Postscript

Wow, where has the time gone to since I last posted here?

The good news is that July 7th got me my IAM for the bike. What a great feeling!

Had a good test run the night before with a senior IAM observer who commented that I should be keeping the speed up a bit. What do you mean, says I. You're only doing 56/57 not 60mph.
I knew my speedo was a bit out at higher speeds as my GPS can show the actual speed if you want it to, but I had not really bothered about it.

So next morning I was out early and seeing what 60mph actually was on my speedo, nearer 63/64, so I made a mental note to make sure I hit this on the open road. You can fail for not making 'Proper progress' if the conditions allow.

Was very pleased to pass first time, it is nerve wracking following route instructions from the following bikes indicators. Certainly makes you use your mirrors.
Also with next years trip to California I was more confident about driving over there and felt I had an edge now in coping with some of the possible crazy driving situations I might meet.

One good tip which I learned was that when the lights change over stateside, don't take off straightaway. Count to three first. This helps to avoid any red-light runners. This did happen once to us and though I was not first at the lights, Alan who was first, waited and as we started to move a pickup ran the lights doing 70 or so. That was scary and such a close call.

Ride safe.