I saw this video on Bikes in the Fast Lane Motorcycle News. It highlights the thought process that an experienced rider might go through in a similar situation. It also begs the question if an experienced rider would ever get into this situation in the first place. And things happen very, very quickly on the road.
Either way it reminded me that buying a motorcycle and getting a license in no way prepares a rider to manage risk safely on the road. It doesn’t even prompt a person to ask the right questions.
As a daily commuter and year round rider I realize my skills are limited and that I not only don’t have all the riding answers, I don’t even know what all the questions are. So I try and continue to practice and learn every time I get on the Vespa.
I have a lot of fun riding but I have a responsibility to myself, to my family, and to the other drivers and riders on the road to know what I’m doing. I want to be a rider — not an owner who happens to take the machine out on the road.
Dan Bateman’s Musings of an Intrepid Commuter blog is loaded with posts that help a person embrace intelligent action. He is a master – teaching or riding.
Just a few of his riding skills posts:
Aim First, Then Fire — help with negotiating curves.
Braking in a Curve
Part II, Stopping Quickly in a Curve
If you take some time and pour through Dan’s blog you will find a wealth of information that will make you a better and safer rider. And if you post it can be like having your own personal riding coach! I’m hoping Dan doesn’t start a PayPal system for solid advice…. *grin*
Damn, Steve, I don’t know what to say about that video. But I have to say it’s effective. SPLAT! Even smart people can make very stupid mistakes.
Many riders talk about skills, experience, and safety gear. Few ever talk about patience. Haste is what killed these people.
Steve, every time I ride I am able to apply something I learned at Skip Barber Racing School and/or seven seasons of SCCA club racing. I got used to taking in and processing a lot of information, and I look much further ahead than most drivers seem to.
My reaction to the guy/gal on the crotch rocket who blasts between vehicles at twice the speed of traffic is not so much anger as, “dude, you sure have a lot more faith in your fellow road users than I do.”
__Orin
Scootin’ Old Skool
Steve,
I’m blushing under my helmet! You honor me.
That video is intense, especially to a trainer.
I found “Letters to a Young Poet” today at Borders Books. Having purchased it, I’m going to read it. Have to find out more about what makes you tick!
Steve, you aren’t kidding. Since getting involved with this blog circle I’ve been paying attention not only to the ride but how its ridden. For this I have you and everyone else here to thank.
Roadbum
pitchertaker: You said it right. One mistake can spell disaster. Fortunately there are almost always a series of things leading up to that point and if managed thoughtfully can be avoided.
steve: Patience is essential and haste throws much out the door when riding.
orin: It is amazing the faith that some riders (and drivers) have in the perfect unfolding of behavior on the road. Without it how could they possibly hurtle along at the speeds they do….
irondad: You contribute a lot to the riding community both online and in real life. I just want to make sure as many as possible can take advantage of it.
I hope you like the book. It unfolds slowly and quietly and despite the focus on art and writing it is applicable to a passionate approach to riding as well. (At least I think so)
Roadbum: How a ride is ridden is an unexpected focus for me. I sort of figured I would learn and then like walking never think of the process again. But riding isn’t walking and is a far more complex process more akin to climbing than to walking down a sidewalk or path.
And that process includes life long learning. And it is fun.
I guess I am in a pretty good mood this morning!
That video speaks volumes. One should watch it before every ride!
Thanks for irondads blog info. As a relatively new rider, I’m always looking for ways to improve my riding skills. It’s really unbelievable how many close calls one has on a two wheeler.
God is watching over me for sure, there are many distractions on the road and it’s hard to stay 100% focused 100% of the time.
I’ll read those tips by Dan and apply them out in my neighborhood before I get out on the main roads.
Thanks!
Peace!
Cody