My wife Mims has a long-held dream to be able to ride a motorbike. She has previously attempted to learn to ride but gave up due to less than understanding training providers and a rather dramatic incident with a bush!
Mims has encouraged me to learn to ride on many occasions since we met, and we eventually decided in 2023 that we would both learn to ride with the goal of getting our full motorcycle licences. After a lot of research, we found BMW Rider Training in Cambridge - a school that would provide an intensive 7-day course, which we decided was the best option for Mims, and who had experience of teaching riders with disabilities and other health issues. Her instructor Denis came highly recommended!
Unfortunately, a 7-day course was just not enough for Mims to be able to overcome her previous bike trauma, and her autistic brain fought hard against her, slowing her progress considerably. It became apparent that she would need a lot more training in order to conquer the Module 1 and Module 2 tests. Mims does not give up easily, and neither did the bike school. With the amazing support of Ian, her instructor Denis, and the rest of the team over several weekend evenings, Mims was able to ride the bike on the road to a standard acceptable to pass the CBT.
Then after two further 3-day training sessions, Mims was able to pass the Module 1 skills test.
So that brings us to where we are today. Mims now needs to pass the Module 2 road test, which will require another 5-day training week. The team at BMW Rider Training has been amazing and are still supporting Mims in every way they can. However, there are still considerable costs to the additional training which are way over and above that required by the majority of neurotypical people. We have contacted every charity that we can find, who might be able to offer grants or funding for disabled people to ride, but they generally only offer grants to those with physical disabilities. None are able to offer anything for Autism.
So that is why we need your help. Mims has the bike training booked for the second week of September. If you are able and willing to help her continue her motorcycling journey, then anything you can give would be gratefully received. We would like to try and raise £1500. This is not the full cost, but would help considerably towards the reduced cost of the additional training, hotel, travel, etc