Nigel Kibble

Role on committee (if applicable)? My role is Vice-chair. In addition to deputising for the Chair, I also manage the text messages and Full Member Ride-outs (FMRs).

When did you start biking? I always wanted to ride from an early age, but a family tragedy put my riding ambitions back on the backburner. My wife and I trained together, and we passed our tests in 1995, at the age of 25.

How did you start biking? My first bike was a brand new Yamaha Thundercat 600. I really wanted a Honda CBR600 at the time, but Yamaha was offering a great 0% deal, along with heavily discounted insurance.

So, how was my initial riding? Awful! I had the bike and gear, but no idea. After all that waiting to get onto a bike, I had to admit I had zero natural riding ability.

Thankfully, a Bike magazine edition featured an ex-Police riding instructor called Mike Waite, who was offering week-long training courses. I immediately signed up, took his course as soon as I could, and it transformed my biking experience.

I truly believe that taking tuition and learning to do something well really can bring out so much more pleasure and enjoyment, whatever your chosen pastime or pursuit.

When did you join BAM? I joined BAM in 2013, thanks to Andy Pratt. We lived locally and met through a mutual friend. After a few ride-outs Andy asked if I fancied doing a trip to Scotland with a few mates. “Sounds great!”, I said. “Good”, replied Andy. “You’ll need to join this club we’re in though. And pass a little test”.  

Best things about BAM?  There’s lots to love about the club. The continued energy that Marcus brings to every single event he takes part in. The continued ways the Training Team look to teach and practice new skills – from cornering, to filtering, to slow riding [all part of membership]. The way Bob and team provide a ride-out every single weekend. The tours and ride-outs that are scheduled, to create an incredible calendar – if you’re willing to just take part.

For me though, I’ve met some fantastic people in the club and made some incredible and long-lasting friendships. Through which I’ve gained lots of hints and tips to improve my riding, have taken part in many trips and adventures and, most importantly, had many laughs and fun times.

What Difference did joining BAM have on your riding/life? It’s cost me a fortune in motorbikes, gear, fuel, and money for all the trips! 😊

Before joining BAM, I was averaging around1,500 miles a year. Sometimes even fewer miles than that. My training with Mike Waite had instilled some core riding rules I believe in, that other riders didn’t necessarily take on – so I was careful who I rode with.  If Andy hadn’t introduced me to BAM I’d probably have given up riding by now.

On my first ride-out with Marcus and Stuart in 2013 I’d got 5K miles on my Honda Fireblade that I’d had from new since 2009. I now average around 8K miles a year and love every minute of it.

Being an active member of BAM provides continued opportunities to learn and improve, so I’m sure it’s enabled me to avoid many potential dangers over the years. However, one incident has stuck with me. On a group ride-out I was looking to overtake 3 cars that were all bunched up together. The road was perfectly straight, the opportunity looked ready but then I noticed some daylight further down the road, which indicated a potential junction or opening. So, I paused and re-assessed. As I did so, a car appeared from there and immediately turned left – in the space I would been heading into if I had taken the overtake. What a different ride-out and outcome that could have been. This training saves lives – I have no doubt on that.

Current bike(s):  For the past 4 years I’ve kept two bikes: a sports bike to prove to myself I can still squeeze into one-piece leathers and fold my knees up around my chin, along with a more sensible bike I can use for the longer trips.

Currently, I have an Aprilia Tuono Factory1100 and a BMW GS 1250 Triple Black.

Most interesting story, or best experience, from your biking history: There have been many great experiences, but one that I will always remember is that first trip to Scotland in 2013. I’d managed to pass the IAM advanced test in time to join the trip –and what an incredible trip it was too! We were incredibly fortunate with the weather – 30 degrees every day in Scotland! The routes, meticulously prepared by Quentin were fabulous, the roads were amazing, and the fellow riders on the trip were great fun. Quentin is still running that trip and I’d recommend it to anyone.

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