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Thread: Improving riding

  1. #1
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    Improving riding

    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?

  2. #2
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    Quote Originally Posted by joan of arc View Post
    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

  3. #3
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    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.
    You only need two tools in life:
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  4. #4
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    Yes, you can quite happily improve while out riding by yourself.

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

  5. #5
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    sorry that was a bullshit answer (mine) , whats up, what do you want to improve?

  6. #6
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    Have a watch of Kieth Code's Twist Of The Wrist II. Great video. Helped me heaps with my riding.
    When I die, I want to go peacefully like my Grandfather did, in his sleep -- not screaming, like the passengers in his car.

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  7. #7
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    Quote Originally Posted by joan of arc View Post
    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.
    Grow older but never grow up

  8. #8
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    Quote Originally Posted by joan of arc View Post
    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.
    When life throws you a curve ... Lean into it ...

  9. #9
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    Quote Originally Posted by Katman View Post
    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

  10. #10
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    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/201...ills-some.html and there's also some links to other material.

    Well done for wanting to upskill

  11. #11
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    Quote Originally Posted by Blackbird View Post
    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/201...ills-some.html and there's also some links to other material.

    Well done for wanting to upskill
    dont listen to him and his IAM mantra, like some sort of druid society....Hey Geoff , gidday

  12. #12
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    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.
    Quote Originally Posted by Jane Omorogbe from UK MSN on the KTM990SM
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  13. #13
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    Quote Originally Posted by Gremlin View Post
    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

  14. #14
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    Quote Originally Posted by Andy67 View Post
    dont listen to him and his IAM mantra, like some sort of druid society....Hey Geoff , gidday
    Hahaha - g'day Andy (This guy passed his IAM full membership test this year and is a heck of a good rider )

    Quote Originally Posted by Gremlin View Post
    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!

  15. #15
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    i may actually be blushing Geoff

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

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