ACC rider training feedback and video. Gather around n00bs!

[javawocky]

I was under the false impression that the rider training put on by the ACC had an Advanced group, so I went along. Turns out its geared towards noobs and riders who want to improve their basic riding skills. The Video will show you the drills done.

So, if you are like me with years of MX experience - road riding and track days behind you DON'T ATTEND you won't learn a thing, BUT if you are on your L plate or a little shaky or lacking confidence I can highly reckon you go on the next course if there is one.

One of the bigger grips (noobs without sports bikes block your ears) is that the instructors insisted I use four fingers for braking :shit: - yeah, I was shocked as well - have they ever ridden a modern sports bike? Anyway, I humbly pretended to use four fingers to make them happy, I wasn't in the mood to get into an argument with all the noobs around. (ok noobs you can unblock your ears now)

I was chatting to the organisers from ACC afterwards and there is rumors of hiring Pukie for the more advanced riders; this would put my cash to better use me thinks.

I did try my best to get across that The Battle of the Streets was on on Sunday - thus the lack for interest, but they seamed completely oblivious.

I reckon they should have training like this in stead of a stupid restricted test. Real hands on rider training - it could only help save lives.

I encourage anybody else who was there to add your review here. Enjoy the video I took during the down time in the hot sun...

<iframe title="YouTube video player" width="640" height="390" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/JNmrRJITkzA" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

[Bliksem]

The day was focused on the basics.
Pretty much a rehash of basic handling test for getting your learners licensce

Slow speed handling
Braking
Braking and evation
some cone work

Would recommend it for L riders - else give it a miss

Important stuff not covered or could be done better.
Group riding
Pillion
Controls on the bike - are they setup correctly for a rider
Overtaking skills

[Hellzie]

I'm a noob and had assumed it was for more advanced people.. Boo.

Was there a lot of people there? Are they likely to do another one anytime soon?

[blonky]

There was about 34 riders + 4(?) instructors.

Being a restricted rider I did find some of the drills a bit basic, more suited to learner riders.
Having said that, I did feel the training was useful and I did learn something

[javawocky]

I'm a noob and had assumed it was for more advanced people.. Boo.

Was there a lot of people there? Are they likely to do another one anytime soon?

From my discussions with the ACC people sounds like they are only planning the training yearly. I suppose it depends on the feedback forms what they do next.

[Squiggles]

One of the bigger grips (noobs without sports bikes block your ears) is that the instructors insisted I use four fingers for braking :shit: - yeah, I was shocked as well - have they ever ridden a modern sports bike? Anyway, I humbly pretended to use four fingers to make them happy, I wasn't in the mood to get into an argument with all the noobs around. (ok noobs you can unblock your ears now)

Hope you went along with an open mind...


For those who missed it I suggest "Ride Right Ride Safe (http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/showthread.php/28643-What-is-Ride-Right-Ride-Safe)" , registration form is here (http://www.rrrs.org.nz/rrrs.pdf)

[javawocky]

Hope you went along with an open mind...


Sure did. I am willing to concede that four finger braking would suit someone on a Harley or commuter with a single disk cause you are going to need all the power you can get, however having been well over 200kph down the back straight a pukie and finding that I could easily lock up the front with two fingers I can only conclude that one size does not fit all.

Also two fingers give you 2 fingers left for throttle control and an extra anchor point. I know this argument is far better suited to KB :corn:

[Usarka]

You're argument about the back straight of pukie isn't relevant to a road-oriented skills course.

[cheshirecat]

braking sports bikes (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hlfN9Z6IlI0&feature=related) and such -

[Neon]

I was there along with quite a few of the NASS crew. Having done lots of this kind of thing before (carpark drills), yes it was aimed at lesser experienced riders. That said, I spoke to several riders who were clearly very capable on the road struggle with some of the exercises. I spent a bit of time talking to Katrina (one of the organisers), and they were suffering from a major lack of space as their original planned venue had fallen through. The main issue I had was that large groups meant that you weren't moving really at all a lot of the time. And consequently everyone roasted in their gear. :sweatdrop

I too thought there might be an 'Advanced' group, but when I glanced the attendees list there were perhaps 4/34 who had selected this group, and maybe a handful of others in whatever the intermediate option was. They obviously abandoned the idea of splitting the group due to the lack of space and uneven groups.

I would encourage anyone who came along to the day and found it useful to come along to NASS (http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/showthread.php/77111-North-Auckland-Street-Skills-NASS). :niceone:

[javawocky]

You're argument about the back straight of pukie isn't relevant to a road-oriented skills course.

My point is a good sports bike has more than enough braking power to get you stopped from 200kph + with only two fingers, so why would you use 4 to sacrifice feel and an extra grip on the bars? Why would you use two feet in a modern family car on the brake when light foot pressure by and old granny is more than enough to kick the ABS in?

Another point is covering your brake lever - don't know about you but I can't control the throttle with 4 fingers dangling over the brake leaver.


braking sports bikes (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hlfN9Z6IlI0&feature=related) and such -
Nice One.


...The main issue I had was that large groups meant that you weren't moving really at all a lot of the time. And consequently everyone roasted in their gear. :sweatdrop:

It was somewhat pedantic having single rider ride up, turn around, head back, stuff up his/her braking marker, have a word of advice thrown at them, then rinse and repeat. So yes, venu would probably have to be looked at in future.

[Spearfish]

Whats all this disk brake stuff?

[javawocky]

Whats all this disk brake stuff?

might I reckomend 4 fingers - to pick up the anchor try hook it on the nears Tarana when you feel like stopping :yes:

[Oblivion]

Did they teach anyone anything about identifying hazards and what not? Sadly, I think that is where everyone can improve. Even if they are top notch already.

[javawocky]

Did they teach anyone anything about identifying hazards and what not? Sadly, I think that is where everyone can improve. Even if they are top notch already.

Yep, they covered that pretty well I thought. They drew road markings on the tar while we kicked back in the shade and explained about identifying hazards - seen and unseen. Went through the police bikers check list (sorry I don't remember all the points - must have been the :sunny:) then went on to talk about how to correctly take turns with all that vanishing point stuff. I think this was the most valuable bit for most there.

[Tricia1000]

Full explanation of why the day turned out the way it did, is on it's way. First and foremost, I would like to say, that it WAS NOT the fault of the instructors on the day.
due to poor facilities, room inside, only a section of the expected car park being available and only originally 3 instructors to a proposed 30 riders, the instructors were very close to pulling out of the training session about 08.45am. But then people started to arrive, and we didn't want to let everyone down.
As I said, full explanation will follow.
thanks for your patience..

[Spearfish]

might I reckomend 4 fingers - to pick up the anchor try hook it on the nears Tarana when you feel like stopping :yes:

What?,
Just 4 fingers?,
I'm going so slow I have time to find neutral to free up the left hand to help squeeze the old cable brake.
Finding neutral is no easy task that takes two hands, one hand to count the other to point!

Some would say people in the land of torana's have an advantage...five fingers to squeeze the lever and still the thumb arch to roll the throttle off..If ya know what eye mean.

[R-Soul]

You're argument about the back straight of pukie isn't relevant to a road-oriented skills course.

But it is. I commute with two fingers covering teh brake, and two for throttle control. a couple of times I have had millisconds to react and brake hard. It was only because my two fingers were covering the brakes that I actually made it though without injury. If I had tried to move my other two fingers into position first, things could have been ugly.

While my bike is a sports bike with reasonable braking, Its not renowned for it...