Improving riding

[joan of arc]

My skills at riding have plateaued and I would like to get better. I recognise that going out with others with a heap more skills is probably the way to go but I am an anti-social bitch and happiest riding by myself. Can I expect to improve just with practice or should I just get over myself and ride with someone/s that I can learn from?

[Andy67]

My skills at riding have plateaued and I would like to get better. I recognise that going out with others with a heap more skills is probably the way to go but I am an anti-social bitch and happiest riding by myself. Can I expect to improve just with practice or should I just get over myself and ride with someone/s that I can learn from?

Yes Yes and Yes

[darkwolf]

An advanced rider course would be my recommendation. Having someone experience able to watch your riding may pick out things you've been unable to find yourself. A very worthwhile investment in my opinion.

[Katman]

Yes, you can quite happily improve while out riding by yourself.

Probably better than riding with a bunch of ego fed clowns.

[Andy67]

sorry that was a bullshit answer (mine) , whats up, what do you want to improve?

[Geordie_Biker6]

Have a watch of Kieth Code's Twist Of The Wrist II. Great video. Helped me heaps with my riding.

[Oakie]

should I just get over myself and ride with someone/s that I can learn from?

Be aware that you can also learn bad or incorrect things from any old Joe Blow you ride with. Training school scenario is the best option.

[FJRider]

My skills at riding have plateaued and I would like to get better. I recognise that going out with others with a heap more skills is probably the way to go but I am an anti-social bitch and happiest riding by myself. Can I expect to improve just with practice or should I just get over myself and ride with someone/s that I can learn from?

Riding in small groups (2 or 3) of people you know that are better riders ... and following them. By comparison ... your skill levels will improve.

Advanced rider courses will help with awareness on which of your skills need improvement.

But Kilometres on the road teaches you heaps.

[Andy67]

Yes, you can quite happily improve while out riding by yourself.

Probably better than riding with a bunch of ego fed clowns.

True that and unfortunately thats how we tend to roll

[Blackbird]

There are a lot of good commercial courses available but if you live in Auckland/Waikato or Canterbury in particular, the Institute of Advanced Motorists (IAM) might be an option you could consider - we have a number of female members and there are no out of control egos at IAM! What I like about it is its on-going nature with monthly rides and a steady progression up the skill ladder to police rider standard. This keeps you much sharper than a one-off course where your skills will start to decline over time.

I joined last year and it's the best thing I've ever done. My summary of the year is here: http://geoffjames.blogspot.co.nz/2011/11/raising-my-riding-skills-some.html and there's also some links to other material.

Well done for wanting to upskill :Punk:

[Andy67]

There are a lot of good commercial courses available but if you live in Auckland or Canterbury in particular, the Institute of Advanced Motorists (IAM) might be an option you could consider - we have a number of female members and there are no out of control egos at IAM! What I like about it is its on-going nature with monthly rides and a steady progression up the skill ladder to police rider standard. This keeps you much sharper than a one-off course where your skills will start to decline over time.

I joined last year and it's the best thing I've ever done. My summary of the year is here: http://geoffjames.blogspot.co.nz/2011/11/raising-my-riding-skills-some.html and there's also some links to other material.

Well done for wanting to upskill :Punk:

dont listen to him and his IAM mantra, like some sort of druid society....Hey Geoff , gidday :eek:

[Gremlin]

Depends where you are... Orleans isn't much to go on.

I'd agree with Geoff, but then I'm just starting to go through IAM, so biased. Books can help if you can get benefit from them (being able to understand everything being said), or advanced riding tuition. It's customised to you, as they assess where you're at and go from there.

You've taken the first step already, opening your mind to improving your skills, being honest that your riding isn't perfect and seeking options.

[Andy67]

Depends where you are... Orleans isn't much to go on.

I'd agree with Geoff, but then I'm just starting to go through IAM, so biased. Books can help if you can get benefit from them (being able to understand everything being said), or advanced riding tuition. It's customised to you, as they assess where you're at and go from there.

You've taken the first step already, opening your mind to improving your skills, being honest that your riding isn't perfect and seeking options.

you mate will be a welcome addition, look forward to meeting you

[Blackbird]

dont listen to him and his IAM mantra, like some sort of druid society....Hey Geoff , gidday :eek:

Hahaha - g'day Andy :laugh: (This guy passed his IAM full membership test this year and is a heck of a good rider :innocent:)


Depends where you are... Orleans isn't much to go on.

I'd agree with Geoff, but then I'm just starting to go through IAM, so biased. Books can help if you can get benefit from them (being able to understand everything being said), or advanced riding tuition. It's customised to you, as they assess where you're at and go from there.

You've taken the first step already, opening your mind to improving your skills, being honest that your riding isn't perfect and seeking options.

Hi Alan! Yep, the most important thing for any person is that they want to improve. "I've got nothing to learn" seems predominantly a male trait <_< Andy, Gremlin was at the last monthly ride and did super-well!

[Andy67]

i may actually be blushing Geoff

OP have a sift around Geoffs blog, lots of great info to point you in the right direction

[joan of arc]

Thanks for all the suggestions, and so promptly. Sheit, you have my b/friend beaten in response time.

Sorry babe:laugh:

Yep, orleans isn't so useful. Palmerston North, where there are not so many opportunities for tuition here except for ProRider that intermittently comes to Manfield.

Skills need improving in cornering mainly.

So will aim for something formal, but also get out on the road more often -

[unstuck]

I prefer to ride solo too, I can be way too much of an idiot when my mates push me.:facepalm:

[Andy67]

Thanks for all the suggestions, and so promptly. Sheit, you have my b/friend beaten in response time.

Sorry babe:laugh:

Yep, orleans isn't so useful. Palmerston North, where there are not so many opportunities for tuition here except for ProRider that intermittently comes to Manfield.

Skills need improving in cornering mainly.

So will aim for something formal, but also get out on the road more often -

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HWH_QiXw5n4&feature=youtube_gdata_player

Check this out...

[dogsnbikes]

Yep, orleans isn't so useful. Palmerston North, where there are not so many opportunities for tuition here except for ProRider that intermittently comes to Manfield.

Skills need improving in cornering mainly.

So will aim for something formal, but also get out on the road more often -

Keep an eye on the Manawatu Threads,There is a alot KBr's in the Manawatu,

I found one of the best roads to gain confidence through corners was the Pohangia valley East Road,the First 20 odd ks up to Hyland Christan Camp is a good selection and well marked road some 45s but a good selection of open corners,do that strerch 1/2 dozen times and watch your condidence grow,

the 30 odd ks from HCC to Apiti is good but the road is narrow in alot off places and there is almost zero road markings...

Also cheak out http://www.prorider.co.nz/motorcycle-training-coaching.php?page=90