Comments on: Rider in the Mirror

By: chinese scooter parts

chinese scooter parts — Tue, 25 Aug 2009 04:51:26 +0000

Hi, That was a good read about your scooter ride. And you have a great photos that tells that you enjoy your rides.

By: Ronman

Ronman — Sat, 19 Jul 2008 03:01:00 +0000

I agree with the practice practice practice Steve. I try to continually improve on my riding skills. You won't see me riding in shorts and flip flops. Great read as always my friend.

Ronman

By: Motor Scooters

Motor Scooters — Fri, 11 Jul 2008 20:03:00 +0000

I love the photos! Of course you had great points, but the photos were especially great.

By: Just Plane Jayne

Just Plane Jayne — Fri, 11 Jul 2008 05:06:00 +0000

Nice blog! Love tho photos as well. I am new to blogging and scootering, but do check us out at

http://www.noton95.blogspot.com/

Happy scootin!

By: Ike

Ike — Wed, 09 Jul 2008 20:11:00 +0000

Hi Steve
I am glad you started posting regularly again!
Very nice photo's; everytime I am amazed how much your region looks like where I grew up in the south of the Netherlands.
Your story on riding gear is very much true. I always wear the same gear whether I am riding my BMW K75RT or my Vespa Lx 50 (well, 80...), summer or winter time.
I always struggle a bit between heart and mind. An example: I just ordered a new GTS and will trade in the LX. The question was either the Vespa GTS 250 with ABS, or the new GTS 300 Super without ABS, but with a delicious new engine. The most sensible option is the 250 of course. I however ordered the 300. I guess I now will be more aware of the dangers ahead and will ride more carefully than with ABS, I say to my wife...
Ride well!

By: RickRussellTX

RickRussellTX — Wed, 09 Jul 2008 14:39:00 +0000

If you know so little that you can't see what you need to improve, you're in real trouble. If you know enough to identify those things that you need to work on, you're way ahead of the game.

I used to interview students to work at a computer help desk. The kids who rated themselves "10 out of 10" on technical knowledge were almost always technically horrible, except for the rare exception that really was a 10 (and you bet I hired them instantly). The kids who rated themselves 7 or 8 out of 10 were usually very strong on technical issues, and they understood that there was a larger universe of things they didn't know. Even the kids who rated themselves 4 or 5 out of 10 were usually stronger than than the 10s, precisely because they knew when to say, "I don't know".

Long story short: self-assessment is full of pitfalls. There is no shame in grading yourself "C"; it shows a deep understanding of the challenges.

RR

By: Pvino

Pvino — Wed, 09 Jul 2008 13:48:00 +0000

Steve,

I agreed with your assessments – and the news. There are car incidents very night; will that stop people from driving cars…of course not. But you will hear those alarmist indicating otherwise. For me my grade may even be lower but to reiterate my MSF classroom instructor “Practice…Practice…Practice” and never stop practicing.
Great observation and I really appreciate your eye for photography.

By: Steve Williams

Steve Williams — Wed, 09 Jul 2008 11:26:00 +0000

John: Thanks!

Eric: The challenge of improving and working towards that is part of the pleasure. I hadn't thought about it that way.

conchscooter: Sounds like grade inflation to me...*grin*

gary: Yeah, I like see pictures. When I read the Wall Street Journal it is a challenge to wade through...

wakullariver: Riding in a parade? I hope you weren't hounded by those Shriners on go karts!

milos: The news has a way of distorting reality. For every 10 thousand safe rides you only hear about the one that went bad. Or the plane that crashed or the house that burned down. It may be news but it has a subtle influence on perception.

Sounds like you have your head in the right place while riding. Glad you can find something helpful here.

Ride safe!

Earl: I too get weird looks sometimes when it is hot and I am wearing what looks like the same stuff I wear when it is 10 degrees F. And some riders have pointed and snickered. But I just smile and keep riding. Most of the time anyways.

r.g.: I'm not sure how one gets beyond being an average rider unless they study and practice. Riding to work isn't practice. Practice is doing some technique over and over again. And then some more I guess.

I'm sure there are a lot of excellent riders around. The one I have lifted much of what I know is Dan Bateman at Musings of an Intrepid Commuter. He has some excellent technique discussions if you search through his blog.

By: R.G.

R.G. — Wed, 09 Jul 2008 02:53:00 +0000

Your blog is a completely enjoyable read. I have been riding since grade school and I still consider myself an average rider. From time to time I catch myself letting my attention wander only to be startled by brake lights in front of me when I look back.

As for wearing the proper gear, I…errr…uhhh, well I don’t wear shorts and flip flops!

By: Earl Thomas

Earl Thomas — Wed, 09 Jul 2008 01:46:00 +0000

After a lifetime of self evaluation, I'd have to give myself a C.

"I know that I'll never be as good as I think I am." Does that make any sense? Whether it does or not, It's what I remind myself of constantly.

As far as dressing for the ride, I still wear scars on my right buttock and elbow from a low speed, low side that I experienced over 20 years ago, and that was with denim jeans and what I thought was an appropriate jacket. That was my wake-up call, and I've worn strict riding gear ever since (ATGATT). Every now and then I still get cross looks from others, especially during the hot summer days, I'd be more than happy to show off my right cheek to explain why, but I'm afraid that would just attract more unwanted attention!
E.T.