Ride on DVD review

[Insanity_rules]

Hi there all,
Quite recently while milling around waiting for my favourite ride to commence the question was asked "whos going for restricted or full license tests soon?" and as I'm about to do my full test (was supposed to have done it a week ago but long story) I raised my hand. A dvd was firmly placed in it by a fellow rider whom I have a great deal of respect (Shhhh don't tell Guy that). Now we all like to think of ourselves as the greatest rider in the world but sadly the rot creeps in pretty quick and bad habits abound. I've been riding for a looong time but am legalising so I can enjoy my hobby.

Now the video in question is called ride on and is produced by an aussie bike safety crowd. I thought seeing as who gave me the dvd I'd sit down and watch it. Its split up into three modules Bike control, Hazard identification and Self control skills.

The first module bke control was a little old hat to me but I feel that it would benefit the learner community as it shows the results of poor braking and cornering. I have been quite amazed at how many bikers I see still doing both (Including myself).

The second which is hazard identification explains how to scan ahead for potential danger situations and how to react accordingly to create a safety zone, useful stuff. Likewise it shows how to set yourself up to be able react in time to save your skin. Should be second nature but even I had a bit of trouble identifying some of the hazards in the test yourself module near the end so one good lesson for me.

Thirdly was the self control section which followed a few bikers out for a sunday ride together. It explained the blindingly obvious but little recognised concepts for riding like you mean to live through another day and showed examples of some pretty big risks i.e a dude in shorts t-shirt and jandals, another pasing on a semi-blind right hander and a few other mensa candidate manouvers (a few... alright a lot which I have done myself). It really stressed taking ownership of your safety and nicely tied together the first two modules in a practical way.

I feel this video is a must watch and is particulary of use pre license test as it shows some useful hazard identification, road placement and other practical skills (and reminders too). Anyone interested (especially those who frequent the TCWNR ride) make yourself known and you can probably borrow it too.


This is your intrepid reporter Insanity rules signing off and remember rubber side down, ride responsibly and live to see another day.

[LardEmbargo]

sounds interesting. I spose every now and again a bit of a reminder about some of the things that get a bit fuzzy just through familiarity can't hurt.

Good luck with the full, All Power to The Mighty VTZ of Doom.

[Insanity_rules]

sounds interesting. I spose every now and again a bit of a reminder about some of the things that get a bit fuzzy just through familiarity can't hurt.

Good luck with the full, All Power to The Mighty VTZ of Doom.

Thank you sir and All power to its brother bike the Fabled Vorpal VTR250 Of Doom. Yes I had a small demo of how lack of concentration can cause you to have to dodge poor driving. It wasn't that bad but it gave me a bit of a fright. I was going to collect a curry from that great place in Scott court (if you haven't tried it you haven't lived). A mensa candidate in a WRX looked left away from me and went to pull out before looking right. Luckily I had seen him, set myself up to the right of the road and had the braking planned.

[LardEmbargo]

Yes I had a small demo of how lack of concentration can cause you to have to dodge poor driving. It wasn't that bad but it gave me a bit of a fright.

yeah, nothing like a bit of a dry-cleaning-bill moment to bring things into sharp focus


I was going to collect a curry from that great place in Scott court (if you haven't tried it you haven't lived)

hmm, recommendations for a new curry emporium are always good. I quite like Mr India which is just opposite Hutt Hospital, a bit further afield but worth it for the goat mogul. Or other curry-based delicacy of your choice.

[Cloggy]

Yep, she is a pretty cool DVD allright.
Most of it is sensible stuff which most of should already know. But when you're out and about with mates some of this sensible stuff tends to get pushed aside.
Having watched this DVD if find myself riding with my mind more on the job, keeping that safety zone, reacting more to cars appearing out of side streets (anticipating they won't stop) and positioning myself better in corners. Made a promise to myself to get out there and practice my braking skills.
As far as I know, Maki is next in line.
But for all other novice riders out there I recommend this DVD. Make yourselves known to Guy on the Wednesday evening rides and line yourselves up to borrow this copy. It is well worth it.