Machine Control 1

Pre-requisite

The ability to ride and change gear without much conscious thought

Who's it for

Anyone that wants to build confidence & improve their riding ability

Gear

You'll need to bring your own bike and gear

Duration

1 Day

£150 at York

£160 at Norfolk

£160 at Exeter

£160 at Ireland

£190 at Millbrook Proving Ground

Section 1.1 - Cognitive Responses to Riding

We begin by focusing on how riding makes us feel. Correctly interpreting what your body is telling you, even if it can feel different to your expectations, is important in learning how to enforce positive reactions and to reduce negative behaviours.

Section 1.2 - The Core

By understanding how the body works to maintain its balance you will learn to manage it. We will help you develop simple, practical ways to improve your core stability, which will hugely benefit your overall control and precision in all riding conditions.

Section 1.3 - Bike Stability and Mechanics

Bike Stability and Mechanics There are different stages of machine stability which govern it at different times. We will help you understand how the core responds to those stages, and how to ensure it remains calm and prepared at all times. Why you feel the way you do, and why at times you ride the way you do will become clear.

Section 1.4 - Experimenting with the Machine

Experimenting with the Machine To understand the bike it helps to contrast our imaginary perception of what might happen to how the motorcycle actually behaves with and without making any conscious inputs to its controls. Through a series of carefully-designed experiments you will observe what the machine would do, how to, and how not to influence it, whilst remaining composed and in control when facing risk, danger, and...fun!

Section 1.5 - Grip and how it works

In this section we demonstrate and explain the system of grip. We will dispel some common misconceptions to help you understand how grip develops and what influences it. This will give you an awareness of how grip changes as the machine moves, slows down, changes direction, and accelerates, helping you respond calmly when needed.

Section 1.6 - The Mechanics of Changing Direction

No other area of motorcycle control is filled with more grey areas and well-intentioned misinformation than cornering. After explaining several common techniques of changing direction you will try and test each of them yourself. It will become very clear to you what works, when does it work, and what never does

Section 1.7 - Braking using advantages in grip and understanding ABS

Braking Using Advantages in Grip and Understanding of ABS This very important skill affects everyone, every day. You will gain a confident and calm approach to braking informed by accurate and extensively tested techniques. Your stopping distances will shrink. You will become deeply aware of how grip, ABS, and the choice of brakes are interconnected. You will become a safer rider whilst getting the maximum out of your brakes.

Section 1.8 - Turning and Riding Slowly

Turning and Riding Slowly Due to a range of factors including our brain's ability to create emotions based on what we expect to happen, some riders struggle needlessly at slow speed. We will help you see that the machine is quite stable at slow speed and that it could be a misinterpretation of what the machine needs to do that is causing most of the anxiety. We will help you experience the principles that govern really slow speeds thus changing the way you feel when riding slowly.


Testimonials

Great and even better for being in wet conditions as it showed that if you could do it in these conditions then dry should be no sweat. Relaxed style but tons of input and gentle encouragement to help those of all levels. Improvements were clear to see across the group. a great entry to MC2
Ralph Fergusson-Kelly - Jan-2025
Very Good Venue. I could get rid-off fear - dropping a bike. I am happy that I choose this and could learn be a better rider. Looking forward of next venue.
Tomasz Lipa - Feb-2025
I did machine control 1, 2, and knee down.
The improvement of my riding on the road was night and day.
Highly recommend for new and established riders.
Always room for learning.
Thomas Spencer - Mar-2025
Tom, it was excellent. I’ve not stopped telling people about it since going. You’ll be seeing me again for MC2 in the near future.
Jonathan Broomhead - Apr-2025
Excellent tuition. Learnt more than any previous training activities.
Keith Saywell - May-2025
Fantastic training to refresh skills
Stephen Sidgwick - May-2025
Fantastic! Great, clear explanations and very accessible. Good balance of activity and thought-provoking explanations. Can’t wait for MC2.
Richard Wilkin - Jun-2025
Excellent course delivered in a fun, engaging and professional manner at a great location. The confidence gained in myself and the abilities of the bike are priceless!
Mr Ryan Doherty - Jun-2025
This course is one of the best I've ever taken - straight to the point and super effective! I'd highly recommend it to all new riders before they pick up bad habits or get misled by dodgy advice from others or online forums. Tom's teaching style is hilarious and his motorbike knowledge is absolutely top-notch. He's the perfect instructor to help you build confidence and skills on two wheels.
Saab Bains - Jun-2025
I attended MC1 with instructors Tom and Danny at Milbrook. An excellent course, throughly enjoyable and I learned some valuable new riding skills.
Both instructors explain everything in a straightforward way, breaking down each section of the course, so it’s very understandable. Very good demonstrations by the instructors prior to getting us to replicate the same skill. Great delivery, with some good ‘craic’ along the way. A varied mix of riders attended my course and both Tom and Danny gave plenty of advice and encouragement, ensuring that the whole day was very inclusive, catering for all.
I have now booked my MC2 and can’t wait to improve my skills further. Thank you for an unforgettable day.
Jamie Brown - Jul-2025
Tim and Colm are great instructors. The course is very well balanced between theory and hands on practical. I came away with a lot more skill and confidence riding my motorcycle. I Would highly recommend to anyone no matter your skill level.
James Whelan - Aug-2025
Big thanks to Tom and Danny. So many things to know and learn. So many things we do wrong on our bikes unconsciously... Still a lot of things to practice and hone, but the seed was planted and now it up to us to carry on. The course was very well thought on, planned and executed.
Now, Tom is a gem. I want personally thank him for help. See, I came in with my front brake dragging and failing. I spoke to Tom, saying that I am ready to pack my bags and f-off, cos it was entirely my own fault - but Tom said no mate, not so fast! Let see what we can do about it first and he did fix the problem, saving my money and most importantly the knowledge I would loose. My hat off and a bow ,Tom! Much much appreciated.
Svajunas Miknevicius - Sep-2025