For the new riders and learners - A twist of the wrist 2

[SuperMac]

I am not slagging off either

I don't think I suggested you were

On one aspect, there is the cerebral side of it - the awareness of your surroundings and prediction of events - all those TLA's (three letter acronyms) you mentioned, that allow you to stay clear of trouble in the first place.

Interesting point there, that when I taught MSF Experienced RiderCourses, they were adament that Search Predict Act shouldn't be shortened to an acronym - it had to be kept as the full sequence of words to reinforce the message.

However, I totally agree that keeping out of trouble is by far the best way of riding, rather than relying on reactions and responses.

e.g. http://www.trl.co.uk/online_store/re...orcyclists.htm

TBH, if your hazard perception is good, and you take notice of what you identify, the actual physical process of riding is much less important. IMHO

to be able to react when the corner tightens up unexpectedly

Do they really do that?

The theory behind this, a well as getting practical experience in it, especially in a safe setting, is important as part of a riders education.

Now this is where our thoughts really drift apart. Part of the problem is that 'training' is all well and good - but doesn't guarantee that anyone will actually do the 'right' thing when needed - particularly when they haven't practiced those skills.

In fact, it's very difficult (almost impossible, in fact) to prove that 'training' actually has any real long-term benefits. Its major benefit is as a 'short-cut' to reduce time spent gaining experience.

[R-Soul]

Interesting point there, that when I taught MSF Experienced RiderCourses, they were adament that Search Predict Act shouldn't be shortened to an acronym - it had to be kept as the full sequence of words to reinforce the message.

However, I totally agree that keeping out of trouble is by far the best way of riding, rather than relying on reactions and responses.


TBH, if your hazard perception is good, and you take notice of what you identify, the actual physical process of riding is much less important. IMHO

Of course - just like Sun Tzu says "it is better to win teh battle without fighting", ditto it is better to not crash by not getting into tricky situations in the first place.

BUT: Shit happens. Tricky situations impose themsleves on you, and there is bugger all you can do to prevent it sometimes. When that happens, you want the necessary skill on the bike, and to be in the right positioning etc for max stability and control.

Now this is where our thoughts really drift apart. Part of the problem is that 'training' is all well and good - but doesn't guarantee that anyone will actually do the 'right' thing when needed - particularly when they haven't practiced those skills.

In fact, it's very difficult (almost impossible, in fact) to prove that 'training' actually has any real long-term benefits. Its major benefit is as a 'short-cut' to reduce time spent gaining experience.

I agree- and that is what I meant by training- practical application in a safe environment of what you have learnt. Its one thing to be taucght what those positions and techniques are, but it is completely another to put them into practice consistently and correctly. To this end, practical teaching and experience is important. Especially important is just KNOWING from experience what your bike can do safely (like LEAAAAAAN - that one is bloody important, given most bikes accidents are bikes going off corners by themselves at speeds that were not particularly fast, and which could have been steered around at that speed).

The one time I truly pushed my boundaries on track went into a corner hot, and had no other option than to lay the bike down harder. That day I learnt that I could safely go around that corner (and most others) about 40kph fster than I was. That doesn't mean that i will go intall cornersfastr on teh road, I just know that when I am ridng road speeds, and I go into a corner a bit faster than I thought I was, I CAN lean it harder quite safely (as long as my boduy positioning is already there, and giving me the right leverage).

[SuperMac]

I think we are in danger of having an outbreak of violent agrgeement

training- practical application in a safe environment of what you have learnt.

practical teaching

My only expansion on this would be:
1. Any practical, 'skills', training must include hazard awareness / risk management in parallel
2. Continued practice of skills, allied to preparedness and expectation so it's 'ready' at the fron of your mind when needed

experience

And, on-road, surviving the experience