Valley Bike School was set up in 1999 by Stuart Nelson following his retirement from the police. Whilst still training, Stuart has taken more of a "back-seat" role and will be concentrating more on Advanced Courses which will be based in Mid Wales.

Joe Vaiders - Chief Instructor

Like Stuart, Joe is a retired police officer. He is totally committed to safer riding. He is trained to Police "Advanced" standard and is a member of the Institute of Advanced Motorists. Joe has a life-long passion for riding motorbikes and when not training is usually out riding his R1200RT. His philosophy - "Growing old is compulsory... Growing up is optional." Like most men, his toys have just got bigger as he grows older.

In 2004, Joe appeared on Men & Motors "Used Bike Heaven" where he was given the opportunity to ride and comment on a Triumph Tiger, Yamaha TDM, and Suzuki 1200 Bandit. His performance in front of the cameras was absolutely average and his "je ne sais quoi" will be talked about for seconds! He enjoyed every minute of the experience and is grateful to Paul, Fran and the rest of the crew for giving him the chance of 30 minutes of "fame".

The Triumph Tiger got Joe's vote

John Radcliffe - Direct Access Instructor

John has been riding bikes since 1964, (yes, he’s that old!) and, next to his wife and pillion partner since that time, bikes are his first love. He is a police advanced motorcyclist and, prior to his retirement in 1996 was the inspector in charge of the Greater Manchester Police motorcycle wing. In addition to his role as an instructor with Valley Bike School he writes articles for motorcycle magazines and any free time is spent on his bike exploring some corner of the world, so any questions on touring you might have, from Europe to Route 66, he’s the one to ask.

Martin Greenwood - Direct Access Instructor

A keen motorcyclist since the age of 17, Martin has owned and ridden all sizes and styles of bike that the market has to offer. Martin recently retired from the Greater Manchester Police after 30 years service. He passed his Police Advanced Motorcycle test in 1978 and spent time as a motorcycle patrol officer. In his last 4 years of service he was as the Force Advanced Training Sergeant for Motorcycles and Cars. With a view to the future, prior to his retirement, he qualified as a Driving Standards Agency motorcycle instructor (CBT and Direct Access). With his qualifications, Martin also examines for ROSPA and the Institute of Advanced Motorists (IAM).

Bob is a product of training at Valley Bike School and is the only Instructor to "come up through the ranks" so to speak. He is a very enthusiastic motorcyclist and excellent trainer who came to biking later in life but has made up for it since! Before starting CBT training at weekends he has usually covered a 60 mile circuit - just to warm up his tyres. Bob is also a keen BSB and WSB fan and his ideal weekend is training all day Saturday and Sunday whilst calling in at Oulton Park on the Monday to catch up on the British Superbikes. Like the rest at Valley Bike School, Bob is "up for the crack" committed to Motorcycle safety and loves all aspects of Bike training.