"Ride Right, Ride Safe" Riding Course 19/6/05

[crashe]

OK so we know there was an accident on the day and you dont need to discuss it, if you don't want to...

But how about telling everyone what you all learnt on the day.

Did you all learn better riding skills? :ride:

How did you find the course.

Has the course changed the way you now ride? :ride:

Come on share your thoughts of the day to others, who have yet to do the course.

[Keystone19]

Well, it's a bit hard to say as we only got half way through, but I sure learnt a lot and got to put into practice a few things that needed some more practice. The instructors were really knowledgeable and gave you individual one-on-one feedback on your riding which was great. I am looking forward to finishing off the course at a later date. :ride:

As for the accident, yes, there was an accident and I think it is fair to say that it was just that - an accident. It was pretty scarey to see the whole thing unfold right in front of your eyes though and I think it was reasonable to can the course at that point. Both students and instructors were a bit shaken.

There were a few lessons to be learnt from the accident too. I think the main thing is that the speed of the rider was about 40-50kph - probably slower than most of us ride around town - and at that speed, a fair amount of damage can be done to a pedestrian (in this case the instructor) and to the rider (in this case the student). So, be very aware out there that even at low speeds, injury can and will occur.

My own observation of the accident scene was that people were very calm and all the right things were done promptly and carefully. All credit to the organisers of the course. I hope that it will continue to run (although they may need to revisit the practice of using an instructor as an obstacle!).

[Keystone19]

Just to let you know that I have heard that both rider and instructor were discharged last night from hospital and are at home.

[placidfemme]

Good to hear about that both the instructor and the the rider are ok. Was having a nice chat with the rider about 10 minutes before hand, very nice guy :)

Anyway... To be honest, the only new thing I learnt that I didn't actually know how to do (doesn't mean I'm good at them... was aware they were options to riding styles and the such... just never used them or incorporated them in my biking) was looking through a corner (the figure 8 thingy). The rest I knew, just wasn't good at. Practicing counter steering was scary, I don't like counter steering... but I suppose one day it just might save my life.

I'm hoping to go to the next course and pick up where we left off (or even start from the begining... more practice would be awesome). I was really looking forward to braking... as that makes me more nervous then counter steering...

One of the best things about the course was meeting a few people off KB and chatting.. and also meeting other bikes :)

*loves bikers*

[crashe]

placidfemme - so keep practising those few things....
the more you practise the better you get at it. :ride:

Yep do go back and redo the course.... it is so worth it..

Heck I may even redo it myself.

ps: I am glad that all those involved in the incident are now all home safe and sound.

[placidfemme]

Yeah I've tried to practice counter-steering when I can see the road is clear ahead and behind (don't need anyone calling the cops and reporting a drunk rider swerving around on the road lol), the cornering thing has REALLY helped me a lot. Usually when I take a corner, at fast or slow speeds I usually go wide and pull the bike in just before I cross the centre line... now by looking through the corner, I can pull tighter lines and I feel a lot more confident and safe :)

[WildBoarMouse]

How often are these courses run? Any idea on when the next one is... and how much do they cost? :)

[placidfemme]

How often are these courses run? Any idea on when the next one is... and how much do they cost? :)

They are held on the 3rd Sunday of each month, they cost $45, which is an awesome deal for 8 hours training. You must provide your own road legal bike, with WOF and Rego, and full protection (gloves, helmet e.t.c).

Just keep an eye on the "Meetings & Events" board and when its time for the next one you'll see people posting about it, I think it's a bit early now as this one was only 2 days ago :)

But I would really recommend it :)