I've just returned from a wonderful day of improving my riding skills. Granted this is the first time I've ever taken any sort of rider's training. Having ridden on and off for the past 33 years or so I must say that it was time well spent. I think anything that we can do to improve our scooter skills will make us safer riders.
For most folks unless you do one of these classes, you'll never know just what your bike is capable of. Not to mention what you are capable of doing yourself. Now I will say that I've watched several training videos over the years. Most are entertaining and informative. Until you actually do a hands on training though you are not gonna know what it's like.
I suppose the main thing that I've learned today was that all the practicing of all the skills I've tried to learn did come in handy. Practice practice practice and then when you think you've got it practice some more. Make it to where you react instinctively to situations and you don't have to waste valuable time thinking or second guessing what to do.
Sometimes no matter how much we train we still can't control what happens to us. This makes me think of my Boy Scout motto "Be Prepared". How do we prepare you ask? We become one with our motorcycles. We check her out properly before each ride so that small things don't turn into major problems. For instance, how often do you check your air pressure? When did you last check your oil? What about your brake lights? Turn signals?
We can't do anything about the things that happen around us such as other drivers or animals. I know some of the other drivers are animals. Believe me I spend many many hours on the roads every day and I've seen more than the average person in captivity. In twenty two years of trucking I've learned one thing if nothing else. Just when you think you've seen it all, something will come along and shock you more than ever.
Do what you can to improve your skills and always be watchful of whats going on around you.
Ride Safe
Ronman
Sunday, April 13, 2008
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6 comments:
Ronman, I've been riding a total of 22 years, have put on a few miles, but have not yet taken a riders safety course. I know, I know shame on me. I think your post has given me the push i need to just sign up and git it over with. I agree the more you can do to be a safer rider the better. After all, you can never be too safe a rider.
I'm going to be taking Advanced Rider's training soon as part of becoming a Road Captain in my Chapter. I'm really looking forward to it. I too have some years of experience, but I still went down when confronted with an emergency situation. Since hindsight is always 20/20, who knows if a safety course would have enabled me to avoid the accident or not. Going forward, I'll feel better knowing I've added specific training to my experience. Both seem like better than either one on its own.
Ride Safe.
I have been riding for 32. I am ashamed to admit that I rode the first 5 without a motorcycle endorsement. I have never taken the courses but I think I will take the advanced course after reading your post. Your right about never knowing enough. You usually have a crack up about the same time you think you are the king of the road. I have even been toying with the idea to get certified to teach here in CA. One thing I have always done is the pre-ride check. Just a habit.
Great avise Ronman....more people should take their riding more serious. EVERYONE should take their bikes more serious. I see so many bikes come in to the shop with soft tires. I mention it to them and they usually say... "oh, i was gonna get to that sometime this Spring". geezzzz -Crusty
Right on Ronman. It's always a good idea to keep up your skills, and the ones we do out of habit. Mimi
Right on Rodman! Way to go! I will take the Experienced Rider Course soon, but I might opt to take it through the state rather than Riders Edge. My HOG chapter really pushes the Riders Edge, but the state course is only a fraction of the cost.
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