Advance Training with Scoobychris

smstext · 03-10-2007, 19:28

Ive been asked to post my experiences and thoughts after my meet up yesterday with scoobychris.

We met at 6pm in Andover, after breif introduction we went along a predefined route (one of many that chris has), it was starting to get dark and i got to see how advance driving works. It wasnt all slow driving either and became quite informative.

After 45 mins we got back to the start and swapped cars, it was me now to drive the course we just been round so off we go.

After about 5 minutes (and now dark) we go along this country road, i get the car up to what i feel is a safe speed for a road i dont know, here scoobychris points out how you can tell that the road is going to get tighter (and from tighter to less tight) by the cats eyes

this started to bring me out of my comfort zone as ive so far always taken it easy on back roads i dont know. After getting use to it i beleive i progressed at it.

Still getting myself into the habit of slowing down and then changing gear and not doing it together (at the same time) this became one thing that was pointed out to me, if i slowed down a bit earlier i could do all this in good time instead of rushing it. The reason for this is to control the vehicle so you dont end up losing grip and then losing the bend to a field.

I also put into place getting up to the speed limit and reading the road, we had a couple of occassions where a road sign was missing which caused a quick brake at the T junction and when one of the country roads was caked in as much mud on the road as their was on the field.

Scoobychris gave me a couple more pointers and said if i keep up with it and get my braking/gear change sorted then their should be no reason for me to not pass my advance.

So any of you on here mocking the advance, its not just about driving slow, it makes your drive more pleasurable, faster but safe and will also teach you a thing or two that you probably didnt realise you were or were not doing. Basically dont mock it till you tried it.

Thanks again to scoobychris i enjoyed that, shame my car was filthy when i got home from the weather (clean now).

***ncarring*** · 03-10-2007, 19:42

Sounds like a good start, Paul. Fun chasing cats-eyes in the dark eh

smstext · 03-10-2007, 19:45

hmmmmm. not on a road i didnt know

well not at first.

**VRStu** · 03-10-2007, 20:02

Probably something I should ask you to help me with too Chris.

ScoobyChris · 03-10-2007, 20:31

Not a prob, Stu - we can sort something out

Chris

smstext · 03-10-2007, 22:33

Im sure Chris wont mine swapping his mondeo for your vrs stu

**VRStu** · 03-10-2007, 22:43

Yes but then he'd realise he wanted one.

ScoobyChris · 03-10-2007, 22:51

Well clearly it's wasted on Stu

Chris

smstext · 03-10-2007, 22:53

cheezemonkhai · 04-10-2007, 12:44

at this thread

KenONeill · 04-10-2007, 15:07

Em, I always take it a bit easier on unknown roads in the dark, not because I can't judge bend acuity, but because I don't know what unsigned junctions are or aren't lurking just out of sight round the next bend.

ScoobyChris · 04-10-2007, 15:34

Quote:

Originally Posted by KenONeill

Em, I always take it a bit easier on unknown roads in the dark, not because I can't judge bend acuity, but because I don't know what unsigned junctions are or aren't lurking just out of sight round the next bend.

But surely that's exactly the same for daylight?

Chris

KenONeill · 04-10-2007, 16:06

Quote:

Originally Posted by ScoobyChris

But surely that's exactly the same for daylight?

Chris

Not always, at least for me. I find I can pick up things like a drop in verge level easier in daylight.

smstext · 04-10-2007, 17:08

its even more fun with xenons

KenONeill · 05-10-2007, 08:57

I bought Samantha 50% brighter Quartz-Xenon bulbs from Powerbulbs (in a 2 for one plus blue-white sidelight bulbs offer).

ScoobyChris · 05-10-2007, 09:07

Quote:

Originally Posted by KenONeill

Not always, at least for me. I find I can pick up things like a drop in verge level easier in daylight.

Ah ok - the phrase "out of sight" confused me in your previous post

Yes, speeds at night tend to be slower, but effective safe progress can still be made on unknown roads.....

As an aside, I'm still not convinced by the xenons - maybe if they were on main beam too, it'd be different....

Chris

KenONeill · 05-10-2007, 09:45

Quote:

Originally Posted by ScoobyChris

Ah ok - the phrase "out of sight" confused me in your previous post

Yes, speeds at night tend to be slower, but effective safe progress can still be made on unknown roads.....

As an aside, I'm still not convinced by the xenons - maybe if they were on main beam too, it'd be different....

Chris

Actually, misleading as it might have been I've just realised that I know a few places where it's true. In daylight you can see a road leading up to a point where, unless someone's stopped building it within a few feet of the one you're on ther must be a junction just round that next corner, but in the dark you can't see the side road in your lights.

And I'm not convinced by claims about plasma discharge units either. I know several people who dislike them because they (according to these people) have a sharper sideways cut-off, which reduces your peripheral vision, and create deeper shadows.

Goochie · 05-10-2007, 10:09

Its a shame Chris cant ask for payment for these sessions as he's not an ADI. However I'm sure anyone going on a session would agree that buying him a tank of diesel wouldnt' go a miss

Not that he can ask you to this himself, of course.

ScoobyChris · 05-10-2007, 10:12

I'm not sure my drives are worth a tank of diesel!

Chris

anonymouse · 05-10-2007, 12:39

Little tip from my son which might prove useful - he says when in unfamiliar territory, on country roads, he glances at the sat nav to get forewarnings of junctions / whatever coming up.

smstext · 05-10-2007, 13:57

i did mention that one to chris about the sat navs (very useful on single track roads across the yorkshire peak district)

anonymouse · 05-10-2007, 14:08

Quote:

Originally Posted by smstext

i did mention that one to chris about the sat navs (very useful on single track roads across the yorkshire peak district)

I was quite impressed - he's only been driving 15 months (post test), using his head I'm glad to say.

ScoobyChris · 05-10-2007, 14:11

Yep that's a good tip and it may be useful as an aid, but I'd personally want to be driving within what I can see so if sat nav tells me the road is straight (and therefore that an overtake might be considered) I wouldn't take it without being able to clearly see the bit of road I was planning on using.

Chris

smstext · 05-10-2007, 14:13

You can certainly get the speed up to chase the cats eyes when you have the sat nav on as you can see the nasty bends approching on screen too (second set of eyes).

Mondo · 05-10-2007, 14:19

Chris,

I'd be interested on your opinion on the following,

It can often be heard that people are worried about driving "progressively" on roads they don't know. I think it's dangerous to think that you "know the road" I think leads to complacency and often ends in disaster.

Every road should be "read" at the time it's being driven. Sure, there is nothing wrong with learning certain charecteristics of unique corners etc which may allow you to progress more quickly but other than that, if you read the road as it opens up in front of you, you will stay more alert and get more out of your drive. MHO only of course.

03-10-2007, 19:28	#1
smstext 2.0 FSI Sport. Join Date: May 2007 Location: oxon Posts: 9,718 Members Car: Octavia Mk2 FSI Sport Thanks: 11 Thanked 307 Times in 274 Posts	Advance Training with Scoobychris Ive been asked to post my experiences and thoughts after my meet up yesterday with scoobychris. We met at 6pm in Andover, after breif introduction we went along a predefined route (one of many that chris has), it was starting to get dark and i got to see how advance driving works. It wasnt all slow driving either and became quite informative. After 45 mins we got back to the start and swapped cars, it was me now to drive the course we just been round so off we go. After about 5 minutes (and now dark) we go along this country road, i get the car up to what i feel is a safe speed for a road i dont know, here scoobychris points out how you can tell that the road is going to get tighter (and from tighter to less tight) by the cats eyes this started to bring me out of my comfort zone as ive so far always taken it easy on back roads i dont know. After getting use to it i beleive i progressed at it. Still getting myself into the habit of slowing down and then changing gear and not doing it together (at the same time) this became one thing that was pointed out to me, if i slowed down a bit earlier i could do all this in good time instead of rushing it. The reason for this is to control the vehicle so you dont end up losing grip and then losing the bend to a field. I also put into place getting up to the speed limit and reading the road, we had a couple of occassions where a road sign was missing which caused a quick brake at the T junction and when one of the country roads was caked in as much mud on the road as their was on the field. Scoobychris gave me a couple more pointers and said if i keep up with it and get my braking/gear change sorted then their should be no reason for me to not pass my advance. So any of you on here mocking the advance, its not just about driving slow, it makes your drive more pleasurable, faster but safe and will also teach you a thing or two that you probably didnt realise you were or were not doing. Basically dont mock it till you tried it. Thanks again to scoobychris i enjoyed that, shame my car was filthy when i got home from the weather (clean now). __________________ Oxon Meet Feeler 2009 please add your input, click here

03-10-2007, 19:42	#2
*ncarring* Don't talk, drive! Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: The B roads of Britain Posts: 12,965 Members Car: 1983 Porsche 928S / 1972 MGB GT Thanks: 17 Thanked 96 Times in 79 Posts	Re: Advance Training with Scoobychris Sounds like a good start, Paul. Fun chasing cats-eyes in the dark eh __________________ Nick North Wiltshire RoADAR

03-10-2007, 19:45	#3
smstext 2.0 FSI Sport. Join Date: May 2007 Location: oxon Posts: 9,718 Members Car: Octavia Mk2 FSI Sport Thanks: 11 Thanked 307 Times in 274 Posts	Re: Advance Training with Scoobychris hmmmmm. not on a road i didnt know well not at first. __________________ Oxon Meet Feeler 2009 please add your input, click here

03-10-2007, 20:02	#4
VRStu Txt Spk Police Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Hampshire Posts: 20,856 Members Car: Audi S3 Thanks: 145 Thanked 999 Times in 895 Posts	Re: Advance Training with Scoobychris Probably something I should ask you to help me with too Chris. __________________ Stu Stu's Websites - http://www.fabia-vrs.com & http://www.octavia-vrs.com Stu's Car - 2008 Audi S3 - Ibis White, Black Optics Pack, Privacy Glass, Auto Bi Xenon Headlights, Rain Sensing Wipers, Bose Sound System, Ipod Prep, GSM Phone Prep, Flat Bottom Multi Function Steering Wheel, Electric Folding Mirrors, Acoustic Parking, Cruise Control, Interior Light Pack, Non Smokers Pack. SWMBO's Car - 2008 Seat LEON TDi Stylance, Black Magic, Sports Pack, Rear Parking Sensors. Something for Weekend - A Patio

03-10-2007, 20:31	#5
ScoobyChris Briskodian Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Andover Posts: 18,198 Members Car: Fiat Panda Thanks: 15 Thanked 337 Times in 290 Posts	Re: Advance Training with Scoobychris Not a prob, Stu - we can sort something out Chris __________________ Holding up the traffic in a little Italian..........

03-10-2007, 22:33	#6
smstext 2.0 FSI Sport. Join Date: May 2007 Location: oxon Posts: 9,718 Members Car: Octavia Mk2 FSI Sport Thanks: 11 Thanked 307 Times in 274 Posts	Re: Advance Training with Scoobychris Im sure Chris wont mine swapping his mondeo for your vrs stu __________________ Oxon Meet Feeler 2009 please add your input, click here

03-10-2007, 22:43	#7
VRStu Txt Spk Police Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Hampshire Posts: 20,856 Members Car: Audi S3 Thanks: 145 Thanked 999 Times in 895 Posts	Re: Advance Training with Scoobychris Yes but then he'd realise he wanted one. __________________ Stu Stu's Websites - http://www.fabia-vrs.com & http://www.octavia-vrs.com Stu's Car - 2008 Audi S3 - Ibis White, Black Optics Pack, Privacy Glass, Auto Bi Xenon Headlights, Rain Sensing Wipers, Bose Sound System, Ipod Prep, GSM Phone Prep, Flat Bottom Multi Function Steering Wheel, Electric Folding Mirrors, Acoustic Parking, Cruise Control, Interior Light Pack, Non Smokers Pack. SWMBO's Car - 2008 Seat LEON TDi Stylance, Black Magic, Sports Pack, Rear Parking Sensors. Something for Weekend - A Patio

03-10-2007, 22:51	#8
ScoobyChris Briskodian Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Andover Posts: 18,198 Members Car: Fiat Panda Thanks: 15 Thanked 337 Times in 290 Posts	Re: Advance Training with Scoobychris Well clearly it's wasted on Stu Chris __________________ Holding up the traffic in a little Italian..........

03-10-2007, 22:53	#9
smstext 2.0 FSI Sport. Join Date: May 2007 Location: oxon Posts: 9,718 Members Car: Octavia Mk2 FSI Sport Thanks: 11 Thanked 307 Times in 274 Posts	Re: Advance Training with Scoobychris __________________ Oxon Meet Feeler 2009 please add your input, click here

04-10-2007, 12:44	#10
cheezemonkhai Briskodian Join Date: Jan 2006 Posts: 15,664 Members Car: Thanks: 118 Thanked 527 Times in 488 Posts	Re: Advance Training with Scoobychris at this thread __________________ Cars make CO2 and trees absorb CO2. By driving your car you're feeding a tree and helping the environment.

04-10-2007, 15:07	#11
KenONeill Briskodian Join Date: May 2006 Location: Normally in Scotland! Posts: 11,250 Members Car: Octavia TDi110 Thanks: 65 Thanked 562 Times in 550 Posts	Re: Advance Training with Scoobychris Em, I always take it a bit easier on unknown roads in the dark, not because I can't judge bend acuity, but because I don't know what unsigned junctions are or aren't lurking just out of sight round the next bend.

04-10-2007, 17:08	#14
smstext 2.0 FSI Sport. Join Date: May 2007 Location: oxon Posts: 9,718 Members Car: Octavia Mk2 FSI Sport Thanks: 11 Thanked 307 Times in 274 Posts	Re: Advance Training with Scoobychris its even more fun with xenons __________________ Oxon Meet Feeler 2009 please add your input, click here

05-10-2007, 08:57	#15
KenONeill Briskodian Join Date: May 2006 Location: Normally in Scotland! Posts: 11,250 Members Car: Octavia TDi110 Thanks: 65 Thanked 562 Times in 550 Posts	Re: Advance Training with Scoobychris I bought Samantha 50% brighter Quartz-Xenon bulbs from Powerbulbs (in a 2 for one plus blue-white sidelight bulbs offer).

05-10-2007, 10:09	#18
Goochie Briskodian Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Up a tree. Posts: 12,363 Members Car: Thanks: 7 Thanked 27 Times in 25 Posts	Re: Advance Training with Scoobychris Its a shame Chris cant ask for payment for these sessions as he's not an ADI. However I'm sure anyone going on a session would agree that buying him a tank of diesel wouldnt' go a miss Not that he can ask you to this himself, of course.

05-10-2007, 10:12	#19
ScoobyChris Briskodian Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Andover Posts: 18,198 Members Car: Fiat Panda Thanks: 15 Thanked 337 Times in 290 Posts	Re: Advance Training with Scoobychris I'm not sure my drives are worth a tank of diesel! Chris __________________ Holding up the traffic in a little Italian..........

05-10-2007, 12:39	#20
anonymouse Nuts Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Greater Manchester Posts: 8,450 Members Car: Fabia vRS Thanks: 152 Thanked 258 Times in 192 Posts	Re: Advance Training with Scoobychris Little tip from my son which might prove useful - he says when in unfamiliar territory, on country roads, he glances at the sat nav to get forewarnings of junctions / whatever coming up. __________________ "Stupidity, if left untreated, is self-correcting." - Heinlein

05-10-2007, 13:57	#21
smstext 2.0 FSI Sport. Join Date: May 2007 Location: oxon Posts: 9,718 Members Car: Octavia Mk2 FSI Sport Thanks: 11 Thanked 307 Times in 274 Posts	Re: Advance Training with Scoobychris i did mention that one to chris about the sat navs (very useful on single track roads across the yorkshire peak district) __________________ Oxon Meet Feeler 2009 please add your input, click here

05-10-2007, 14:11	#23
ScoobyChris Briskodian Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Andover Posts: 18,198 Members Car: Fiat Panda Thanks: 15 Thanked 337 Times in 290 Posts	Re: Advance Training with Scoobychris Yep that's a good tip and it may be useful as an aid, but I'd personally want to be driving within what I can see so if sat nav tells me the road is straight (and therefore that an overtake might be considered) I wouldn't take it without being able to clearly see the bit of road I was planning on using. Chris __________________ Holding up the traffic in a little Italian..........

05-10-2007, 14:13	#24
smstext 2.0 FSI Sport. Join Date: May 2007 Location: oxon Posts: 9,718 Members Car: Octavia Mk2 FSI Sport Thanks: 11 Thanked 307 Times in 274 Posts	Re: Advance Training with Scoobychris You can certainly get the speed up to chase the cats eyes when you have the sat nav on as you can see the nasty bends approching on screen too (second set of eyes). __________________ Oxon Meet Feeler 2009 please add your input, click here

05-10-2007, 14:19	#25
Mondo Briskodian Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Aberdeenshire Posts: 55 Members Car: Octy II vRS FSI Estate Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Re: Advance Training with Scoobychris Chris, I'd be interested on your opinion on the following, It can often be heard that people are worried about driving "progressively" on roads they don't know. I think it's dangerous to think that you "know the road" I think leads to complacency and often ends in disaster. Every road should be "read" at the time it's being driven. Sure, there is nothing wrong with learning certain charecteristics of unique corners etc which may allow you to progress more quickly but other than that, if you read the road as it opens up in front of you, you will stay more alert and get more out of your drive. MHO only of course. __________________ Why you wasting time reading this bit. The bit that matters is above.

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