Derek Hiley

Chair / Tutor

I have been a keen rider and owner of motorbikes for the past 35 years. At last count, I’ve owned and tinkered with approximately 40 motorcycles over that time, so I have ridden all types, from sports to trials, and of course, this includes the obligatory GS. I’m firmly in the camp that the perfect number of bikes is n + 1.  In 2022, having sat back and thought about it, I realised I’d invested in bikes and gear but over the 35 years not my own riding skills, so I decided to undertake the advanced course with RoSPA.  During the training, I realised I had some significant gaps in my ability that  could be put right to keep me (and my wife as pillion) safer and whilst doing so enjoy the experience. Having passed the final assessment, I continued my training and qualified as a Group Tutor, hoping to spend time assisting fellow riders like me. Investing in rider safety whilst enjoying the rides and friendship.

We started Grampian Advanced Motorcyclists (GAM) and I agreed to be Chair.

I class myself as semi retired, working as a part-time CBT motorcycle instructor with a local bike school and plan to undertake my  DAS instructor training. I currently own and ride a Suzuki GSX800R and a Ducati Hyperstrada 821.

Mark Robinson

Advanced Tutor

I’m old enough to be part of the generation influenced by Barry Sheene and Evel Kinevel but also remember how nervous I was when I first rode a FS1E for the very first time back in the late 70’s.

Learning was vital for me then, and is equally important now, being able to pass on advice and experience from the perspective of Advanced Tutor with Grampian Advanced Motorcyclists.

Having gained my first RoSPA Gold in 1997, I’ve added a few more since, and qualifications of Group Tutor and Advanced Tutor followed.

Still passionate about motorcycles after 40+ years and riding for pleasure or tuition whenever possible.

Brett Bonas

Tutor

I like to class myself as a seasoned motorcyclist with almost three decades of riding experience under my belt. I love getting out on my bike whenever I get the opportunity. 

I am the proud holder of RoSPA gold accreditations and passionate about sharing knowledge by mentoring others to develop their riding skills with confidence while ensuring we enjoy the ride and experience.  Being a group tutor allows me opportunity to do this. 

Being able to help other likeminded riders is the reason behind why we started Grampian Advanced Motorcyclists (GAM) and I am pleased to say the feedback from riders that have joined us to date has been really positive. 

For me every day is a school day, and I believe regardless of anyone’s knowledge and experience when it comes to riding there is always something to learn or a skill to refine. 

If you are on the site you clearly have an interest so no matter what your reason whether you just want to get a little feedback on your ride, help to improve a part of your ride or you fancy going for gold, take the next step and contact us for a chat. 

John McAdoo

Secretary

As a lover of “two wheels” (both motorcycle and bicycle) I am feel very fortunate to be able to enjoythe roads of The North East and beyond.   In doing so I am very conscious of improving my own skills, knowledge and techniques to maximise safety and enjoyment particularly with a few horsepower to assist! 

I first took to petrol powered two wheels in 1991 in Hong Kong on a Honda VF400F in shorts and flip flops.  After a long break I got back on the bikes in 2005. Unlike some of my RoSPA GAM colleagues I have had only 5 bike since, however this did include the obligatory GS Adventure which has now morphed into an MV Agusta. 

As a Bronze Rider I certainly have room for personal improvement in my riding skills and through RoSPA Grampian Advanced Motorcyclists have the resources and expertise at hand to do so. 

Paul Gray

Tech Admin

I’ve been riding now for about 12 years and love being in this area where the roads give us some of the most stunning scenery in the UK in my opinion.

My journey towards advanced riding started a few years ago where I did my first test in Nottingham as there was no RoSPA group in the area at the time. This resulted in my first Silver pass. I then found this group and had another attempt which resulted in another Silver…….The challenge for 2026 is to achieve a Gold pass and work towards becoming a tutor in the group.

Steve Milne

QA & Motorcycle Training officer