The Art of Situational Awareness.

[pritch]

If you found Katman's comments of interest you'll love this:

http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/sh...alf+motorcycle

[FJRider]

Far too many motorcyclists ride with their mind inadequately on the job.

Concentration doesn't come from just having your eyes open.

No ... it comes with getting a decent amount of sleep.

Posting on KB at 5.30 in the morning doesn't help that ...

[FJRider]

If you found Katman's comments of interest you'll love this:

For those finding Katman's comments of interest ... there are medications available ...

[Katman]

this part here goes against being human

I realise comprehension isn't your strong point Tim so for you, I'll spell it out.

The words "make no mistake" are used in the context "don't make the mistake of thinking day-dreaming while riding doesn't all too often end in tears".

Clear now?

[Berries]

the best one can hope for is to MINIMIZE the potential for accidents. it is not humanly possible to completely avoid all accidents. - they are called accidents for a reason.

That's why they went away from that term and started calling them crashes. By far the majority of crashes are not accidents, someone cocked up. Calling them accidents just continues to try and shift the blame from the person to something out of their control.

[Edbear]

That's why they went away from that term and started calling them crashes. By far the majority of crashes are not accidents, someone cocked up. Calling them accidents just continues to try and shift the blame from the person to something out of their control.

+1 Too many are making avoidable mistakes for a number of reasons.

[Virago]

I like the term "Red Misting" that I read in a book - the act of becoming fixated on a task so greatly so as to ignore the other things around you...

Interesting point. So many motorcyclists speak enthusiastically about getting into "The Zone" - I often wonder whether they are in fact "Zoning Out".

[FJRider]

Interesting point. So many motorcyclists speak enthusiastically about getting into "The Zone" - I often wonder whether they are in fact "Zoning Out".

If any do say that ... ask them if the traffic was heavy. I'm betting the answer will be no.

[Katman]

While others might find katman's percentage calculations a bit OTT it is helpful to actually articulate these things. Some of us might be aware of the fluidity surrounding our altering concentration foci; many aren't consciously thinking about it. A heightened awareness might just be a life-saver, particularly at this time when road rules have changed.

And while you are conciously shifting the focus and distribution of your concentration there is zero risk of you "zoning out" and staring blankly at a spot somewhere ahead of you.

[Tigadee]

Riding a bike is nothing like driving a car, everything around you and every action you do, affects the bike and the possible outcome to every situation.

You need to be aware of the road condition, bike condition, weather, small animals, children, cars and other users on the road, police cars, surrounding foliage, the lay of the road, camber, road signs and grip and so on and so forth. The list is endless, the fact that you can sit in a car and pretty much just turn the wheel and worry about a very limited number of changing conditions means that when you are on a bike, your brain needs to be functioning at 110% all the time, every time.

You need to be able to read the traffic ahead and around you so that you know what they are going to do before they do it, and though that sounds impossible, it is indeed very achievable to a certain extent.

There are the lines that you take that will be ever changing because as you may be aware, the road surface is constantly changing, whether it be small or large rocks lying straight in your path, or a slick of oil or diesel mid corner, or road kill etc…

And THAT is the appeal and beauty of being on a motorbike. As has been said, it's the journey that is the purpose, not the destination.

[FJRider]

And while you are conciously shifting the focus and distribution of your concentration there is zero risk of you "zoning out" and staring blankly at a spot somewhere ahead of you.

Funny you should mention "zero risk" ...

There are many involved in motorcycling ... for the element of risk involved. Some increase the element of risk (by various means ... sometimes legal) proclaiming their love of that risk .... The uncertainty of it (Then bitch when somebody doesn't give way to them ... at a time they really need them too.) Adventure activitys require risk management, not risk removal.
It it up to the individual to decide what level of risk they can live (???) with.

Even if everybody applied all the road-rules/laws ... there would still not be a ... "zero risk" ... never assume there is.

Look carefully and take care. The life you save may be your own.

[tigertim20]

I realise comprehension isn't your strong point Tim so for you, I'll spell it out.

The words "make no mistake" are used in the context "don't make the mistake of thinking day-dreaming while riding doesn't all too often end in tears".

Clear now?

my comprehension abilities are fine, thanks for the concern KM, but never have I ever seen you say that an accident was just that, an accident. The message you spout is clear, in YOUR opinion, EVERY crash is avoidable, however no matter how hard you try, you cannot escape the reality that nobody is perfect, and we all make mistakes, not only that but there are always factors in life that are outside our control. Marco Simoncelli was far more skilled than you or I will ever be, and he died on a bike, i could list plenty of world class riders that have been maimed or killed while riding which highlights the point I'm making, no matter how good you are, nobody is perfect.
Except maybe you, in the little fantasy world in which you live of course.

If you are so knowledgeable and so much more enlightened than us mere mortals, then I implore you, to create a course that encompasses the theory, AND the practical, and run it yourself to help us mortals enhance our riding and focus to stay alive on the roads.
unless of course your head is stuck too far up your own arsehole to actually put your money where your mouth is?

[mattian]

I would also like to add..... if it hasnt been added already (sorry, havent read all replies) That getting angry or fucked off at somebody and reacting badly to it can also result in a lack of concentration. I havent been riding for a very long time.... (about 4 years, full time) but, I have learnt from my limited experience. I had a major off after getting myself all worked up after I let some dickhead driver intimidate me, and pushed it too had out of a roundabout. A very expensive lesson on my part. (thankfully bike, not body)
Staying calm helps you to stay focussed, and staying focussed is an imperative.

[Ocean1]

That's why they went away from that term and started calling them crashes. By far the majority of crashes are not accidents, someone cocked up. Calling them accidents just continues to try and shift the blame from the person to something out of their control.

Maybe "they" should borrow a copy of prich's book when katman's finished with it.



Or p'raps they've got nothing to learn.

[Ocean1]

Interesting point. So many motorcyclists speak enthusiastically about getting into "The Zone" - I often wonder whether they are in fact "Zoning Out".

What is it that you think they're refering to?