experience. When the snow came down at the end of November I tucked my bike away and it only came back out last weekend. When I first sat on it again I was very very nervous, but that vanished as soon as I left the drive and now I am buzzing every time I get on it. It seems a long time ago since I first sat on that 600cc in the playground in the pouring rain, and proceeded to drop it on the floor (sorry). A big Thanks to Aussie Dave for the CBT (I think i still owe him a few pints for every time I left an indicator flashing), Higgy for spotting every mistake I made and telling it the way it was, Paul for calming the nerves before my Mod1. And as for you Dave 'The Legend', I can remember you telling me you used to be a sniper, which I laughed off - but I can remember you following me at a distance of about 100 metres with traffic and a blind bend between us and you still spotted the errors I made - Brilliant. Which ever one of you I went out with, the tuition was always first class and any criticism (or more commonly known as beasting) was vey constructive. The plentiful supply of tea, bacon butties and all of the instructors first class wit was an added bonus. I miss my weekends with you guys and will pop back in to see you very soon.
All the best
Richard Thomas
Sorry it's taken a few days to get this to you. I just wanted to say a big
ThankYou to you and all your team. And extra thanks to Higgi who spent a
little bit of time with me ironing out a few faults in my riding. What a
great job you did - very patient and very informative. The fact that I
passed with no minors on both modules is not down to good riding - I put it
down to the excellence of your instruction. What's more, I had an enjoyable
few weeks with you, you didn't make it stressful, in fact it was great fun.
It was a pleasure spending time with you guys. The tea/coffee/sausage
sandwiches and cakes were very much appreciated as well.
I will be sure to recommend you to as many people as I can. I'll pop round
at some point to say hi.
Thanks again to you and the team.